Lindcott Armory Compare / .338 Lapua Magnum vs .50 BMG
Cartridge comparison
.338 Lapua Magnum vs .50 BMG
.50 BMG is faster (3,000 vs 2,900 fps); .50 BMG carries more energy (14,000 vs 5,000 ft·lb); .338 Lapua Magnum recoils less.
.338 Lapua Magnum →Representative trajectory · 100 yd zero0–800 yd Open in Ballistic Compare ↗
.50 BMG →Representative trajectory · 100 yd zero0–800 yd Open in Ballistic Compare ↗
| .338 Lapua Magnum | .50 BMG | |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Rifle | Rifle |
| Introduced | 1989 | 1921 |
| Bullet ⌀ | 0.338″ | 0.51″ |
| Case length | 2.724″ | 3.91″ |
| Velocity | 2,650–2,900 fps | 2,800–3,000 fps |
| Energy | 4,300–5,000 ft·lb | 12,000–14,000 ft·lb |
| Max pressure | 60,916 psi | 55,000 psi |
| Recoil | 38–55 ft·lb | 100–200 ft·lb |
| Eff. range | 1750 yd | 2000 yd |
FAQs
- Is .338 Lapua Magnum faster than .50 BMG?
- .50 BMG is faster — up to 3,000 fps versus 2,900 fps.
- Does .338 Lapua Magnum hit harder than .50 BMG?
- .50 BMG carries more muzzle energy (14,000 vs 5,000 ft·lb).