What practical difference, if any, between the 338 Lapua and the 338 Ultra Magnums?

W

Why not?

CGN Ultra frequent flyer
Rating - 99.8%
584   1   1
Location
Whitehorse, Yukon
Just wondering out loud about this, as the ballistics seem to be mighty close, but the cost difference in both rifles and ammo is substantial.

Is the accuracy that much better in the Laplander, that someone would spend three times the money to use it?

Ted
 
No practical difference between the two except for cost and ease of assembly.

If you compare a Tikka or Sako tacky rifle vs a Rem700 hunting rifle, that is not a fair comparison. The Scandi rifles are as well built as a custom Rem so if you want to do a comparo for accuracy, you need to compare the Euros with a match barreled Rem.

You also can't compare Lapua match ammo with RUM hunting ammo. You have to compare well prepped reloads with the Lapua.

At which point, accuracy is 'identical' and costs still cheaper for the Rem but not that far apart (depends on how exotic your custom Rem gets). Brass cost will be cheaper with the RUM. Otherwise, shooting cost is the same.

Jerry
 
Until recently I would have said that the biggest difference is more in the quality of the brass/ammo. Ballistically they are very similar, but the crap that was available for brass for the RUMs I believe was where the Lapua gained a name for accuracy from the beginning, as the guys at Lapua understood good brass, good ammo makes for accurate rifles.
I have a 338 Edge which is 300RUM necked up as well as 3 338 Lapuas, ranging from a production Sako to a TRG , a full blown custom on a Nesika action and soon a HS Precision HTR.
The Lapuas I found shot far more accurately until last year when Nosler brought out what amounts to Match quality brass for the 300RUM. My 338 Edge which is based on a 700 SPS SS action with no modification other than a full true up job on the action, a RockCreek barrel in an A5 stock will hold its own just fine against the Lapua now.
All are capable of 2900 fps using 300 MKs
I love my Lapua's but if money were a deciding factor the 338 Edge would be the way I would go.
Actions are readily available, brass is less expensive, dies are more expensive though, but in the grand scheme the total package is less costly.
KK
 
Thanks you guys. That clears a few things up.

knockknock said:
My 338 Edge which is based on a 700 SPS SS action with no modification other than a full true up job on the action, a RockCreek barrel in an A5 stock will hold its own just fine against the Lapua now.
Click to expand...

Care to tell me a bit more about this project?

Ted
 
Why not? said:
Thanks you guys. That clears a few things up.



Care to tell me a bit more about this project?

Ted
Click to expand...

Not a whole lot more to tell, other than the obvious. I started with 700SPS SS in 300RUM for an action had it trued and a solid follower made and welded in place as I intended to shoot LONG bullets that would not be close to fitting into the mag anyway so figured the added stiffness would not hurt. Got a Rock Creek 32" 1 in 9.3 twist 5R barrel fitted to it, with 1 of Ricks custom "beer can" brakes, shoots very well and depending on the day within a couple FPS of my 338 Lapuas. Both are getting 300MKs up into the 2900 plus fps area
The 338 Edge is basically 300 RUM necked up and blown out slightly I went 40 degree shoulder to keep the brass from growing as much. I use Nosler 300 RUM brass in custom Redding bushing dies. The dies were the costly part of the equation.
KK
 
the practical difference is that the RUM head and oal fit in a 700 or 70 action, the Lapua does not
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom