.338 Lapua vs .50 BMG: A Comparison

.338 Lapua vs .50 BMG: A Comparison

Hey all, we here at True Shot Academy are going to talk about two exceptional long-range rifle cartridges today. The .338 Lapua Magnum and .50 Browning Machine Gun (BMG) represent different approaches to achieving extreme long-range performance, with each offering distinct advantages for specific applications. Today we will compare these ballistic powerhouses across performance metrics, practical applications, and real-world considerations. Without further ado, let's examine these two impressive cartridges.

Historical Development: Different Paths to Long-Range Dominance

The .50 BMG emerged first, designed by John Browning in 1918 for the Browning M2 heavy machine gun. This massive cartridge was created specifically for anti-aircraft, anti-vehicle, and long-range heavy machine gun applications during World War I. Though developed too late to see action in that conflict, the .50 BMG went on to serve with distinction through World War II, Korea, Vietnam, and continues in frontline military service today, over a century after its creation. The .338 Lapua represents a much more recent development, arriving in the mid-1980s as a collaborative effort between Lapua (Finland), Accuracy International (UK), and Research Armament Industries (USA). The cartridge was specifically designed to bridge the gap between existing military sniper cartridges like 7.62×51mm NATO and the much larger .50 BMG. The goal was creating a cartridge capable of defeating body armor and light barriers at 1,000+ meters while remaining man-portable in a package significantly lighter than .50 BMG systems. These different origins explain the cartridges' divergent design approaches. The .50 BMG emerged from heavy machine gun requirements, later adapted to precision rifle applications. The .338 Lapua was purpose-designed from inception for long-range sniping, with its case dimensions, pressure limits, and component selection optimized specifically for this role.

Cartridge Specifications and Physical Characteristics

These cartridges differ dramatically in physical dimensions, reflecting their different design parameters and intended applications. The .50 BMG utilizes a massive rimless, bottlenecked case measuring 3.91 inches in length with a case mouth diameter of .804 inches. It fires .510" diameter bullets typically weighing between 660 and 750 grains in precision rifle applications, with even heavier projectiles available for specialized uses. The cartridge operates at a SAAMI maximum pressure of 65,000 psi. The .338 Lapua Magnum features a substantially smaller rimless, bottlenecked case measuring 2.724 inches in length with a case mouth diameter of .368 inches. It fires .338" diameter bullets typically weighing between 250 and 300 grains, though options from 230 to 320 grains exist for specialized applications. The cartridge operates at a similar 60,000 psi maximum pressure. These dimensional differences directly impact the firearms that can chamber each cartridge. The .50 BMG requires massive actions and extremely robust rifles typically weighing 25-35 pounds in precision configurations. The .338 Lapua functions in purpose-built but more manageable rifles generally weighing 13-20 pounds—substantially lighter and more portable while still offering impressive long-range performance. Purchase .338 Lapua Ammo

Ballistic Performance Comparison

The ballistic profiles of these cartridges reveal both their impressive capabilities and the practical differences that define their optimal applications. The .50 BMG typically propels a 750-grain bullet at approximately 2,700 fps from a 29-inch barrel, generating around 12,000 foot-pounds of energy—comparable to a 12-gauge slug at the muzzle, but maintained to much greater distances. This extraordinary power allows the cartridge to defeat light armor, penetrate barriers, and maintain supersonic flight beyond 2,000 yards in optimal conditions. The cartridge's enormous energy and momentum enable it to resist wind deflection better than any other man-portable system. The .338 Lapua drives a 300-grain bullet at approximately 2,800 fps from a 26-inch barrel, producing about 5,200 foot-pounds of energy—less than half the .50 BMG's output but still substantially more than conventional magnum rifle cartridges. The .338 Lapua maintains supersonic flight to approximately 1,500 yards in standard atmospheric conditions, providing excellent long-range performance while generating substantially less recoil than the .50 BMG. Trajectory comparisons reveal the .50 BMG's advantage in this area, though less dramatic than might be expected given the energy differential. A 750-grain .50 BMG bullet drops approximately 24.5 feet at 1,000 yards when zeroed at 300 yards, while a 300-grain .338 Lapua bullet drops about 26.8 feet under identical conditions. This relatively small difference stems from the .338's higher ballistic coefficient relative to its weight and similar muzzle velocity. Wind drift highlights similar relationships. At 1,000 yards in a 10 mph crosswind, a 750-grain .50 BMG bullet typically drifts about 36 inches compared to 42 inches for a 300-grain .338 Lapua bullet. Again, this relatively modest difference compared to the cartridges' dramatic size disparity demonstrates the .338's efficient aerodynamic design and high ballistic coefficient. Terminal performance shows more substantial differences. The .50 BMG delivers devastating effects on impact due to its massive energy transfer, allowing it to defeat light armor, vehicle components, and structural barriers that would stop any conventional rifle cartridge. The .338 Lapua provides excellent terminal performance against personnel and unarmored targets, with capability against lighter barriers, but cannot match the .50 BMG's raw destructive potential against hardened targets.

