340 Weatherby vs 338 Lapua

[@bryanmassey6201]

That 340 Weatherby Magnum is an awesome cartridge. It’s very close to the very expensive and overrated 338 Lapua. I know first hand any game shot with the 340 Weatherby Magnum, it’s game over! I want one!

[@dutch9357]

My dream Weatherby. 340 Weatherby. High gloss walnut and hot tank blue. 🤤. I took my 338 Win Mag out the other day for some velocity testing with the 236 Grain Hammer’s. I was somewhat underwhelmed. Barely 2600 FPS with H4831. Might experiment more with a slower powder if I can ever find them. There was a time when I was impressed with the Lapua, but when I discovered the Super Roy, I was gone. That’s the one.

[@ReloadingWeatherby]

That's odd that your Win mag is that slow with the Hammer bullets. Usually the Hammer bullets are a bit faster. My dream rifle is a Mark V Deluxe in 340 WBY.

[@bustabass9025]

The .340 Weatherby is all I need for a high velocity, flat shooting, heavy down range hammer. Lotta different stuff to choose from, and there prolly are a number of other cartridges that people prefer. But I own a .340, love it, and won't be looking for anything to replace it, in this lifetime.

[@ReloadingWeatherby]

Nice

[@TrapperScottyAlaskan]

In 1981 my dad gave me a 338 win mag for my 16 birthday. I parked the 06. I "one gunned" Alaska for 15 seasons and witnessed the long range power compared to 06. I would confidentially shoot anything on earth with 338 win mag. I graduated to 300 win mag in 93, the perfect in between. All 3 mentioned I have in Sako Finnbears with the same leupold 3.5x10x50. Never saw any reason to go bigger. That 340 you love is worthy Busta. Trapper scotty,Alaskan hunting guide

[@bustabass9025]

​@@TrapperScottyAlaskan Look up the word "keeper" in the dictionary, and you'll see a picture of my Weatherby Mark V Sporter in .340 Wby! I've kept it for thirty years.

[@jasonf.4107]

I didn’t finally buy a .340 Weatherby because it was the absolute pinnacle of performance or accuracy, and I certainly didn’t get it because it was a better 800 yard elk cartridge than any other cartridge. I finally bought a Weatherby Accumark in .340 after 25 years of lusting after one because when I first got into hunting, that rifle and cartridge were “IT” for elk hunting, the one you wanted in your hands when that big bull 400 yards away finally presented himself out of the timber at last light. It is a superb rifle, and a joy to own.

[@ReloadingWeatherby]

Looking forward to using my 340 Weatherby this fall

[@johnvillalovos5082]

I’ve always been a Weatherby fan. I hope to add a 340 to my collection. Maybe next year.

[@bustabass9025]

I own one. You won't regret it.

[@TheFlairside]

Most accurate rifle I own is a 340 and it’s not close. Shoot sub inch groups at 500 yards with it

[@craigleibbrand7761]

Has anyone shot a 340? It's brutally massive, fast and hard. I'm done with the Weatherby CHEEK SLAP from their Monte Carlo stock. I'm going to a Richard's microfit STRAIGHT LINE thumb hole stock. With a magna ported barrel it should take some of the sting out of the recoil.

[@solutions2exist556]

Thank you. Anything .340 is always appreciated!

[@ReloadingWeatherby]

Happy to do it!

[@ponderosaoutdoors]

The biggest problem with the .340 is having to deal with Weatherby. Their customer service is horrible and the worst thing they could have done is not release it to other companies to replicate. That being said, the .340 has been an absolute sledgehammer in the 18 years I’ve shot it.

[@ReloadingWeatherby]

I've had good experiences with them... but doesn't mean others have had the same

[@ponderosaoutdoors]

@@ReloadingWeatherby I can respect that not everybody has had the same experiences that I have had, but being a dealer, and having dealt with them in the past, I will never recommend them to anyone.

[@toddvandyke8737]

Another Roy Weatherby creation shown to still be very relevant! Thanks for sharing!

[@ReloadingWeatherby]

Thanks for watching Todd!

