How Much Steel To Stop A 338 Lapua Sniper?

Published on July 11, 2025
Duration: 12:55

This video tests the penetration capabilities of .338 Lapua Magnum rounds against various steel thicknesses. Standard precision loads were stopped by 5/8 inch mild steel, while the RUAG Swiss P 260gr AP round, featuring a tungsten carbide core, penetrated up to 1 1/4 inch mild steel and 1/2 inch AR500/AR550 steel. The AP round was finally stopped by 1 1/2 inches of mild steel.

Quick Summary

Standard .338 Lapua Magnum precision rounds penetrate 1/2 inch mild steel but are stopped by 5/8 inch. The RUAG Swiss P 260gr AP round, with a tungsten carbide core, penetrates 1 1/4 inch mild steel and 1/2 inch AR500/AR550 steel, finally being stopped by 1 1/2 inches of mild steel.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Intro: Stopping .338 Lapua
  2. 00:30Rifle & Gear: Desert Tech SRS-M2
  3. 00:57Mild Steel Test: Precision Loads
  4. 02:21Introducing AP Rounds
  5. 02:45AP vs. Mild Steel Plates
  6. 07:10Hardened Steel Test: AR500/AR550
  7. 10:28Extreme Thickness: 1.5" Mild Steel

Frequently Asked Questions

What thickness of mild steel can a standard .338 Lapua Magnum round penetrate?

Standard .338 Lapua Magnum 300gr precision loads were tested and found to easily penetrate 1/2 inch mild steel. However, they were stopped by 5/8 inch mild steel, leaving a significant crater.

Can .338 Lapua Armor Piercing (AP) rounds penetrate hardened steel targets?

Yes, the RUAG Swiss P 260gr AP .338 Lapua round successfully penetrated 1/2 inch AR500 and 1/2 inch AR550 steel targets. Standard precision loads failed to even dent 1/2 inch AR500.

What is the maximum thickness of mild steel that a .338 Lapua AP round can penetrate?

The RUAG Swiss P 260gr AP .338 Lapua round penetrated 1 1/4 inches of mild steel. It was ultimately stopped by 1 1/2 inches of mild steel, although it caused a substantial bulge on the back of the plate.

What rifle was used to test the .338 Lapua rounds against steel?

The test utilized a Desert Tech SRS-M2 rifle equipped with a 26-inch barrel and a DEFCAN-86 suppressor. This rifle is noted for its use by Ukrainian snipers.

Related News

All News →

More Reviews Videos You Might Like

More from Banana Ballistics

View all →