300 vs 338 and the TRG

[Muskyjerk]

New to the forum.

anyway most of my previous shooting has been mostly within 200yards. I do have a Sako AV fiberclass in 7mm Rem that is used for longer shots when deer hunting.

stay with me..

I am an avid single stage reloader.

My next step in my hobby I wanted to get into long range, I am choosing the TRG because it is a "stock" platform and would be easy to turn it around if needed. I kind of want the 300 (which are getting harder to find)but since I reload should I just jump to the 338 Lapua. and just down load it??

My home range only goes to 240yards. in reality I only need a 308. but my wants are superseding my needs.

 

[mikeltee]

Re: 300 vs 338 and the TRG

Have you had a chance to check out the desert tacticals? That way you can have both the 300, 338, and 308, all on the same scope, just a 60 second barrel swap away. It's perfect for your needs. If you feel so inclined to try out a 7mm or 6.5 cre, your only a $1200 conversion away from it. This is a stock gun that you won't want to flip...

Nice range btw.

 

[OFIS]

Re: 300 vs 338 and the TRG

DTA is a good suggestion.

300WM is going to be a laser at 240 yards might as well zero at 300. 338LM is going to be a death star at 240 yards.

I say 300WM for the first 1700 yards, 338LM for the next 1000 beyond that.

 

[Hawk45]

Re: 300 vs 338 and the TRG

338 is overall more expensive than 300WM in brass, powder, bullets. Recoil is going to be more too. If you aren't shooting at over a mile regularly, I'd say go 300WM. I went down this same path and decided 300WM is more than enough for 95% of my shooting. If I find the 300WM isn't enough, the next time I rebarrel I'll go with the 338 Edge. Same ballistics as the 338LM but with less cost and works on the same Mag bolt face as the 300WM.

 

[Tango down]

Re: 300 vs 338 and the TRG

Muskyjerk
Do you have access to a longer range, or possibility to shoot on BLM land? You can buy anything you want, it is just a pain in the neck when you cannot explore your new rifle's potential.
TRG 42 is a good rifle.
Good shooting.
Ombre noire

 

[Muskyjerk]

Re: 300 vs 338 and the TRG

not really, 500-600 is all I have access to, 90 percent of its life will be at 240yard range.

kind of sounds like the 338s out. I don't even know of a range over 1000. unless someone on the other side of lake Michigan can hang some steel for me.

I am not good with choices....

 

[Sonic Crack]

Re: 300 vs 338 and the TRG

if your already looking at a TRG I would think the price diff between 300WM &338LM its not of much of a consern. The 300WM will be cheaper to shoot but you could also get a cheaper rifle to shoot 300WM just as well as a TRG.

As far as wanting to extend your range, You already have a capable round the 7mag providing you have enough twist rate in the barrel to shoot the heavier bullets that will net you extended range.

I would say if your set on a TRG, then look around and if you find a WM then go with that, if its the LM then go with that. cant go wrong ether way.

 

[Massoud]

Re: 300 vs 338 and the TRG

Welcome to your first step in the expensive obsession of precision long range rifles. The TRG is a great choice. It seems you have wisely shied away from the 338. My personal concern is that new shooters will step into a Lapua right off the bat and then the cost of running one and the unpleasantness of the experience will turn them off for good. It's similar to when people who have never ridden a motorcycle go by an R1 or whatever the absolute speed king is that year. The lapua won't kill you thankfully, only your wallet if you don't have mucho discretionary income (then your wife might kill you). Really if you can see your way at all into a .308 I would urge you to do that. Just tell yourself that you'll turn it into a .243 Ackley or a 260 Ackley someday, those will best a 300WM for a good ways out anyway.
Justin

 

[northern50]

Re: 300 vs 338 and the TRG

^^ I agree, buy the .308 and shoot the barrel out of it. From there turn it into a 6.5 of some sort. I love my TRG in 260. For the ranges you are shooting at I would shoot a smaller cal rifle and shoot more often. It will do you much better in the learning department in the long run.

 

[mikeltee]

Re: 300 vs 338 and the TRG

You can always justify the 338 on your 240y range by loading subsonicly! Come on... You know you want it... Don't be a wuss. Lol

 

[exhogflyer]

Re: 300 vs 338 and the TRG

300 WM for what you do....actually 308 or 260 even but I know how you feel. You cannot "load down" that 338 very much anyway so what's the point? The WM will do it all and IF you ever get to a longer range will allow you to strut some.

 

[Kenny Blankenship]

Re: 300 vs 338 and the TRG

Price the ammo. 338 Lapua is a bit steep. And just a wee bit harder to find components for. Then consider the noise / overpressure of the 338 compared to a 308. It's not a .50, but it's less fun when you are trying to just learn and concentrate. Great choice in the TRG! The Desert Tactical rifles are right nice too, but they are short. A 338 Desert Tactical seems even louder...

 

[Tango down]

Re: 300 vs 338 and the TRG

Muskyjerk
I feel your pain; sounds like you really wanted a "bigger gun" but you do not have the place to stretch it. The .300 WM can now hit 1500 yards +, .338 2000 yards +, they come to life after a 1000 yards. Your choices? Either say WTF and buy whatever you want, or be realistic and stick with a caliber more in tune with the distances you will be shooting at.
The idea of some steel on the other side of Lake Michigan is appealing but it would be a damn long shot...
Good shooting.
Ombre noire

 

[Defusion]

Re: 300 vs 338 and the TRG

Buy a .308 now, and buy the 300wm/338lm later.

You will be shooting the 308 more because you can in fact shoot it more, and when you are in "need" of a bigger bang, or you find a longer range, you can take out that 300/338.

Unless you already own a 308 as well of course. Then just buy whatever you want.

 

[Muskyjerk]

Re: 300 vs 338 and the TRG

I have the 308, no glass on it and it hates brass , just want something that's a little more refined. an I don't find the 7mm mag unpleasent which is my reasoning

 

[sinister]

Re: 300 vs 338 and the TRG

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Northern50</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><span style="font-weight: bold">^^ I agree, buy the .308 and shoot the barrel out of it. From there turn it into a 6.5 of some sort. I love my TRG in 260. For the ranges you are shooting at I would shoot a smaller cal rifle and <span style="color: #FF0000">shoot more often. It will do you much better in the learning department in the long run. </span></span></div></div>

Wise advice.

 

[Hawk45]

Re: 300 vs 338 and the TRG

A nice .223 will be uber cheap and lots of fun to shoot.. 300yds is nothing for a .223. Heck, a .22 can do those ranges and really help you work on wind calls. Add one of those to the cart if you don't have one already.

 

[ToKeepAndBear]

Re: 300 vs 338 and the TRG

Pick the right tool for the job, get a TRG 22 in 308. When you shoot that barrel out get a 6.5 barrel. No reason to increase your shooting cost and recoil with the parameters you describe. Great choice on platform, I have two TRGs and will probably buy a third!

 

[seanh]

Re: 300 vs 338 and the TRG

When I went through this same though process you're going through now on my recent build, I was thinking of the same two cartridges you are.

Though I'd like to shoot out to 1500m, I don't have a range to do so. I can go to 1K but only for competition as for now the range is closed for membership...leaving me with a max of 600 yards. After judging what I'll mostly be using the rifle for, steel and paper with some hunting, I kept coming back to the .308.

Given your range to work with, I'd just go with the same thing I did, 308. I don't see any reason to take more recoil and pay more to shoot than necessary.

338 is expensive and more well suited for beyond 1500m, this leaves us with the 300mag, of the given choices...6.5x285 is another choice. If you can get to 1K on a regular basis, nothing wrong with the 300. If you're limited to 600yards max, no need to spend more money than necessary.

Get the 338 if you want it...for that bragging right or cool factor. I don't see from your description that you'd utilize the capabilities of the 338 lapua nor do I see where you could utilize the capabilities of the 300mag...less you're trying to shoot Elk at 600...in this case, I'd just use my hunting skills and get a little closer closer and use the 308.

If you're not open to the 308...300mag

 

[Jon Lester]

Re: 300 vs 338 and the TRG

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ToKeepAndBear</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Pick the right tool for the job, get a TRG 22 in 308. When you shoot that barrel out get a 6.5 barrel. No reason to increase your shooting cost and recoil with the parameters you describe. Great choice on platform, I have two TRGs and will probably buy a third!</div></div>
This is sound advice

For the range you are looking at the TRG-22 will serve you more than well, A good 223 would work there also. You will get much more,and enjoyable trigger time for your buck.

