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.338 LM vs .308

M

Mareshow

Private
Full Member
Minuteman
Mar 14, 2012
145
129
Alright i've been reading the forum for a while and using the search question but i still have some questions. Here's my dilema:

I current have a Browning X-bolt .30-06 and enjoy shooting 600 yds consistently with it. Up here in Canada i found a nice spot of crown land with room to set up targets to about 2000m (or yards) I currently am looking at either a 338 lapua magnum or a 308. I know the 308 is very similar to my 30-06 but i want to get a higher end rifle so here's my question. Do i upgrade to the 338 or the 308? I was looking at PGW guns up here or possibly custom (but i'd prefer a factory rifle). What would you do in my situation?

thanks for your help
 
Re: .338 LM vs .308

I would do some reading on the 308 and 338. They are VERY different animals.

Keep in mind the cost of 338 ammo compared to 308 ammo.

Do you have much experience in LR or ELR? I ask because it takes a good deal of knowledge and proper execution of fundamentals to make good use of a 338. Shooting at/past 1k is much larger task then shooting 600.

Edit- Buy the way there are plenty of calibers in between that you may want to look into. 260, 243, to name a few.
 
Re: .338 LM vs .308

I would get a 338 LM. I sold my 308 shortly after I bought the 338. The 308 seemed like a toy and I found myself using the 338 even for shorter range shooting. The previous poster is correct when he says they are VERY different animals.
 
Re: .338 LM vs .308

Asking this question really means you personally need to do some reading on the net about both calibres ,Why would you want to change your 30-06 for either of these ? If your only shooting 600 yards get a 308 if your intentions are for hunting big animals that are now extinct get a 338 and of course for 1k plus plus shooting
 
Re: .338 LM vs .308

are you in Western Canada? where did you find the 2000 yards place for shooting? if you in Western Canada then go for the 338 Lapua Magnum, if you in Ontario you will hardly use 338 Lapua


A
 
Re: .338 LM vs .308

After reading the post, I wouldn't be sure how to answer the question. I understood the question but, there are so many things to know before I'd feel right giving an answer.

Do you reload? That's the biggest question.

Sounds like you're wanting a high end factory rifle of some sort.

If you don't reload, I'd get the Savage 110BA in 300wm. You can get the benefit of a pretty well built rifle that costs still less than a custom. You can get a higher performing caliber than the 308 or your 30-06 and still not have to spend the high cost of buying 338LM ammo.

If you're set on either a 308 or a 338, get the 308... you'll have more choices of ammo out there and, you'll be able to afford to shoot it.

If you reload, the sky is the limit... go and buy the 338... I'd still buy the Savage 110BA since you're wanting a factory rifle.... There are a few factory customs out there but the Savage is the one that comes to my mind for some reason... I'm sure others will post some of the others... Remington PSS is another one.. there are more.
 
Re: .338 LM vs .308

You've been reading the forum for awhile and you still don't know the 308 falls out of the sky at 700 yards??


Sorry... According to TG its 748 yds exactly with no wind at your back...
And according to Ousty its 836 yds...
And Grimm says 830....

So my question is... why would you want a round that only goes 836 tops?
 
Re: .338 LM vs .308

Not sure what your budget is but maybe you should look at a DTA SRS if you just want something different. This way you're not locked into one caliber should you decide to try something else once you've made the initial purchase.
 
Re: .338 LM vs .308

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Mareshow</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Alright i've been reading the forum for a while and using the search question but i still have some questions. Here's my dilema:

I current have a Browning X-bolt .30-06 and enjoy shooting 600 yds consistently with it. Up here in Canada i found a nice spot of crown land with room to set up targets to about 2000m (or yards) I currently am looking at either a 338 lapua magnum or a 308. I know the 308 is very similar to my 30-06 but i want to get a higher end rifle so here's my question. Do i upgrade to the 338 or the 308? I was looking at PGW guns up here or possibly custom (but i'd prefer a factory rifle). What would you do in my situation?

thanks for your help</div></div>

Please don't take this the wrong way but that is a stupid question and if you have actually been doing reading, you would know that comparison is akin to saying "What should I haul a pallet of cement with, an '85 Toyota pick up or a Ford 350 diesel?"

The 308 and the 338 Lapua Magnum are about that different.
 
Re: .338 LM vs .308

Not to mention the .308 isn't really a step up from your 'ol 06. Before I get flamed for saying this, it's posted in the ELR section and two the .308 is only popular as a "long range" cartridge because of the military, guess what, the military really doesn't like it for anything other than in the mid range machine guns. Brigadier General Guest made a lucky shot with prototype m24 and it really took off from his recommendations.
However, it's like the ford mustang of cars, there is an unlimited market for it and everything around it. So it's easy and cheap to deal with.
The .338 is NOT in any way cheap, it's hard on the shoulder (if light and not very well braked) and very hard on the ears. However, it's a hammer and will reach any sane distance.
jmo
 
Re: .338 LM vs .308

Thanks for the comments guys, I plan on reloading and the reason why i'm struggling is I'm not sure what i want when it comes to calibre. I'm hesitant of the 338 because of the cost (i'm cheap what can i say haha) and i'm hesitant of 308 because it lacks the range i eventually want to hit.
 