[@jamesjaeger3976]

Whenever I’ve locked 👀on to my chosen game recoil isn’t even thought of. It’s irrelevant to the air between myself and the target. Quick shot, off hand or not as well as straight shooting with a clean humans kill. A clean miss always a blessing. Happy hunting 🦌

[@jk-kr8jt]

RW, good video and I'm glad to hear you say that your not concerned with "efficiency ". When I hear "efficiency " brought up in a cartridge discussion, I tune-out the rest. I know someone is selling me a bill of goods. I didn't know that the parent case for the Lapua was the 416 Rigby. With that being said, the parent case for the 338-378 Weatherby is the 378 Weatherby and the parent case for that is the 416 Rigby with a belt added. The 338-378 offers little advantage over the 340. I think you should compare the 340 Weatherby, 338-378 Weatherby and 338 Lapua. Heck throw in the 338 RUM, too. I never saw the reason for the Lapua, when the 340 had a 40+ year headstart. I'll stick with my 340 Weatherbys, 338 RUM and 338 Win. Never felt under-gunned. Keep up the good work. Cheers, Jeff P.S. try to do the ballistic charts side by side. Just easier for us views. Thanks

[@bryanmassey6201]

“Efficiency” is a term ammunition manufacturers and gun writers like use to sell products. It has no meaning in the real world. The only way to get speed is to burn more fuel. No free lunches in this world.

[@criticalbo]

Thanks for the video. The .340wby is one of my all time favorites. Ive hunted with it for almost 20 years now. I was tired of having to track elk, so I did my research and chose the .340wby. I hope it never gets shut down but with the pansies at Weatherby making the 338rpn. Im guessing its time is about up. Its barely in their rifle lineup now. Anyways its a true classic and its still a hammer.

[@ReloadingWeatherby]

I don't think it will ever go away... but rifle selection will be limited.

[@smokeylovesfire1589]

Amen!

[@jamesshaw89]

Excellent comparison I did not know these were even close to each other

[@ReloadingWeatherby]

Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@robbyhouse4619]

My dad handed down his 340 Weatherby to me before he passed away and I got a 338 lapua 2 years and the 338 lapua out did the 340 Weatherby in every Category and I've tested them many times and I get the same out come.

[@danielravenstar4051]

I got the 338 lapua because it was only 1000.00 on gunbroker, and no 1 challenged my bid, I was looking at your videos, As an interest in the 460 weatherby

[@ReloadingWeatherby]

That's awesome! Hope you enjoy it!

[@hopefulballistics]

I like the 340 Weatherby more and more as you’ve highlighted it in a few videos

[@ReloadingWeatherby]

It's a more efficient version of a 300 Weatherby!

[@WesternReloader]

For sniping, which the Lapua was built for, I’m guessing it does perform better at that versus the 340 maybe because of twist rate for standard offerings

[@ReloadingWeatherby]

No doubt the 338 Lapua is built better for long distance shooting.

[@budlite8207]

I have a 340 WBY and it's a powerhouse. Probably haven't shot in ten years but i love the rifle. Mark 5 with all the pretty, left handed even. (I'm a Lefty) Doesn't kick, huge shove. Got a great deal in 1991, yes I handload because its the only affordable way to shoot it. Taken many critters with it, elk, deer, coyotes....

[@ReloadingWeatherby]

I'm jealous

[@concreteandgrading]

Did it tear the coyote up

[@budlite8207]

Not bad on the entry side, nothing left on the exit side. Barnes X 225 gr. Damage was about equal to my 300 WM but I don't eat them@@concreteandgrading

[@ronlowney4700]

🤔 So, here is my recommendation, learning from hands on experience! The 340 Weatherby case holds about 102 grains of water, while the 338 Lapua Magnum case holds about 115 grains of water (+/- 1 grain of water)! Improve the case ("Ackleyize" it) and you can get it up to 125 grains of water capacity (compared to 100 grains of water capacity for the 300 Weatherby Magnum - or another 25% more case capacity)! Then, neck it down to make it a 30-338 Lapua Magnum! I chose, instead, to buy a 308 Warbird! The 338 Lapua has more available and cheaper brass than the 308 Warbird and will always be around! But, by "improving" the case, you will also get longer brass life (less case stretch) and be able to cut the cost of shooting it! So, what kind of performance can you expect out of that "improved" case, pushing those higher 30 caliber B.C. bullets (similar performance to that of the 308 Warbird)? Around 3,600 ft/s with the 180 grain load, 3,350 ft/s with the 200 grain load, and 3,150 ft/s with the 220 grain load! But, because you have higher B.C. 30 caliber bullets, downrange the 30 caliber will quickly surpass it in "performance" and you can get up to 250 grain 30 caliber bullets too (going around 2,950 ft/s to 3,000 ft/s - more than the 340 Weatherby Magnum and the 338 Lapua Magnum, especially downrange)! 😜 So, their you go - "Problem Solved" 👨‍🏫! 🤭🤣

[@ReloadingWeatherby]

Just use a 30-378 Weatherby.

