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.338 Lapua and .50BMG chocies
- Thread starter corbon
- Start date
Re: .338 Lapua and .50BMG chocies
i have them both and love them both. The 50 takes a little more patience if you want benchrest accuracy. the 50 requires a lot of brass prep work that the 338 wont. they both shoot awesome, but there is something special about a 50bmg.If you are going to get one spend the money and do it right with the best components it will pay off for you!
i have them both and love them both. The 50 takes a little more patience if you want benchrest accuracy. the 50 requires a lot of brass prep work that the 338 wont. they both shoot awesome, but there is something special about a 50bmg.If you are going to get one spend the money and do it right with the best components it will pay off for you!
Re: .338 Lapua and .50BMG chocies
go head and get the 338 and if you dont like it than rechumber it for 50 it will be badass nd cool
go head and get the 338 and if you dont like it than rechumber it for 50 it will be badass nd cool
Re: .338 Lapua and .50BMG chocies
split the diference and get a 375 CheyTac or Snipe TAc best of both worlds accuracy of the 338 and range capability of the 50 with just a little less recoild cost and energy
split the diference and get a 375 CheyTac or Snipe TAc best of both worlds accuracy of the 338 and range capability of the 50 with just a little less recoild cost and energy
Re: .338 Lapua and .50BMG chocies
I had a 50 Benchgun for a long time and it was fun to shoot and very accurate. Match bullets are pretty expensive though. I sold it a few months back and replaced it with an 82A1. Much funner to shoot than the McMillan, but nowhere near as accurate.
I just finished up my 338 bolt gun. Surgeon action and Manners stock. With the SF can, you dont need ear plugs and the recoil is not bad at all. Feels like a 20/28 gauge shotgun.
All in all I would rather shoot my 338. And my wallet will agree.
I have no regrets on owning a 50 and a 338. I just wish I would have bought more 50 bullets a few years back.
I had a 50 Benchgun for a long time and it was fun to shoot and very accurate. Match bullets are pretty expensive though. I sold it a few months back and replaced it with an 82A1. Much funner to shoot than the McMillan, but nowhere near as accurate.
I just finished up my 338 bolt gun. Surgeon action and Manners stock. With the SF can, you dont need ear plugs and the recoil is not bad at all. Feels like a 20/28 gauge shotgun.
All in all I would rather shoot my 338. And my wallet will agree.
I have no regrets on owning a 50 and a 338. I just wish I would have bought more 50 bullets a few years back.
Re: .338 Lapua and .50BMG chocies
Is it safe to assume that .338 Lapua is more accurate and less expensive to shoot, but .50 BMG is more fun and has the cool factor? I currently have a .308 and wanted to eventually upgrade, but will probably only get one, .338 or .50. I unfortunately can't afford both.
Is it safe to assume that .338 Lapua is more accurate and less expensive to shoot, but .50 BMG is more fun and has the cool factor? I currently have a .308 and wanted to eventually upgrade, but will probably only get one, .338 or .50. I unfortunately can't afford both.
Re: .338 Lapua and .50BMG chocies
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Wild_Bill</div><div class="ubbcode-body">split the diference and get a 375 CheyTac or Snipe TAc best of both worlds accuracy of the 338 and range capability of the 50 with just a little less recoild cost and energy
</div></div>
I would love to get the 375 CheyTac, but I doubt I could afford it.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Wild_Bill</div><div class="ubbcode-body">split the diference and get a 375 CheyTac or Snipe TAc best of both worlds accuracy of the 338 and range capability of the 50 with just a little less recoild cost and energy
</div></div>
I would love to get the 375 CheyTac, but I doubt I could afford it.
Re: .338 Lapua and .50BMG chocies
no and yes.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: corbon</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Is it safe to assume that .338 Lapua is more accurate and less expensive to shoot, but .50 BMG is more fun and has the cool factor? I currently have a .308 and wanted to eventually upgrade, but will probably only get one, .338 or .50. I unfortunately can't afford both.</div></div>
check this out
http://www.snipershide.com/forum/ubbthre...032#Post1229032
this is a 5 shot 1000 yard group.
no and yes.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: corbon</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Is it safe to assume that .338 Lapua is more accurate and less expensive to shoot, but .50 BMG is more fun and has the cool factor? I currently have a .308 and wanted to eventually upgrade, but will probably only get one, .338 or .50. I unfortunately can't afford both.</div></div>
check this out
http://www.snipershide.com/forum/ubbthre...032#Post1229032
this is a 5 shot 1000 yard group.
