Magnum Caliber Rifle: Skip 300WM move to 338LM?

[Hawk45]

Only thing I still need in the safe is a Magnum rifle. I've noticed recently several manufactures making 338LMs for not much more than other magnum variants.

I reload, so outside of initial investment, is there a downside to just stepping up to the LM? I don't want to get fancy with wildcats, just something fun to shoot a LONG way when the opportunities arise. And even though I love guns, down the road I don't want to wish I had gone with the bigger caliber. Also, 338 is as big as we can go at the several ranges I belong.

Thanks everyone!

 

[FCS]

Re: Magnum Caliber Rifle: Skip 300WM move to 338LM?

300 NM with 230 Bergers will get you way out there.

I'd take a hard look at a 338 NM but nothing wrong with a 338 LM either.

 

[mdavlee]

Re: Magnum Caliber Rifle: Skip 300WM move to 338LM?

I've had several 30 cal variants through the years and now have a 338 lapua. If the brass and reloading supplies aren't a big shock then i say go for it. They will ring steel a lot harder than a 308 at the same distance.

 

[Mile High Shooting]

Re: Magnum Caliber Rifle: Skip 300WM move to 338LM?

Between a 300 WM and a 338 Lapua, every .338 I've shot has been more pleasant to shoot than the Win Mags; even in identically configured guns. The Lapua's do some wicked ringing of steel and pass along a lot of energy downrange.

For the most part, rifles are pretty close in cost. However, there is a greater cost in ammunition if not reloading, and even reloading has a slightly higher cost per round. It's sounds silly, but I have come across some places that treat Lapua's like .50s and either ban them outright or make you get "certified" by the club to shoot them. Just do a quick check that wherever you're planning to shoot one regularly doesn't have an issue. Also, as mentioned above, they can be torture to non hardened steel or targets not really secured to the ground inside of 1000 yards.

If cost and having one isn't an issue, I'd say go with a Lapua. If you really want to splurge, take a look at the Accuracy International AX .338. I have been a fan of them long before I was at Mile High.

-Sean

 

[stalski]

Re: Magnum Caliber Rifle: Skip 300WM move to 338LM?

Um, yeah if those are your choices just goto 338 and never look back.

 

[Hawk45]

Re: Magnum Caliber Rifle: Skip 300WM move to 338LM?

Thanks everyone,
Since I won't be driving this one all that often I'm going to be getting in on the lower end, something factory, hence the fewer cambering options I've listed. That being said, I want something I'll be able to upgrade down the line if need be, so probably stick with another Savage or try another Remington. If there was a 338 Edge factory option in a 28" threaded barrel, I'd for sure add that to the mix.

 

[leadbullet]

Re: Magnum Caliber Rifle: Skip 300WM move to 338LM?

take another hard look at the 338 edge, best compromise between the 300 and 338 LM.

 

[Hawk45]

Re: Magnum Caliber Rifle: Skip 300WM move to 338LM?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: attherange</div><div class="ubbcode-body">take another hard look at the 338 edge, best compromise between the 300 and 338 LM. </div></div>

Will do, of course this would have to be a build. Is barrel life drastically different in the Edge vs LM?

 

[MJY65]

Re: Magnum Caliber Rifle: Skip 300WM move to 338LM?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Sales@MileHigh</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Between a 300 WM and a 338 Lapua, every .338 I've shot has been more pleasant to shoot than the Win Mags; even in identically configured guns.
-Sean </div></div>

Could you elaborate on this a bit? I've shot many 300WM, never even held a 338LM, but am considering buying one. Am I understanding that you find the 338 recoil to be less than the 300?

 

[Hawk45]

Re: Magnum Caliber Rifle: Skip 300WM move to 338LM?

My guess is probably like the .40cal vs .45 ACP.. the .40cal, though smaller is more "snappy", where the bigger .45ACP is more of a push. I've only got history with an un-braked .300WM, and though not as pleasant as a .308, it wasn't by any means brutal.

 

[mdavlee]

Re: Magnum Caliber Rifle: Skip 300WM move to 338LM?

I can shoot my 338 off bipods and let it free recoil. I don't have to hold the stock with the left hand to keep it from getting me.

 

[The Surgeons Ghost]

Re: Magnum Caliber Rifle: Skip 300WM move to 338LM?

Have you looked at the 300 RUM running the 230 gr Berger hybrids?

91.5 gr of H1000 at 2995 fps. I got this recipe from another great member here. Nice load. Run it through your ballistic software. I did, very impressive.

I am working with another member here for loads and a smith out in Utah. I ordered the stock from McMillan. The 300 Rum is a fine magnum and does have some similarities to the larger magnums that have been mentioned. There are some challenges in the build as far as magazines. Definitely, as the ballistics show, it is a 1,800+ yard gun.