Barrett 98 Bravo?
- Thread starter bobjoe
- Start date
- Location
- calgary alberta
The biggest drawbacks to most of the factory is they only chamber in SAAMI 338 Lapua, which is ok but the Improved versions significantly increase velocity and case life.
Typically factory or production rifles have less than optimal barrel length which again effects velocity.
Nearly all the production rifles use a magazine system that will not allow for feeding of the Improved cartridge.
Just so you have an idea of the velocity differences.
SAAMI 338 Lapua shooting 300 gr SMK will get in some cases 2800 FPS and you will need to trim your brass from time to time as it stretches.
338 Lapua Improved has no problem getting the same 300 gr SMK over 3000 FPS and many will get you 3100 FPS.
After 32 reloadings of the same brass I have never had to trim it, my results are not alone, seems everyone I know who shoots an Improved is getting FAR more loads out of a casing and no trimming.
The only way to really shoot a 338 alot is to reload so whether reloading for the SAAMI version or the AI version the basic costs are the same, just performance and case life is FAR better with the Improved.
If spending 5K on a rifle why would you not look at a custom and get EXACTLY what makes you happy rather than just what is offered by a manufacturer?
Typically factory or production rifles have less than optimal barrel length which again effects velocity.
Nearly all the production rifles use a magazine system that will not allow for feeding of the Improved cartridge.
Just so you have an idea of the velocity differences.
SAAMI 338 Lapua shooting 300 gr SMK will get in some cases 2800 FPS and you will need to trim your brass from time to time as it stretches.
338 Lapua Improved has no problem getting the same 300 gr SMK over 3000 FPS and many will get you 3100 FPS.
After 32 reloadings of the same brass I have never had to trim it, my results are not alone, seems everyone I know who shoots an Improved is getting FAR more loads out of a casing and no trimming.
The only way to really shoot a 338 alot is to reload so whether reloading for the SAAMI version or the AI version the basic costs are the same, just performance and case life is FAR better with the Improved.
If spending 5K on a rifle why would you not look at a custom and get EXACTLY what makes you happy rather than just what is offered by a manufacturer?
Exactly. The Barret has the brand name tax in the worst way.
And Rick can laser etch YOUR name in the rifle, how bad ass is that!
One of the reasons people look for the brand name box rifle instead of a custom is collecting and resale. For instance it's a lot easier to resell a HS-50 than a custom. Or the Barrett in 338 Lapua versus a custom.
If you're planning on keeping the rifle and never selling it then the options are different.
If you're planning on keeping the rifle and never selling it then the options are different.
BigUglyMan
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- New Scotland
If I'm not mistaken the case is straighter walled, the shoulder is sharper and a hair forward and the barrel is usually 2"-6" longer (30" or 32" is common). Dies can be had from Redding and are stocked by better 338 L.Imp. builders
- Location
- calgary alberta
You start with SAAMI 338 Lapua brass, it takes 1 time to fireform, which then gets you casings with a nearly straight wall and a much sharper shoulder that is moved slightly forward, this ends up being the "Improved" casing which delivers the gains in velocity and case life.
As BUM points out dies are not an issue either.
Barrett mRad 338lapua is the rifle to get. Resale is good and easy.
For that much money, I would rather get something that are different, beside if a guy really wanted the 338 edge, they can purchase bolt head and ream out chamber, that is easy.
For that much money, I would rather get something that are different, beside if a guy really wanted the 338 edge, they can purchase bolt head and ream out chamber, that is easy.
- Location
- calgary alberta
What happened to your constant advice where the ONLY gun to have was a Timberwolf??
If many shooter wanted the 338 edge, Barrett would of offer replacement barrel and bolt head for that rifle, there is nothing wrong with Timberwolf or Sako TRG , there is also other option.
But stay with Brand name, and resale is easy and return value is excellent.
There is nothing wrong with savage or rem, if you willing to pay that much money for a custom 338 edge then talk to Tomanygun, I think he trying to get rid of his rifle, maybe you can get it for a good deal, but spending that much in the range of$6000 and up, get a timberwolf, Sako trg, or even AI, resale value is excellent.
nothihg wrong with the barrett l do not have a feed mag issue yes the 98 b very accarte is worth the money
Thousand_Master
Regular
If I had that type of money to spend on a rifle, it would be a Timberwolf. You're paying for top notch quality, supporting a great Canadian firearms manufacturer, and you can customize it any way you like. Resale on them is also very good; just look at the EE.
If you do get one, be sure to post pics for us too drool over. I mean, look at
If you do get one, be sure to post pics for us too drool over. I mean, look at
don't worry about drooling over it once I get it. I do the same to every other rifle on here I like. I like the barrett name and I like the look. If someone in my area had one I would love the chance to shoot it. I would pay for ammo.
As for re sale. I'm not the type of guy to sell a gun. I have some that are not shot alot but they all get shot. So the resale idea is not really a factor for me. But why is a custon gun harder to sell?
As for re sale. I'm not the type of guy to sell a gun. I have some that are not shot alot but they all get shot. So the resale idea is not really a factor for me. But why is a custon gun harder to sell?
the MRAD looks very similar to the TAC21 chassis.. if MDT produced a long action stock then that would be the easiest way to go.. you could have a custom build in a stock that looks the same for probably half the price.
of course if the barrett name is all you want, knock yourself out
of course if the barrett name is all you want, knock yourself out
You may also want to look at the Unique Alpine lineup. They have a really great reputation for accuracy, and offer the ability to change out calibers.
Their new TPG-3A1 (FN Ballista) is designed to utilize the longer 300gr cartridges too.
Their new TPG-3A1 (FN Ballista) is designed to utilize the longer 300gr cartridges too.
