338 Lapua vs 338 Win Mag: Very Different on Steel?

Published on March 21, 2023
Duration: 7:46

This video compares the steel penetration capabilities of the .338 Winchester Magnum and .338 Lapua Magnum. While both easily penetrate 1/4" and 3/8" steel, the .338 Win Mag unexpectedly penetrated deeper into 1/2" and 3/4" steel plates, despite having a lighter bullet. This is attributed to its higher velocity, demonstrating that velocity can be a more significant factor than bullet weight in mild steel penetration.

Quick Summary

The .338 Winchester Magnum penetrated 0.303 inches into 3/4-inch mild steel, while the .338 Lapua Magnum penetrated 0.208 inches. This unexpected result was attributed to the Win Mag's higher velocity (3042 fps vs 2667 fps), demonstrating velocity's significant role in mild steel penetration.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Intro: .338 Win Mag vs .338 Lapua
  2. 00:34Velocity & Energy Testing
  3. 01:01Testing on 1/4" & 3/8" Steel
  4. 02:36Testing on 1/2" Steel
  5. 03:41Testing on 3/4" Steel
  6. 04:55Penetration Depth Analysis
  7. 06:29The Physics of Steel Penetration

Frequently Asked Questions

How do the .338 Lapua Magnum and .338 Winchester Magnum compare in steel penetration?

In tests on 3/4-inch mild steel, neither cartridge achieved full penetration. However, the .338 Winchester Magnum penetrated deeper (0.303 inches) than the .338 Lapua Magnum (0.208 inches), despite the Lapua's heavier bullet.

What factors influence steel penetration between the .338 Lapua and .338 Win Mag?

The .338 Win Mag's higher velocity (3042 fps vs 2667 fps) was found to be the key factor in its deeper penetration into mild steel, overriding the .338 Lapua's heavier bullet weight in this specific test scenario.

What is a 'steel wad' in the context of bullet impacts?

A 'steel wad' is a piece of mild steel that is sheared out and ejected by the bullet's kinetic energy upon impact. The formation of this wad is a primary mechanism for penetration in mild steel targets.

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