"best" version of the .338?
- Thread starter logan1080
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redshooter
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Central Ontario
I've spent the morning puzzeling over this, and yes I have an agenda, but I'll leave it at that.
I ask myself this all the time, is my choice overtly influenced by fashion. I just know some are going WTF! is he talking about. Fashion, it's about being cool, trendy, flavor of the month. This isn't to infer that a 338 for long range shooting is just a fad, but it's sure not for everyone. I put a fair bit of thought into this a while back and settled for a .30 Magnum. That said as a choice for a do it all rifle it doesn't seem like a bad one to me. It's not fashionable but a 250 gr HPBT going around 2700 fps is nothing to turn your nose up to. The added bonus is getting ammo, 338 Lapua isn't always on the shelf, not to suggest I know 338 Win Mag is but I'll go out on a limb and say it will be a hell of a lot eaiser to find than 338 Lapua. Things like the Edge, Lapua AI, etc. are handloads only (well the AI should be able to fire "standard" rounds, but that's not the point of it is it).
As far as hunting goes I'm not a hunter as a rule, but if I was I'd be limiting my shots to about 300 yds, so for me it would work fine.
Have you fired any Magnums? Regardless of what the hardmen will tell you firing 50 or so rounds out of a Magnum will at best be uncomfortable if the rifle isn't very heavy or equipped with a brake.
I ask myself this all the time, is my choice overtly influenced by fashion. I just know some are going WTF! is he talking about. Fashion, it's about being cool, trendy, flavor of the month. This isn't to infer that a 338 for long range shooting is just a fad, but it's sure not for everyone. I put a fair bit of thought into this a while back and settled for a .30 Magnum. That said as a choice for a do it all rifle it doesn't seem like a bad one to me. It's not fashionable but a 250 gr HPBT going around 2700 fps is nothing to turn your nose up to. The added bonus is getting ammo, 338 Lapua isn't always on the shelf, not to suggest I know 338 Win Mag is but I'll go out on a limb and say it will be a hell of a lot eaiser to find than 338 Lapua. Things like the Edge, Lapua AI, etc. are handloads only (well the AI should be able to fire "standard" rounds, but that's not the point of it is it).
As far as hunting goes I'm not a hunter as a rule, but if I was I'd be limiting my shots to about 300 yds, so for me it would work fine.
Have you fired any Magnums? Regardless of what the hardmen will tell you firing 50 or so rounds out of a Magnum will at best be uncomfortable if the rifle isn't very heavy or equipped with a brake.
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Long range is strictly a handload affair. There are no flies on a 338WM. That case, with a 225 grain bullet at 28 to 2900 fps is a wicked machine. So, to answer your question, yes. As far as hunting goes, it depends on what game you after. For most mid sized stuff, it is my opinion that a 338 anything is not required.
R.
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Not sure what your agenda is. If the question is "Do I really need a 338 Whatever to shoot long range?", then the answer is no.
I could say the same about any magnum case, including the 300. It isn't required, but it makes fighting wind easier, as does a 338.
Is a large 338 a fad? I guess you could call it that if a fella decides to make it his first long range rifle, after watching Shooter 10 times in a row.
To an experienced guy, calibre, case, and bullet, are all about beating wind. Nothing more, nothing less.
As for the rest of your post, as I said above, long range is strictly a handloading affair. Consistant accurate ammo is required for consistant accurate results.
If I was hunting to 300 yards, I wouldn't have a 300 or 338 anything. It can be done with a lot less horsepower, again, depending on the game and situation.
Recoil is the least of the worries with a heavy target rifle with a large case capacity. Muzzle and pressure blast take their toll long before 50 rounds. Again, some handle it better than others.
R.
redshooter
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Central Ontario
I'm pawning a WM tube. Nope, Magnum not required ---> Fashion (my opinon for what it's worth)...I think 260 Rem or 7-08 are just fine, with a big nod to the 308 Win. I just loved fiddling with the 300 though. I think if I was going to shoot longer ranges on a reg basis I'd be looking at the 284.
Absolutely about the handloading. If you don't handload you'll never get the most out of your rifle. He did make a general statement about long range precision AND hunting. I have a 12 ga for hunting if I felt so inclined. I currently have nothing I'd shoot game with at a distance much farther than I could throw a rock. The 17 doesn't count, I'm not hungry enough to eat squirrels. As far as shooting game at 300 I was just stating at what range I'd be comfortable taking a shot from.
My target rifle was 16 lbs and I wouldn't want it to be much lighter. The blast wasn't too bad from the 30" barrel, not even remotely close to the 24" one it started life with.