Now I am not one to tell a guy he shouldn't get or what he wants, just make sure to look at the entire experience when determining exactly what you do want.

If it's a big Pee Pee thing Get the Lapua.

 

[victorz]

Re: 300 vs 338 and the TRG

Muskyjerk,

I was in the same situation before. My first rifle is a cz550 in 308. And I always want to get the 300 or 338 eithe TRG or Steyr SSG 08 for long range. But due to the limited shooting range here in SoCal. I ended up with a Gray wolf sako 75 in 223. My regular range is 200 yards 30mins from me. And the 600 yards is almost 70 mins driving. 1000+ range is two hours +. So, getting the 55/62gr 223 to 600 yards is also fun + you save $$$ for good scopes and reloading equipments.

 

[sakobob]

Re: 300 vs 338 and the TRG

I say get what you really want, in the long run you will always be thinking "what if and i wish".
with that being said, i say go with the 300 ,you can always load down and have 308 manners then load up to full potential when skill and range become available.
and if you hang around here you will be traveling to shoot matches before you know it.
O, and i have the 42 in 300... love it , i have shoot the 338 and the 308, i'm very happy with my choice.

 

[mrsleeve]

Re: 300 vs 338 and the TRG

Op.


I just went through this very same argument with my self in the last 3 weeks. TRG and WM/LM choice, I ended up settling on the 300. Found a very nice lightly used TRG and am waiting on it to show up at my FFL... then I just have to get home sometime to pick it up.

Good luck

 

[gmbjr]

Re: 300 vs 338 and the TRG

I've owned all 3 at the same time (TRG22 and TRG42 300 & 338). The only one I still own is the 300. It costs half of what the 338 does to shoot, has no recoil and just might be the most accurate rifle that I own (KMW and TacOps included). I've used it for hunting and competed in matches with it. Shooting 210 Bergers, the TRG42 in 300WM has been a great rifle for me.

 

[SOLO LOBO]

Re: 300 vs 338 and the TRG

I 2 have a TRG-42 in 300WM. You r not going to find a "out of the box"
Gun that will shoot w/ this TRG. The 300WM is cheaper to load for than the
338L. I have hit 12" steel out to 1,760yrds. I think that would b plenty for
What ever you would want to do w/ it. And @ 100yrds. It's a one holer !
No matter if its the 190SMK's , 208A-Max or the 210Bergers. They all
R under 1/2".

Hope this helps you.

M

 

[Muskyjerk]

Thanks guys, the quest for the 300 will continue.

 

[Muskyjerk]

well here is an update I located one on GB last weekend (TRG42 in 300WM), showed up yesterday. it clean as hell, optics are off my MK12, just for the weekend will be replacing soon.

 

[Tahoe333]

Originally Posted By: Northern50
^^ I agree, buy the .308 and shoot the barrel out of it. From there turn it into a 6.5 of some sort. I love my TRG in 260. For the ranges you are shooting at I would shoot a smaller cal rifle and shoot more often. It will do you much better in the learning department in the long run.



Wise advice.

I am in the same boat as the OP. I like the "shoot the crap outta the 308 than convert it to a 260" Idea. I am seriously considering a TRG or AW.

 

[3M-TA3]

If it were me, I'd stick with the 7mm Rem Mag over the 300 Win Mag. At long range the superior BC and sectional density of the 7mm makes it flatter, harder hitting, and a better perpetrator than the 300. It also has less recoil. I suggest looking through the first 5 parts of sniper 101 (SNIPER 101 - Part 1 Introduction - Rex Reviews - YouTube) to help determine what you need.

 

[TexasMade]

Great looking rifle! Bet it shoots just as good!

 

[Arbiter]

well here is an update I located one on GB last weekend (TRG42 in 300WM), showed up yesterday. it clean as hell, optics are off my MK12, just for the weekend will be replacing soon.

You might want to get lower rings for that scope...it's sitting ridiculously high off of the receiver considering the objective size.

 

[Muskyjerk]

done...

well almost .....