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As such it's a sniper-type of cartridge. It's used by the military around the world, and by some SWAT teams. However, it's not recommended for close-range operations by SWAT teams, simply because of over-penetration. The .338 Lapua is used to shoot hardened  targets at long range, much like the .50 BMG, but I imagine that a sniper could hit a "soft" target at a long distance, since long range shooting is what this cartridge is designed for.

Some .338 Lapua rifles are designed lighter in weight, and with shorter barrels, but this diminishes it's potential as an expensive sniper cartridge. Dakota Arms produces the LongBow line of sniper rifles, and it includes the .338 Lapua. As such, it's extremely heavy, and expensive. A LongBow costs around $5,000.
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The .338RUM does not cost as much to produce, and has similar ballistics. However, to turn a .338RUM into a sniper cartridge would bring its price way up there in .338 Lapua territory. But if what you want is a super .338 for hunting, here are your choices:

-.330 Dakota (very expensive ammo and brass)
-.338RUM (relatively cheap ammo and brass)
-.340 Weatherby (expensive ammo and brass)
-.338 Lapua (very expensive ammo and brass)
-.338 lazzeroni (very expensive ammo and brass)
-.338-378 (very expensive ammo and brass)

Since the .338WM is perhaps the most popular cartridge in Alaska, that would be my first choice. In fact, $6,000 would get you a D'Arcy Echols "custom" .338WM that holds four rounds in the magazine, and a rifle you would have to wait for over six months. Even so, it's a dream come true to many.

I just have a Ruger, stainless, .338WM, topped with a Leupold Vary-X III 2.5-8. I paid $399.00 for the rifle, and $250.00 for the scope. That was over ten years ago.

Message Thread:

• 338 RUM vs. 338 Lapua Mag niceguy0777 Mar 12 2006
  • Heavy Bullets in .338 cal. Rick Smith Mar 13 2006
  • 338 Lapua ammo is only $65/box calndux Mar 13 2006
  • 338 Lapua all the way, but not in an AR-30 calndux Mar 13 2006
  • my 2 cents walk-in Mar 13 2006
  • Here is the LongBow Ray Mar 12 2006
  • The .338 Lapua was designed as a military cartridg Ray Mar 12 2006
    • D'Arcy Echols rifle shphtr Mar 13 2006
      • The "Legend" costs $12,000 now? Ray Mar 13 2006
        • "other rifles" shphtr Mar 15 2006
  • .338 Grizzly Jktimm Mar 12 2006
    • 338's BRWNBR Mar 12 2006
      • Long range sniper rifles Ed M Mar 12 2006
  • Long, long way... Brian Richardson Mar 12 2006
  • Accuracy B_M Mar 12 2006