New build. Opinions wanted. .338 LM is the likely candidate.

Kelly Timoffee

Kelly Timoffee

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Ok, this is gonna possibly be my spring build and am looking to start to acquire parts in the next few months.

Chambering will be .338LM or possibly an improved version, will try 300gr SMK's for projectiles.

Here are my questions and options I am looking for:

1) Do I go 100% custom or make improvements to an existing platform?Savage long range units I see are options.

2)If custom, what action options are there available.Mag fed is my preference.

3)Barrel , I think Gaillard this time due to his close proximity and reputation.(If I go custom)
b)Length(optimum) , contour , weight , twist

4)Stock, I like the look of wood, I MAY build a stock , haven't decided that yet.

Will I really be able to maximize the potential of a custom rig or are the off the shelf units reputable and reliable enough for long range play?

Not looking into competition at this point, want an outfit that I can play with out past the 1km barrier and further, see if I have what it takes to reach out and shoot consistently.
 
Hey Kelly I would go with the .338 lapua A.I. it should give you close to 200fps over the standard lapua not that there is anything wrong with that. It is pretty hard to go wrong with the 300smk, we shoot them out of 4 different guns with good results.
 
I agree with ASA, in fact I will probably do a similar build once I am finished the build I'm working on right now. 338 IMP all the way! I would/will do a custom for sure, probably a Pierce, Stiller or other suitable action in a repeater(mag type/length will be important). Rick at ATRS has built more of these than probably anyone so he will be a wealth of information on what works or does not, I would get in touch with him if I was you. If weight is not a concern, a longer barrel would help you maximize velocity with that round, a 30" may be a good choice here.
Good luck and keep up posted on your progress.
Ivo
 
Theres an artical on wikipedia all about the 338 LM that is very interesting. It talks alot about twist and barrel length for maximizing the LM. I poured $2500 into a factory Reminton " without optics" that i have to say did turn out unreal. But for the few extra hundred when i do it again
" Looking at a 338 LM myself " im narrowed down to Stillar and BAT. I also agree that Rick at Alberta Tactical is a must to contact. I wouldnt f*ck
with factory on a rig like that.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/.338_Lapua_Magnum
 
Rick at ATRS has built two rifles for me and both were excellent so if I was to commission another build I would have to include him on any shortlist. I must ask though does the PGW Timberwolf not have what you would wish ?
 
Start with your LR performance goals then work backwards to the rig that will make it happen.

If you want to mag feed, make sure the combo you want to use will work in the mag system

The 338LM with a 300gr and 285gr bullets are an easy 1 mile combo.

AI version will give you about 100fps more at sane pressures.

Review the reloading tools as it might help with your budget plans.

Either way, a 338LM in any accurate rig is actually too easy as a LR rig.

Jerry
 
Kinda sorta, but am I not looking in the 6-7K with that unit??

I know that a guy can throw a build together for very reasonable prices.

To be very honest , the look doesn't appeal to me at all.


Tomochan said:
Rick at ATRS has built two rifles for me and both were excellent so if I was to commission another build I would have to include him on any shortlist. I must ask though does the PGW Timberwolf not have what you would wish ?
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I have not handled the rem offering in 338 but did try a savage and was not overly impressed. For the price it is a descent offering but would still rather start from a custom. Stiller and Pierce both make an action that will work well for a repeater, PTG makes bottom metal to take cip length AI mags. Another new product is an integral bottom metal built into whidden composites v-bedding block that will take cip length ai mags, it available as an option on whidden stocks. I have parts ordered to do a build with a spiral flutted bbl on a pierce or stiller action that are not spoken for if I can help out. A 338 build is not much more then any other build, 2500-3000$ will get plenty of gun. For a chassis style build xlr makes a stock for the stiller action to drop into.
 
That is kinda what I expected for price, a guy can do a lot of the legwork and some of the labor himself.

My last build was $1900 and that included the Krieger barrel and Henry Remple's work.

I will definitely keep in touch when I decide on my choice of action.


juanvaldez said:
I have not handled the rem offering in 338 but did try a savage and was not overly impressed. For the price it is a descent offering but would still rather start from a custom. Stiller and Pierce both make an action that will work well for a repeater, PTG makes bottom metal to take cip length AI mags. Another new product is an integral bottom metal built into whidden composites v-bedding block that will take cup length ai mags, it available as an option on whidden stocks. I have parts ordered to do a build with a spiral flutted bbl on a pierce or stiller action that are not spoken for if I can help out. A 338 build is not much more then any other build, 2500-3000$ will get plenty of gun.
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Stiller TAC338 with a Weatherby MARK V mag box. Could use that mag box with a Rem BDL floorplate with minor modifications. I think that might be what you would be looking for.
 
