Looking to get into the 338LM game

[Juggerxxx]

I have this itch to get a 338 Lapua magnum and looking for some suggestions. Not looking to spend more than ~$2,500 since I need to invest another $500-$700 on reloading hardware to shoot the damn thing as much as I would like. Love the look and feel of a desert tech or MRAD but their out of the price range. The savage stealth is an option but looking to put together a barrel and action with a chassis I am more comfortable with.

What are some price options for dropping a decent barrel and action into a good chassis. I have done this smaller calibers with XLR chassis and have been very happy. Not opposed to other chassis but the question is where to find a good barrel and action in my price range with another $1,000 left for a chassis.

thank you in advance.

 

[sierracharlie338]

Short of the savage (stealth or FCP HS) or Remington 700P MLR I think you are gonna have a hard time finding what you are looking for. I just bought a 338 (shhh don't tell the wife) and I spent way more than I planned (had to sell a custom to help pay for it) but think I will be happier in the long run.

 

[prashants17]

Buy a Savage stealth - https://grabagun.com/savage-91.html - $1200 - shoot it if its <1 MOA you luck out, if not then

buy a Bartein Barrel http://shop.otmtactical.com/338cal-...rmint-Contour-Barrel-27-110-Twist-_p_160.html - $400.00

Now use the stealth chasis, get the Savage action trued and the Bartlein Barrel installed - $500 or so

Should be between $1200 if lucky or $1200 + $400 + $500 = $2100

You can add a magpull stock if you want or be done.

 

[GIXXER2000]

Keep looking here on the hide so very good deals come up.

 

[Ruslow]

I have had a few 338lms and the biggest part of one is the reloading. I have shot and had 3 hits out of 5 with the savage at 1 mile.And am going this weekend to try the DT 338 at 1500yrds. plus have an AI.Really the recoil makes them not fun to shoot after about 20 rnds [300gn smk]. and the cheapest I have reloaded a rnd was $1.17 Can do fine and enjoy shooting the smaller calibers, since to get to the mile I need to drive 5 hrs. Yes it is fun to take to the range and be the.'bad ass'. but it comes with a price. Stan

 

[Juggerxxx]

Thanks guys and yes, the wife is why I need to keep the dollar amount low to hide it from her. I have a good amount of locations to stretch out to a mile and beyond hence the desire for the 338LM. May even take it elk hunting this year if there is minimal hiking.

what powder have you found to work best with certain bullets? I was planning on trying the 285gr ELD

 

[lash]

As mentioned above, your Savage .338s are your best bet to keep it inside that budget. You could buy a Savage FCP HS for about $1200 and drop it into your favorite chassis and be good. Another, more expensive option is to buy a Stiller action for $1200, the barrel of your choice for $400 shipped, have a smith spin them together and thread it for you $400, plus $120 trigger. That leaves you less in your budget for a chassis, but the cost can be spread over a year, buying parts and services. My experience is that it opens up the budget a little doing it that way.

As for powdering the 285s, I'm quite happy with H1000, but others are Retumbo fans (I personally prefer Retumbo with the heavier bullets). I've seen some good results using RL33, but have no personal experience.

 

[brado16]

H1000 is pretty popular with 300 Berger's and Scenar's, RE25 also works but not very temp stable.

 

[7mmShooter]

Are you set on a repeater or would you mind single shot? The 112 Magnum Target can be had for around $975 from the little searching I've done.

 

[Ruslow]

As for powders I have used H1000 and Retumbo plus tried VV165 and VV160. I have shot 250 loc base, 285 and 300 smk's. the VV powder is not temp stable but works great with the loc base. But going out past 1400 yards i pretty much just shoot the heavies because of wind,then i use the retumbo or H1000 powder. When I first started shooting the LM back in 95 all that was avail was the VV stuff. So powder and bullets have come along way since then.Stan

 

[Quarter Horse]

Keep looking here on the hide so very good deals come up.

y

This is the best answer but you have to be patient. The .338LM is fatiguing, expensive and requires range to justify. Consequently, you will find rifles for sale here that include dies, brass and bullets. Your allowance for the rifle and reloading set up get you very close on a TRG.

For powder, I use H1000. I never found a reason to change.

 

[Juggerxxx]

You guys and the quality of input are make this site great. Thank you. Seriously

 

[GIXXER2000]

For me powder depends on what bullet. when shooting a 250 gr I use H-1000 but when I shoot 285 or 300 Hybrid's I use RETUMBO.

 

[TheGerman]

Barrett MRAD.

Go be poor on something else.

 

[sierracharlie338]

Looks like I need to find some retumbo to play with . . .





Sierracharlie338....

 

[vh20]

For me powder depends on what bullet. when shooting a 250 gr I use H-1000 but when I shoot 285 or 300 Hybrid's I use RETUMBO.

Good advice. Retumbo gave me better velocity with the 300s

 

[diverdon]

Looks like I need to find some retumbo to play with . . .





Sierracharlie338....

In stock at Powder Valley Inc...The hot ticket these days is 4350

 

[Mj1995]

Another, more expensive option is to buy a Stiller action for $1200, the barrel of your choice for $400 shipped, have a smith spin them together and thread it for you $400, plus $120 trigger. That leaves you less in your budget for a chassis, but the cost can be spread over a year, buying parts and services. My experience is that it opens up the budget a little doing it that way.

You could go with this as good advice. In my experience it always takes longer than planned when you are having a rifle built especially when you have to order something and wait on it.