How Smarter Case Design is About to Redefine .338 Lapua Performance

Written by Shell Shock
September 17, 2025
This article has been vetted by the Shell Tech Advisory Board. Read more about our editorial process.

At Shell Shock Technologies, we believe that true innovation starts with asking the right questions. Lately, we’ve been asking: can better case design alone push a round’s velocity and accuracy beyond what’s currently possible, without increasing chamber pressure?

Our work with NAS³ technology continues to prove the answer is yes.

One of the most exciting applications right now is the .338 Lapua. Known for long-range precision and unmatched stopping power, it’s a round trusted by elite shooters and military units worldwide. But even this staple cartridge has long been limited by the physical constraints of brass cases. Traditional .338 Lapua maxes out around 2900 FPS with a 250-grain bullet at 60,000 PSI. Going beyond that safely? Not possible—until now.

Our engineers took what we learned from extensive 7.62×51 testing—where we achieved a 5.36% velocity increase simply from more efficient NAS³ case geometry—and applied it to the .338 Lapua. The result: we now project this round can safely achieve ~3055 FPS at the same 60,000 PSI. No added risk. No compromised reliability. Just a smarter, stronger case doing what brass can’t.

But velocity gains are only part of the story.

We’re seeing the potential for up to 200% improvement in accuracy. That’s because NAS³ cases maintain a uniform, concentric grip on the projectile thanks to our proprietary forming process. The geometry of the case helps guide each bullet perfectly into the rifling, minimizing bullet wobble and enhancing stability. Combined with a high-strength case mouth that eliminates the need for crimping, every round retains consistent neck pressure, leading to more predictable flight and tighter groups downrange.

There’s also a significant weight advantage. Our .338 Lapua NAS³ cases weigh 13.4 grams each—roughly 38% lighter than the 21.51g brass equivalent. That means more rounds for the same carry weight, faster follow-ups, and less shooter fatigue during extended sessions.

Production is moving quickly. Tooling is ahead of schedule, and early demand is already filling up our capacity. In just a few weeks, our initial samples will be ready, and the .338 Lapua NAS³ will officially enter the market as our next major release.

This isn’t theoretical. It’s happening. And it’s going to change what shooters can expect from .338 Lapua performance.

We can’t wait to get it in your hands.

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