Suggestions for a new Bolt Gun

[Dynamic Response]

Im almost done getting my LMT 308 MWS where I want it. So I plan on buying another gun in the somewhat near future. It will obviously take me some time to save up the money for one but figured I would start researching it now. This time I want to get a bolt gun and Im looking for suggestions.

I like to shoot 308 because its cheap and ammo is everywhere for it. But I'm considering stepping it up to a bigger caliber. I want to be able to shoot well past 1000yards so I need a caliber that stays supersonic much farther then a 308. I was thinking possibly a 300 Win Mag or bigger.

So what do you guys think? Any input or advice is appreciated.

 

[Belisarius]

Re: Suggestions for a new Bolt Gun

" But I'm considering stepping it up to a bigger caliber. I want to be able to shoot well past 1000yards so I need a caliber that stays supersonic much farther then a 308"



300 WinMag can't do that, go with 338 Edge

 

[FequalsMA]

Re: Suggestions for a new Bolt Gun

Do you handload?

 

[Dynamic Response]

Re: Suggestions for a new Bolt Gun

NO I dont hand load right now. I dont have the room for all the equipment. As soon as I get a new place I will be tho. But that could be sometime.

I never heard of that 338 edge until now. I just researched it and it looks great. However those wildcat loads are a pain in the ass to get if you dont reload.

Thats why I was thinking the 300win mag. Because the Military is using it now so hopefully the ammo will be readily available like 308 is.

 

[*greenhorn*]

Re: Suggestions for a new Bolt Gun

338 LM but id start handloading

 

[PRDRIVER]

Re: Suggestions for a new Bolt Gun

Why not get a rifle like the DTA SRS where you can swap out calibers (i.e. .308, .243, .260, 6.5 Creedmoor, 6.5X47, 7 WSM, 300 WM, 338 Norma, 338 LM, etc.)?

 

[Dynamic Response]

Re: Suggestions for a new Bolt Gun

I like that Idea and what they did with that weapon system. however I never really cared for bullpups. I dont know what it is about them they just look weird to me. But I havent had much time behind one. I see they have one that shoots 50bmg, 416, 408 cheytac. thats pretty cool

 

[Dynamic Response]

Re: Suggestions for a new Bolt Gun

338 lapua would be nice any recommendations on which rifle.

 

[PRDRIVER]

Re: Suggestions for a new Bolt Gun

I was skeptical of the SRS before I actually got behind one. The trigger is excellent in the SRS, which is not he case for most bullpup rifles. Cycling the bolt also becomes very easy to get used to.

I also like how easy it is to change calibers. I can go from .308 to .338 in less than 60 seconds.

I recently added a .260 barrel to my SRS (the great thing if you already have a.308 conversion, is that all you need is a new barrel to shoot .260, 6.5 Creedmoor, 6.5X47, or .243).

 

[Bruiser_Joe]

Re: Suggestions for a new Bolt Gun

SRS is a awesome system

 

[okiefired]

Re: Suggestions for a new Bolt Gun

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: BigB308</div><div class="ubbcode-body">338 lapua would be nice any recommendations on which rifle. </div></div>

Sako TRG 42.

okie

 

[VKC]

Re: Suggestions for a new Bolt Gun

If money is not a consideration or you don't pay for you ammo, then go with a 338 lapua or better yet one of the cheytac rounds.

But more realistically, if want a great extended range caliber with not that much relative recoil, take a look at the 7mm mags... 7mm WSM, 7SAUM, etc.

300 Norma mag is a consideration with Bergers 230gr bullets. But then they are suppose to be coming out with a 190gr 7mm with a very high BC.

It depends on if you want a factory rifle or a custom. Also depends on how much energy you need to send downrange...target shooting, hunting what, punching armor?...etc.

 

[Pusher591]

Re: Suggestions for a new Bolt Gun

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Belisarius</div><div class="ubbcode-body">" But I'm considering stepping it up to a bigger caliber. I want to be able to shoot well past 1000yards so I need a caliber that stays supersonic much farther then a 308"



300 WinMag can't do that, go with 338 Edge </div></div>

Heavier bullets like the Hornady 208 and 225's allow the 300 Win Mag to shoot EXTREMELY well past 1,000.

A 208 AMAX running 2900+ from a 24-26" barrel will hammer at 1340 yards

Yeah, the 338 Edge will do it better but for the price difference...not THAT much better.

 

[ranger1183]

Re: Suggestions for a new Bolt Gun

Buy a Sako TRG-42 and be done with it. Comes in both 300 WM and 338 LM. They shoot stellar right out of the box and you don't have to send it to a gunsmith to get it accurized. They also have a very high resale value when rifle ADD kicks in. EuroOptics sells them and is a big supporter of the Hide.

 

[KYpatriot]

Re: Suggestions for a new Bolt Gun

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: vkc</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
But more realistically, if want a great extended range caliber with not that much relative recoil, take a look at the 7mm mags... 7mm WSM, 7SAUM, etc.

300 Norma mag is a consideration with Bergers 230gr bullets. But then they are suppose to be coming out with a 190gr 7mm with a very high BC...

</div></div>
This is right on.
If you don't need the energy and recoil of the 338LM but want similar performance out to 1500 get a 7mm Rem Mag. You can buy off the shelf ammo available anywhere ammo is sold for hunting or close range and for longer range work handload the 180 Bergers hybrids, or the new 195 grain bullets when they show up. Thats what I'm doing.
You can't beat the 7mm bullets out there right now without a significant step up in expense and recoil.