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Lindcott Armory

Cartridge comparison

.338 Lapua Magnum vs .50 BMG

.338 Lapua Magnum and .50 BMG are both in the reference; see the full spec comparison below.

Side by side

.338 Lapua Magnum.50 BMG
TypeRifleRifle
Introduced19891921
Bullet diameter0.339″0.511″
Case length2.7244″3.9098″
Max pressure60,916 psi55,000 psi
Recoil38–55 ft·lb100–200 ft·lb
Effective range1800 yd2000 yd

Highlighted cells hold the clear edge where both sides have a number. Every figure is a range maximum from the reference; typical loads run lower.

Case profiles, to scale

Drawn to the same scale, so the proportions are true. Physical size varies with your screen.

ToolOverlay .338 Lapua Magnum and .50 BMG trajectories with real loads in Ballistic Compare