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Common uses: Hunting, Big Game, Long Range
| Type | rifle (centerfire) |
| Typical load | 250gr Federal Nosler Partition (Vital-Shok) |
| Muzzle velocity | 2660 fps |
| Muzzle energy | 3929 ft-lb |
| Published G1 ballistic coefficient | 0.473 |
| Case length | 63.5 mm |
| Overall length | 84.8 mm |
| SAAMI max pressure | 64000 PSI |
| Common twist rate | 1:10" |
| Range (yd) | Velocity (fps) | Energy (ft-lb) | Drop (in) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 2660 | 3927 | -1.5 |
| 100 | 2470 | 3387 | 0 |
| 200 | 2290 | 2910 | -4.2 |
| 300 | 2117 | 2487 | -15 |
| 400 | 1951 | 2112 | -33.7 |
| 500 | 1794 | 1786 | -61.4 |
At 1,000 yards, .338 Win. Mag. (250gr at 2660 fps, 100 yd zero, standard conditions) has a modeled come-up of about 39.2 MOA / 11.4 MIL, retaining 1178 fps (transonic).
| Range (yd) | Velocity (fps) | State | Drop (in) | Elev (MOA) | Elev (MIL) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 300 | 2117 | Supersonic | -15.1 | 4.8 | 1.39 |
| 400 | 1951 | Supersonic | -33.7 | 8.1 | 2.34 |
| 500 | 1794 | Supersonic | -61.5 | 11.7 | 3.41 |
| 600 | 1645 | Supersonic | -100.1 | 15.9 | 4.64 |
| 700 | 1508 | Supersonic | -151.6 | 20.7 | 6.02 |
| 800 | 1383 | Supersonic | -218.5 | 26.1 | 7.59 |
| 900 | 1272 | Transonic | -303.4 | 32.2 | 9.36 |
| 1000 | 1178 | Transonic | -410.0 | 39.2 | 11.39 |
Extended predictions beyond 500 yards are modeled from the same G1 engine — useful for initial DOPE, but outside the 500-yard manufacturer-table validation audit. Confirm with observed DOPE, especially near transonic.
A retained-energy reference only — not a shoot/don't-shoot distance. Real effective range depends on your accuracy, shot placement, bullet construction, and conditions. The ~1,000 ft-lb (deer-sized) and ~1,500 ft-lb (elk-sized) figures are commonly cited rules of thumb, not standards.
Your barrel, ammunition lot, and conditions will differ — always verify against the manufacturer's data and your own rifle.
A belted magnum firing a .338-inch (8.6 mm) bullet, the .338 Winchester Magnum fits a standard-length rifle action while delivering serious power — this 250-grain load leaves the muzzle at 2,700 fps for 4,045 ft-lb, carried by a 0.473 G1 ballistic coefficient. It has long been a favorite for large North American game: elk, moose, and the big bears. That performance comes at a price in recoil, which is heavy by any measure. The round remains available in factory-loaded form and chambered in common bolt-action rifles.
The .338 Winchester Magnum was introduced by Winchester in 1958, one of a family of belted magnums built on a common case: the .375 H&H Magnum shortened to 2.500 inches, blown out, and necked to a new caliber. The same parent case underlies the .264 Winchester Magnum and the .458 Winchester Magnum. The cartridge's lineage traces back to the wildcatting of Charles O'Neil, Elmer Keith, and Don Hopkins, whose .333 and .334 OKH cartridges pushed heavy .33-caliber bullets and directly foreshadowed Winchester's factory round.
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