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338 lapua or 50 BMG

snowdin5000

Private
Full Member
Minuteman
May 27, 2012
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45
Idaho
I'm new to this forum but not to shooting and I have decided it's time to step my game up a bit. Been shooting a 308 for a few years but want more. So I've narrowed my new gun down to two options a savage 338 Lapua or a grizzly 50 BMG. Here's my thoughts on the two.

The 338 is a good gun I can get it cheaper than the 50 but ammo is a bit more and harder for me to find. Also as a long term investment I see the 50 bring more. Lets face it I've always wanted a 50 for the wow factor.
 
Re: 338 lapua or 50 BMG

I would love booth and would love a barrett but I have a wife and have been given a $3000 cap.
 
Re: 338 lapua or 50 BMG

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Semmens</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Squeeze out another 200 and go with a TRG-42 in 338 </div></div>

+1
 
Re: 338 lapua or 50 BMG

remington 338 has been good to me REMINGTON 25645 047700256450 2253.00<span style="text-decoration: line-through"> 1654.50 </span>
 
Re: 338 lapua or 50 BMG

You have homework to do. If you ever decide to reload, look at the cost it will take to load the little 50. Bigger press, trimmer, dies, etc. The Lapua will more than satisfy the most demanding person but the 50 is something to behold.
 
Re: 338 lapua or 50 BMG

338 will do just as good but you will learn more about the effects of the elements and have to be more precise in your style. I go for the challenge when shooting and that gives me the "wow" factor. Good luck!
 
Re: 338 lapua or 50 BMG

Well I have every thing to load either one I got the 50 equipment from a buddy years ago that needed money and it was one of those deals to cheep to let go.
 
Re: 338 lapua or 50 BMG

If you are moving up from a 308, I would strongly suggest the .338 and not the .50 BMG, the 338 will let you shoot much more often and with a lot less stress than the 50.

The .50 BMG is a fun gun to own because it is so big, but you'll probably find after the initial rush of having it, that you shoot it way less than you expected.

Also even if you are shooting one of the softest recoiling ones such as the Armalite AR-50, after about 10 rounds to 15 rounds you are so done for the day as the overpressure blasts will knock your brains around a bit.

I think you will have a lot more enjoyment out of your .338 and then later on if you still want a 50 go for it.
 
Re: 338 lapua or 50 BMG

I suggest the 50 BMG, but forget the grizzly. Keep saving and get a better platform; you will be happier in the long run.

*I am Searcher and I approve this message*
 
Re: 338 lapua or 50 BMG

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: W54/XM-388</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Also even if you are shooting one of the softest recoiling ones such as the Armalite AR-50, after about 10 rounds to 15 rounds you are so done for the day as the overpressure blasts will knock your brains around a bit. </div></div>

+1 , after shooting 20-30 rounds, you don't feel so happy.

but everytime i go shooting i bring the 50. My 50 is no safe queen.

the 338 will outshoot the 50 , shit even the 260 rem stays supersonic longer then the 50. But the 50 is more powerful.

the 50 is more meaningful. even without a scope you could have some fun with the 50. Plus you can get your hands on tracers and API , which can be pretty entertaining.

if you wanted accuracy, i'd get the 338.
 
Re: 338 lapua or 50 BMG

If you are wanting a 50 take a look at the Barrett 99a1 32" it's a fun shooter. Can be shot LH (me) or RH. Look on u-tube at some of ammosmiths stuff
 
Re: 338 lapua or 50 BMG

Just throwing it out there. If you might ever move to a state like CA you can't bring a 50 bmg with you. Also if toy will ever need to lug the thing around in the field the 338 wins. The 50 shines pitching threw objects to hit your target. The 338 is normally more accurate. Either way get a good break.
 
Re: 338 lapua or 50 BMG

I'm in the same boat as you are! I also threw couple other fun things in there like the GAP-10, PWS Mk214 w/bushy 1-6x24, Dessert Eagle, and lastly the AR50 and TRG42...

decisions decisions...

I know I won't shoot the .50BMG much because it's SOOOO much money. it's about 25 bucks for shooting 10 rounds of API...

as far as accuracy. both will be fine. the .338 and .50 will have the accuracy I need. but the AR50 is single shot... I really want a magazine platform.

I wish the serbu BFG-50A wasn't $7,000. If it was like $3,000 I wouldn't even think twice about it.

I'm capped at 3000 too.
 
Re: 338 lapua or 50 BMG

You had me sold until I read the park about knocking my brain around !!


<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: W54/XM-388</div><div class="ubbcode-body">If you are moving up from a 308, I would strongly suggest the .338 and not the .50 BMG, the 338 will let you shoot much more often and with a lot less stress than the 50.

The .50 BMG is a fun gun to own because it is so big, but you'll probably find after the initial rush of having it, that you shoot it way less than you expected.

Also even if you are shooting one of the softest recoiling ones such as the Armalite AR-50, after about 10 rounds to 15 rounds you are so done for the day as the overpressure blasts will knock your brains around a bit.

I think you will have a lot more enjoyment out of your .338 and then later on if you still want a 50 go for it.</div></div>
 
Re: 338 lapua or 50 BMG

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: taseal</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
I know I won't shoot the .50BMG much because it's SOOOO much money. it's about 25 bucks for shooting 10 rounds of API...
</div></div>

If you think $2.50 per round is expensive, I'd suggest staying in the .308 world!
The cheapest I can get .338LM ammo is about $3.50 per round for S&B stuff and then about $6.50 per round for Lapua stuff. The joke that someone on the hide here said was that they thought they bought a rifle chambered in .338LM but it turned out to be chambered it $5 bills HA!

You can reload easier and cheaper for the .338LM however and that can bring your cost down closer to $1.50 per round or such assuming you use Lapua brass and get 10+ Loadings out of each one.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: taseal</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
but the AR50 is single shot... I really want a magazine platform.

I wish the serbu BFG-50A wasn't $7,000. If it was like $3,000 I wouldn't even think twice about it.
I'm capped at 3000 too. </div></div>

Well the price cap is your biggest problem with a .50 BMG, in the $3k range the AR-50 is about the only one I would recommend and for target shooting I think you'll find the single shot is not hard to use, just have a few rounds on the shooting mat beside you.

If you can step up to about $5000 the guys over at EDM arms are having a sale on their magazine fed .50 BMG rifle and it is a take down model which makes it a lot easier to transport than the AR-50 EDM ARMS Windrunner Rifle

Now if you can get up into the 7k to 9k range then I would look at the Barrett line as they are excellent & in that same range there are many other custom ones that you could look at.

In the 10k + range, I would be looking at something from Accuracy International in bolt, or Barrett in Semi-auto.

If $3000 is your hard limit & you want magazine fed, I would suggest a .338LM rifle.