Today I’m going to show you the difference between .338 Lapua vs. 6.5 Creedmoor.
That posed a significant problem when 7.62 x 54mmR rounds from a Russian-made PKM machine guns were fired at them from up to 1,200 meters away. The Precision Sniper Rifle, or a.338 Lapua receiver and barrel dropped into the Marine Corps’ future modular stock, would put those insurgents well within in lethal range.
- Sniping Ammunition. The.338 Lapua Mag. Has seen limited service with U.S. Special Operations snipers since 1993, and was adopted by the British Army in 2007 for its new L115A1.
- .338 Lapua Magnum. The.338 Lapua Magnum is a very interesting cartridge to look at as it brings some pretty incredible performance specs. This cartridge is much younger when compared to the other cartridge we will look at, but it is interesting because it is sometimes seen as a replacement for the.308 Win in specific shooting applications.
- 338 Lapua Vs 7 62 X54r And Best Powder For 338 Lapua Shooting 300gr Sierra Matchking Reviews: Get best 338 Lapua Vs 7 62 X54r And Best Powder For 338 Lapua Sho.
Including:
- Cost
- Ballistics
- History of each cartridge
- Lots more
So if you’d like to know the difference between the two cartridges, you’ll love this article.
Let’s get started!
.338 Lapua Magnum: A Brief History
.338 Lapua Cost
The .338 Lapua Magnum was developed in the eighties specifically to provide Military snipers a round capable of delivering high powered impacts to targets at extended range.
(If you’re looking for the best .338 Lapua rifle, check out this guide).
The cartridge has been held in high esteem since its introduction by professional and amateur shooters alike, being described as a “death laser” for its propensity to maintain pinpoint accuracy up to and past a mile.
In 2009, CoH Craig Harrison used a Lapua round to hit two insurgents at a range of 2,707 yards, or roughly a mile and half!
6.5 Creedmoor: A Brief History
The 6.5. Creedmoor is the brainchild of Hornady Manufacturing Company.
Inspired by the classic .308 Winchester, the Creedmoor was developed specifically for long range target shooting in partnership with Creedmoor Sports, from which its name is derived.
When testing the ammunition at 1000 yards, Ray “Raydog” Sanchez called it “boringly accurate.” The Creedmoor has also been used with some success to hunt big game, and has become a wildly popular cartridge since it’s introduction in 2007.
But which one is better…
.338 vs. 6.5 Creedmoor
That may be an unanswerable question due to a plethora of variables. But one question that can be answered is…
Which Cartridge is best for you?
Depending on what your long range shooting needs, and the funds that you have available to supply the habit, you might find that one cartridge or the other better suits your needs.
Power and Range
If you’re determining your success by the distance that you can reliably hit dead-center bullseye, than the .338 Lapua is fat and beyond best bet.
The cartridge claims a maximum effective range at 1750 yards, so anything short of a mile can be consistently gunned down.
Further more, the billets that are propelled by a Lapua cartridge are expelled with so much force, they can penetrate body armor of better-than-standard issue quality at 1000 yards.
.338 Lapua Armalite
The Lapua is lazer-accurate and death ray-effective.
The Creedmoor also delivers astoundingly consistent accuracy, but not at quite such long distances.
It’s effective range peaks at 1000 yards.
The reduced maximum range packs a smaller whallop, as well, and as a result, the Creedmoor has a substantially reduced recoil, making it easier to use as a target-practice round, or in a more rapidly firing weapon.
The United States Special Operations Command, or USSOCOM, adopted use of the Creedmoor for its Long Range precision snipers as well as carbines and assault machine guns.
In short:
If you are looking to hit a target further than 1000 yards, load the Lapua Magnum every time.
If you aren’t trying to knock a moose off it’s feet at 1000 yards, want to avoid shooter’s fatigue from rifle recoil, or are aiming at targets within 100 yards, the Creedmoor might be more reasonable.
Cost
Cost is where the Creedmoor really begins to separate ourself from the Lapua in terms of efficiency.
Straight from a commercial retailer, Creedmoor ammunition starts at .70 cents a round.
The Lapua starts at $2.70 per round.
Even if you are all prepared to reload ammunition yourself at home, with all the dies and scales necessary, you’re still looking at $1.15-$1.60 per round in reloading costs.
At the end of the day it boils down to a question of budget. If you have the time and money to invest into firing .338 Lapuas downrange every weekend, enjoy every minute of it.
The Creedmoor is definitely the more affordable cartridge.
Wrapping It Up
To recap:
If you’re going to hit long-range targets (1,000 yards+) and willing to spend $2.70 (on average) per round, then go for the .338 Lapua.
However, if you aren’t doing that long of range shooting and want to save money on ammunition, then the 6.5 Creedmoor is for you.