Re: .338 Lapua and .50BMG chocies
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: corbon</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Does anyone have regrets on purchasing a rifle chambered in .338 Lapua and decide to purchase a .50 BMG later on down the road? Or vice versa? </div></div>
No regrets. I have both. Currently working on the AMAX load for the 50 BMG. The 338 LM is inherently more accurate than the 50 BMG, excluding the BR folks. I am talking about taking a tactical rifle out of the box. The 50 BMG has more punch for sure (both ends that is). Both have different applications. I am glad that I have both calibers. Plan to get the 408, or 375 Chey Tac soon.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: corbon</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Does anyone have regrets on purchasing a rifle chambered in .338 Lapua and decide to purchase a .50 BMG later on down the road? Or vice versa? </div></div>
No regrets. I have both. Currently working on the AMAX load for the 50 BMG. The 338 LM is inherently more accurate than the 50 BMG, excluding the BR folks. I am talking about taking a tactical rifle out of the box. The 50 BMG has more punch for sure (both ends that is). Both have different applications. I am glad that I have both calibers. Plan to get the 408, or 375 Chey Tac soon.
Re: .338 Lapua and .50BMG chocies
My only regret is having to sell my .50BMG earlier this year.
But when faced with selling either my .338 or the .50BMG, I chose the later.
My only regret is having to sell my .50BMG earlier this year.
But when faced with selling either my .338 or the .50BMG, I chose the later.
Re: .338 Lapua and .50BMG chocies
I think that the reason most think the 338 is more accurate is many shoot surplus mil rounds of obvious and designed in inaccuracies. The 338LM ammo supply is designed to be more accurate with out of the box ammo. .50 ammo was designed for dispersion so the powder weights were very wide. When handloaded I think they are very similar in accuracy and the only drawback is component expense. However compare the two after 1000 yards on plate and wow what a difference.
I think that the reason most think the 338 is more accurate is many shoot surplus mil rounds of obvious and designed in inaccuracies. The 338LM ammo supply is designed to be more accurate with out of the box ammo. .50 ammo was designed for dispersion so the powder weights were very wide. When handloaded I think they are very similar in accuracy and the only drawback is component expense. However compare the two after 1000 yards on plate and wow what a difference.
Re: .338 Lapua and .50BMG chocies
I agree the 50 is just as accurate as a 338. My 50 shoots .25 at 100 and 2" at 612yards that pretty accurate. Thats with Amax bullets, I am still looking for a solid that will shoot out of my gun. My 50 does not shoot bore riders well i am trying to get Hooker to make me some bullets they are always sold out and not making anymore
I agree the 50 is just as accurate as a 338. My 50 shoots .25 at 100 and 2" at 612yards that pretty accurate. Thats with Amax bullets, I am still looking for a solid that will shoot out of my gun. My 50 does not shoot bore riders well i am trying to get Hooker to make me some bullets they are always sold out and not making anymore
Re: .338 Lapua and .50BMG chocies
I have a .338LM and love it.
No regrets.
Not going to get a .50Cal because in my part of the world components are hard or next to impossible to get.
I have a .338LM and love it.
No regrets.
Not going to get a .50Cal because in my part of the world components are hard or next to impossible to get.
Re: .338 Lapua and .50BMG chocies
Regarding the .50, its all about the payload! My rifle will produce a 3 shot group @100 yards that will easily cover with a nickel - and still, can put a LaRue target DOWN with some authority remaining @ 1800 yards - a combination that works for me ;O)
Aug ><>
Regarding the .50, its all about the payload! My rifle will produce a 3 shot group @100 yards that will easily cover with a nickel - and still, can put a LaRue target DOWN with some authority remaining @ 1800 yards - a combination that works for me ;O)
Aug ><>
Re: .338 Lapua and .50BMG chocies
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: The Mechanic</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I think that the reason most think the 338 is more accurate is many shoot surplus mil rounds of obvious and designed in inaccuracies. The 338LM ammo supply is designed to be more accurate with out of the box ammo. .50 ammo was designed for dispersion so the powder weights were very wide. When handloaded I think they are very similar in accuracy and the only drawback is component expense. However compare the two after 1000 yards on plate and wow what a difference. </div></div>
I think it is also fair to say that the .338 is just plain easier to shoot.
Launching 750 or 800 grain projectiles takes a little getting used to...
