Which Rifle??? Ballista, MRAD, MLR?

[TyCasillas]

I am new to this forum (first post) and I am interested in a couple rifles that I want to purchase. The goal for this rifle is to be a 1500+ yard rifle and in 338LM. The three rifles I have picked are the FN Ballista, Barrett MRAD, and Drake Associates Remington MLR. The max budget is $6000 for the rifle. I know this might be covered in previous threads but it is hard to find info on these rifles especially when it comes to comparing each other. I am thinking of going with the FN Ballista but I am mostly looking for the best accuracy I can get(obviously). Let me know what you guys think about these rifles, which one I should consider and if there are any that I have overlooked that I should get!

Also, whatever rifle I get I am most likely going to pair it with a Nightforce B.E.A.S.T. optic.

 

[stello1001]

I know you are dead set on 338LM but have you considered 338NM???

 

[TyCasillas]

I have considered 338NM. I am in CA though and that type of ammo is very hard to come by so I am trying to stick to ammo that is somewhat easy to get and mainstream. I do not reload right now but down the line, it is something I am sure I will do.

 

[SuperSneakySniper]

Can i vote Ballista simply because it's more uncommon and has a badass name?
If it were my choice I would choose either the MRAD or the Ballista. Ive played with an MRAD and really liked it, but ive always found the Ballista to be attractive.

 

[GIXXER2000]

I shoot out passed 1500 a very often as I have plenty of room were I live. I use a AI-PSR ( same as the AXMC) in both .300WM and .338 LM. My longest hit with the .338LM is 2445 yards. I would look for a used AXMC to fit you budget. The upside is very easy barrel change and you can choose any round you choose .338LM , 300NM. The other 2 you talked about I looked at them both but the way you change barrels I didn't like. Also AI barrels are made by more the one source so your not limited to the manufacture.

 

[Flip#1]

Keep a eye on my new post but by the end of the month I will have a review on the Ballista. I have the AI AXMC the MSR and now
Just got today the Ballista. I am telling you just from initial inspection the Ballista hands down. Now let’s hope it shoots the craftsmanship is superior to the other two.
I am at place where I get to play with cool toys and the decisions to go with the MSR where before my times but WTF where they thinking when they awarded the MSR the contract. Everyone hates the trigger on the MSR at work but will see I will put the Ballista to the test and report.

 

[TyCasillas]

Will do. While waiting till I can decide which rifle to get I saved up enough money to possibly get an Ai AXMC in 338 LP(let me know your opinions on that as well as compared to the ballista) . So now it just makes the struggle of choosing even harder. Let me know what you think of it, not much info about the ballista is out there

 

[Flip#1]

I will shoot next weekend. But initially the ballista is better the chassis has no plastic and is a tank feels lighter and I just read the instructions and it says that the minimum barrel life is 5,000 rounds I never seen a manufacturer put a round count on their product. It feels smooth everything is beautiful and more attention to detail on the build even the adjustable shoulder pad has adjustments I never seen in AI or MSR

 

[doctordoctor]

Do you reload? The norma mag should be considered.

 

[Flip#1]

More pictures

 

[Flip#1]

The top rails can be changed into 20-30 ect however many moa you want. The attention to detail is there hands down so far chassis wise is the ballista. So far one gripe is the bolt is extremely supper close to the gun. Will see how she feels as I leaned the gun and put some range time but man I cannot believe no that many of this are out in people’s hand is day and night diferente and better.

 

[Hondo1]

Don’t over look DT, you can load the .338 Lapua long taking the .338 norma argument out of the equation.

 

[srt-4_uk]

Over $2000 for a barrel swap. F all that noise.

 

[canuckistaninia]

I'm biased since I have one, but I've always loved my MRAD. I'm confident the ballista is a solid option, it was just not an available option for me, it was just too much damn money.

 

[TyCasillas]

Over $2000 for a barrel swap. F all that noise.

I was considering AI AXMC but they are also 2000 for a barrel swap as well.

 

[TyCasillas]

The top rails can be changed into 20-30 ect however many moa you want. The attention to detail is there hands down so far chassis wise is the ballista. So far one gripe is the bolt is extremely supper close to the gun. Will see how she feels as I leaned the gun and put some range time but man I cannot believe no that many of this are out in people’s hand is day and night diferente and better.

What scope are you going to put on the Ballista?

 

[GIXXER2000]

I just looked at Eurooptics and if you buy the AXMC IN .338LM the 300wm or .308 bolt is $684. The mags are expensive,$145 for the 300wm or $96 for .308 maganzine and You can have Dave Tooley spin you up a barrel for no more then $800 so total to switch to 300WM would be $1630.
The most important thing is get what YOU really want cause if you don't you will never be happy!! Happy shopping.

 

[srt-4_uk]

I was considering AI AXMC but they are also 2000 for a barrel swap as well.

Even if you buy AI barrels and a new AI bolt, it's still $600 cheaper than the Ballista.

 

[moosemeat]

Ballista! Ballista! Ballista!
I vote Ballista cause my SPR is awezome. FN makes good gear and its something besides a AI.
AI are awesome. I think they are so good that even if something magic existed in that market it may get overlooked just cause everyone goes AI.

 

[Flip#1]

What scope are you going to put on the Ballista?

I went with the S&B PMII 5-25 H-59

 

[GIXXER2000]

I run an S&B 3X27 with the H59 on my AI-PSR. I am using the Ivey 50 mil adjustable mount and have hits out to 2445 yards. I am going to the SW-ELR shoot near Barstow in the morning with targets will be about 2650,2150 and 1750 won't know for sure till we get on site.