need helpto choose
- Thread starter Ferris
- Start date
- Location
- calgary alberta
The 308 is WAY cheaper to shoot, but does not have the range capacity the 338 does.
Accessories are the same.
Iguess the real questions that only you can answer is.
How much money do you want to spend?
$1.00 per rnd for reloaded 308 versus $3.00 per rnd of 338
How far do you want to shoot?
Effective range of 308 on paper 1200 yards, killing 600 yards on game, Effective range of 338 on paper 2500 yards, 1500 yards for killing game.
Accessories are the same.
Iguess the real questions that only you can answer is.
How much money do you want to spend?
$1.00 per rnd for reloaded 308 versus $3.00 per rnd of 338
How far do you want to shoot?
Effective range of 308 on paper 1200 yards, killing 600 yards on game, Effective range of 338 on paper 2500 yards, 1500 yards for killing game.
"...Effective range of 338 on paper 2500 yards, 1500 yards for killing game..." For a highly skilled, experienced, shooter. Nobody should ever take a 1500 yard shot on game with any cartridge. Ever. Even a .338 will get blown around. Sighted in at 900 yards(amazing ain't it), a 250 grain bullet drops 101.6"(8.4 FEET) between 900 and 1100 yards according to Lapua's ballistics table.
600 yards on game with a .308 is pushing the cartridge. Aside from the energy loss(1239 ft-lbs with a 165 grain bullet at 500), a 165 grain hunting bullet drops over 4 feet at 500 with a 200 yard zero.
In any case, the rifles are the same. However, just the cost(.338LM runs $6.75Cdn per shot vs about $2Cdn a shot for factory .308.) and availability of ammo eliminates the .338LM, if you're on a budget. Lapua .338LM brass runs $280Cdn per 100. $167Cdn for RCBS dies. From Hirsch Precision in Nova Scotia. They're the Canadian importer of Lapua brass.
600 yards on game with a .308 is pushing the cartridge. Aside from the energy loss(1239 ft-lbs with a 165 grain bullet at 500), a 165 grain hunting bullet drops over 4 feet at 500 with a 200 yard zero.
In any case, the rifles are the same. However, just the cost(.338LM runs $6.75Cdn per shot vs about $2Cdn a shot for factory .308.) and availability of ammo eliminates the .338LM, if you're on a budget. Lapua .338LM brass runs $280Cdn per 100. $167Cdn for RCBS dies. From Hirsch Precision in Nova Scotia. They're the Canadian importer of Lapua brass.
Mystic Precision
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Summerland, BC
If you are only choosing from these two cals, 308.
The Lapua will kick like a mule and cost several times more per bang IF you could get components.
Like the RUM, there will be many Rems in the Lapua with almost new barrels.
Personally, I don't like shooting a 308 in a light rifle all day long. I prefer the 223 which does the same thing for even less cost and recoil. My 1 mile capable 223 reloads cost LESS then a 308 Matchking bullet alone.
Both are effective to at least the mile. The 338 does drift a whole lot less which makes shooting in the wind easier. But then driving a 223/308 in the wind is a very rewarding challenge.
A 6mm, 6.5 would do just as well as the 338. A 7RM will beat it.
Unless you need the horsepower, there are so many 'better' choices like the 223, 6BR, 260R, 7-08/7RM, etc.
If you really want a boomer (been there and built several LR monsters), take the cost of the Rem and apply it to a custom. You will get a much better shooting rifle that can extract all that performance WAAAAAYYYY better.
At which point, I would suggest you study the RUM. Does the same thing and will be considerably less money and headache to build.
Jerry
The Lapua will kick like a mule and cost several times more per bang IF you could get components.
Like the RUM, there will be many Rems in the Lapua with almost new barrels.
Personally, I don't like shooting a 308 in a light rifle all day long. I prefer the 223 which does the same thing for even less cost and recoil. My 1 mile capable 223 reloads cost LESS then a 308 Matchking bullet alone.
Both are effective to at least the mile. The 338 does drift a whole lot less which makes shooting in the wind easier. But then driving a 223/308 in the wind is a very rewarding challenge.
A 6mm, 6.5 would do just as well as the 338. A 7RM will beat it.
Unless you need the horsepower, there are so many 'better' choices like the 223, 6BR, 260R, 7-08/7RM, etc.
If you really want a boomer (been there and built several LR monsters), take the cost of the Rem and apply it to a custom. You will get a much better shooting rifle that can extract all that performance WAAAAAYYYY better.
At which point, I would suggest you study the RUM. Does the same thing and will be considerably less money and headache to build.
Jerry
Just bought a 700P
What a coïncidence!
I just bought a Rem 700p in .308Win on 17 july.
I'm not an expert in ballistics, but i know that i can shot a target at a reasonnable and challenging distance with .308Win. I also know its cheaper and easier to find, since .308Win is a somewhat standard cartridge. And the kick will be just enough to provide me that nice and warming feeling that i own something serious.
If i were to buy another caliber, maybe I'd get .223 Rem because it makes a bull barrel look bigger . That small caliber also sound like finesse to me.
But if i were to buy bigger than .308Win, I'd rather go straight to a .50 BMG
Note: I'm no hunter but a target shooter. Maybe that's why .308Win suits me more. It is all about the purpose of the gun.
Still, one thing remains : you can't be wrong with 308Win
Cheers!
What a coïncidence!
I just bought a Rem 700p in .308Win on 17 july.
I'm not an expert in ballistics, but i know that i can shot a target at a reasonnable and challenging distance with .308Win. I also know its cheaper and easier to find, since .308Win is a somewhat standard cartridge. And the kick will be just enough to provide me that nice and warming feeling that i own something serious.
If i were to buy another caliber, maybe I'd get .223 Rem because it makes a bull barrel look bigger
. That small caliber also sound like finesse to me.But if i were to buy bigger than .308Win, I'd rather go straight to a .50 BMG
Note: I'm no hunter but a target shooter. Maybe that's why .308Win suits me more. It is all about the purpose of the gun.
Still, one thing remains : you can't be wrong with 308Win
Cheers!
