The Rise of Norma Magnum: What’s Behind the U.S. Military’s Growing Relationship With the Long-Range Round

[Talyn]

Up until quite recently, the 338 Lapua Magnum cartridge was the preeminent sniper caliber with 338 Norma Magnum looking ready to surpass its popularity. Regardless, the long-term implications for the round’s future use my today’s militaries are the same. 338 Norma Magnum is set to take the Lapua’s place on the throne of tactical long-range cartridges.

The 338 Lapua Mag has been the king of the international sniper community for decades. This caliber and weight bullet range (250 to 300 grains, typical) is the right combination for this application. However, the latest modern propellants are fine-tuned for maximum performance and can get the .338 caliber bullet to the ideal velocities in the smaller chassis of the 338 Norma Magnum, which could not be accomplished 30 years ago in the 338 Lapua. In addition, the shorter length of the Norma cartridge opens up the number of rifle actions that can fire the round.

The Rise of Norma Magnum: What’s Behind the U.S. Military’s Growing Relationship With the Long-Range Round – Small Arms Defense Journal

sadefensejournal.com

 

[TEXASforLIFE]

i stayed away from the 338lm for years as i didn't like bullet options in .338. i ended up going 338lm as i didn't see any offerings in the 338nm from manufacturers i like. wish i would've waited as the nm is a better choice for 285's and up for best reloadings. nm offers a shorter case with higher max pressure to give it the advantage in my opinion when mag restrictions (oal) puts bullets deeper in the case that gives less powder capacity. even with cip (3.850") mags @ 3.750" internally length on mags. all that's necessary is to change the barrel only from lm to nm and you're gtg! no mag change or bolt face change is needed! for the military using mrad's, it's an easy button for them.

 

[deadduck357]

Norma Mag