.338 (8.6 mm) bullets for reloading rifle cartridges

.338 (8.6 mm) bullets for reloading

Bullets in .338 calibre normally have a diameter of .338 inch, which is approximately 8.6 mm. This bullet diameter is used in a variety of powerful rifle cartridges, including the .338 Lapua Magnum, .338 Winchester Magnum, .338 Norma Magnum and .338 Federal.

The designation .338 refers to the bullet diameter rather than a single cartridge. Cartridges using this bullet diameter differ considerably in case capacity, maximum cartridge length, operating pressure and intended application. When selecting a suitable bullet, reloaders should consider not only diameter and weight, but also construction, bullet length, barrel twist rate and reliable load data.

Which cartridges use .338 bullets?

Bullets with a diameter of .338 inch are used in a wide variety of rifle cartridges. These range from relatively compact cartridges to large magnum cartridges designed for long-range shooting.

Modern precision cartridges

• .338 Lapua Magnum – a well-known long-range cartridge with sufficient capacity for long and heavy .338 bullets.
• .338 Norma Magnum – a modern magnum rifle cartridge designed around heavy .338 bullets.
• .338 Edge – a powerful wildcat cartridge with a large case capacity.
• .338 Remington Ultra Magnum – also known as the .338 RUM and intended for heavy bullet weights.

Magnum rifle cartridges

• .338 Winchester Magnum – a widely used magnum rifle cartridge suitable for a broad range of bullet weights.
• .340 Weatherby Magnum – a powerful magnum rifle cartridge with a large case capacity.
• .338-378 Weatherby Magnum – a very large magnum cartridge intended for heavy .338 bullets.
• .338 Dakota – a powerful magnum rifle cartridge with comparatively large case capacity.
• .338 Excalibur – a less common cartridge for heavy .338 bullets.

Compact and efficient cartridges

• .338 Federal – based on the .308 Winchester case and suitable for medium and heavy .338 bullets.
• .338-06 A-Square – based on the .30-06 Springfield case and developed for .338 bullets.
• .338 Scovill – a less common cartridge with a relatively compact case.

Classic and specialised cartridges

• .33 Winchester – a classic American rimmed cartridge that may differ dimensionally from modern .338 cartridges.
• .338 Marlin Express – a rimmed cartridge developed for specific lever-action rifles.
• .338 Whisper – a specialised cartridge capable of using heavy .338 bullets.
• .338 Spectre – a compact cartridge that can also use heavy .338 bullets.

Not every cartridge with “.338” in its name automatically uses the same bullet construction or weight range. Always verify the official cartridge specifications and reliable load data before selecting a bullet.

Different types of .338 bullets

.338 bullets are available in a wide variety of profiles and constructions. The most suitable design depends on the cartridge, barrel twist rate, available cartridge length and the intended purpose of the loaded ammunition.

• Match bullets – developed with consistent shape, weight and construction in mind.
• Hollow Point Boat Tail – combining a hollow point with a tapered boat-tail base.
• Spitzer bullets – featuring a pointed profile for improved aerodynamic efficiency.
• Boat Tail – designed with a tapered rear section.
• Flat Base – featuring a flat base and often a shorter overall bullet length.
• Soft Point – constructed with a partially exposed lead tip.
• Polymer-tipped bullets – fitted with a separate tip as part of the bullet profile.
• Bonded bullets – manufactured with the core bonded to the jacket.
• Monolithic bullets – produced from a single material such as copper or a copper alloy.

Choosing the correct bullet weight

Bullet weight is measured in grain. Within the .338 calibre, medium, heavy and very heavy bullets are available. The appropriate weight depends on the cartridge, barrel twist rate, case capacity and available load data.

Lighter .338 bullets are often used in more compact cartridges such as the .338 Federal. Longer and heavier bullets are more commonly associated with cartridges such as the .338 Lapua Magnum, .338 Norma Magnum and .338 Remington Ultra Magnum.