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: The Mechanic</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I think that the reason most think the 338 is more accurate is many shoot surplus mil rounds of obvious and designed in inaccuracies. The 338LM ammo supply is designed to be more accurate with out of the box ammo. .50 ammo was designed for dispersion so the powder weights were very wide. When handloaded I think they are very similar in accuracy and the only drawback is component expense. However compare the two after 1000 yards on plate and wow what a difference. </div></div>
I think it is also fair to say that the .338 is just plain easier to shoot.
Launching 750 or 800 grain projectiles takes a little getting used to...
Re: .338 Lapua and .50BMG chocies
DHK
Yes, I shoot handloads using the 750gr AMAX bullet. After I demo'ed a couple different factory rifle platforms I went with an Armalite - AR-50. The rifle needed some modifications to suit me, but I opted for the longer tube, more conventional action & bolt, but including the bedding and rail stock system that was another major attraction to this rifle platform for me personally. Nobody that has seen this rifle in action can deny its effectiveness to readily hit targets on demand. So far I have shot this rifle to an actual 1800 yards with outstanding results.
Aug ><>
DHK
Yes, I shoot handloads using the 750gr AMAX bullet. After I demo'ed a couple different factory rifle platforms I went with an Armalite - AR-50. The rifle needed some modifications to suit me, but I opted for the longer tube, more conventional action & bolt, but including the bedding and rail stock system that was another major attraction to this rifle platform for me personally. Nobody that has seen this rifle in action can deny its effectiveness to readily hit targets on demand. So far I have shot this rifle to an actual 1800 yards with outstanding results.
Aug ><>
Re: .338 Lapua and .50BMG chocies
Love my LM wouldn't get rid of it for anything would llike to add a .50 BMG to the family though.
Love my LM wouldn't get rid of it for anything would llike to add a .50 BMG to the family though.
Re: .338 Lapua and .50BMG chocies
If you go the EDM Windrunner route you might want to consider an XM04 receiver with .50BMG & .338LM barrel and bolt. The reason being the M96 receiver will be just so much overkill for .338LM (like an SR-25 in .22LR). The XM04 receiver is slightly scaled down from the M96 but isn't as small or light as the M98 receiver made specifically for the .338LM. The latter might be too small for a .50BMG conversion, that's all.
If you go the EDM Windrunner route you might want to consider an XM04 receiver with .50BMG & .338LM barrel and bolt. The reason being the M96 receiver will be just so much overkill for .338LM (like an SR-25 in .22LR). The XM04 receiver is slightly scaled down from the M96 but isn't as small or light as the M98 receiver made specifically for the .338LM. The latter might be too small for a .50BMG conversion, that's all.
Re: .338 Lapua and .50BMG chocies
Personally I would love to have a Windrunner, but unfortunatly like a lot of people my disposable income is down to where I have to learn to make due with what I have, and be realistic with what I can justify. My rifle has far exceeded my initial expectations of what can be accomplished with a rifle that costs about one third the price of the Windrunner, or custom rifle, and I am not sure that the Windrunner could produce better down range results then my AR-50 honestly. Although everyone can agree that the Windrunner design has some very good features that exceed my rifle design as far as portability and break down chambering options, but I am more than satisfied personally with the accuracy results of my heavy rifle in its current configuration, because it gets the job done for me, and that is where the tires hit the pavement IMHO.
Aug ><>
Personally I would love to have a Windrunner, but unfortunatly like a lot of people my disposable income is down to where I have to learn to make due with what I have, and be realistic with what I can justify. My rifle has far exceeded my initial expectations of what can be accomplished with a rifle that costs about one third the price of the Windrunner, or custom rifle, and I am not sure that the Windrunner could produce better down range results then my AR-50 honestly. Although everyone can agree that the Windrunner design has some very good features that exceed my rifle design as far as portability and break down chambering options, but I am more than satisfied personally with the accuracy results of my heavy rifle in its current configuration, because it gets the job done for me, and that is where the tires hit the pavement IMHO.
Aug ><>
Re: .338 Lapua and .50BMG chocies
You will shoot more if you get the 338lm. I had two fifty's they were really no fun to shoot. ( This is just my opinion, not trying to rain on you guys that have fifty's ) But the cool factor when you take it to a range, if you can find one that will allow you to shoot it, is great people come out from everywhere to look at it. I love the first blast at the range, it wakes everyone up.
You will shoot more if you get the 338lm. I had two fifty's they were really no fun to shoot. ( This is just my opinion, not trying to rain on you guys that have fifty's ) But the cool factor when you take it to a range, if you can find one that will allow you to shoot it, is great people come out from everywhere to look at it. I love the first blast at the range, it wakes everyone up.