Re: .338 LM vs .308

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Mareshow</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Thanks for the comments guys, I plan on reloading and the reason why i'm struggling is I'm not sure what i want when it comes to calibre. I'm hesitant of the 338 because of the cost (i'm cheap what can i say haha) and i'm hesitant of 308 because it lacks the range i eventually want to hit. </div></div>Well youve solved your own problem by the looks and are getting neither -just get a blow up doll and have longer cheaper fun
 
Re: .338 LM vs .308

Hey Mareshow, I would look into .300 Winchester Magnum. It's a good step up from your 30-06, and not too spendy to handload. I have a standard MOA hunting load that is supersonic to 1300 yards, and the new Berger 230gr bullet pushed to 2850fps, can reach 1750 yards before going subsonic. A lot of people want to shoot extreme range, but lack a true and refined understanding of what it actually takes to pull it off. I have just gotten comfortable banging steel at 1000yds with .308, and after 7yrs of trial and error, research, load development, optic & rifle upgrades and countless shooting sessions, and I STILL consider myself a novice. I am impressed with the restraint shown by some of the senior members here to not rub your face in your obvious ignorance. Sooner or later though, it will happen, so try to put a little more thought into your questions, and you may find that the real wealth of knowledge here will reveal itself to you. Good luck bro, and have fun.
 
Re: .338 LM vs .308

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: StanwoodSpartan</div><div class="ubbcode-body">You've been reading the forum for awhile and you still don't know the 308 falls out of the sky at 700 yards??


Sorry... According to TG its 748 yds exactly with no wind at your back...
And according to Ousty its 836 yds...
And Grimm says 830....

So my question is... why would you want a round that only goes 836 tops? </div></div>
Not true!! I have verified on my home range that it is 842 yards!!
smile.gif
 
Re: .338 LM vs .308

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Mike</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Mareshow</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Alright i've been reading the forum for a while and using the search question but i still have some questions. Here's my dilema:

I current have a Browning X-bolt .30-06 and enjoy shooting 600 yds consistently with it. Up here in Canada i found a nice spot of crown land with room to set up targets to about 2000m (or yards) I currently am looking at either a 338 lapua magnum or a 308. I know the 308 is very similar to my 30-06 but i want to get a higher end rifle so here's my question. Do i upgrade to the 338 or the 308? I was looking at PGW guns up here or possibly custom (but i'd prefer a factory rifle). What would you do in my situation?

thanks for your help</div></div>

Please don't take this the wrong way but that is a stupid question and if you have actually been doing reading, you would know that comparison is akin to saying "What should I haul a pallet of cement with, an '85 Toyota pick up or a Ford 350 diesel?"

The 308 and the 338 Lapua Magnum are about that different. </div></div>

I am offended. You wouldn't believe some of the things we have done with Toyota pickups in the oil field.
smile.gif
 
Re: .338 LM vs .308

If you reload, I say stick with your ot6. Get a custom fast twist barrel, say 1/10 and shoot some 206 Amaxs. This should get you as far as you want to go.

If you dont like the 30 cal, get a 7wsm, or 280 and you should be good to a mile. The 300WM is a good idea as well. Plenty of giddy-up.

But that ot6 is a good one. Not trendy, but good ballistically with right bullets...Dont assume cause you are burning twice as much powder, you will all of a sudden be twice the shot. And dont get me wrong, I think everyone should get a 338LM, just not as their first custom.

Regards,
DT
 
Re: .338 LM vs .308

308 you get to shoot for less $$. 300WM you get to go farther than 308 with less frustration. 338LM you get to go real far, but the fun is not what I would clarify as "Cheap".

Get one of each. It's only paper if you don't spend it.
 
Re: .338 LM vs .308

I have 2 308's. both on either end of perpose. One is a m1a socom ii and the other is the savage F/TR percision target 308. Then I also have savage 110 ba 338LM. It really depends on what you want to do. For the money the F/TR 308 shoots very accurate but if you want to go more than 1100 yards withouth being a very good shooter and have a nice scope to be able to do this anyway you may want the bigger cartrage. savage makes a Long rang hunter model 308 that is very nice also and is a shooter, a friend has one. But just letting you know if you do not want to spend $ then do not buy a 338 Lapua, there is nother cheap about it, lol. I have found that with the nicer rifles and the bigger cartrages. they are like a fine tuned dragster or bike. the nicer and bigger they are the more $ you want to put in them for better quality otherwise it was a waist in the 1st place to buy such a nice gun. For what you want I would buy the Savage Long rang hunter in .308, put a leupold vx3 4.5-14X40 or X50mm boon and crocket or even better I think, with the TMR but it more $ b/c it is laser etched. Good gun, good load, good glass, and now you come into play. have fun man. lol
 
Re: .338 LM vs .308

Sorry, I never said. I can lay down a 8inch group at 1000 yards almost every time with that f-class 308, but that is with lots of load testing, lapua brass and Sierra MK and leupold mark 4 glass 8.5-25X50mm witch is a 30mm main tube. All that being said, I can do that with wind and any time i want to pull the trigger with the 338 LM. Just saying it is obviously easyer to shoot that distance with the 338LM.
 
