Which 338 for build?

[garandman]

I want something big bore, to go long. Basically, a benchrest / prone gun. Here's my presently preferred options -

338 Lapua has the most options, and is being supported by the military, so further development seems likely. However, as they say, 338LM chambering is the same as $5 bill chambering. Even reloading doesn't take the sting out oif shooting 338LM.

338 Edge can use necked up 300RUM brass - but its unobtanium, nowhere to be found. There is one source for 338 Edge brass, but its in Australia, and more expensive than 338LM. 338 Edge dies are pricey too. Seems unwise to jump into this caliber.

338 WinMag has relatively inexpensive brass and dies. But I don't hear a lot about it. Looks like a belted magnum, which I am told can be problematic in precision rifles.

Naturally, I want both a very accurate gun, and one that can be reloaded for at the most inexpensive cost reasonable possible.

Thoughts /comments / suggestions?

 

[mikeltee]

The 338lm isn't too bad once the brass is obtained to reload. You also won't be shooting that many rounds either. I can easily go through 500 rounds of 223 in a day. My shoulder stops me at 50 rounds 338lm. I usually only shoot 20 or so then switch to the 308 barrel.

 

[navyvet1989]

I am interested as well, how about the .338 RUM?

 

[xdeano]

Or a 338 Norma Mag. Brass is less then $2.00 a piece, excellent brass. similar velocities as the LM but shorter brass with a long neck to seat bullets out to the same length as Lapua, which will save you case space. Have a look.

.338 Norma Magnum - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Deano

edit: Or a 300 Norma Mag with the new 230 berger OTM. G1 BC of .719.

 

[thrusty]

How long do you want to go? I would choose 338ML out of what you have listed.

300 WSM for non-belted is a better alternative to the 300 win mag. Also something in the 7mm caliber would be a solid performer at distance.

 

[garandman]

How long do you want to go? .

Out to 1 mile.

 

[garandman]

Or a 338 Norma Mag. Brass is less then $2.00 a piece, excellent brass. similar velocities as the LM but shorter brass with a long neck to seat bullets out to the same length as Lapua, which will save you case space. Have a look.

.338 Norma Magnum - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Deano

edit: Or a 300 Norma Mag with the new 230 berger OTM. G1 BC of .719.

Anyone got a ballistics chart, and load data for 338NM?

 

[xdeano]

Here is a quick estimate with JBM.



xdeano

edit: This is just a estimate, as i've seen the 300grn go faster then 2800fps and some less then that in the 2750 range. Depending on powder used, charge and barrel length among other variables. But i've seen it up to 2825fps also. Just depends.

 

[xdeano]

I've got some load data on a 338 NM if you want pm me and i'll send it over. All I did was go through a pile of info and group it together, in an easy to read format.

xdeano

 

[garandman]

Thanx! ..... except I can't enlarge it to be able to read it....

 

[xdeano]

hang on i'll get it bigger.

 

[xdeano]

 

[dk17hmr]

I have often thought about putting a long 338 win mag barrel on my 300 wsm action. In a longer barrel the win mag puts out some good numbers, maybe not Lapua numbers but for the powder consumed not bad. With reloader19 in my 24" 338 win mag I was able to hit 3000-3050 with a 225gr bullet pretty easy, but normally the same bullet at 2750 has done well for me passed 600 yards.

 

[leadbullet]

just do a 338 RUM and you'll be very happy.

 

[garandman]

just do a 338 RUM and you'll be very happy.

ok, I'm interested. Tel me more - ballistics, etc

 

[barnesuser28]

338/375 ruger, 340 weatherby ballistics without the belt and less expensive brass. Win/Win