.338 Winchester Magnum
Also called: .338 Win Mag, 338 WM, three-thirty-eight
A heavy-hitting magnum for elk, moose, and large bear, built to drive wide, heavy bullets deep.
- Type
- Magnum Rifle
- Bullet diameter
- .338 in
- Case length
- 2.5 in
- Overall length
- 3.34 in
- Typical bullet weights
- 200 to 250 grains
- Typical muzzle velocity
- About 2,550 to 2,950 fps
- Recoil
- Heavy recoil
- Quarry
- Elk & moose
- Typical range
- Elk and moose to about 400 yards
- Availability
- Common in hunting areas
What it is good for
- Elk, moose, and large brown or grizzly bear where legal.
- Hunters who want extra bullet weight and penetration.
- Backcountry hunts for big, tough animals.
Where it falls short
- Recoil is heavy and punishing in lightweight rifles.
- It is more than needed for deer and pronghorn.
- Ammunition costs more and is less common than for smaller magnums.
Easily confused with
- .300 Winchester Magnum: a similar case and belt with a narrower bullet and a flatter path.
- .375 H&H Magnum: a bigger cartridge used for the largest dangerous game.
Field notes
Introduced in 1958, the .338 Winchester Magnum fires a heavy bullet that penetrates deeply. It is a popular step up for hunters pursuing elk, moose, and bear.
Related guides
Numbers are typical factory-load figures, not guarantees. Use only ammunition that matches the cartridge stamped on your firearm and is made by a reputable manufacturer, and follow the manual. Legal game cartridges, minimum calibers, and non-toxic shot rules differ by state and area. Check your state's current regulations; our state resources directory links to each state's official rules. Not sure which rifle to buy? Try our hunting rifle wizard.