.338 Marlin Express | ||||||||
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Type | Rifle | |||||||
Place of origin | US | |||||||
Production history | ||||||||
Designer | Marlin / Hornady | |||||||
Designed | 2009 | |||||||
Manufacturer | Hornady | |||||||
Produced | 2009–2019 | |||||||
Specifications | ||||||||
Parent case | .376 Steyr | |||||||
Case type | Semi-rimmed, bottleneck | |||||||
Bullet diameter | .338 in (8.6 mm) | |||||||
Neck diameter | .372 in (9.4 mm) | |||||||
Shoulder diameter | .496 in (12.6 mm) | |||||||
Base diameter | .502 in (12.8 mm) | |||||||
Rim diameter | .548 in (13.9 mm) | |||||||
Rim thickness | .045 in (1.1 mm) | |||||||
Case length | 1.886 in (47.9 mm) | |||||||
Overall length | 2.583 in (65.6 mm) | |||||||
Rifling twist | 1:12 in (300 mm) | |||||||
Primer type | WLR | |||||||
Maximum pressure (SAAMI) | 46,500 psi (321 MPa) | |||||||
Ballistic performance | ||||||||
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Test barrel length: 24 in (610 mm) Source(s): 338 Marlin Express LEVERevolution at Hornady web site & MidwayUSA and C.I.P. Data[1] |
The .338 Marlin Express is a cartridge developed by Marlin Firearms and Hornady. It is based on the .376 Steyr with a goal to duplicate the venerable .30-06 Springfield's performance in a cartridge compatible with lever-action firearms. The cartridge uses a slightly shorter, rimmed case to function in lever-action rifles with tubular magazines. As introduced in Hornady's LEVERevolution line of cartridges, it follows the design logic of the .308 Marlin Express which preceded it. The .338MX fires heavier .338 caliber bullets than the .308 Marlin Express at roughly the same velocity. It is chambered in Marlin's Model 338MX and 338MXLR rifles using the Marlin Model 336 action.[2][3]