Available Ammunition Types

Both cartridges offer specialized ammunition options, though with different emphasis reflecting their applications: .338 Lapua Magnum Varieties:

• Match/Precision: Purpose-built loads with high-BC bullets optimized for extreme long-range accuracy
• Military/Tactical: Barrier-blind designs focused on consistent performance through intermediate obstacles
• Hunting: Controlled-expansion bullets designed for ethical harvests of large and dangerous game
• Training: Full metal jacket options for practice and skill development
• Specialized: Armor-piercing and other mission-specific military variants with limited civilian availability

.50 BMG Varieties:

• Match Grade: High-precision loads for long-range target shooting and competition
• Military Surplus: Ball, tracer, API (armor-piercing incendiary), and other specialized military loads
• Armor Defeating: Purpose-built loads designed to penetrate light armor and barriers
• Specialty: Exotic options including incendiary, explosive, and specialized penetrator designs (many restricted to military/law enforcement)
• Training: Standard ball ammunition for practice and skill development

Civilian ammunition availability proves more limited for both cartridges compared to conventional rifle calibers, with .338 Lapua generally offering more commercial options than .50 BMG. Both command premium prices, with .338 Lapua typically costing $5-8 per round for quality factory ammunition and .50 BMG ranging from $3-5 for surplus to $10+ for match-grade loadings.

Major Ammunition Manufacturers

Several specialized manufacturers produce ammunition for these high-performance cartridges: Lapua, as the cartridge's developer, produces benchmark-quality .338 Lapua Magnum ammunition with their Scenar and Scenar-L bullets, setting the standard for consistency and accuracy. Their factory loads often serve as reference standards for testing new rifles in this chambering. Hornady manufactures both cartridges in their Match line, providing options optimal for long-range precision. The company also produces hunting loadings and a wider range of match type ammo for .338 Lapua than .50 BMG. Their ELD Match bullets have proven particularly effective in .338 Lapua Magnum precision applications. Federal produces ammunition for both calibers. 660 grain FMJ offerings in the American Eagle line are popular loadings for .50 BMG shooters. Like Hornady, Federal provides a wider degree of support for the .338 Lapua cartridge. Federal produces hunting and match .338 Lapua ammo in various product lines like their Trophy Copper and Gold Medal lines. Military contract manufacturers like Lake City produce .50 BMG ammunition primarily for government contracts, with limited commercial availability of certain loads. Specialized manufacturers like Barrett produce match-grade .50 BMG specifically optimized for their precision rifle systems. Purchase .50 BMG Ammo

Firearms Chambered in Each Caliber

The firearms chambered for these cartridges reflect their specialized nature and performance envelope: .338 Lapua Firearms:

• Bolt-Action Precision Rifles: Purpose-built systems from manufacturers like Accuracy International, Barrett, Sako TRG, and Savage.
• Semi-Automatic Options: Limited but growing selection including Barrett MRAD Semi-Auto and similar platforms.
• Chassis Systems: Modern modular designs emphasizing adjustability and precision from manufacturers like Cadex, AI, and Barrett.

.50 BMG Firearms:

• Bolt-Action Rifles: Heavy precision systems from Barrett, Accuracy International, Steyr, and other specialized manufacturers.
• Semi-Automatic: Barrett M82/M107 series and similar designs utilizing recoil operation to manage the cartridge's substantial power.
• Single-Shot: Simplified designs emphasizing maximum accuracy potential while minimizing weight where rapid follow-up shots aren't required. These offerings are typically bolt-action in nature like the Barrett M99 and are more economically priced than magazine-fed and semi-auto offerings.

Both cartridges typically appear in rifles with substantial muzzle brakes to manage recoil, heavy-contour barrels to handle heat during extended strings of fire, and robust stocks or chassis systems to withstand the significant forces involved. The .50 BMG invariably requires more substantial firearms with weights typically 10+ pounds heavier than comparable .338 Lapua platforms.

Practical Applications and Use Cases

These cartridges serve specialized roles based on their performance characteristics: The .338 Lapua Magnum performs best for:

• Military and law enforcement sniping at extended ranges (800-1500 yards).
• Precision long-range shooting competitions like PRS and ELR matches.
• Hunting large and dangerous game at extended distances.
• Applications requiring a balance between extreme range capability and portability.
• Situations where magazine capacity and follow-up shots may prove necessary.

The .50 BMG excels at:

• Extreme long-range engagements beyond 1500 yards.
• Anti-materiel applications against light vehicles or equipment.
• Maximum terminal effect against hardened targets.
• Situations where absolute maximum effective range takes priority over portability.
• Applications requiring barrier penetration capabilities beyond conventional rifle cartridges.

The choice between these cartridges typically hinges on required effective range, target type, and portability considerations. For most precision long-range applications inside 1,500 yards, the .338 Lapua provides adequate performance in a more manageable package. For extreme distances or anti-materiel applications, the .50 BMG's superior ballistics and terminal performance justify its additional weight and recoil.

Conclusion

The .338 Lapua and .50 BMG represent specialized tools for extreme long-range shooting applications, each optimized for different points along the performance-versus-portability spectrum. The .338 Lapua successfully bridges the gap between conventional magnum rifle cartridges and the massive .50 BMG, delivering exceptional long-range performance in a more manageable platform. The .50 BMG remains the benchmark for extreme long-range shooting and anti-materiel applications where maximum power and barrier defeat capability are required. Rather than competing directly, these cartridges complement each other within the extreme long-range shooting domain. The .338 Lapua serves effectively when maximum portability within the ultra-long-range category takes priority, while the .50 BMG delivers unmatched performance when absolute range and terminal effect outweigh weight considerations. All in all, both cartridges represent impressive engineering achievements that continue to define the outer limits of man-portable precision rifle performance. We here at True Shot Ammo carry .338 Lapua Magnum and .50 BMG ammunition in addition to our inventory of ammo for sale. Our range of ammunition for sale encompasses popular calibers and gauges like 9mm, 5.56, 12 gauge, and .22 LR. Whether you want to buy .338 Lapua ammo, buy .50 BMG ammo, or buy bulk ammo, we have got you covered. As always, happy shooting.