Why the 388Lapua?

[Blueprinted]

These Remington threads have me really looking at getting a big gun for long range, namely the 338Lapua. So I got poking around tonite and found an article comparing a 338Rum to a 338 Lapua. The article is on Borden Rifles site, that got me thinking. I know stand back shit is burning LOL

Ballistics are pretty much the same
338 RUM can be put on any Magnum Action
Brass is cheaper (I dont know if it is better)
Uses a hair less powder.


Not trying to start a pissing contest, just wondering why the Lapua over the RUM seems to be the go to. I know the 338L is an excepted adopted round by Military/Police sniper teams. Just trying to educate myself before pulling the pin.

 

[GUNNER10]

Re: Why the 388Lapua?

well, just some thoughts, nothing more, i think alot of people like the 338 lapua because its been adopted by a number of armed forces through out the globe,is basically a standard, hence i think that alot of people see it sticking around.

theres alot of rounds out there in various calibers that are better than the standard but are not as popular for what ever reason.

for me, i like standard the standard calibers, 556,308,300m,338lm

 

[psinclair]

Re: Why the 388Lapua?

Lapua brass= better. If it last longer is it really more money? Some of mine I have 10+ firings on and still GTG...

 

[wnroscoe]

Re: Why the 388Lapua?

The reason the 338LM is so popular is due to three reason;

1. It is an inherently accurate cartridge
2. It is now a standardized military cartridge
3. It has very good factory ammo available for it

The 338RUM is/was designed with hunting in mind PERIOD

 

[Goin'Hot]

Re: Why the 388Lapua?

I run a 338 EDGE and really thought i'd gone the wrong way because of the lack of Lapua brass. The Lapua brass is the best. Next time I load for my edge, it will be the 9th firing on this lot. Seems to be holding up just fine so, the rem brass for the RUMs is fine. I doubt I'll even try to run them to 15 cycles. For caution, I'll probably recycle it at 10 or 12.

If you're building a custom rifle, the chamber will be much nicer than a factory rifle if done properly. This will reduce the amount of expansion your brass goes through thereby ensuring a happy and long life.

 

[Nostradumbass]

Re: Why the 388Lapua?

I have two 338 Norma magnums.....that being said, my friends McMillan tac 338 will do everything my Norma will do, with reloading components easier to get ahold of with the lapua....the Lapua might be a better deal, but the Norma has a longer barrel life.

 

[VarmitSpecial]

Re: Why the 388Lapua?

I got a 338 Lapua because the reloading components and factory ammo that is available, I cant remember the last time I have seen 338 RUM ammo at the local shops.

 

[RBros]

Re: Why the 388Lapua?

The Lapua is popular mainly due to being an adopted NATO round and factory ammo available. A 338 RUM with a custom barrel and match chamber will come within fps of a 338 Lapua. The 338 Edge will boost the performance even more. All are accurate if built correctly. I to have Edge brass with 10+ firings on it and it is still going strong. Seems to be the case with my clients as well.

If you don't reload and want a 338, then the Lapua is where its at. In my opinion, if you reload and are building a rifle, then there are better options.

 

[mdmp5]

Re: Why the 388Lapua?

Lapua's 338 brass is probably the best brass they make. I ran a bunch of randomly picked cases from 2 boxes thru the Redding neck concentricity gauge, and over 90% of them have neck wall thickness variance < .001". If you anneal the brass after each firing, bump the shoulder .002", use less than max charge and keep the case mouths square, there is no reason why the brass won't last well over 10 firings.