I was thinking of getting a 338. My question is for an opinion on which way to go about it. I will have about $4000 to spend on the rifle and scope which will leave about $1000 for ammo. I want to reload so any advice about reloading will be helpful also. For the rifle I was thinking either a Armalite 30M338 or a Savage 10/110BA. Is this the way to go or should I be looking at other rifles? As for scope I was thinking IOR 4-16x50 Tactical 30mm Rifle Scope, or a SWFA SS 5-20x50 Tactical 30mm Riflescope. I am not stuck on any scope or rifle though and just want opinions on the best direction to go. All that is set is the budget and I can’t go over and would really like to stay at about $1000 left over for rounds. Any advice would be really appreciated.
- Thread starter luvtoclimb1976
- Start date
Re: I want to get a 338
I would assume you mean 338 Lapua Magnum and not any other variant of the 338 caliber?
Just remember that the word "Lapua" and "inexpensive" will never fit into the same sentence. This applies to any caliber but holds special gravity with the 338LM.
A single example:
Today, Powder Valley: 100 count of unprimed Lapua brand 338LM brass - $252.05
My AWSM will get about 7-8 trips out of these before they are trash (case body splitting and threats of case-head separation) become pronounced.
Great cartridge though... Go for it!
I would assume you mean 338 Lapua Magnum and not any other variant of the 338 caliber?
Just remember that the word "Lapua" and "inexpensive" will never fit into the same sentence. This applies to any caliber but holds special gravity with the 338LM.
A single example:
Today, Powder Valley: 100 count of unprimed Lapua brand 338LM brass - $252.05
My AWSM will get about 7-8 trips out of these before they are trash (case body splitting and threats of case-head separation) become pronounced.
Great cartridge though... Go for it!
Re: I want to get a 338
I will second the suggestion of a TRG42. Then do not go low budget on the scope. Be patient and save until you can afford to buy an appropriate piece of glass the first time out.
BTW, I have purchased both a TRG 22 and 42 from Euro Optics and was quite satisfied with the service.
Hope this helps.
I will second the suggestion of a TRG42. Then do not go low budget on the scope. Be patient and save until you can afford to buy an appropriate piece of glass the first time out.
BTW, I have purchased both a TRG 22 and 42 from Euro Optics and was quite satisfied with the service.
Hope this helps.
Re: I want to get a 338
I went with the TRG42 as well. EuroOptic was running a killer sale on them during the fall last year.
I would also budget some training. That round has so much capability, I'm looking forward to getting some ELR training at some point.
I went with the TRG42 as well. EuroOptic was running a killer sale on them during the fall last year.
I would also budget some training. That round has so much capability, I'm looking forward to getting some ELR training at some point.
Re: I want to get a 338
I was talking about the 338 Lapua Magnum. I will look into the TRG42 and I think you are all right that that is the way to go. That would only leave about $1200 for the scope then though. What would be your opinion on which way to go with that then?
I was talking about the 338 Lapua Magnum. I will look into the TRG42 and I think you are all right that that is the way to go. That would only leave about $1200 for the scope then though. What would be your opinion on which way to go with that then?
Re: I want to get a 338
For this platform, if it was me I would save up the extra $600 and get a Nightforce 5.5-22x56 in a reticle of your choice (NP-R1 is popular if you are an MOA guy. I have an MLR reticle on my 3.5-15x50 which I like if you prefer MIL).
USO would be another great option but that might throw you into a different price bracket.
I absolutely love my Schmidt and Bender PMII, but I shouldn't even be mentioning that in this thread ; )
For this platform, if it was me I would save up the extra $600 and get a Nightforce 5.5-22x56 in a reticle of your choice (NP-R1 is popular if you are an MOA guy. I have an MLR reticle on my 3.5-15x50 which I like if you prefer MIL).
USO would be another great option but that might throw you into a different price bracket.
I absolutely love my Schmidt and Bender PMII, but I shouldn't even be mentioning that in this thread ; )
Re: I want to get a 338
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: luvtoclimb1976</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I was talking about the 338 Lapua Magnum. I will look into the TRG42 and I think you are all right that that is the way to go. That would only leave about $1200 for the scope then though. What would be your opinion on which way to go with that then? </div></div>I went with the Sightron SIII 8-32x56 with LRMOA reticle on my 338 Lapua. The reticle has hash marks that you can use for holdovers (similar to the nightforce NPR2). You can find these new in the box for $900 on gunbroker.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: luvtoclimb1976</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I was talking about the 338 Lapua Magnum. I will look into the TRG42 and I think you are all right that that is the way to go. That would only leave about $1200 for the scope then though. What would be your opinion on which way to go with that then? </div></div>I went with the Sightron SIII 8-32x56 with LRMOA reticle on my 338 Lapua. The reticle has hash marks that you can use for holdovers (similar to the nightforce NPR2). You can find these new in the box for $900 on gunbroker.
Re: I want to get a 338
The Sightron SIII is a great scope for the money. Great Glass, tracking is solid, matching reticle and turrets, and good eye relief. You will not miss out on much if you choose one over the NF or SWFA.
The Sightron SIII is a great scope for the money. Great Glass, tracking is solid, matching reticle and turrets, and good eye relief. You will not miss out on much if you choose one over the NF or SWFA.