[@ronlowney4700]

🤷‍♂️But, It's Not As Good (Fast)! The velocity of the 180 grain bullet, for example, is 150 ft/s slower in that cartridge! However, the correct answer you should have said is that you already have a 300 Weatherby and for all "practical purposes" that is "Good Enough" ! 😜 With the "Big Magnums", their is a "Law of Deminishing Returns"! 🤑 Don't Part With That 300 WBY, for the 340 WBY! You'll be like my uncle and want to go back to the 300 WBY, once you realize that you aren't gaining anything with it (hunting results wise, anyway)! 😂 And, if you shoot it while standing under a tree in late winter, watch out for falling snow! ❄

[@ronlowney4700]

😜 I guess that I also should have added case pressure ratings too! You are right that the 30-378 does have a bigger case capacity than the 30-338 Lapua Magnum Improved (by 8 grains of water), but the designed pressure rating of the 30-378 Weatherby Magnum is 63,800 psi, while the 30-338 Lapua Magnum is 68,100 psi! 🤷‍♂️

[@wadeparker6091]

Great review. The 340 WBY is a great round. Can't wait for next review.

[@concreteandgrading]

​@ronlowney4700 wow , you're on point, good thinking

[@jameswilson5562]

Great video the 340 is a hoss if I am not mistaken the 338 rum is in there too might be one to check out

[@araratoutdoors]

I have a 340 weatherby mag. I love it. Good choice

[@ReloadingWeatherby]

Someday... I'll have one.

[@chris_electrician]

I'll pick the 340 weatherby myself.

[@Jeff_Seely]

Finland vs USA. I'll take the Weatherby. Just like you said it's efficient and North American big game won't take a step If you hit them anywhere in the vitals. They go 3 ft. Straight down

[@ReloadingWeatherby]

Can't go wrong with either one. I also prefer the American made 340 Weatherby!

[@Tim-the-pilot]

The need for speed ..338-378 weatherby..seems everybody’s trying to improve or out do the other guy.. it’s simple Roy Weatherby was and still is the king of the wild cats ..my dad was one of the first of a handful of guys to have a 300 wbys east of the Mississippi back in the early 50’s so with out saying I’m partial to the weatherby brand.. love your videos…

[@afader6898]

340 for me, don't plan on getting rid of my mark v ss, 250s do get to 3000 fps in my barrel, recoil is noticeable but not unbearable, and no, mine doesn't have a muzzle brake and yes I shoot it from the bench

[@ReloadingWeatherby]

Thanks for sharing!

[@afader6898]

Your welcome👍

[@concreteandgrading]

What kinda scope

[@ronkay1573]

Surprising and good video. I need a 340.

[@vernonlarson7016]

The 338 lapua shines more with 265 and bigger bullets with rl26. I love the 340. I would pick , which I have a custom 338 lapua. A custom 338 lapua Ackley improved. I would pick the 340 if I am shooting less than a 265 grain bullets. I have 2 custom 338 edge rifles. I'm shooting high 3300's with 225 Barnes's ttsx bullets with that.

[@concreteandgrading]

You don't like the 265, 285 grain bullets?

[@MichaelRobertson-i8f]

Owning both the 340 Weatherby and a 338 Lapua and have reloaded both using the Reloader 33 powder firing a Barns MRX 250 gr bullet. Living in the Owen’s Valley and working for LADWP I was fortunate enough to be living in Company Housing. The 340 Weatherby I have was used when I bought it and replaced its wood stock with a Carlson stock and put a Vortex scope on it, the other gun is a military design with bipod, huge flash and recoil suppressor with a weight that is 4.5 pounds heavier than the Weatherby. Anyone who knows something about ballistics I don’t have to explain the performance aspect

[@dankrich2153]

I had the choice and went with the 340 in my mark V

[@ReloadingWeatherby]

Nice!

[@HighRoad317]

Pretty convincing date!!

[@markcox2870]

340 Weatherby is Thor's Hammer next to the 378 Weatherby which is Thor's Jackhammer.

[@14goldmedals]

I own a gorgeous LH Mark V Deluxe "Jackhammer" 378 Wby. Thin hunting barrel, Magna Ported but no real brake. Ridiculous recoil! I know I should sell it but I'll never see another stock this nice. I may still rebarrel it with a take off 338-378 Weatherby barrel from a factory Weatherby with their factory brake if I find one.

[@14goldmedals]

And thanks for the new nickname for my rifle!

[@JohnWest-yc9ol]

I found the Hornady manual is a little conservative with the cartridges I load

[@ReloadingWeatherby]

Same

[@14goldmedals]

Me 3.

