How common are?

[757Fixer]

How common are rifles chambered in .338 Lapua becoming? I'm looking to get a second TRG, this time a 42 in .338 Lapua and am hemming and hawing between a .300 Win or a .338 Lapua. I handload pretty much all my own ammo but wonder about being able to go into any gunshop and finding .338 ammo. I know in a pinch I could get some .300 ammo just about anywhere but I wonder if there are enough target shooters and or hunters using the larger caliber to expect the same availability? Most likely if I buy a .338 Lapua I would just buy 500 brass right at the start but it's nice to know that if needed I could get factory ammo somewhere. Does anyone know how popular the .338 Lapua really is?

 

[RePete]

You get your bullets from Hirsch Precision - http://www.hirschprecision.com/

You can buy new brass from Hirsch or buy once fired from DizzyDan1.

Factory is available (approx $100/200) but not everywhere.

Loading is no different from anything else.

Popularity is getting better since it's now the intermediate sniper round in the Canadian Army (C14).

 

[ivo]

I think Pete meant $100 for 20. Ammo is not readily available but if you get yourself 200-300 brass you`ll always have some loads around. I have a TRG 42 in .338 Lapua and if you get one you won`t be disappointed. It is a great fitting rifle, well balanced and accurate as all he11.

Be warned the price for accessories is outrageous! Bipod $700 Magazine $300 Sling swivels $100
They may be slightly cheaper now but the prices are still 2-3 times higher than their competitors.

 

[Mystic Precision]

Unfortunately, the 338L is still a pretty rare bird.

Easier is the RUM family. The 338 RUM mimics the Lapua, the 338-300RUM wildcats beat it. Brass is/should be readily available and 1/2 the cost of the Lapua. Everything else is the same.

Big benefit is that ALL magnum bolt face actions will work with the RUM without modification. Some will even be able to feed from the mag.

There are quite a number of forces using the Lapua that it should be an official NATO cartridge. Then availability will be great. Why it hasn't been 'tagged' I really don't know?????

Anyone if official designation is pending?

Jerry