What are the real benefits of moving from a fast .30 like a 30 Wolf to the .338 lapua? Is it mostly retained energy and bullet weight (210-216 gr. vs. 250-300 gr.) or is real wind performance that much greater? Just thinking steel and paper targets to 2000 yards. What makes a more rounded system and why?

Thanks
Neal

Recoil is a big disadvantage of the .338

Making a bigger entry hole is an advantage for the 338

The 308 at a given barrel length is likely to be flatter.

The wind deflection difference is negligable inside a mile.

The CG offset of the 30 caliber bullets is typically less than the 338 so the accuracy potential is higher.



As far as trajectory and windage, you can see that the 338 Lapua would need to improve its case capacity and barrel length to be able to out run the 30 Wolf at a mile.


_______________________________________30 Wolf______________________________338 Lapua



1,000 yd. come up from 100 yd......................18 MOA.............................................23 MOA

1,760 yd. come up from 100 yd......................45 MOA.............................................58 MOA


1,000 yards 10 mph full value..................__3.75 MOA...........................................___4 MOA


1,760 yards 10 mph full value..................__8.25 MOA........................................___8.75 MOA

Thanks S1 for the info. That's what I needed to know.

Hi Sam,

What bullets were you using for the calculations?

Thanks
Frank D

I was using the 210 JLK for the 30, and the 300 gr. SMK for the 338.

MV for the 30 was 3280 fps

MV for the 338 was 2900 fps

Altitude for both was 4,000 ft. asl as mt rancher likely won't be shooting near sea level.

Thanks Sam, if you get some time can you run those numbers for Sea Level. Trying to clear up a debate with a shooting buddy.

Thanks,
Frank D

OK Frank, I will try and get that tommorow.

In the relatively near future, Berger will have a heavier 30 cal bullet (probably around 240 or so). This will be a nice option for extreme range stuff.

That is great news, I hope it is a 235 gr. VLD.

With a thick enough jacket to not explode in a 10 twist