338 Win Mag vs 338 Lapua Mag

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AlexF

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Looking at reloading data, I've noticed that 338 Win Mag can do most of what 338 Lapua Mag does but can it be used for long range shooting ?
Then 338 Win Mag can drive the bullets at almost 338 Lapua Mag velocity but what about accuracy ?
Alex
 
It'll shoot just fine.

Look at the 338 RUM. Near twins with the LM

Rem forgot to pursue Uncle Sam so it will be another forgotten option.

The LM was a byproduct of a US Govt design requirement. There are other options that do the same thing BUT no other manf has pursued as well or as agressively as Lapua

So the spoils goes to them....Kudos..

Jerry
 
When you learn to be consistent and learn the drop, a 338 Win Mag will impress the hell out of you. Beat you up a bit also.
 
It works just fine as a long range target round.

It is even more impressive using them necked down to 30 cal because of the longer necks. 338 cannot be used in ICFRA competition the 30-338 can be.
 
I'm concerned with shooting something a can afford to practice with!
I know 2 guys who have a 338 Lapua Mag (TRG42) that they don't shoot because they're tired of paying 100$ a box for match ammo.
This is kind of off topic, but finding 17$ a box 243 Win ammo that shoots very well is easy, the same cannot be said of every caliber and I'm particularly concerned about 338 Lapua Mag.
Alex
 
AlexF said:
I'm concerned with shooting something a can afford to practice with!
I know 2 guys who have a 338 Lapua Mag (TRG42) that they don't shoot because they're tired of paying 100$ a box for match ammo.
This is kind of off topic, but finding 17$ a box 243 Win ammo that shoots very well is easy, the same cannot be said of every caliber and I'm particularly concerned about 338 Lapua Mag.
Alex
Click to expand...

Good point. If you dont reload for the LM, it will cost lots to learn to shot it well. Even reloading it is an expensive round, but performance is great.
 
Alex, I have a 1-mile range on mine and my neighbour's property with steel and paper targets.. In between, there are thousands of suicidal gophers.

Not even I bother with heavy hurting and expensive magnums.

Unless you a) are using hand-loaded and specifically tuned ammo and b) at LEAST using a match barrel and chamber, you will never achieve exceptional long range results no matter what you use. a 338 WM or LM will simply yield very expensive mediocre results.

There is nothing stopping a 223 or 308 from giving you years of fun and pleasure at long range, and I mean LONG range. If you get into reloading. there are many good choices, but nothing beats the sheer fun, accuracy and ease-of-use you get with the venerable 6mm BR NBorma.

(Caution...gratuitous arrogant boast inbound) I guarantee I can beat any factory 338 with factory ammo shooting one of my F-Class 6BR's
 
Not even I bother with heavy hurting and expensive magnums.

Unless you a) are using hand-loaded and specifically tuned ammo and b) at LEAST using a match barrel and chamber, you will never achieve exceptional long range results no matter what you use. a 338 WM or LM will simply yield very expensive mediocre results.

My 338 LM does not hurt. Recoil like a 243. IT is a SERIOUS tack driver and kills very effectively at 1000 yards.

Reloading for 338 LM is the only way to go. Even better when the vendor is willing to include powder, brass, and bullets.:)

I chose the 338 Lapua Magnum and the particular rifle, as a very effective long range, big game hunting combination.
 
AlexF said:
I'm concerned with shooting something a can afford to practice with!
I know 2 guys who have a 338 Lapua Mag (TRG42) that they don't shoot because they're tired of paying 100$ a box for match ammo.
This is kind of off topic, but finding 17$ a box 243 Win ammo that shoots very well is easy, the same cannot be said of every caliber and I'm particularly concerned about 338 Lapua Mag.
Alex
Click to expand...

A couple of summers ago, I met up with some LR shooters and we went out to play. One had a BEAUTIFUL 338LM. Top tier everything. I think his rings cost more then my entire rifle:D.

Well, it was a windy day typical of the OK valley. Sunny and pretty hot. Off we went and being a good host, I decided I would chase him around the countryside with my Savage 223 tactical rifle.

We took turns picking targets out to 1400ish yds. He shot, he hit. I shot, I hit. Hit/miss ratios were pretty much a dead heat.