Re: .338 LM vs .308

I think if you regularly shoot the .06 at distance, your fundamentals must be pretty solid by now. I would step up to the .338. That is my goal. Hate my sissy little .308. It's like the bike with training wheels.
 
Re: .338 LM vs .308

If you found a place to shoot out to 2000m & can / will reload, I would say get the 338LM. The 30-06 you have can do everything the 308 will do and then some & if you can custom load for your 30-06, going to a .300wm doesn't give you a big enough jump up to suggest it over a .338LM. Also if you want to get much past 1400m you will want the 338LM, especially in windy conditions.

Most reloaders are getting about 10-13 loads out of their Lapua 338LM brass, so overall the cost of ammo is not too bad once you start.

I am not sure if you can get Accuracy international rifles where you are, but the older AWM series had it where you could get a .338 and also have a .300wm bolt / barrel that you could change in about an hour with a vice.

Then AI has a new one part of the PSR II series AX redesign coming out where you can get one that does .338LM, .300WM and .308 all in one rifle and the barrel / bolt swap out in a matter of 5 minutes with one nut driver that you can do in the field while shooting.
 
Re: .338 LM vs .308

Personally I would go 7mmWSM or 7MmmRM. A good 7 mag will keep up with a 338LM ballistically in every aspect except energy on target. Most of my paper and steel targets don't know the difference.
wink.gif
 
Re: .338 LM vs .308


One cannot replace the other. They are very distinct calibers with very different applications.

The .308 Will allow you to compete in F/TR and F-Class is very popular in Canada. You grow alot from competing that's for sure!

The .308 has outstanding barrel life,it's fairly inexpensive and can be used in a variety of applications.

Good factory rifles are available,like the Sako TRG-22, but knowing the pride of my fellow Canucks it will be hard not to ask what Ross can do for you.

A PGW Coyote will never let you down and will probably outshoot and outlast you. When the time is right and if you feel the need you can pick up a Timberwolf.

http://www.pgwdti.com/

Ross Spagrud [email protected]


Best Regards
 
Re: .338 LM vs .308

two very different beast's, but if you have 2kM to shoot, go big. You wont be sorry for buying a 338lm unless you don't hand-load... then and only then will you be sorry......
 
Re: .338 LM vs .308

First thing to do is send $30 and a set of fingerprints to the BATFE for a Class 03 FFL. Then send copies of it to MidwayUSA and Brownells. They give dealer prices for all FFLs.

I've got several .223 and .308 rifles and now have a .338 LM. Reloads are only costing me about a buck a round right now. I found one-time used Lapua brass shipped for 85 cents, annealed, resized, trimmed, and with bullets, bulk powder and primer the overall cost per round is about a dollar. I'm working up to shooting at 2,000 yards. It's in my bucket list.

I like big caliber guns. I own a set of Browning Safari rifles in .308 Win, .375 H&H and .458 Win Mag and take them out regularly. There's something about shooting a shoulder-fired artillery piece that doesn't compare with anything else.

But the accuracy and energy on target of the .338 LM is what attracted me. Ballistics beyond 2,000 yds compared to 300 Win Mag are arguably superior and hey, what the hell.

This is America. (Subject to "fundamental change" and :hope").

Buy what you want.
 
Re: .338 LM vs .308

I have a 338LM. I bought it after a long range steel shoot. Out past 1000 meters we would sometimes have to guess if the 308s connected on steel. When the guys running the 338s stepped up there was no doubt when they connected. While there are bigger the 338 Lapua is a big hammer.
 
Re: .338 LM vs .308

7WSM gets my vote, when the 195Bergers come out its going to be that much better.
 
Re: .338 LM vs .308

How about a 6.5mm of some flavor? A step up in ballistics from the 308, but still easy on the wallet compared to a lot of others. 260 rem comes in factory rifles, or is an easy barrel job away, especially on a savage.

The 7 mag might work well too. Some very good bullets to choose from there.

Take it from me, 338 is a nice round. Expensive compared to the 308 class cartridges, even if you reload. If you buy factory each shot is a 5 dollar bill pretty much.
 
Re: .338 LM vs .308

338 LM all the way, I have both and love shooting the 338 and the fact that I can hit targets in any conditions.
 
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