I'm working towards rebarreling a Tikka to 260. Another fashionable choice perhaps, but one much easier to live with day in and out.
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Yes. I have fired a 338 lapua and it was braked and somewhat heavy (110BA). I ask because I am new to all of this but on all the forums I have been visiting there is no talk of the 338WM. If there is a 338 thread, its a 90% chance that its about the lapua. Which surprises me since the cost for 338WM ammo isn't that much different than the 30 cal magnums.
A point was made regarding fighting wind. With all other variables being equal, how much of a difference can one expect compared to a 300wm or 7mm rem... Say at 600m, with a 5km/h wind?
338WM is not even on the same planet as the 338 edge or Lapua ... The later cartridges have 30 to %40 more case capacity
Basically if you want to go to the Moon 338WM will be fine... But if your trying to get to Mars ... 338 Edge / Lapua
Couldn't agree more !!
Nice. I have a savage 111 mag reciver with Jaunvaldez as well. I am going to try the .338 sin.
Very envious, to actually work with a guy like Sean would be amazing.
Back to the OP, I was attracted to the .338sin for a few reasons, one it fits in the standard mag and only requires new chambering and barrelling, uses factory magnum action and bolt. .330 dakota brass is a viable and sizing dies are avaliable as well. Looking at the savage forums, the sin is running right up there with the other .338 wildcats. The rifle should far out perform me, if I get a chance I will post a thread on the rifle when I get it.
BigUglyMan
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- New Scotland
The L.Imp. is probably the best on the block for sheer performance, but the 338 Edge will be had for much less money.
And for the record, the 416 Rigby is the parent case to the 338 Lapua except there were slight internal changes made to boost strength. You can make 338 Lapua brass from the 416 Rigby but it won't last as long as it's not as thick in the web.
And for the record, the 416 Rigby is the parent case to the 338 Lapua except there were slight internal changes made to boost strength. You can make 338 Lapua brass from the 416 Rigby but it won't last as long as it's not as thick in the web.
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- Location
- Western Canada
I have a 338 lapua AI and I love it
i went from 338WM to the 375H&H for the 300gr. as shooting max. loads in a sako but to much time on my hands and thinking 338 Lapua now but the 375 with 250s is not far behind ..i am thinking look in the mirrior and slap myself
I've got a 338 LM, the Savage FCP HS Precision model. I have a couple of questions about re-chambering it to the 40 degree improved....I was told that it couldn't be done properly without buying a new barrel, to recut the factory chamber would result in a off-centered chamber. Also if it is just a change in shoulder angle and body taper, why was I also told it would effectively turn it into a single shot (mag length to short) if rechambered with a new barrel.
Off topic a bit but some light on the above would be appriciated.
Thanks
Off topic a bit but some light on the above would be appriciated.
Thanks
The barrel needs to be set back about one thread, generally (for any Ackley modified chamber). You do not need a new barrel. The chamber being off center will depend on two things; is it off center now, and the skill of the 'smith. Feeding issues are due to the width of the case at the shoulder, so you will likely have to modify your mag box somewhat to get it to feed reliably. - dan
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I'm curious to know how many people that have converted their rifle from .338 LM have noticed a reasonable and worthwhile increase in performance to make it worthwhile.
With the standard .338LM, I can and have made very consistent shots on torso targets out to 800 yards, and keep a high percentage on target very far past that, even in difficult wind conditions and strenuous visual conditions, going as far as a headshot at 900 yards with a skilled spotter.
How many people just get the upgraded, near wildcat calibre, and never stretch it to potential? That is my problem with the bulk of the other .338LM calibres, you lose barrel life, reasonably priced and available components, and factory cartridges and rifles from the get go, and most won't ever get close to the point of shooting the bullet to the distance where it is even waking up and stretching it's legs.
Standard .338LM with a quality rifle, handloads, and competent shooter is one hell of a weapons system out to around 1600 yards.
With the standard .338LM, I can and have made very consistent shots on torso targets out to 800 yards, and keep a high percentage on target very far past that, even in difficult wind conditions and strenuous visual conditions, going as far as a headshot at 900 yards with a skilled spotter.
How many people just get the upgraded, near wildcat calibre, and never stretch it to potential? That is my problem with the bulk of the other .338LM calibres, you lose barrel life, reasonably priced and available components, and factory cartridges and rifles from the get go, and most won't ever get close to the point of shooting the bullet to the distance where it is even waking up and stretching it's legs.
Standard .338LM with a quality rifle, handloads, and competent shooter is one hell of a weapons system out to around 1600 yards.
