The .330 Dakota is the .338-caliber member of the Dakota Arms magnum family. Despite the ".330" designation — consistent with Dakota Arms naming convention — it uses standard .338-inch bullets and delivers .340 Weatherby-class performance from a standard-length action.
Type: Rifle
Introduced: 1992, USA
Parent case: .404 Jeffery
Standardization: Proprietary
Bullet diameter: 0.338" (8.59 mm)
Case length: 2.55" (64.77 mm)
Overall length: 3.34" (84.84 mm)
Rim type: Rimless
Primer: Large Rifle Magnum
Muzzle velocity: 2750–3100 fps
Muzzle energy: 3350–5350 ft-lbs
Effective range: 300 yd
Common bullet weights: 200, 215, 250 gr
Primary use: hunting
Production status: Active
Also known as: 330 Dakota
History: Part of the 1992 Dakota Arms magnum family alongside the .300, .375, and .416 Dakota, the .330 fills the .338-caliber slot in a rimless, shoulder-headspacing format built on the .404 Jeffery case. It was designed for elk, moose, and brown bear hunters who wanted .338 magnum performance without a belted case or over-length action.
Notable firearms: Dakota Arms Model 76, Dakota Arms Model 97
Similar cartridges: .338 Lapua Magnum, .340 Weatherby Magnum, .338 Winchester Magnum