5 Best 338 Lapua Magnum Rifles: Ranked for Hunting and Long Range
338 Lapua Magnum is a round commonly viewed as being for long range use or for use by snipers. In reality, it’s a great round for all kinds of things, including hunting and just a regular range day. If you don’t have a 338 Lapua Magnum rifle in your gun collection yet, you definitely should. We’re taking the guesswork out of choosing your next big bore rifle by going through some of our top picks for the best 300 Win Mag rifles for various uses.
Types of 338 Lapua Magnum Rifles
Believe it or not, there really are more guns out there than bolt-action 338 Lapua Magnum. Even among the bolt-actions, they’re not all the uber-heavy, impossible-to-tote-in-a-field style. The various types of 338 Lapua Magnum rifles can be broken done as follows:
- Precision rifles
- Long-range rifles
- Hunting rifles
- Home defense rifles
Precision rifles: In this context, we’re referring to the type of rifle you might use for a PRS match. This is going to be a lighter, more streamlined rifle you could pick up and carry without a struggle.
Long-range rifles: For our purposes, we’re classifying long-range rifles as heavier-duty designs specifically meant to nail those 1000+ yard shots. While you can carry these rifles, it’s more of a challenge to carry them long distances than it is to carry a lighter precision rifle.
Hunting rifles: A good hunting rifle in 338 Lapua Magnum is one you can put a sling on and carry for untold distances while hiking through the fields, woods, and mountains.
Home defense rifles: This is a bit of a niche category. There are bolt-actions that work great for home defense and AR platforms that are only going to be efficient if the home in question is a ranch. We’re going to assume you’re fine with a bolt for home defense due to size.
Gun University’s Choices of the Best 338 Lapua Magnum Rifles
Best 338 Lapua Magnum Rifles
Best range use rifle Ruger Precision Rifle |
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Best long-range rifle Barrett MRAD |
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Best precision rifle Christensen Arms MPR |
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Best hunting rifle Remington 700 XCR Tactical |
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Best home defense rifle FD Defense FD338 |
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Spec Comparison of the Best 338 Lapua Magnum Rifles
Below is a table of the specifications for the best 338 Lapua Magnum rifles .
| Rifle | Action | Weight (lbs) | Barrel Length (in) | Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ruger Precision Rifle | Bolt-action | 15.2 | 26 | 5 |
| Barrett MRAD | Bolt-action | 14.6 | 26 | 10 |
| Christensen Arms MPR | Bolt-action | 8.4 | 27 | 5 |
| Remington 700 XCR Tactical | Bolt-action | 8.5 | 26 | 5 |
| FD Defense FD338 | Semi-Auto | Accessory Specific | 22 or 25 | 10 |
Best 338 Lapua Magnum Rifles
Here is our list for the best 338 Lapua Magnum rifles:
- Ruger Precision Rifle (Best range use rifle)
- Barrett MRAD (Best long-range rifle)
- Christensen Arms MPR (Best precision rifle)
- Remington 700 XCR Tactical (Best hunting rifle)
- FD Defense FD33B (Best home defense rifle)
Best 338 Lapua Magnum Rifles – Reviews
1 Ruger Precision Rifle : Best range use rifle
Ruger Precision Rifle
Ruger’s factory made, competition ready, bolt action rifle.
- Shootability A
- Reliability A+
- Ergonomics B+
- Accuracy A
- Value A
Our Grade
A
Reader’s Grade
A+
Based on 5 Reviews
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Ruger Precision Rifle Specs
- Action Bolt-action
- Weight 15.2 lbs
- Barrel Length 26 in
- Capacity 5
Ruger Precision Rifle Review
It might come as no surprise that the ideal range use rifle is the Ruger Precision model. In the world of 338 Lapua, it’s actually rather affordably priced, and it’s a solid performer on the range. This rifle is capable of precision on target and is certainly a reliably accurate gun. It’s also the heaviest rifle on the list, which is one reason it’s being suggested for range use—so you don’t have to carry 15+ pounds of rifle around.
The RPR in 338 Lapua Magnum has a folding stock that’s adjustable for length of pull and height, so you can adjust for an ideal fit and an improved cheek weld. These are vital features for big bore rifles, especially if you have any hope of sharpening your skills and getting truly impressive groups. This heavy contour, chrome moly barrel, features a Ruger Precision Muzzle Brake that has a tunable compensator so you can fine-tune it for the load you’re using or just according to personal preferences.
A 30 MOA Picatinny rail comes standard on the RPR, which comes in useful for long-range applications and the 18 inch handguard is M-LOK compatible. It’s not likely you’re going to hang all manner of aftermarket accessories off this rifle, but if you want to, you can. There’s also a length of rail on the underside of the muzzle end of the handguard, making it easy to throw a bipod on, which you do want. QD attachment points are also present. Of note is the trigger, which is a Ruger Marksman Adjustable model that’s externally adjustable so you can choose your pull weight between 2.25 and 5 pounds. Overall, this is a fantastic range rifle.