The big differences - his bullet impacts were WAY easier to spot, his wallet was WAY lighter then mine. If you include barrel wear, his 338 LM was close to 7 times as expensive.

38 cents vs $2.50 - handloads. Of course, this would be way higher if you used factory ammo.

If you want to break something at LR, bigger better. If you are out shooting for S&G's at targets of opportunity, there are so many options.

Either a fast twist 223 or 6BR will offer LR performance WAY beyond most shooters expectations.

Then we move to the real wind cheaters in the 6.5 and 7's.

The 338's in their many forms are todays Big Boys Toy. Compared to boomers bigger, yeah, its less of everything BUT compared to accurate small cal options, not even close.

Obtunded, I think your smooth bore 6.5 can whoop a factory ammo shooting rig at LR.

Jerry
 
But on the other hand

I have a .338 LAI, as well as a 6.5mm and a .22-250AI....All customs, and I agree with with obtunded and mystic, people don't think they can shoot long range with small calibers, Mystic has witnessed my 250 out past 1000 yrds....


BUT (the other hand part)----> I personally dont worry about the $$ part, whether i am shooting $.50 rounds or $5 rounds or 10$ rounds, its my hobby, and I get a great deal of enjoyment out of it. (Yes I have gone shooting gophers with a .338LAI)...... With the limited time I have for my favorite pastime, I choose to place my fun above the $$ value.

A few years back, I shot well over 150 rounds of 338 with Jerry just for $hits n giggles over a few days of shooting (Still a fond memory out at summerland jerry!!!!)


Currently deciding on going the heavy pill 7mm route, 6mmbr or 6X47 Lapua route for the next one..... Oh decisions, decisions......

:D
 
bradtothebone said:
I have a .338 LAI, as well as a 6.5mm and a .22-250AI....All customs, and I agree with with obtunded and mystic, people don't think they can shoot long range with small calibers, Mystic has witnessed my 250 out past 1000 yrds....


BUT (the other hand part)----> I personally dont worry about the $$ part, whether i am shooting $.50 rounds or $5 rounds or 10$ rounds, its my hobby, and I get a great deal of enjoyment out of it. (Yes I have gone shooting gophers with a .338LAI)...... With the limited time I have for my favorite pastime, I choose to place my fun above the $$ value.

A few years back, I shot well over 150 rounds of 338 with Jerry just for $hits n giggles over a few days of shooting (Still a fond memory out at summerland jerry!!!!)


Currently deciding on going the heavy pill 7mm route, 6mmbr or 6X47 Lapua route for the next one..... Oh decisions, decisions......

:D
Click to expand...

Well put. Time is our most precious commodity.
 
Ain't that the truth. Time can buy money but money can not buy time. Lots of folks are destined to be the "richest man in the graveyard".
 
bradtothebone said:
A few years back, I shot well over 150 rounds of 338 with Jerry just for $hits n giggles over a few days of shooting (Still a fond memory out at summerland jerry!!!!)


Currently deciding on going the heavy pill 7mm route, 6mmbr or 6X47 Lapua route for the next one..... Oh decisions, decisions......

:D
Click to expand...

come by anytime. The Gopher is still there ;)

Go 7mm 180gr VLD at 3000fps. It'll put most big iron to shame at 1 mile.

Jerry
 
Having shot, owned or been around all the boomers, I can say that the 7mm 180gr VLD combo is THE nicest LR set up. Now if you want to break things, bigger better.

But if the goal is LR ballistics without alot of fuss and cost, there is nothing on the market that can touch a 7maggie right now.

Jerry
 
Final question on this topic:
I know that a 308 or a 6.5x55 barrel shoot 4000-8000 rounds accurately before needing to be reballed but that US Army's 300 Win Mag are expected to be reballed every 8000-1000 rounds.

What is the barrel life for a 338 Win Mag, 338 Lapua Mag?
What is the barrel life for a 7mm Mag?

Alex
 
What does accuracy mean to you?

Most of the magnums and even the 6.5 Swede have a competition accurate life of 800 to 1500rds. Even the 308 will loose its edge around 2500rds.

But if you mean minute of bad guy, then you can go alot longer.

Also, a chrome or barrels lined with other materials will last substantially longer. They may not shoot all that accurately from the start but will hold that for many many rds.

For F class, a magnum will burn out a pipe in 600 to 1000rds.

Jerry
 
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