Re: .338 Lapua and .50BMG chocies
There is a guy on canadiangunnutz.com that has shot five its in a row on a 55 gallon drum at 3520 yards with his 50. He is a reputible guy not some noob.
There is a guy on canadiangunnutz.com that has shot five its in a row on a 55 gallon drum at 3520 yards with his 50. He is a reputible guy not some noob.
Re: .338 Lapua and .50BMG chocies
I get to shoot quite a bit of both calibers. They are both useful and fun as hell, but if given the choice, I'd always pick up the .338.
Week before last in NM engaging targets from 850y to 2018y (6670' ASL).
I get to shoot quite a bit of both calibers. They are both useful and fun as hell, but if given the choice, I'd always pick up the .338.
Week before last in NM engaging targets from 850y to 2018y (6670' ASL).
Re: .338 Lapua and .50BMG chocies
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Hannibal</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Only problem with the 50 is portability. Armalite, Barrett 99, Serbu are pretty much bench guns. Owned them all at one time or another and it is no fun carrying them any distance. AR50 is a real bitch to carry and I even had that nifty handle. Nice thing about the Barrett 82 and Windrunner is the take down ability. Barrett has a sweet pack for carrying and the Windrunner can go into pretty much anything.
Han </div></div>
My M99 fits nicely into a Tac Force drag bag. It makes it easier to carry around. I don't think from there is a significant difference between the weight of an M82 vs. M99, or the Windrunner for that matter. Agree with you that it's a bitch to carry around for a long distance, especially if you have to climb steep hills, or mountain side. Been there done that. wouldn't do it again if possible.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Hannibal</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Only problem with the 50 is portability. Armalite, Barrett 99, Serbu are pretty much bench guns. Owned them all at one time or another and it is no fun carrying them any distance. AR50 is a real bitch to carry and I even had that nifty handle. Nice thing about the Barrett 82 and Windrunner is the take down ability. Barrett has a sweet pack for carrying and the Windrunner can go into pretty much anything.
Han </div></div>
My M99 fits nicely into a Tac Force drag bag. It makes it easier to carry around. I don't think from there is a significant difference between the weight of an M82 vs. M99, or the Windrunner for that matter. Agree with you that it's a bitch to carry around for a long distance, especially if you have to climb steep hills, or mountain side. Been there done that. wouldn't do it again if possible.
Re: .338 Lapua and .50BMG chocies
I have hunted with my model 99 barrett. It is a heavy bastard, but what I generally do is keep it for a "truck gun" if we see something waaaay out there, or if I find a nice area where I can sit and spot a large area for a long time....not constant humping, just in...and out. I shot a small deer in Dillon Montana two years ago at 650 yards...using the BORS system...got him right in the throat. I shot from a stable platform with a mono-pod. Here are some pics of the carnage...lol.
yes, I did shoot bambi, but it was the day before we were leaving and I atleast wanted some jerky. just to prove I dont always shoot bambi here is a picture of this year's nevada deer...not too bad, also not shot with the fifty. Shot with a lever action 30/30 at about 50 yards..lol.
hung it off of my service truck... made skinning a little more tolerable
I have hunted with my model 99 barrett. It is a heavy bastard, but what I generally do is keep it for a "truck gun" if we see something waaaay out there, or if I find a nice area where I can sit and spot a large area for a long time....not constant humping, just in...and out. I shot a small deer in Dillon Montana two years ago at 650 yards...using the BORS system...got him right in the throat. I shot from a stable platform with a mono-pod. Here are some pics of the carnage...lol.
yes, I did shoot bambi, but it was the day before we were leaving and I atleast wanted some jerky. just to prove I dont always shoot bambi here is a picture of this year's nevada deer...not too bad, also not shot with the fifty. Shot with a lever action 30/30 at about 50 yards..lol.
hung it off of my service truck... made skinning a little more tolerable
Re: .338 Lapua and .50BMG chocies
I think it depends on how far you're shooting and what you're shooting. Target shooting (steel and/or paper) out to 1500 yards, and I believe you have overkill with the 50 not to mention the cost.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: corbon</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Does anyone have regrets on purchasing a rifle chambered in .338 Lapua and decide to purchase a .50 BMG later on down the road? Or vice versa? </div></div>
I think it depends on how far you're shooting and what you're shooting. Target shooting (steel and/or paper) out to 1500 yards, and I believe you have overkill with the 50 not to mention the cost.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: corbon</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Does anyone have regrets on purchasing a rifle chambered in .338 Lapua and decide to purchase a .50 BMG later on down the road? Or vice versa? </div></div>
Re: .338 Lapua and .50BMG chocies
Lets say you can buy 50 cal for 250 USD for 80 rounds wouldn't that be pretty close to the same price as LM?