With all that said, now I’d like to hear from you:
Have you ever shot a 338 or 6.5? If so, what are your thoughts on it? Let me know in the comments down below.
Related posts:
338 Lapua Magnum, 338 Norma Magnum, 300 Norma Magnum Semi-Automatic Rifle
Extreme Distance, Self-Regulating Gas Piston Platform
Patent Pending
MSRP: $6,995
Mission:
The Mk-18 Mod 1 Extreme Distance Capable Semi Automatic Rifle was designed to take advantage of the ballistic capabilities of the 338 Lapua Magnum, 338 Norma Magnum and 300 Norma Magnum cartridges. The system provides extreme distance capability in a light weight and mobile semi-auto platform. Utilizing SWORD’s proprietary short stroke piston system the rifle is precise, reliable, and durable. Featuring ambidextrous controls, ergonomic features, and built in modularity, the MK18 is a great choice for the avid hunter, long range enthusiast, and competition shooter.
The Set Up:
Patent Pending Tuned Compensator
- Perfectly tuned to remove muzzle flip and to help reduce recoil.
Cut Rifled and Black Nitride Coated Barrel
- Manufactured with Precision Single-Point Cut Rifled Barrels which allows for maximum accuracy
- Available with Nitride coated and/or cerakoted stainless barrels
- The Mk-18 has been accuracy tested to 1/2 MOA.
- Barrel Length – 24″ 1:9.35 Twist Barrel (338 Lapua Magnum, 338 Norma Magnum)
- Barrel Length – 24″ 1:8 Twist Barrel (300 Norma)
Proprietary Self-Regulating Piston System
- Piston system removes carbon fouling from the upper receiver and bolt carrier assembly. Self regulating means no gas setting and the ability to run a wide range of ammo.
M-Lok Compatible Rail System
- Free floated to maximize accuracy, simple removal procedure for piston maintenance and flexibility to add mounting solutions.
Rugged Black Nitrided Bolt Carrier Assembly
- Machine on precision CNC machines out of special material and coated in Black Nitride the Mk-18’s bolt carrier is functional, durable, and aesthetically pleasing.
Ambi-Bolt Catch/Release Pad
- Located near the lower/front portion of the trigger well. The bolt catch release pad makes locking or releasing the bolt easy with your trigger finger. Left and right handed operators can manipulate it without giving up fire control or moving their support side hand.
Ambi-Magazine Release Buttons
- Located on opposing sides of the lower receiver, the ambi-magazine release buttons allow left and right handed operators to drop the magazine with their trigger finger and without giving up fire control.
Tungsten Filled Heavy Buffer
- Weighted and tuned specifically for the Mk-18’s rate of return.
Piston Rated Heavy Action Spring
- Heavy duty and durable, this action spring is perfectly tuned and rated for the Mk-18’s rate of return.
Mjölnir is the hammer of Thor, a major Norse God associated with thunder. Mjölnir is depicted in Norse mythology as one of the most fearsome weapons, capable of leveling mountains. Translated it means that which smashes, a perfectly suited name for the Mk-18 Mod 1 Semi Automatic 338 Lapua Magnum, 338 Norma Magnum, 300 Norma Magnum.
Tech Specs:
Operating System: Short Stroke Gas Piston System
.338 Lapua Comparison
Caliber: .338LM, .338NM, 300NM
Weight: 12.25lbs W/O Magazine, 13.25lbs W/ Unloaded Magazine
Magazine: 10 Round Aluminum Magazine
Length: 49″ Muzzle to end of stock (338 Lapua/Norma) 45″ Muzzle to End of Stock (300 Norma)
Height: 8″ Top of upper receiver to bottom of pistol grip
Coatings: SWORD Coyote Brown Cerakote
MSRP: $6,995
Media Coverage
.338 Lapua Sale
thetruthaboutguns.com | January 21, 2016
thefirearmblog.com |January 14, 2014
tactical-life.com |January 14, 2014
thetruthaboutguns.com | January 13, 2014
GunnyTime | Season 2015, Episode 110 – Future Counter Terrorism
SWORD International Accuracy Commitment:
SWORD International ensures each Mk-18 weapon system is tested at 300 yards using match-grade ammunition. Each weapon system is certified to shoot 1 MOA (3.141”) at 300 yards.
Though we are confident that each weapon system is capable of shooting sub MOA accuracy, we cannot guarantee every end-user proficiency level, optic quality, mounting solution, platform familiarity and ammunition is capable of taking advantage of that accuracy. The end-user should be aware that the above listed factors; as well as environmental variables can greatly affect accuracy
SWORD International Inc.
7.62 Vs 338 Lapua
610 E. Glendale Ave
Sparks, NV 89431
USA
Contact
Phone: (775) 343-1090
Sales: sales@sword-int.com
Military/LEO: military.leo@sword-int.com