.338 Lapua Mag.

The .338 Lapua Magnum, also known as the 8.6x70mm, is a long-range rifle cartridge developed in the 1980s by the Finnish firearms manufacturer Lapua. It was designed to be a high-powered, accurate cartridge for military and law enforcement snipers, as well as for long-range target shooting and big game hunting.

The cartridge has a bullet diameter of .338 inches and a case length of 2.7 inches. It is capable of firing bullets weighing between 200 and 300 grains at muzzle velocities ranging from 2,800 to 3,200 feet per second.

The .338 Lapua Magnum is a highly accurate cartridge with a flat trajectory that makes it ideal for long-range shooting. It is capable of delivering high amounts of energy to the target at distances of up to 1,500 yards or more.

The cartridge is commonly used by military and law enforcement snipers, as well as by civilian long-range shooters and big game hunters who need to take shots at extended ranges. It is also used in long-range shooting competitions, where it has set numerous records.

The .338 Lapua Magnum is typically chambered in bolt-action rifles, although it has also been used in semi-automatic rifles such as the Barrett M82 and the Sako TRG-42. It is not as widely available as some of the more common rifle cartridges, but it is gaining popularity among long-range shooters and hunters who appreciate its power and accuracy.

Due to its high muzzle velocity and energy, the .338 Lapua Magnum generates significant recoil, which can be a challenge for some shooters. However, many firearms manufacturers now produce rifles with effective recoil-reducing features, such as muzzle brakes and adjustable stocks, that help to mitigate this issue.