When it comes to long-range shooting and big game hunting, having a cartridge with enough power and accuracy is crucial. The 33 Nosler and the 338 Lapua Magnum are two of the most powerful cartridges long-range available today. In this article, we will compare the 33 Nosler and the 338 Lapua Magnum, and help you decide which one is right for you.
Here is the short answer:
The 33 Nosler outperforms the 338 Lapua magnum in pretty much all ways. Ballistically it had more energy, less drop, and maintains higher velocity at long range. However, the 338 Lapua is more popular and costs less than the 33 Nosler.
With the short answer out of the way, we can look in-depth at each cartridge’s ballistics, their best uses, and how they compare on an in-depth scale.
In-depth Look at the 33 Nosler
The 33 Nosler was introduced in 2016 and is based on the .404 Jeffery case. It has a case length of 2.460 inches, a maximum overall length of 3.340 inches, and can handle bullets weighing between 200 and 300 grains.
The 33 Nosler is designed for long-range shooting and big game hunting and maintains over 1000 foot-pounds of energy past 1000 yards. The 33 Nosler was made to be the biggest and best performing 338 caliber on the market. The 33 Nosler did accomplish its tasks and outperformed the other common 338s in its class.
Here is a ballistics chart of the 33 Nosler with a 265-grain Nosler Accubond:
| range (YD) | drop (IN) | wind drift (IN) | velocity FPS | energy ft-lb |
| 0 | -1.5 | 0 | 2775 | 4531 |
| 50 | -0.2 | 0.1 | 2716 | 4340 |
| 100 | 0 | 0.5 | 2658 | 4156 |
| 150 | -1.1 | 1 | 2600 | 3979 |
| 200 | -3.4 | 1.7 | 2544 | 3807 |
| 250 | -7.1 | 2.7 | 2488 | 3641 |
| 300 | -12.1 | 3.8 | 2432 | 3481 |
| 350 | -18.7 | 5.3 | 2378 | 3326 |
| 400 | -26.8 | 7 | 2324 | 3177 |
| 450 | -36.5 | 9 | 2271 | 3034 |
| 500 | -48 | 11.4 | 2218 | 2895 |
In-depth Look at the 338 Lapua Magnum
The 338 Lapua Magnum was introduced in 1989 by Lapua, and is based on the .416 Rigby case. It has a case length of 2.724 inches, a maximum overall length of 3.681 inches, and, like the 33 Nosler, shoots bullets weighing between 200 and 300 grains.
The 338 Lapua Magnum is known for its exceptional power and long-range accuracy which is the reason it is commonplace in military and law informant sniper rifles. The 338 Lapua sees limited use in hunting applications but when it is used it is often used for game such as moose or grizzly bears at long range.
Here is a ballistics chart of the 388 Lapua Magnum with a 300-grain Nosler Accubond bullet:
| Range (YD) | drop (IN) | wind drift (IN) | velocity FPS | energy ft-lb |
| 0 | -1.5 | 0 | 2650 | 4678 |
| 50 | -0.1 | 0.1 | 2588 | 4461 |
| 100 | 0 | 0.4 | 2527 | 4253 |
| 150 | -1.3 | 1 | 2467 | 4053 |
| 200 | -3.9 | 1.8 | 2407 | 3860 |
| 250 | -8.1 | 3 | 2349 | 3674 |
| 300 | -13.9 | 4.4 | 2291 | 3495 |
| 350 | -21.3 | 6.2 | 2234 | 3324 |
| 400 | -30.5 | 8.3 | 2178 | 3159 |
| 450 | -41.6 | 10.6 | 2122 | 3000 |
| 500 | -54.5 | 13.2 | 2068 | 2847 |
In-depth Comparison
When comparing the 33 Nosler to the 338 Lapua Magnum, there are several key differences to consider.
The 33 Nosler has less recoil than the 338 Lapua Magnum, which makes it easier to shoot accurately. Additionally, the 33 Nosler is better suited for hunting large game as it has more power than the 338 Lapua and it retains its energy at longer ranges than the 338 Lapua.
Another factor to consider is the availability and cost of ammunition. The 338 Lapua Magnum is more widely available than the 33 Nosler and is less expensive. Due to the widespread distribution of the 338 Lapua magnum and it being less costly, it is better for those who are long-range shooting as ammo.
When it comes to versatility these two cartridges are pretty tied. However, one could argue the 338 Lapua is more versatile than the 33 Nosler due to the fact that it can be reloaded with a wider array of bullet weights and is more common.
The last thing to consider between the two cartridges is recoil. The 33 Nosler has about 4-5 less foot-pounds of recoil than the 338 Lapua. However, a 4-pound difference is hardly noticeable for most shooters.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the choice between the 33 Nosler and the 338 Lapua Magnum will depend on your specific needs and preferences. If you are looking for a cartridge that has less recoil and is better suited for hunting large and dangerous game, the 33 Nosler is a great option. However, if you are looking for a cartridge with more power and better suited for shooting at extremely long distances, the 338 Lapua Magnum may be the better choice.