.338 Edge vs .338 Lapua

Kelly Timoffee

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Looking for the next rifle.

Looking at both these chamberings.

.338 LM is more available for components but does it loose out on performance down range?

Or is the components for the Edge available enough not to be an issue?

Does a guy go custom action or are the Savages what a guy would be happy with and new barrel?

Wanting this to be a toy for 1000yd + leisure shooting.Won't be competing with it.
 
The RUM based wildcats will always be easier/cheaper to find actions. Lots of Rems and even Howas with magnum bolt heads and long mag boxes.

Of course, Rem and now Savage are providing Lapua options and I have a few bolt heads left.

For components, there is not much difference in costs and the number of 338LM options is certainly growing.

For dies, The Lapua is off the shelf with a growing line of options. The Edge is still a wildcat and you will need to mix and match - 338 RUM stuff works.

If single feeding, there really isn't much difference.

For det mag feeding, choices become more limited for the Edge cause there are stuff not easily obtained in Canada. The Lapua is now better supported, unless you want to use 300gr long seated.

Both shoot well. Both are/can be equally accurate. Both use about the same amount of powder.

http://www.mysticprecision.com/wp/1177/338-edge-history-and-development-by-shawn-carlock/

Pretty much gives reasons for the Edges design.

A couple of years back, I would have gone Edge for sure. Now, it is a toss up.

Eeny, meeny,....

In time, the 338LM will become a standard chambering in the working world so ever more support will grow. The Edge is a wildcat and will stay there.

Jerry

PS while it lasts, PRVI 338LM brass is about 1/2 the price of other options.
 
338 edge and 338 lapua will give you quite the same power down range
most statistics about the 338 lapua will give you muzzle velocities with 24 ou 26 inch barrel while it needs 28-30 to burn the powder
especialy with heavy bullets
the advantage of the edge, is the bolt face is a standard belted mag
but you need to neck up 300 rum case to 338
the advantage of the lapua, you have factory components, ammo and already chambered rifles. you dont need to go custom
 
X2 what the other fellas said. I went Edge two yrs ago as a LM was out of my price range, and 300 RUM brass was/is way cheeper, and was easier to get. I built a custom on a savage action with parts from Mystic, Northshore, and 24 hr campfire. Mine is a single shot, and with 300 gr bullets I need to remove the bolt slightly to remove a loaded round from the action, they're that long! Performance wise I get a little higher velocity from the Edge than a LM, but I think it is a bit insegnificant in the long run. I don't know anyone who shoots a savage or Rem 700P so I can't comment on their accuracy, but my Shilen pre fit shoots every bit as good as a friends PGW timberwolf, and I've shot mine out to 1835 yds.
 
I would lean towards the 10/110 Savage at this point, and even if a fellow gets a new barrel I would imagine it would still be around the $2000.00 mark which I feel would be not too bad for the distance a fellow could play at.Top it off with a Banner 4X and you are good to go!:p
 
The straight 338 ultra would fit better in more common actions but would loose some fps to the other.

Lapua brass might be the clincher if it last a lot longer than the R-P brass.
 
LM would be my choice. 2 words Lapua Brass.

it is a non belted magnum and i consider that a better design than most but its brass sends it over the top. I know the 300 case isnt belted but the brass selection is poor and expensive in regards to quality
. the deal breaker for me is lapua brass. its life exceeds its cost surplus over other brass.

before i wend edge, i would go 340 weatherby hands down
 
The LM Is NOT faster than the Edge, not sure what you're getting for velocity out of the LM improved, and the Edge improved adds capacity as well. The case capacity of the Edge is slightly higher than the LM. Using Remington 300 RUM brass, and neck sizing only so far I have 8 loadings on my first lot of 100 brass which cost me $120.00 for new brass. ATRS has Lapua brass listed at $335.00/100.
 
From what I have read, the edge is just slightly better than the LM. But you would have to be an exceptional shooter to be able to use that advantage.

I had a 110 and I have a Northshore custom edge. I prefer the Edge and have since sold the LM.

I don't hunt my gun so the weight and size aren't a consideration.
 
Since you're looking in this direction, definitely go 338LM AI. It accurately loads 10gr more then a standard 338LM and with all of the build components being the same except for the amount of powder, you'll still be drilling through 3/8" steel at 1230yds while the standard 338LM and 338edge will only be denting the steel. The 338LM AI gets to the mile mark in only 63MOA over 100yd zero. Not sure about the others but there's obvious energy difference.
As for brass life of the improved Lapua brass, figure on the 100pcs lasting you the life of your gun without trimming once they're fire formed, which is very easy to do without reducing barrel life or having to suffer through needless recoil.
 
Is the improved version fairly widespread or kind of a rarity right now?

Since you're looking in this direction, definitely go 338LM AI. It accurately loads 10gr more then a standard 338LM and with all of the build components being the same except for the amount of powder, you'll still be drilling through 3/8" steel at 1230yds while the standard 338LM and 338edge will only be denting the steel. The 338LM AI gets to the mile mark in only 63MOA over 100yd zero. Not sure about the others but there's obvious energy difference.
As for brass life of the improved Lapua brass, figure on the 100pcs lasting you the life of your gun without trimming once they're fire formed, which is very easy to do without reducing barrel life or having to suffer through needless recoil.
 
Please note that the 338 Lapua, for all its popularity in the "press" is still not all that popular. I believe it will be but just look at how few die companies make basic standard dies for it right now.

The improved version is an even more rare bird and dies will be pricey

Jerry
 
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