Lets say you can buy 50 cal for 250 USD for 80 rounds wouldn't that be pretty close to the same price as LM?
Re: .338 Lapua and .50BMG chocies
First reloads for my 338 lapua cost around $3-3.50 but drop considerably after that depending on how much I use the brass. I don't buy loaded rounds, but the good stuff I think is around $4-5 for the 338. I don't shoot a 50, but would imagine 80 loaded rounds for $250 is extremely cheap and you're probaly not getting good ammo either.
First reloads for my 338 lapua cost around $3-3.50 but drop considerably after that depending on how much I use the brass. I don't buy loaded rounds, but the good stuff I think is around $4-5 for the 338. I don't shoot a 50, but would imagine 80 loaded rounds for $250 is extremely cheap and you're probaly not getting good ammo either.
Re: .338 Lapua and .50BMG chocies
Thanks. It was definitely a good feeling....best part was the reaction of my hunting buddies...they were watching through bino's...neat experience...all-be-it a tiny mulie...lol
Thanks. It was definitely a good feeling....best part was the reaction of my hunting buddies...they were watching through bino's...neat experience...all-be-it a tiny mulie...lol
Re: .338 Lapua and .50BMG chocies
I was unaware that Hornady made 338 lapua brass. I don't mind paying extra for lapua brass quality, so I will pay the difference. Thanks for the info though.
I was unaware that Hornady made 338 lapua brass. I don't mind paying extra for lapua brass quality, so I will pay the difference. Thanks for the info though.
Re: .338 Lapua and .50BMG chocies
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: CCooper</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I was unaware that Hornady made 338 lapua brass. I don't mind paying extra for lapua brass quality, so I will pay the difference. Thanks for the info though. </div></div>
Here's the link.
http://www.hornady.com/store/338-Lapua-Mag/
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: CCooper</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I was unaware that Hornady made 338 lapua brass. I don't mind paying extra for lapua brass quality, so I will pay the difference. Thanks for the info though. </div></div>
Here's the link.
http://www.hornady.com/store/338-Lapua-Mag/
Re: .338 Lapua and .50BMG chocies
Lapua makes excellent brass, not tryng to start a pissing match but its not 3 times better then hornady. you can get hornady at midway for 32$ for 20pcs. check the reviews man, hornady makes good brass....
Lapua makes excellent brass, not tryng to start a pissing match but its not 3 times better then hornady. you can get hornady at midway for 32$ for 20pcs. check the reviews man, hornady makes good brass....
Re: .338 Lapua and .50BMG chocies
I have a friend of mine who is a private FFL dealer he gets it brand new from Barrett. So its not match ammo but I could use the brass.
I have a friend of mine who is a private FFL dealer he gets it brand new from Barrett. So its not match ammo but I could use the brass.
Re: .338 Lapua and .50BMG chocies
It's much easier to develop VERY accurate long range loads for the 338LM. I also have a 50. Alot of fun to shoot-but in the long run the 338LM will give you more success and cost less to shoot. I've got Lapua 338 cases that I have loaded 10 times.
If you aren't reloading don't even consider shooting either. 50BMG,takes alot more work to develop accurate loads. You aren't going to get 338LM accuracy shooting surplus projectiles from a 50BMG.Shooting tracers and API out of 50's has closed alot of ranges to the 50 because of damage and fires.
Unless you are shooting WAY past 1000 yards-you'll get better results faster and cheaper with a 338LM.
It's much easier to develop VERY accurate long range loads for the 338LM. I also have a 50. Alot of fun to shoot-but in the long run the 338LM will give you more success and cost less to shoot. I've got Lapua 338 cases that I have loaded 10 times.
If you aren't reloading don't even consider shooting either. 50BMG,takes alot more work to develop accurate loads. You aren't going to get 338LM accuracy shooting surplus projectiles from a 50BMG.Shooting tracers and API out of 50's has closed alot of ranges to the 50 because of damage and fires.
Unless you are shooting WAY past 1000 yards-you'll get better results faster and cheaper with a 338LM.
Re: .338 Lapua and .50BMG chocies
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: TimResin</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Is the 700P MLR a good choice for a starter .338? </div></div>
No.Go with an AR30
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: TimResin</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Is the 700P MLR a good choice for a starter .338? </div></div>
No.Go with an AR30
