Are you in search of an exhaustive comparison between the 338 RUM and the 338 Lapua Magnum? If so, then your quest has brought you to precisely the right place! In this blog post, we shall examine both cartridges in fine detail, delving into their ballistic performance qualities as well as their proclivities towards hunting. We shall compare every cartridge with regard to velocity, bullet energy, and terminal proficiency on game creatures.
Here is the short answer:
The 338 Lapua has an edge in terms of ballistics and accuracy, but it is also more expensive and has more recoil. The 338 RUM is a more affordable option and is better suited for hunting than the Lapua Magnum.
Detailed look at the 338 RUM Mag
The 338 Remington Ultra Magnum, commonly known as the 338 RUM Mag, is a hunting round designed to pack a punch. Its intended purpose is to be used for long-range hunting and it can even reach distances of 1000 yards when utilizing modern loads. The 338 RUM Mag has been increasing in prevalence due to its exceptional accuracy.
The 338 RUM Mag is an attractive proposition for hunters wishing to extend their range beyond what can be achieved with traditional rounds whilst still being able to take game effectively.
The configuration of the 338 RUM is modelled on Remington’s belt-style magnum cartridges (such as their 7mm Rem Mag), meaning that factory brass is widely available and reloading components can be easily sourced; making this caliber an ideal choice for those who are looking to undertake big game hunting without having to incur significant costs with either componentry or ammunition.
One big disadvantage of this round is its recoil. The 338 RUM Mag has about 37-foot pounds of recoil, about 11-foot pounds more than that of a 30-06. So for any smaller shooters or those who don’t desire a cartridge that will leave a bruise in your shoulder after a few shots, you may want to steer clear of this round.
Here is a ballistic chart of the 338 RUM with a 210-grain Nolser Accubond:
| Range (YD) | drop (IN) | wind drift (IN) | velocity FPS | energy ft-lb |
| 0 | -1.5 | 0 | 3050 | 4337 |
| 50 | -0.2 | 0.1 | 2929 | 3999 |
| 100 | 0 | 0.7 | 2811 | 3683 |
| 150 | -0.9 | 1.7 | 2696 | 3388 |
| 200 | -2.9 | 3 | 2584 | 3113 |
| 250 | -6.3 | 4.8 | 2475 | 2855 |
| 300 | -11 | 7 | 2368 | 2614 |
| 350 | -17.4 | 9.8 | 2264 | 2390 |
| 400 | -25.4 | 13.1 | 2163 | 2181 |
| 450 | -35.3 | 16.9 | 2064 | 1986 |
| 500 | -47.2 | 21.3 | 1968 | 1805 |
Detailed look at the 338 Lapua
The 338 Lapua Magnum has been in use since 1983 and is specifically for use in long range shooting competitions as well as military sniping applications; it has since become adopted by several US Armed Forces units including the Army, Marine Corps, Navy and special forces branches alike.
This rifle case diameter is large at .588″/14.”9 mm and has an overall length of 2.619″/ 66 . 5mm. The 338 shoots a heavy bullet weight (200-300 grains generally), at high velocity which makes it particularly suitable for achieving top level performance even when shooting at great distances.
However, because of the 338 Laupa’s large case diameter and the fact that it shoots heavy bullets make it a heavy kicking cartridge. So for more recoil sensitive shooters, the 338 Lapua is a cartridge you may want to stay away from.
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 of both cartridges
Both of these cartridges have been developed with hunting big game and long-range target shooting in mind, and they both provide noteworthy performance when used across significant ranges. Nonetheless, there are various differences between them which shooters should reflect upon before making their decision with caution.
The initial and most plainly visible contrast between the two cartridges is in their case sizes: the 338 RUM has a much smaller case than its Lapua equivalent, meaning that it can contain less powder when loaded with projectiles of comparable weight. This leads to slightly diminished muzzle velocities being attainable as compared to those achievable using the Lapua variant (averaging 2,550 feet per second versus 2,900 feet per second).
One big problem not just with one, but both of these rounds is their recoil. Both these rounds produce about 37 pounds of recoil which is well above that of which most shooters can handle.
The last big difference between these two is their ballistics. Because of the 338 Lapua’s high powder capacity and heavier bullets, it has much more energy than the 338 RUM. The 338 Lapua also has less wind drift than the 338 RUM.
Conclusion
Both the 338 RUM and 338 Lapua are excellent cartridges for long-range shooting. The 338 RUM is better suited for hunting at medium to long ranges, while the 338 Lapua is ideal for extreme long-range shooting. Ultimately, the choice between these cartridges depends on your intended use and personal preferences.