Build or buy?

[hunter8793]

I’d like to get a .338 Lapua with a Carbon fiber wrapped barrel, and light weight stock. I’d like it to be as light as reasonably possible.

I’ve been looking at the Christensen Arms ELR which is around $2400. Should I look elsewhere?

If go the build route I’d like a Proof Research Barrel. I’d really like a Defiance action but those seem pretty expensive.

I’m thinking the build would cost $3500-$4000. I’m not sure if I want to spend that much. How cheap could I build a good one with a Proof Barrel?

Any thoughts, advice, or recommendations are greatly appreciated.

This will be used as a Big Game hunting gun for the rest of my life.

 

[CShooter92]

Being a big game hunter first and just getting into Precision rifle shooting, I can tell you that a 338 Lapua is a bit overkill for Big game, even in North America. I just can't imagine it being very pleasant to shoot in a hunting scenario.

Also ask yourself what the longest distance you would reasonably take an animal at. There are many other Magnum calibers (300 win, 7mm Rem) that are more than enough for anything in North America out to 1000 yards. I know too many guys who bought cannons for hunting guns only to buy something smaller because they got real flinchy shooting the bazookas at a deer at 100 yards.

But hell, if you want it, get it.

 

[JC0352]

If you’re scoffing at components for a potential build, you really need to stop and figure out how much it’s going to cost to feed that beast. No worries if you’re not shooting it that much, but .338 ammo and/or components is ‘spensive.

You could save money buying the Christensen to free up more funds for a good scope, then upgrade the barrel to a Proof carbon later.

 

[ingraham]

why build what you can buy ?

 

[strike33]

I'd agree that the 338 is above anything you would need for hunting. The old standbys such as the 300WM or 7mm mag are better choices. and Now the PRC chamberings are taking off.
Also, anything with proof carbon barrel and custom action and stock is going to be north of $4,000 (mostly)
If this is a forever gun I would go custom, but having said that, I'm sticking to factory guns after having too many issues with custom builds.

 

[George P. Burdell]

What/where are you hunting primarily?

 

[hunter8793]

If I build one what gunsmith do y’all recommend to cut the chamber and install it on an action?

 

[wilson1911]

FYI a proof carbon barrel is the same weight as a sporter light palma. I have a 338lm, everything about them is expensive, just wait until you start feeding it.

The 6.5 saum or prc would kill anything in the usa.

 

[strike33]

There's really too many to list: LRI, SAC, PCR, GAP, Gradous, English, and many many others..
Biggest thing will be wait times. some may not want to work on the proof as there is more risk for them if something goes wrong with the work.
Just contact some shops and see what the say. I would try to find something as local to you as possible, that way if there are issues you can swing by and work out whatever concerns you have.

 

[hunter8793]

What/where are you hunting primarily?

With this gun, Elk. Maybe a Moose in Alaska. Any other big game animal. I have a 6.5 Creedmoor for smaller stuff. The reason I want a .338 Lapua Magnum is because I’ve always wanted one. My brother scheduled an Elk hunt for us in October and the land owner said only .30 cal and up. My brother has a .300 wm and my Dad has a .300 weatherby. I want something else. So here is my excuse to get a .338

 

[strike33]

Do you reload? The 300NM is the new hotness taking steam out of the Lapua. But hell, if you want a lapua then go for it.

 

[Ledzep]

If you step down to 300 win mag or 300 PRC, 338 RUM, or even 338 Winchetser magnum, you can do things a lot easier/cheaper for building.

 

[m6z]

You could have LRI spin up a barreled action with a Rem long action & a proof barrel for less than $2k if you shop well.

I think I read that Proof was doing shouldered prefits for Bighorn now. So that might be another option.

 

[George P. Burdell]

If your heart is set on the 338 and you have the $$ to feed it and hunt in Canada, Alaska or Africa, you should build what you really want. A couple thousand dollars is not gonna be a huge difference at the end of the day

 

[strike33]

I'd also go with something like a Barloc so when you get sick of feeding the Lapua you can switch barrels

 

[radonkun]

In the beginning, I will say get a cheaper one in my mind. Because if build one the price is hard to lower than 2400.
But at the end, you said you will use for rest of your life.
So, get the best you can afford.

 

[strike33]

This is about the best deal i've seen for a new lapua
https://www.gunbroker.com/item/794074388