Heavy bullets often provide an excellent ballistic profile and retain velocity more effectively at longer distances. At the same time, they require suitable barrel twist rates, sufficient cartridge length and correct seating depth.

Bullets of the same weight can vary considerably in length. A monolithic bullet is generally longer than a traditional lead-core bullet of equal weight. This affects seating depth, usable case capacity and cartridge overall length.

Barrel twist and stabilisation

The barrel twist rate indicates the distance over which a bullet completes one full rotation. Long and heavy .338 bullets generally require a faster twist rate than shorter and lighter designs.

Heavy match bullets in particular require sufficient stabilisation. Stability depends not only on weight, but also on bullet length, shape, material, velocity and atmospheric conditions.

Always use current load data developed specifically for the exact cartridge and bullet combination. Load data for the .338 Winchester Magnum must never be used for the .338 Lapua Magnum or .338 Norma Magnum.

Differences between .338 cartridges

Although several cartridges use the same .338-inch bullet diameter, their cases differ substantially in shape, length and capacity. The .338 Federal, for example, has a much smaller case than the .338 Lapua Magnum or the .338-378 Weatherby Magnum.

Load data is therefore never interchangeable. Powder type, powder charge, primer selection, seating depth and maximum cartridge length must always match the exact cartridge.

Maximum operating pressure also differs between cartridges. Always use reliable loading manuals and begin with the recommended starting load.

Cartridge length and seating depth

Long .338 bullets occupy more space inside the case and influence cartridge overall length. The maximum usable length is determined by the magazine, chamber and throat dimensions.

Changing seating depth also changes usable case capacity and may affect pressure development. Adjust seating depth only according to reliable load data and accurate measurements.

A cartridge that fits the chamber will not necessarily feed correctly from the magazine. Always verify both cartridge overall length and available magazine space.

Magnum primers and large-capacity cases

Many .338 magnum cartridges have large case capacities and are commonly loaded with slow-burning powders. Depending on the cartridge and the published load data, a magnum primer may be specified.

Use only the primer type specified in the load data. Replacing a standard primer with a magnum primer, or vice versa, may influence ignition characteristics and chamber pressure.

What should you consider?

• Confirm that the bullet has an actual diameter of .338 inch.
• Use only current load data for the exact cartridge and selected bullet.
• Match bullet weight and bullet length to the barrel twist rate.
• Check maximum cartridge overall length and available magazine space.
• Consider bullet construction, length and material.
• Never interchange load data between different .338 cartridges.
• Do not substitute a different bullet of the same weight without verification.
• Use only the primer type specified in the load data.
• Always begin with the recommended starting load from a reliable source.
• Inspect every completed cartridge carefully before use.

.338 bullets in different configurations

This category contains .338 bullets in various weights, profiles and constructions. The available range may change over time. Refer to the individual product pages for the exact weight, diameter, bullet construction and package quantity.

By matching the bullet carefully to the cartridge, barrel twist rate and available cartridge length, reloaders can create a suitable basis for loading .338 rifle cartridges.

Related reloading components

SEM Jacht & Schietsport also supplies cartridge cases, primers, smokeless powder and other reloading components for .338 cartridges. In addition, you will find die sets, shell holders, reloading presses, scales and tools for case preparation and cartridge measurement.

Legal information

In the Netherlands, bullets are subject to the same legal requirements as cartridge cases. A valid Dutch firearms licence or Dutch hunting licence listing a firearm in a suitable calibre is required for purchase.

Customers must present a valid Dutch firearms licence or Dutch hunting licence together with valid identification at the time of purchase. These products are supplied only when all applicable legal requirements have been met.

Why SEM Jacht & Schietsport?

SEM Jacht & Schietsport supplies .338 bullets for cartridges such as the .338 Lapua Magnum, .338 Winchester Magnum, .338 Norma Magnum, .338 Federal and other calibres using .338-inch bullets.

By comparing bullet diameter, weight, construction, barrel twist compatibility and cartridge length, you can select a bullet that suits your reloading project. If you have questions about the available options, please contact us or visit our shop in Bornerbroek for personal advice.