[@Suslord907]

last year i bought a Christensen Arms MPR in 338 lapua magnum. because i’ve always wanted one, i think i could be wrong but it might have more bullet selections. it may have more data for ballistics, but i wouldn’t know i don’t research about the 340 wtby. personally i chose the 338 lapua over the 340

[@ReloadingWeatherby]

In factory ammo it has a lot more ammo selection.

[@dominickmcginnis6277]

I like both cartridges but I have to agree with you on going with the 340 weatherby. That being said I'll stick with my 338 rum. I've got 3 loads for it: a 265gr lrx running 2887 fps (a little slow in my opinion). I had it going right around 3,000 fps and had back the load off to save on the brass), and I have 185gr tsx and ttsx using the same load running 3,305 fps. All said and done I consider it a 500 yd rifle with my barnes bullet loads. They're still going between 2,100 and 2,200 fps at that distance where I think they'll still reliably expand like they're supposed to. Keep up the good work, I enjoy watching the videos.

[@ReloadingWeatherby]

338 RUM is great! Sounds like you have a couple of good options with the Barnes bullets.

[@robbyhouse4619]

338 Lapua mag every over the 300 Weatherby or the 340 Magnum and the 300 rum and the 338 rum and also better than the 300 pro. Lapua Magnum every day over the rest and I have the the 338 Lapua magnum is much better.

[@ReloadingWeatherby]

Thanks for watching

[@brandonchandler9032]

Why did they belt cartridges? Does it make a difference in any way?

[@WesternReloader]

Great video as usual but I do want to interject on your claim that Roy “one upped” Winchester (338 win mag vs 340 Weatherby) I do know what you mean, but Winchester very well could have made a huge case lob projectiles lightning fast, but I believe Winchester intended to offer an all around balanced, capable, without being too ridiculously painful to shoot, but if I had a choice between 338 win, 340 weatherby, and 338 lap, I don’t know because I haven’t fired any of them. Based on price/availability 338 win hands down. I’m not even sure how many rounds of the win Id shoot before flinching. After 12 shots of 454 casull in my ruger alaskan, I’m done 😅

[@criticalbo]

Pierce, I'll bet once you shot the .340wby or the 338 win mag you'd choose one and be real happy. The recoil is really not that bad. Ive shot the 340 for years, even after 3 shoulder surgeries. Also I would be very happy with a 338win shooting 210gr barnes ttsx or partitions/accubonds. That combo just flattens animals too. The 338 win is a fantastic round

[@ReloadingWeatherby]

You can last 12 shots with a 454 Casull? I'm pretty much done after 2.

[@WesternReloader]

@@ReloadingWeatherby me too 😂

[@WesternReloader]

@@ReloadingWeatherby I wish I got the longer barrel Toklat, but I just had to have the snub nose

[@edwardabrams4972]

Just try and find ammo and brass for the 338 win mag! I have been looking online and in every pawn shop and sporting good store and no ammo or brass to be found but I have seen 340 Weatherby ammo🤔😳

[@jackking3134]

LOVE THE 340 BEE ALL THE WAY

[@ronlowney4700]

🙄 The problem with all of the Reloading Manuals is that they don't compare similar cartridges, using all the same powders and also use those "stupid" compressed loads to "play favorites"! ☹

[@ReloadingWeatherby]

It is... what it is

[@ronlowney4700]

🤣 Yep! That is Why I judge a cartridges "ability" (potential performance) upon one thing that won't change - case powder capacity! 😯 You have to pay (barrel life) to play! 😜

[@concreteandgrading]

​@@ronlowney4700yup

[@ThemantleofElijah]

Hey Reloading Weatherby I picked up a new canon, a 33 Nosler

[@ReloadingWeatherby]

Sounds fun!

[@ThemantleofElijah]

@@ReloadingWeatherby oh it will be. I’m a weatherby guy but I also like other stuff too, always loved my 300 wby. Although I have never had a 340, had a chance to buy one once but it just never seemed to really spark my interest, this 33 Nosler really landed in my lap and wasn’t what I was looking for but when I found it I just thought I had to have it.

[@ReloadingWeatherby]

@@ThemantleofElijah Keep me updated on how it shoots and the velocities. Not many have the 33 Nosler

[@ThemantleofElijah]

@@ReloadingWeatherby I sure will, I don’t have a chrono so I won’t be able to tell the velocity but the ammo is all factory it’s the 225 gr accubond, boy that stuff ain’t cheap I tell ya.

[@joshlower1]

So the 338 lm does the same thing for less money and is chambered in many rifles, unlike the wby.