Re: I want to get a 338
That amount will get you into a Vortex Viper PST or even a nice used Leupold 8.5-25X50 or so.. You next scope decision needs to be FFP or SFP.. One is not better than the other but they are different and each has it's pros and cons..
Rick
That amount will get you into a Vortex Viper PST or even a nice used Leupold 8.5-25X50 or so.. You next scope decision needs to be FFP or SFP.. One is not better than the other but they are different and each has it's pros and cons..
Rick
Re: I want to get a 338
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: luvtoclimb1976</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I was talking about the 338 Lapua Magnum. I will look into the TRG42 and I think you are all right that that is the way to go. That would only leave about $1200 for the scope then though. What would be your opinion on which way to go with that then? </div></div>
Well I have a SS 5X20 HD with a Spuhr mount that I can switch between the 22 and the 42 depending on which one I'll be shooting that day. One optic for two guns. I haven't taken the system past 1000 yet but I was using clay pigeons as sighters before I went on paper and I could see the pieces left over after a hit. I'm surprised at how much resolution that scope has down range.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: luvtoclimb1976</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I was talking about the 338 Lapua Magnum. I will look into the TRG42 and I think you are all right that that is the way to go. That would only leave about $1200 for the scope then though. What would be your opinion on which way to go with that then? </div></div>
Well I have a SS 5X20 HD with a Spuhr mount that I can switch between the 22 and the 42 depending on which one I'll be shooting that day. One optic for two guns. I haven't taken the system past 1000 yet but I was using clay pigeons as sighters before I went on paper and I could see the pieces left over after a hit. I'm surprised at how much resolution that scope has down range.
Re: I want to get a 338
New guy here. I just got an Armalite AR-30 338, put a Sightron SIII 6-24X50 on it. I have about $2800 in the set up with rings and bipod.
-Eric
New guy here. I just got an Armalite AR-30 338, put a Sightron SIII 6-24X50 on it. I have about $2800 in the set up with rings and bipod.
-Eric
Re: I want to get a 338
At the cost of .338LM reloaded or not I'd go with the best rifle platform that you can afford and get a decent scope with the option of upgrading later. You don't want a rifle that can't deliver the best accuracy possible when spending the money you will be spending on .338LM
The TRG is a great choice.
Here's my TRG-42
and this is my first 5 round 100 yard group using 300gr. Corbon after 5 sighters. Shot prone using a soft bag for front and rear support.
I shot a sub 1" 3 round group at 300yards last week with the same ammo. I'm still developing my reloads for it.
At the cost of .338LM reloaded or not I'd go with the best rifle platform that you can afford and get a decent scope with the option of upgrading later. You don't want a rifle that can't deliver the best accuracy possible when spending the money you will be spending on .338LM
The TRG is a great choice.
Here's my TRG-42
and this is my first 5 round 100 yard group using 300gr. Corbon after 5 sighters. Shot prone using a soft bag for front and rear support.
I shot a sub 1" 3 round group at 300yards last week with the same ammo. I'm still developing my reloads for it.
Re: I want to get a 338
I have no general knowledge of .338LM rifles and can only comment on what I've got.
TRG42 bought preowned but unfired. SS5-20 HD purchased in the original group buy. The rifle came with the Sako "0"MOA base. I used Burris XTR rings. Total is under $4K. I've reloaded for years so the only items needed were dies and shell holder. The cost with new RCBS standard 2 die set is under $35.00, not including shipping. I bought once fired Lapua cases from a Hide member and using H1000, CCI 250s and 250SMKs the cost is about a dollar a round. The cost per round is about the same as a .308 shooting FGMM.
The performance of the combo is waaaay beyond acceptable with the first load I tried. I was concerned about recoil so the load is about 10% below Sierra's listed max but should still get me well past 1000yd.s. The recoil impulse, using a factory brake, is longer but less sharp then my .308 and significantly less than an unbraked .300WM hunting rifle.
There are definite benefits to the TRG. They have a great 2-stage trigger, excellent resale, a deserved reputation for accuracy, great ergonomics (for me anyway) and the availability of excellent factory accessories (that are priced in the ether).
If you shop carefully, you can buy a highly regarded rifle/scope combination, shoot it for a buck a round and have way too much fun.
I have no general knowledge of .338LM rifles and can only comment on what I've got.
TRG42 bought preowned but unfired. SS5-20 HD purchased in the original group buy. The rifle came with the Sako "0"MOA base. I used Burris XTR rings. Total is under $4K. I've reloaded for years so the only items needed were dies and shell holder. The cost with new RCBS standard 2 die set is under $35.00, not including shipping. I bought once fired Lapua cases from a Hide member and using H1000, CCI 250s and 250SMKs the cost is about a dollar a round. The cost per round is about the same as a .308 shooting FGMM.
The performance of the combo is waaaay beyond acceptable with the first load I tried. I was concerned about recoil so the load is about 10% below Sierra's listed max but should still get me well past 1000yd.s. The recoil impulse, using a factory brake, is longer but less sharp then my .308 and significantly less than an unbraked .300WM hunting rifle.
There are definite benefits to the TRG. They have a great 2-stage trigger, excellent resale, a deserved reputation for accuracy, great ergonomics (for me anyway) and the availability of excellent factory accessories (that are priced in the ether).
If you shop carefully, you can buy a highly regarded rifle/scope combination, shoot it for a buck a round and have way too much fun.