$1050 MSRP doesn't seem bad, I am sure it'll be less than that anyways , but almost sounds like you have a combination figured out.

sask378 said:
Stiller TAC338 with a Weatherby MARK V mag box. Could use that mag box with a Rem BDL floorplate with minor modifications. I think that might be what you would be looking for.
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I think there might be a brass life expectancy increase going the AI route so that in itself would give me reason to look at it. An increase in fps is a bonus too.
 
i jactually just built a total custom rifle for my self but in 30-378.
Teammed up with mcmillan and Krieger barrel in USA to build be one and took about 10 months to get.
i did not want heavy benchrest but accruate enough to shoot around 1500 yards on open field or hiking.
The gun weighs 9 pounds without scope and it was grouping 0.21" - 0.5" @ 100 yards without led sled or any other shooters rest.
If you want to build a custom gun, just design yours and let the gunsmith know what you really want. it will be few grand more then what they build you but it is worth it if you want a gun that you wanted.
I had krieger barrel rip down match grade barrel with "very deep flutes" to lighten barrel with 1/10" twist for my self to shoot 180grain bullet at around 3400 fps. It sure does heat up fast but oh well..... still fun to shoot.
Total custom with certified gunsmith from knows company will be expensive.. it would cost around 6000-7000 to build rifle and import it back to canada. thats is how much mine was and i am sure many people will say it is way too much but if you want it, you gotta have it!
good luck on your new build!
 
Kelly Timoffee said:
Well, just looked at RCBS and they make what looks like an improved set of dies @ 40* shoulder, now, I am guessing I will be buying a reamer for my smith of choice won't I?
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Ac Douglas might have one. Ted Gaillard recommended him when I was talking to him about a build one time.
 
juanvaldez said:
I have not handled the rem offering in 338 but did try a savage and was not overly impressed. For the price it is a descent offering but would still rather start from a custom. Stiller and Pierce both make an action that will work well for a repeater, PTG makes bottom metal to take cip length AI mags. Another new product is an integral bottom metal built into whidden composites v-bedding block that will take cip length ai mags, it available as an option on whidden stocks. I have parts ordered to do a build with a spiral flutted bbl on a pierce or stiller action that are not spoken for if I can help out. A 338 build is not much more then any other build, 2500-3000$ will get plenty of gun. For a chassis style build xlr makes a stock for the stiller action to drop into.
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I cannot get right into the specifics and i also have not handled the Rem 700 offering. But i did read a lot of reviews. The main complaint was the ejction of hot ammo. Something to do with the action cant handle the pressure of the hotter loads and the case exspands out the back of the chamber and wont eject. also ive noticed quite a few of the Rems in 338 lapua for sale used with very little rounds down the pipe.
 
One of the design challenges with 338 calibre is maximizing the powder capacity in the cartridge by designing your reamer for longer COL, and trying to feed the round. If you maintain SAMI length then you can feed rounds with a magazine, but sacrifice powder capacity of the round. Conversely if you decide to maximize powder capacity by extending the bullet out, you turn it into a single feed gun.

There are a variety of 338 calibres: 338 Edge, LM, 338-378 Weatherby, 338 Cheytac, 338 AM, etc. each with their unique characteristics. Personally I shoot a 338 Edge as a single shot and I'm fine with it, with COL right at 4".

Best approach is to decide just what you want the gun for. If it's for competition don't even look at 338 as most matches are for 308 class. If it's for long range hunting, overall weight factors in more. But if you're like me and don't care about matches but like breaking boulders at a mile, up steep angles half way up the mountain, then go for it!!

To top it off get a good muzzle break. That will make it fun to shoot all day long!

Jay
 
Kinda that, and just to see how far a fellow really can go!!!


KPA said:
One of the design challenges with 338 calibre is maximizing the powder capacity in the cartridge by designing your reamer for longer COL, and trying to feed the round. If you maintain SAMI length then you can feed rounds with a magazine, but sacrifice powder capacity of the round. Conversely if you decide to maximize powder capacity by extending the bullet out, you turn it into a single feed gun.

There are a variety of 338 calibres: 338 Edge, LM, 338-378 Weatherby, 338 Cheytac, 338 AM, etc. each with their unique characteristics. Personally I shoot a 338 Edge as a single shot and I'm fine with it, with COL right at 4".

Best approach is to decide just what you want the gun for. If it's for competition don't even look at 338 as most matches are for 308 class. If it's for long range hunting, overall weight factors in more. But if you're like me and don't care about matches but like breaking boulders at a mile, up steep angles half way up the mountain, then go for it!!

To top it off get a good muzzle break. That will make it fun to shoot all day long!

Jay
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