Ruger Precision Rifle Pros and Cons
- Ready to go from the factory
- Adjustable folding butstock
- Tunable compensator to reduce recoil
- Heavy
Ruger Precision Rifle Deals
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$1,679.99
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$1,968.99
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$1,863.69
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$2,299.99
2 Barrett MRAD : Best long-range rifle
Barrett MRAD
Barrett’s top of the line, bolt action, long range rifle packed with features and the base rifle of the USSOCOM and U.S. Army’s new sniper rifles.
- Shootability B+
- Reliability A+
- Ergonomics A+
- Accuracy A
- Value A+
Our Grade
A
Reader’s Grade
B+
Based on 24 Reviews
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Barrett MRAD Specs
- Action Bolt-action
- Weight 14.6 lbs
- Barrel Length 26 in
- Capacity 10
Barrett MRAD Review
Yes, it has to be the Barrett MRAD for superior long-range use. Barrett’s rifles tend to be beautifully made and impressively precise on target, making the MRAD in 338 Lapua Magnum our go-to for long shots. This rifle has a 26 inch barrel, which lends itself to getting the best possible ballistics out of the bullet. Its 14.6 pound weight helps mitigate felt recoil—although you’re still going to feel it—while also making it great for shooting from the bench.
Fully adjustable stocks are a must-have for any type of long-range work and the stock on the MRAD is adjustable in every way possible. Once you’ve made the length of pull and comb height fit you perfectly, you’ll be set to nail those 1000+ yard targets. Also, the cheek piece can be rotated for a different surface against your cheek for an even better cheek weld, if need be. And if you prefer somewhat closer steel targets, it can handle those as well. The barrel on this rifle is fluted, which helps with cooling time and it actually features a user changeable barrel system. That means you can actually swap calibers out as you so desire with just one tool. Caliber options include the awesome 338 Lapua Magnum, 338 Norma Magnum, 300 Winchester Magnum, 308 Winchester, 6.5 Creedmoor, 300 Norma, and 300 PRC.
Other features of the Barrett MRAD include a 45 degree safety selector, a folding stock designed to protect the bolt handle, a monolithic upper, and mounting surfaces located at 3, 6, and 9 o’clock. The rifle has a Picatinny rail for optics and an M-LOK compatible handguard. Additionally, they attach short lengths of Picatinny to all the remaining three sides of the handguard at the muzzle end for even more options. This is a gorgeous rifle that can do it all, and if you want long-range, you want Barrett. To learn more, read our complete review on the Barrett MRAD.
Barrett MRAD Pros and Cons
- User changeable barrel system
- Rugged and accurate
- Folding and adjustable buttstock
- It is expensive!
- Heavy
Barrett MRAD Deals
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$4,999.00
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$6,149.99
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$6,448.00
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$6,448.00
3 Christensen Arms Modern Precision Rifle : Best precision rifle
Christensen Arms Modern Precision Rifle
The Christensen Arms MPR is a bolt action pistol chassis based off 700 footprint featuring trigger tech trigger, AICS detachable mags and Christensen Arms carbon fiber wrapped stainless steel barrel. It is offered in a few barrel lengths and 10 different chamberings from 223 Rem to 338 Lapua
- Shootability A+
- Reliability A+
- Ergonomics A
- Accuracy A+
- Value A
Our Grade
A+
Reader’s Grade
A+
Based on 1 Reviews
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Christensen Arms MPR Specs
- Action Bolt-action
- Weight 8.4 lbs
- Barrel Length 27 in
- Capacity 5
Christensen Arms MPR Review
There’s no denying Christensen Arms designs and manufactures some of the best precision rifles in the industry, and the MPR in 338 Lapua Magnum simply proves the point. Even better, this is a super-precise rifle that has a 27-inch barrel and weighs 8.4 pounds thanks to the ultra-light chassis. Although we’re listing this as the best precision rifle—because it is—it’s also a legit option for slinging up and carrying long distances on mountain hunts. That’s where the precision continues to come into play, because those long shots bridging a valley or up an embankment take a seriously precise rifle.
The Christensen Arms MPR has an adjustable stock that can easily be changed to fit the shooter; it’s not a labor-intensive process to adjust it. It also has quite a few carbon fiber parts, including the barrel, comb, and handguard. Picatinny rail tops the receiver for optics, but they streamline the handguard to cut weight and cool the barrel. That means the handguard isn’t topped by a rail, but it does have M-LOK slots on either side and a mounting point for a bipod on the underside at the muzzle end.
Other features include an AICS compatible magazine with a five round capacity, a black nitride finish on the muzzle brake and action, and an enlarged ejection port. This rifle will get you on target beautifully as long as you bring the skills to back it up. It’s a far sleeker 338 Lapua Magnum than most, and it’s truly made to perform. As always, Christensen Arms did an amazing job.
Christensen Arms MPR Pros and Cons
- Lightweight
- Adjustable buttstock that folds
- Noticeable recoil with lighter gun
Christensen Arms MPR Deals
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$2,059.99
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$2,499.99
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$2,701.99
4 Remington 700 XCR Tactical : Best hunting rifle
Remington 700 XCR Tactical
A classic Remington 700 that has been upgraded with a Bell and Carlson stock, TriNyte Corrosion Control System, and a large muzzle brake.
