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Lindcott Armory

Rifle · SAAMI

.338 Marlin Express

Also known as 338 Marlin Express

High-performance semi-rimmed lever-action cartridge jointly developed by Hornady and Marlin..

Caliber
0.338″ · 8.585 mm
Introduced
2009
Case
Semi-Rimmed
Parent
.376 Steyr
Primary use
Hunting
Status
Discontinued

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Velocity2,560–2,565 fps
Energy2,910–2,921 ft·lb · est.
Identity
Introduced
2009
Type
Rifle
Origin
United States
Inventor
Hornady and Marlin
Manufacturer
Hornady / Marlin
Standard
SAAMI
Status
Discontinued
Availability
Limited
Build
Primer
Large Rifle
Case type
Semi-Rimmed
Pressure & range
Max pressure
46,000 psi
Eff. range
300 yd

Ballistics

Representative trajectory · velocity only, no drag model · 100 yd zero0–800 yd
-140" -120" -100" -80" -60" -40" -20" 0" Line of sight 0 yd 100 yd 200 yd 300 yd 400 yd 500 yd 600 yd 700 yd 800 yd 100 yd zero 148″ drop @ 800 yd
Drop Zero

Velocity only, no drag model: no published ballistic coefficient is on file for .338 Marlin Express, so this is the shape gravity alone gives the advertised velocity. Drag would steepen it. The tool below solves real loads through their published G1 or G7 model.

Open in Ballistic Compare
Parent case
.376 Steyr

Representative trajectory — modeled from a single velocity input (no published BC for this cartridge yet).

Dimensionscase measurements · scale drawing · size vs familiar rounds

Case dimensions — the scale drawing at the top of the page is built from these.

CIP TDCC · verified
Measuremmin
Bullet ⌀ 8.590.338
Neck ⌀ 9.450.372
Shoulder ⌀ 12.600.496
Shoulder angle 25°
Base ⌀ 12.750.502
Rim ⌀ 13.920.548
Belt ⌀ n/a
Rim thickness 1.140.045
Neck length 7.580.298
Case length 47.901.886
Overall length 65.612.583

Size vs familiar rounds

Drawn at true 1:1 — every case is accurate relative to the others. Absolute size depends on your screen's pixel density, so measuring one against a real ruler may be off. .338 Marlin Express is highlighted below.

Suitable powders

1 reloading powder listed for .338 Marlin Express, fastest to slowest. Cross-reference in the finder →

Reloading costestimate cost per round vs factory

Estimate your cost per round and how it compares to factory. Inputs are yours — nothing is stored.

Cost estimate only — not load data. Charge weight is your input; follow published manuals for safe charges.

Firearms chambered in .338 Marlin Express

1 model in the database chamber .338 Marlin Express. Browse all →

Marlin Model 1895 45-70 Gov 22-inch

Lineage

Immediate parent
Family TreeOpen .338 Marlin Express in the interactive cartridge family tree

Connected reference

History

Introduced 2009 for the Marlin 338MX/338MXLR; factory support limited after those rifles left production.

FAQs

What bullet diameter is .338 Marlin Express?
.338 Marlin Express uses a 0.338″ (8.585 mm) diameter bullet.
Is .338 Marlin Express still in production?
.338 Marlin Express is discontinued; typical availability is limited.
What is .338 Marlin Express used for?
.338 Marlin Express is primarily used for hunting.
What is .338 Marlin Express based on?
.338 Marlin Express is derived from the .376 Steyr case.
What are the best powders for .338 Marlin Express?
Reloading powders commonly listed for .338 Marlin Express include Leverevolution.

Sources & provenance

Data & sources. Specs compiled from the Lindcott Armory reference; the trajectory is modeled (point-mass), not measured. See methodology. Spotted an error? Report it →