The factory was founded in 1923, whilst the manufacturing of .22 rimfire ammunition commenced in 1947. The factory was dynamically developed between 1976 and 1984; its floorspace was increased and new buildings were added to the original plant. As of 1980, their focus gradually shifted towards target shooting and hunting. At the beginning of 1992, the company bought SK Jagd- und Sportmunitions Gmbh, a German business that specialised in the production of 0.22 ammunition.
Their most widely recognized product is the .22 long rifle ammunition, which is produced and sold in various forms. Centerfire bullets with larger calibre, such as FMJBT D46 and D47, Scenar and Lock Base are also among Lapua’s popular innovations. All of these come with a boat tail design. The Scenar is an open tip match bullet and the Silver is coated with molybdenum disulphide. These bullets feature superb ballistic performance. The following versions are currently available: .222 Remington, .223 Remington, 6mm BR Norma, 6,5×55, .308 Winchester, 7,62×53/54R and .338 Lapua Magnum.
The .338 Lapua Magnum (8.6 x 70mm) appeared on the scene in 1987. Unlike conventional magnums, the .338 is a rimless cartridge which features an outstanding ballistic value. It has enabled modern snipers to achieve a shooting distance of 1000m, though in some cases, this cartridge is used even for a distance of 1500m. Canadian peacekeepers based in Afghanistan considered the .338 suitable for a range of 2600m.
The Naturalis line is an environmentally friendly and lead-free family of products. The bullets are manufactured by using pure copper and feature a green polymer tip. The manufacturer guarantees maximal shock effect and minimal meat loss, thanks to the bullet’s fragment-free expanding capabilities. We make the right choice using either Mega or Naturalis for big European as well as African game. The Scenar would also be ideal, but because it’s a jacketed bullet, though hollow point, it is primarily used to shoot furry pests and grouse.
All 3 versions have been tried and tested for years and perform steadily and well.
Lapua manufactures ammunition for target shooters as well as law enforcement authorities. An example is the 32 SW/.38 SPL LWC.
Lapua cartridges specifically designed for hunting purposes are normally available in all common European and American calibres. Jacketed cartridges are available for 222 Rem., .223 Rem., .243 Win., 6,5×55, 7,62×39, .308 Win., 7,62x53R and .30-06 Spr. guns. We can source smaller calibre soft-point bullets as well, in common weights, which is 3.6g for a Remington and 6.5g for a Winchester.
Custom designed Naturalis and Mega bullet-constructions are available from a calibre of 6.5 x 55mm. It’s apparent for an experienced set of eyes that both bullets are suitable for a shooting distance of up to 200m, a distance that is commonly used in hunting. Both Mega and Naturalis feature a rounded tip, which makes them ideal for use in a covered, bushy environment. Contrary to spritzer boat tails, the possible meat-damage will stay at a minimum using round nose bullets. The larger surface of the tip also makes round nose bullets equal partners in terms of killing potential. This statement is obviously only true within the shooting range of 200m.
It’s a worthwhile task to further analyse these two Finnish bullets. The Mega is a soft point round tip bullet with a protective brass jacket. The jacket itself is thickened at the middle section, which is designed to arrest the mushrooming at the right stage and reduce antimony-leakage upon penetration, even if the bullet hits hard bones. It is one of the most popular choices for large game, including moose and bear, in Scandinavia.