Re: Best 338 for the price
Dan, welcome to the site.
it sounds like you are dead set on a 338 boomer.
here are some things to consider.
1. what is your budget? ((most important)
and i mean that if you are going with a 338 rig,you will need approx. 1500-5000 to get started depending on weather you go used or new gear.(Full custom build or Remington plattform)
2.Rifle-optics-brass-bullets-primers-reloading equipment and a good set of dies (Redding-Hrn ND or Forster.
you may be able to pick a very good second hand custom rifle in 338 LM or 338 Remington Ultra mag for around 1500-2500 built on a Rem.receiver.
You might want to consider looking around for one of the older Remington Sendero SF chambered in the 338 Ultra Mag.since Remington doesn't offer the Sendero in the 338 ultra mag anymore wich is a good plattform to start out with.just add a brake and a good trigger and your done.if you want to get fancy,have a gunsmith due an accuracy job (true action -lap bolt -retime the barrel-muzzle brake-bedding job and trigger work) and it should hold at least 1 moa with some careful reloading and good components.
as far as brass cost,consider this.per 100 count
this are just average prices.
338 Lapua $225
338 Lapua (Norma) $225
338 Lapua (PRVI) $125
338 Lapua (Hornady) $140
338 Rem.Ultra mag. $105
with that being said,the 338 Rem.Ultra would be the cheapist cartridge to consider.leaving out the Weatherby 338-378 at $330per 100.
There are also more expensive 338 wildcats outhere,but they can get very pricy.
you should be able to find a Remington Sendero 338 Ultra mag for around 800-1200 and a decent Leupold 6.5-20 LR or 8.5-25 LR used for around $800.the accuracy job around $400 + the muzzle brake.
Will