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.338 Norma Magnum Ammo
Professionally Reviewed by:
Nathaniel Boos
Nathaniel Boos is a lifelong firearms enthusiast and shooter, renowned for his experience as a long-range shooter, ammunition importer/exporter, and firearms manufacturer. With years of hands-on experience, he is a trusted authority in the ammunition and firearms industry.
Credentials:
- • 2x Team Safari Competitor
- • KRG Training Level 1, 2, and Force on Force CQB certified
- • Licensed Texas Conceal Carry Holder
- • Kranz Firearms Training Group Advanced Carbine Certified
.338 Norma Magnum: At a Glance
| Key Characteristics | |
|---|---|
| Firearm Type | Rifle |
| Primer Type | Large Rifle Magnum |
| Used For | Long-range shooting, Military sniping, Big game hunting |
| Case Design | Rimless, Bottleneck |
| Year Introduced | 2009 |
.338 Norma Magnum: Pros and Cons
Pros
.338 Norma Magnum Ammo: In Depth
The .338 Norma Magnum is a powerful, long-range rifle cartridge designed for military, law enforcement, and civilian applications. Developed to bridge the gap between the .308 Winchester and .50 BMG, this cartridge offers exceptional accuracy, high velocity, and substantial energy delivery at extended ranges.
History and Development
The .338 Norma Magnum was developed in 2008 by Norma Precision AB, a Swedish ammunition manufacturer, in collaboration with American ballistician Jimmy Sloan. The cartridge was designed to meet the increasing demand for a long-range cartridge that could outperform the .338 Lapua Magnum while still fitting in standard-length actions.
The .338 Norma Magnum is based on a shortened .338 Lapua Magnum case, necked down to accept .338 caliber bullets. This design allows for the use of long, high-ballistic coefficient bullets while maintaining compatibility with existing .338 Lapua Magnum chambers and barrels.
In 2009, the cartridge gained SAAMI (Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers' Institute) approval, which helped increase its adoption in the civilian market. The .338 Norma Magnum quickly gained a reputation for exceptional accuracy and long-range performance, attracting the attention of military and law enforcement agencies.
In 2013, the U.S. Special Operations Command (SOCOM) adopted the .338 Norma Magnum for its Advanced Sniper Rifle program, further solidifying its position as a premier long-range cartridge.
Complete Timeline of .338 Norma Magnum Development:
.338 Norma Magnum Performance
The .338 Norma Magnum offers exceptional long-range performance characteristics that have made it a popular choice for military snipers, long-range competitors, and extreme range hunters. Here's a breakdown of its key performance characteristics:
| Characteristic | Performance |
|---|---|
| Velocity | 2,650-3,000 fps (250-300 grain bullets) Varies based on barrel length and load type |
| Trajectory | Extremely flat trajectory at long ranges Effective for precision shooting beyond 1,500 yards |
| Energy | 3,900-4,500 ft-lbs at the muzzle (250-300 grain bullets) Provides excellent terminal performance on large game and anti-materiel targets |
| Recoil | Moderate to heavy, depending on rifle weight More manageable than larger calibers like .50 BMG |
| Accuracy | Sub-MOA accuracy potential at extreme ranges Capable of maintaining supersonic velocities beyond 1,500 yards |
Bullet Weight vs. Muzzle Velocity
This chart shows how bullet weight affects muzzle velocity for common .338 Norma Magnum loads.
.338 Norma Magnum: Effective Range for Different Applications
This table provides estimated effective ranges for .338 Norma Magnum ammunition in various applications. Ranges are based on typical bullet weights and velocities.
| Application | Effective Range (yards) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Military/Long-Range Sniping | 0-1500 | Excellent for long-range engagements, superior ballistics |
| Hunting (Large Game) | 0-1000 | Powerful enough for large game at extended ranges |
| Target Shooting | 0-1800 | Capable of extreme long-range accuracy with proper loads |
| Competitive Long-Range Shooting | 0-2000 | Used in ELR (Extreme Long Range) competitions |
Note: Effective ranges can vary based on factors such as bullet selection, shooter skill, wind conditions, and specific firearm characteristics. The .338 Norma Magnum is known for its exceptional long-range performance and energy retention. Always prioritize safety and adhere to local laws and regulations.
Applications for .338 Norma Magnum
The .338 Norma Magnum's superior ballistic performance makes it suitable for several specialized applications:
Caliber Comparisons
To understand the .338 Norma Magnum's place in the rifle world, it's helpful to compare it to similar cartridges. Click on each comparison to see more details:
Recoil Energy Comparison
Compare the estimated recoil energy of .338 Norma Magnum with other popular long-range rifle cartridges. (Based on a 12 lb rifle)
Ballistic Trajectory Comparison
This chart compares the ballistic trajectory (bullet drop) of .338 Norma Magnum with other popular long-range rifle cartridges over distance.
Wind Drift Comparison
This chart compares the wind drift of .338 Norma Magnum with other popular long-range rifle cartridges in a 10 mph crosswind.
Energy Retention Comparison
This chart compares the energy retention of .338 Norma Magnum with other popular long-range rifle cartridges over distance.
Sectional Density Comparison for .338 Norma Magnum
The .338 Norma Magnum is a powerful long-range cartridge known for its high sectional density, which contributes to excellent penetration and energy retention at extended distances.
| Cartridge | Bullet Weight (gr) | Sectional Density |
|---|---|---|
| .338 Norma Magnum | 300 | 0.381 |
| .338 Norma Magnum | 250 | 0.317 |
| .338 Norma Magnum | 225 | 0.285 |
| .338 Norma Magnum | 215 | 0.273 |
| .338 Norma Magnum | 185 | 0.235 |
Note: The .338 Norma Magnum offers exceptional sectional density values, particularly with heavier bullet weights. This contributes to its effectiveness in long-range shooting and hunting applications. The cartridge's performance is further enhanced by its ability to maintain high velocities at extended ranges.