338 ARC Ballistics Tables From the Major Manufacturer

By Wes Littlefield

Last Updated: May 19, 2026

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Wes Littlefield

Guns have fascinated Wes since pulling the trigger on his BB gun as a kid. He built a private gun range over a decade ago to keep his skills sharp. He loves breaking down complex ideas into understandable pieces for readers, with expertise in hunting and all aspects of shooting.

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Wes Littlefield, "338 ARC Ballistics: Easy To Understand And Compare"
(https://ammo.com/ballistics/338-arc-ballistics)

You've made it to our in-depth look at 338 ARC ballistics from Hornady, the developer of the 338 ARC.

338 ARC Ballistics Charts

Save time by clicking the links below to jump to your preferred ammo and find the ballistic specs you need for your favorite 338 ARC factory load.

Jump to a ballistics chart: Hornady BLACK 170 Grain MonoFlex | Hornady BLACK 175 Grain HP Match | Hornady BLACK 215 Grain FTX | Hornady Frontier 285 Grain FMJ | Hornady Subsonic 307 Grain Sub-X |

Hornady BLACK 170 Grain MonoFlex

Hornady BLACK 175 Grain HP Match

Hornady BLACK 215 Grain FTX

Hornady Frontier 285 Grain FMJ

Hornady Subsonic 307 Grain Sub-X

Administrative Note: The information above comes from the manufacturer. Ballistics obtained with your firearm can vary considerably from advertised ballistics. Also, ballistics can vary from lot to lot with the same brand and load. When manufacturer data were unavailable, ballistics were calculated by Ammo.com.

338 ARC Trajectory Chart

A bullet's flight path to the target is its trajectory. Long-range shooters measure trajectory in various ways, including inches of bullet drop, milliradians (MIL), and minutes of angle (MOA).

The 338 ARC wasn't intended for long-range shooting; therefore, its trajectory arches more dramatically than long-distance cartridges like the 338 Lapua Magnum.

Hornady BLACK 170 Grain MonoFlex

Hornady BLACK 175 Grain HP Match

Hornady BLACK 215 Grain FTX

Hornady Frontier 285 Grain FMJ

Hornady Subsonic 307 Grain Sub-X

How Do 338 ARC Ballistics Compare to Other Rifles?

The 338 ARC is comparable to several other rifle cartridges, including the 300 Blackout, 8.6 Blackout, 338 Lapua Magnum, and 308 Winchester. But which cartridge is best for your shooting needs?

338 ARC vs. 8.6 Blackout

The 8.6 Blackout and 338 ARC are the closest siblings on this list, both firing .338 caliber projectiles from an AR platform with suppressor-optimized loads. For a detailed look at how the two stack up, check out our full 8.6 Blackout ballistics breakdown.

338 ARC vs. 300 Blackout

Both cartridges are designed for the AR platform and excel in suppressed applications, but the 338 ARC delivers significantly more energy and a larger projectile diameter. Shooters weighing their options should explore our full 300 Blackout ballistics breakdown for a deeper look at how the two compare downrange.

338 ARC vs. 338 Lapua Magnum

338 ARC vs. 308 Winchester

The 308 Winchester has a much longer effective range and is one of the most versatile rifle cartridges ever made, whereas the 338 ARC trades long-range capability for a heavier projectile in a more compact package. For a complete performance breakdown, see our 308 Winchester ballistics charts.

Frequently Asked Questions

The team at Ammo.com has gathered and answered some of the most commonly asked questions about 338 ARC ballistics.

What is the Effective Range of 338 ARC?

The effective range of the 338 ARC for hunting is about 200 yards.

What Does 338 ARC Compare To?

The 338 ARC compares to the 300 Blackout, 8.6 Blackout, 6.5 Grendel, and 450 Bushmaster.

What Is the 338 ARC Good For?

The 338 ARC is good for suppressed shooting and hunting within 200 yards. It's also a solid option for many tactical situations.

What Barrel Length Is Best for a 338 ARC?

The best barrel length for the 338 ARC is typically 16 to 18 inches.

Written by

Wes Littlefield