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338 ARC Ammo

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338 ARC Ammo For Sale Online At Smoky Mountains Guns and Ammo

33 arc ammo

f you are searching for 338 ARC ammo for sale, you are looking at one of the most exciting cartridges to hit the rifle market in decades. The 338 Advanced Rifle Cartridge (338 ARC) is a modern big-bore round designed by Hornady for the popular AR-15 platform. It delivers powerful performance in both subsonic and supersonic forms, giving shooters and hunters a versatile cartridge that stands out in performance and impact. The design brings .338 caliber energy to compact rifles and pistols with excellent cycling reliability and accuracy.

What Is 338 ARC Ammo?

The 338 ARC (Advanced Rifle Cartridge) blends the raw power of a .338-inch projectile with the flexibility of the AR-15 platform. It was engineered to provide both subsonic and supersonic performance from the same case design. This makes it a true dual-purpose cartridge suitable for tactical use, hunting mid-size game, and precision shooting. The design uses a case based on the 6.5 Grendel family optimized for superior subsonic burn characteristics and consistent pressure curves.

History of the 338 ARC

Designed by Hornady, the 338 ARC has roots in the Advanced Rifle Cartridge family concept. Engineers began development to answer demand for a mid-bore, high-energy cartridge that could be used in lightweight rifles and deliver reliable performance in both subsonic and supersonic loads. Initial impetus for development came from military and tactical consideration, though Hornady refined it for civilians over time. The result is a tactical-grade round now embraced by commercial shooters and hunters alike thanks to its adaptability and real-world performance.

Types of 338 ARC Ammunition

338 ARC ammunition comes in multiple configurations to suit different shooting needs:

Supersonic Loads

  • Hollow point versions like the 175-grain ammo offer high velocity and flatter trajectories.

Subsonic Loads

  • Heavy, subsonic rounds such as 307-grain Sub-X excel in suppressed shooting and low sound signatures without sacrificing energy.

Each type is engineered for specific purposes, whether engaging targets at distance or running a suppressed rifle in tight conditions.

Specifications of 338 ARC Ammo

Here are typical specifications that shooters and hunters reference for planning and ballistics:

  • Caliber: .338 Advanced Rifle Cartridge

  • Case Base: Based on 6.5 Grendel parent

  • Max Pressure: ~52,000 PSI (supersonic loads)

  • Bullet Weights: 175gr (supersonic), 307gr (subsonic)

  • Platform: AR-15 variants (requires compatible upper/bolt)

Design of the Ammunition

The 338 ARC uses a necked-up case to accept a .338-inch bullet. Its shoulder and powder capacity are optimized for consistent pressure and reliable ignition, especially in subsonic configurations that historically struggled with consistency. This design delivers lower group spreads and more predictable shot placement.

What Is 338 ARC Ammo Used For?

Shooter communities love 338 ARC rounds for:

  • Hunting Mid-Size Game: Excellent for deer and hogs out to moderate ranges.

  • Range Shooting: Great for precision and fun at the range with both supersonic and subsonic fun.

  • Suppressed Firearms: Heavy bullets retain energy quietly, creating a satisfying shooting experience coupled with minimal noise.

Buy Bulk 338 ARC Ammo at Smoky Mountains Guns and Ammo

At SmokyMountainsGunsAndAmmo.com, you can find 338 ARC ammo in stock and ready to ship. Whether you want 338 ARC ammo for sale in bulk boxes, match grade rounds, or tactical loads, we keep inventory moving so you never wait. Buying in bulk saves per-round cost and ensures you never run low during critical moments.

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Effective Range

The 338 ARC ballistics shine at:

  • Subsonic loads: Effective up to 200 yards with suppressed performance.

  • Supersonic loads: Usable beyond 300 yards with sufficient energy on target.

This range versatility makes it a flexible option for hunters and shooters alike.

Muzzle Velocity

Typical muzzle velocities:

Load Type Bullet Weight Muzzle Velocity
Supersonic 175gr ~2,050–2,075 fps
Subsonic 307gr ~1,050 fps

These figures show why this round bridges both worlds, energy and control.

338 ARC Ammo Ballistics Chart

Load Velocity (fps) Energy (ft-lbs) Notes
175gr Hollow Point 2075 ~1673 Fast supersonic
307gr Sub-X 1050 ~752 Heavy subsonic

Hornady Ammo 338 ARC 175gr HP Black

The Hornady 175 gr HP Black load is a supersonic 338 advanced rifle cartridge round designed for controlled expansion and sustained flight. It balances speed with energy retention, making it a favorite for shooters who want flat shooting rounds with significant impact on game or targets.

Hornady Ammo 338 ARC 307gr Sub-X

The 307 gr Sub-X round delivers serious energy at subsonic speeds. It pairs exceptionally well with suppressors, producing a quieter report while keeping enough mass to ethically take game within practical distances. This round was engineered to maximize subsonic consistency and reliability.

338 ARC Ammo vs 223

Compared to the .223 Remington, the 338 ARC delivers significantly more energy, larger projectiles, and greater terminal performance at extended ranges. The .223 ammo excels with low recoil and cheap training, but the 338 ARC delivers the power needed for hunting and tactical applications where stopping power matters.

338 ARC Ammo vs 300 Blackout

Both rounds work in AR-15 platforms, but the 338 ARC typically offers more energy and better retained terminal performance than the 300 Blackout, especially in subsonic form. Tests show the ARC can generate around 1.5× the energy of similar Blackout loads.

338 ARC Rifle, Barrel, Upper

To shoot 338 ARC rounds, you need a rifle or upper built specifically for the cartridge. Many manufacturers now offer complete 338 ARC rifles and upper assemblies. Barrels are typically rated for the caliber with optimized twist rates for accuracy. SmokyMountainsGunsAndAmmo.com offers components and complete rifles for your next build or upgrade.

Where to Buy 338 ARC Ammo Online

If you want 338 ARC ammo for sale in stock, SmokyMountainsGunsAndAmmo.com is your destination. Our online store stocks top brands and bulk quantities so you never run out of rounds when you need them most. Our fast shipping and trusted inventory make us a preferred source for serious shooters.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the best use for 338 ARC ammunition?
A: Ideal for hunting medium game, suppressed shooting, and tactical applications.

Q: Can I use 338 ARC ammunition with suppressors?
A: Yes, subsonic loads paired with suppressors offer low noise and high energy retention.

Q: How does 338 ARC compare to 300 Blackout?
A: It delivers greater energy and better terminal performance, especially subsonic.

Q: What platforms can shoot 338 ARC?
A: AR-15 rifles with compatible uppers/bolts and some bolt-action platforms.

Conclusion

The 338 ARC ammo from Smoky Mountains Guns and Ammo offers shooters and hunters a powerful, versatile, and reliable cartridge. Whether you seek subsonic performance, supersonic energy, or trustworthy bulk ammo, the 338 advanced rifle cartridge delivers. With impressive ballistics, multiple load offerings, and growing platform support, this round stands out in both recreational and practical use.

Visit SmokyMountainsGunsAndAmmo.com now to buy bulk 338 ARC ammo for sale and secure high-performance rounds ready for your next hunting or range session.