The PGM 338, also known as the PGM .338 LM (LM - Lapua Magnum) or PGM Mini-Hecate .338, is French sniper rifle from the early 1990's (being produced since 1993). It uses the .338 Lapua Magnum (8.6×70mm) cartridge, which remains supersonic up to a range of 1200–1500 m depending on the exact ammunition type and environmental conditions. The PGM 338 is intended to fulfill a long-range anti-personnel role, and fills the capability void between the lighter 7.62×51mm NATO (.308) anti-personnel sniper rifles, which do not have the sufficient maximum effective range to be effectively used at ultra long ranges, and the larger .50 BMG (12.7×99mm) anti-materiel rifles, which lack the portability of lighter systems. The PGM 338 was designed by Chris L. Movigliatti (when he worked for PGM Précision) of the Swiss AMSD company and is produced by PGM Précision of France. The rifle is distributed directly through PGM in France, Drake Associates, Inc. of the United States and Liemke Defence in Germany and other European countries. The PGM 338 main commercial competitors/equivalents on the high-end factory sniper rifle market are the Accuracy International Arctic Warfare and Sako TRG product lines. All these rifles are comparable performance-wise. Design details Like its larger brother - the PGM Hécate II (chambered in .50 BMG), the PGM 338 is structured around a central rigid metal girder chassis, giving it a skeletal "barebones" appearance to minimize weight and simplify maintenance. The receiver is made from a high quality 7075 aircraft-grade aluminum alloy, while the steel bolt has three lugs that lock into a barrel extension. It also has overpressure vent holes allowing high-pressure gases a channel of escape in the rare event of a cartridge case head failure. The barrel was designed by the German firm Lothar Walther and is cold hammer forged. The match grade fluted barrel is mounted fully floated and sports an integrated muzzle brake with a 50% recoil reduction effectiveness. The barrel features a non-conventional 305 mm (1:12 in) right-hand twist rate optimized for firing 16.2 gram (250 grain) .338-calibre very-low-drag bullets (VLD). Longer, heavier VLD bullets, like the Sierra HPBT MatchKing 19.44 gram (300 grain) projectile require a 254 mm (1:10 in) rifling twist rate. The furniture (pistol grip and forearm) is made from a polymer material and is mounted to the frame. The buttstock is made from metal and has an adjustable shoulder pad for comfortable aiming and