When it comes to long-range shooting, the 338 Lapua Magnum is the rifle cartridge that US military snipers reach for when they need to air it out past 1,000 yards. Currently holding the #3 and #10 positions on the ten longest sniper rifle shots in history, the 338 Lapua Mag is an extremely effective anti-personnel round that has an effective range just short of a mile.
If there is one rifle cartridge that defined warfare and hunting in the 20th Century, it is unquestionably the 30-06 Springfield. The 30-06 was carried by US soldiers from World War I through Korea and saw limited use in Vietnam. After the 30-06 received its DD-214, it spent retirement in the woods as one of the most popular sporting cartridges in North America. The 338 Lapua Mag and 30-06 simply do not compare as they live in two different categories of shooting. The 338 Lapua outperforms the 30-06 in every ballistic category.
However, I’ve heard some chatter among hunters that they’re considering adding a 338 Lapua for extra-large or dangerous game hunts. So, let’s compare the warhorse 30-06 to the 338 Lapua Magnum.
The 338 Lapua vs 30-06 is a rifle cartridge comparison that is defined by long range shooting. Military snipers used both, which is best for your hunting rifle?
Read 338 Lapua vs 30-06: When You Need to Go Long Distance at Ammo.com.