- Shootability A
- Reliability A
- Ergonomics B+
- Accuracy A
- Value A
Our Grade
A
Reader’s Grade
TBD
Based on 0 Reviews
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Remington 700 XCR Tactical Specs
- Action Bolt-Action
- Weight 8.5 lbs
- Barrel Length 26 in
- Capacity 5
Remington 700 XCR Tactical Review
It comes as no surprise that a Remington 700 is ideal for hunting. The Remington 700 XCR Tactical in 338 Lapua Magnum gives shooters the best of everything: a great hunting platform and tactical options to make it even better. Despite its tactical label, this is still a no-frills, straightforward bolt-action rifle. That’s a good thing because when you’re hunting, you’re not looking for a skeletonized stock or a lot of moving parts. The 700 XCR Tactical is far less likely to snag or get damaged irreparably if it’s banged on a tree (and it’s probably going to get banged on a tree).
The Remington 700 XCR Tactical has a standard synthetic bolt-action stock, meaning it doesn’t adjust, so there aren’t holes or wheels that might cause trouble in rough terrain. It does have a threaded barrel and a muzzle brake to cut down on felt recoil. The rifle is drilled and tapped so you can add what you want for optics and it has a 40-X externally adjustable trigger. Its 26-inch barrel is 416 stainless TriNite coated and has a 1 in 10 twist rate. This is a workhorse of a rifle that’s going to withstand the rigors of tough hunts and deliver on target.
There are sling attachment points that come standard so you can use a one or two-point sling, and there’s an additional attachment point for a bipod. You really can’t go wrong with a Remington 700 for hunting. They’re reliable, accurate, and made to be used. As nice as the high-end rifles can be, there’s something comforting about a well made 700.
Remington 700 XCR Tactical Pros and Cons
- Lightweight
- Bell and Carlson traditional style stock
- Stock lacks customization
Remington 700 XCR Tactical Deals
5 F&D Defense FD338 : Best home defense rifle
F&D Defense FD338
An AR style rifle chambered in 338 Lapua Magnum.
- Shootability A
- Reliability A
- Ergonomics B+
- Accuracy A
- Value A-
Our Grade
A-
Reader’s Grade
A+
Based on 1 Reviews
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FD Defense FD33B Specs
- Action Semi-auto
- Weight Accessor Specific
- Barrel Length 22 in or 25 in
- Capacity 10
FD Defense FD33B Review
Sure, you can use a 338 Lapua Magnum for home defense. We’re assuming you’d have an extremely large home or, more likely, a ranch. If you’re really going to use a big bore like this for home defense, it’s incredibly important you familiarize yourself with the penetration and performance of the ammo you’re using. Our choice for this application has to be the FD Defense FD338 with the 22-inch barrel configuration.
This is an AR-platform rifle and requires a fair bit of lead time to order from FD Defense, and understandably so. It features a 416 stainless Bartlein 5R cut-rifled barrel with a 1 in 9.5 twist rate and lapped, polished bore—yes, there’s serious attention to detail and tolerances. The FD338 has an unconstrained variable tuned gas piston system and all precision action parts for the best performance possible. It’s also a heavy rifle, so while the precise weight can’t be listed because it varies according to specific parts used on a custom build, it’s safe to say it won’t be under ten pounds.
The handguard used has a full-length Picatinny rail for the user’s choice of optics. There are also additional lengths of rail at the muzzle end for accessories like a bipod. It has an adjustable stock, so it can be fit to the shooter, and a non-reciprocating side charging handle. FD Defense states the lower, upper, rail, bolt, and extension are all matched. You can have a Geissele SSAe trigger installed as well, which ups the accuracy even more. Overall, an excellent rifle and it’s perfect for those who prefer the AR platform.
FD Defense FD33B Pros and Cons
- One of the few semi auto 338 Lapua rifles
- Non-reciprocating side charging handle
- Hard to find
- Expensive
FD Defense FD33B Deals
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$5,450
Conclusion
Choosing a big bore rifle like one chambered in 338 Lapua Magnum tends to be a challenge not because you don’t want to pick but due to cost. When it comes right down to it, you’ll have to commit to a not-insignificant investment to get the gun you want. But it’s worth it, because 338 Lapua Magnum is a fantastic cartridge and the rifles that shoot them well are truly a pleasure. Don’t forget to get a scope for your 338 Lapua.
FAQs
The 338 Lapua Magnum is a powerful ammunition round known for its long-range capabilities. While it’s often associated with snipers and long-range shooting, it is also suitable for hunting and range shooting.
The Barrett MRAD is recommended as the best long-range rifle due to its precision, adjustable stock, and multiple caliber options.
While these rifles can be a significant investment, they are well worth it because the 338 Lapua Magnum is a highly effective cartridge, and the rifles that shoot it well provide a fantastic shooting experience for long-range shooting, hunting, and other applications.
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About Kat Ainsworth-Stevens
Kat is a respected author and dedicated student of the gun. To date, she has published three books and written thousands of articles on firearms and self-defense in print and online.
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