A sweet day at the range.

G

Glock4ever

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I decided to hit the range today to take my custom built .338 Lapua Magnum for its first visit to the range. It was 33 degrees and sunny. Though I didn't get the results I wanted for my rifle, it was still nice to be out shooting. Unfortunately, I didn't take any pictures of the range (forgot my camera) but I did take some pics of the targets. I fired a total of 31 rounds (sighters/load development) and I can start to see which charge the rifle likes but I am going to have to play with the load before I can call it good though.

The rifle:

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The targets at 100m:

Load 1-3:

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Load 4-6:

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Load 7:

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I don't think the other shooters much appreciated the muzzle blast but I tried to let them know prior to shooting (didn't want to ruin other people's groups :p ) when I was going to fire the 338 (I was also shooting the AR-15). She definitely draws the attention at the range though :D.

The groups aren't fantastic but I think once she settles in and I refine the load between load 6 and 7 there is potential for some really tight groups. I did notice that I would fire 2 shots and they would be almost touching with a third enlarging the group. I am not certain if it is a flyer or if I am flinching a bit; the .338 LM takes a bit to get used to - it definitely barks and I don't shoot any other magnums. I think the noise is something I will have to train myself to get used to. While the recoil isn't bad - She weighs almost 19 lbs (loaded) and she pushes very close to a .308 Win, the concussion is something else.

I was increasing the load by .5 grains and you can definitely see that the extra powder is making a difference. I lined up the lowest charge and it progessively moved higher up. It is also noticeably moving more to the left - probably the twist as there was no wind today.
 
From what

I can see the start appears to be 105.5 to 108 grains of US 869.

How things going out west Howard? You talk about the concussion that is why I love my pea shooters.

Nice build. He does great work.

Calvin
 
Calvin: West is all good - I live 5 mins from the rifle range, I have never lived so close to a rifle range but I am working at Suffield so the trade off is that the geography here is really ugly (no trees, no water, yuck!) Med Hat is beautiful though and the people here are really great, I am somewhat skeptical about the hunting prospects, I am used to Edmonton/Boreal type areas and this semi-arid stuff doesn't look like it supports any natural life. I am reassured by many though that there is great hunting here.

Yeah, I am shooting loads from 105.5 grains to 108.5 - I might even go past it but I do know that she seems to shoot tighter at about 108.0. I need to bring out the chronograph for finer tuning as looking at empty casings to determine pressure isn't the best way to go. I did notice that at 105.5-106.5 the neck was heavily smoked so I am assuming that the load will show less consistency. Thinking back to yesterday, I am pretty sure the shots that were opening up the groups were caused by a mild flinch. I had a bit of a headache yesterday and I do know that I was anticipating shots something I almost never do.

Yeah Lyle builds great rifles! Once I get a sweet spot load I am going to stretch her legs and shoot a few groups at 300m and see what I can do at 600m+
 
I'm interested in the rifle details. I have a 338 LM on order. Looks like I have the same muzzle brake going on mine as the one you have.
 
It is a trued Rem 700, Bartlein 1-9.75" twist hvy fluted bbl, Pacific Tool and Gauge Fluted Bolt, Vbull Detachable Magazine (AI Mag), PGW Muzzlebrake, McMillan A5 stock, pillar bedded, Kyle Precision Arms 20MOA rail, TPS 34mm Rings, and S&B PM II 5-25x56mm P4F scope. It was put together by Ultimate Accuracy - Lyle Linkaitis. A close up on the brake.

Muzzlebrake.jpg


Hope this helps you out Epoxy
 
Hard to read your targets but I think it says that you are using 250 gr Lapua Scenars? Sounds and looks like you got a really nice rig there, got any closer pics of the rifle? Good luck with your load development you should have no problems out to 600 and beyond.
 
Yeah, I am shooting 250 grain Scenars. I don't know if I am going to move up to 300 gr bullets as I like to shoot and not do load development but it will depend on performance past 1000m. I can put some more close ups tonight when I get home.
 
Thanks for the rifle information. That's a very nice rifle you have there.

The muzzle break I have is a bit different. Same idea but not the same company. Mine will be a single shot with a 30" bull barrel and a very heavy weighted stock. The rifle will weight in at approximately 27 pounds after scope and rings. A buddy of mine built one like this and it soaks up all of the recoil. It shoots with less recoil than his 22-250. Should be heavy but fun.

Please keep us posted on load development results. I always find this type of stuff worth reading and interesting.
 
Here is a closer shot of the action:

Action-1.jpg


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I am not much of an artist when it comes to photography. I am hoping that once the barrel will group better now that there have been some bullets down the bore.

27 lbs sounds pretty heavy. This rifle is only 19lbs and the recoil isn't bad at all. I personally don't think 27 lbs is required but it is your build. Good luck and let us know how she turns out.
 
It has the heavy sniper fill in it. Helps take out the recoil, also helps keep it very nice and steady while shooting off bags, BR rest etc.

I'm not building it to be portable. It's not a "sniper" or tactical rifle per say. You'll still be able to see some of the "tactical" rifle inspirations ie the stock shape and the muzzle brake but that's about it.

Yours has the tactical look right down to the scope :D. Looks good, but it's a different type of rifle than what I'm going for. I like both, but decided on the single shot for the 338 for now.
 
She is not exactly light but if I ever see a deer at 600m+ it better watch out. Stalking with this rifle would be pretty horrid but it likely is going to be a range queen.
 
Howard,

Range queen! You speak sacrilege. You live in a flat prairie perfect for long range precision hunting. Get the rifle bloodied then park it....the rifle deserves an animal.

Cheers

Jeff
 
I'll look for you at the range. I have a portable gong that I shoot out to 750 yds. I've been getting out with my 300 Win mag a bit when I have time, and I'm gonna work more with my 7mm this winter to be used next spring, summer.

My 7mm has a brake. It is loud as hell. I found I shoot better with a pair of ear plugs in as well as ear muffs. It might help you as well with a possible flinch.

She aint gonna hurt you, hang on and squeeze. It probably don't rise on you much, with the brake and the weight. How is it???

There was another fellow at the range the other day shooting a 338 Lapua. His rifle was a Sako TRG.

Hope to see you at the range, Eric
 
Jeff: I think I will try to take an animal with the .338 but it will depend on if I stay and hunt around Med Hat or if I go back to Drayton Valley to hunt this year. Drayton Valley is pretty boreal so the shots aren't long but if I stay around the Hat I think the shots will be longer.

Eric: Look forward to seeing you out at the range.
 
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