[@ReloadingWeatherby]

338 Lapua is a lot more expensive. And the rifles aren't cheap either

[@joshlower1]

​@@ReloadingWeatherby got a savage 110 in an mdt chassis for 1500 bucks out the door. I can find lapua ammo for about 4 dollars a round if I look around. But I reload so It only cost me about 2.50 or so a round. I don't shoot my .338 lapua much, it's not an all day at the range gun, it's a long range target shooting every once in a while and for shooting elk, moose and grizzly bears. The cost is irrelevant.

[@joshlower1]

I don't put more then 200 rounds a year through it.

[@rodrigopellenc8953]

My loads in 340 wby ... : barnes ttsx 225 at 3350 p/s .. berger vld 250 at 3100 p/s .... hdy 285 at 2950 p/s .. ;-)

[@ReloadingWeatherby]

That is certainly moving

[@michiganwoodsman2199]

Also as a prior bench rest shooter, the 340 weatherby and ALL weatherbys are way less accuracte than the orhers. Something with that funky non squared neck. Yuck

[@jimklemens5018]

Come on.... 338-378 Weatherby

[@ReloadingWeatherby]

I've done a few videos on the 338-378 Weatherby

[@tacticalmattfoley]

One caveat I would add: because 338 Lapua has been used by the military for a while, ammo is plentiful. It seems like 338-378Wby made 340Wby obsolete. If a person had a choice between 338-378 Wby and 340Wby, why would they choose 340Wby? The reason I ask: I never sold a 340Wby rifle or box of cartridges while selling guns. I DID sell several 338-378 rifles and boxes of cartridges while selling guns. Additionally, I never sold 338 Lapua, either.

[@ReloadingWeatherby]

Yes, factory ammo is much more plentiful for 338 Lapua.

[@14goldmedals]

Good point about military adopted cartridges. Our Canadian Forces snipers practice a lot, and if you know who to call, there is surplus once fired Lapua brass for sale. I bought 300 three years ago at $2 each. That's about $1.70 US! Luckily before that I bought 10lbs of Retumbo and 1000 300 grain Bergers in anticipation of buying a rifle. Who knew the prices would skyrocket shortly after? Got lucky.

[@MangoMike316]

😎👍👍👍😎

[@joshlower1]

Nobody is hunting with 265 grain bullets

[@ReloadingWeatherby]

You speak for every 338 caliber owner now?

[@leeadams5941]

My choice would depend entirely on availability, they are too close to say one is better than the other

[@christinachaney3356]

I see at the bottom of your computer screen you have a tab for 35-378. I am building one, we are having a hard time finding a chamber reamer. I was wondering how far you have made it with that project, if you had found a chamber reamer, and if so what are the dimensions like neck length and shoulder angle? Thanks

[@ReloadingWeatherby]

Unfortunately I'm not building a 35-378 WBY. I did a video a few months ago on new potential Weatherby cartridges.

[@christinachaney3356]

Thank you for the quick response

[@michiganwoodsman2199]

Its NOT magical! Watch the bull elk etc getting dropped at 1000 yds man!!!! The stuff my boys also did with that round in the Millitary was out of this world! It now holds the non 50 cal world record kill.

[@yeetyeet8365]

People people 😂 all the new or most of is crap. The 340 is special and that time period. No nostalgia left. Africans call it the BOOM PLOP. They hear a boom and plop. I shoot a 378 and it’s not a big deal but it’s cool history. Still in the family. They are constantly doing something. Smith and Wesson are going down hill. Browning died years ago. Ruger is good but like a F 350 drive it every day. Most new guns are plastic. Who does a great job at wood ,blueing and engravings. That’s why my 416 is special to me. Just hold a shell in you hands. You’ll get it. Nothing like it. History. Even HENRY IS STRAYING. Cooper rifles? Buy a Weatherby and have a steak and a cup of coffee 😂 THATS ALL WE HAVE LEFT. WAKE UP.

[@ReloadingWeatherby]

Mark V Deluxe is a great rifle

[@dutch9357]

I have a Winchester Model 70. Nice walnut stock and nice blue. They’re “assembled” in Portugal now, but they used to be build (like mine) in South Carolina. 30-06, absolute hammer. Deer or elk, 1 and done. I like the 165 Federal Trophy Bonded Tip, pretty good for off the shelf stuff, but I have a load with an old Hornady bullet that’s no longer PC, but absolute hammer. 👍🏿

[@bustabass9025]

Mine is a Mark V Sporter. Beautiful gun with the classic Mark V action, sans the walnut tip on the stock and the ivory diamond inlays on the grip. Shoots, feels, and strikes 'em dead just the same for about $1grand less in 1992 dollars when I bought it.