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Build research 30-338LM !!!

jwp6114

jwp6114

Gunny Sergeant
Full Member
Minuteman
Mar 8, 2008
1,035
5
Newnan, GA
Just wondering if i could get a few idea's as to what to use for a proposed build of a 30-338 Lapua magnum, I am not too up to speed on this cartridge and need to learn more...

1. <span style="text-decoration: line-through">what bolt face is 338LM? i know its not a standard magnum bolt face.</span> found it, .587

2. what action would be suitable (dont want to spend BAT, or surgeon money if a remmy will do)
... have sence agree'd that a custom action is suitable for such a cartridge
... Defiance wins...

3. bullet - want to send the highest BC heaviest .30 cal to the moon. what bullets you recommend keeping cost and highest BC in mind. are the 240 SMK's any good? ("its like sending a AA battery at light speed")
... once i read the preformance data on the Burger 230gn hybrid i was sold.

4. pipe - what twist and length is recommended for these uber heavy's? dont want a 36" boat ore, like a verry thick 26"-28" would be my preferance. im sure i wil be needing to shoot with retumbo or 50bmg powder.
... thinking of setteling on a 1-10 twist of 28ish" length, MTU or heavy varmint contour.

Thanks in advance, i want to get opinions on all of this before i even start asking about reloading equipment I.E. die selection and the neck down process. (the only wild cat i shoot as of now is 243AI.

would like to see results like a 240gn SMK @ near or around 3000fps, i know brass will be high and barrel life will be crap, but im ok with that.

Jake.
 
Re: Build research 30-338LM !!!

Have you checked out the 300 Norma Magnum? Same velocity as 30-338 Lapua with less powder. Better barrel life. It`s the same size cartridge head but instead of case being 2.72 long, the Norma is 2.5.
 
Re: Build research 30-338LM !!!

oh, how is brass life, i care more about that than anything else really, and i know the Lapua brass is high but if it lasts im cool with that, 100pc of lapua brass probably get me through a barrel?
 
Re: Build research 30-338LM !!!

and i havent given much thought to feeding system, really dont care if its a single shot.
 
Re: Build research 30-338LM !!!

I was planning on doing a 30 super magnum build for shooting the new berger 230 hybrid bullets but in order to take advantage and have any chance of safely getting up to the 3000fps window you need a big boiler room and at least 28 inches from what research I have done. There are exceptions to this but not conventional ones. Right now I have decided to lower my velocity goal in order to be able to use a 24" barrel and I have been running quickload in all my spare time trying to come up with a combo with potential. I just don't like long barrels as much as I used to after learning that the extra 4" my 300winmag has doesn't actually improve my velocity that much to be worth the added length. I am planning on cutting it back to 24 next R&R and threading it for my Sierra SD in 30 cal. I will post if I come up with any combo in the 24" barrel length that would work for 3000.
 
Re: Build research 30-338LM !!!

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: lovdasnow</div><div class="ubbcode-body">

i would shoot the new 230 bergers if i were you. 30-338 info </div></div>

saw that on 6mmbr a while back, its what spark'd my interest, im just not that familliar with the necking down process.
 
Re: Build research 30-338LM !!!

Id do 300 Norma over a 30-338.
I have a 338 Norma and like it quite a bit.
 
Re: Build research 30-338LM !!!

I suggest reading up on the 300 Hulk, which Tom Sarver of. Thunder Valley came up with. It is essentially an improved, shortened 338LM with tremendous potential; for example, Tom currently holds the 1000 yard benchrest record with it. Both group size and group placement.
 
Re: Build research 30-338LM !!!

Anyone have Tom Sarver's phone number or e-mail address?
 
Re: Build research 30-338LM !!!

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: JWP6114</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Anyone have Tom Sarver's phone number or e-mail address? </div></div>

740.502.6530

[email protected]
 
Re: Build research 30-338LM !!!

thanks fw, i will shoot him an e-mail today and give hime a call next week.
 
Re: Build research 30-338LM !!!

The advice I would like to give and I mean no offense at all is.

Why worry about the little cost diffrence between a trued 700 action set up for a 338 bolt face and a Surgeon or BAT action?

You are about to step into a rifle that cost 5.00 at a minimum every single time you pull the trigger.

Usually the 338s are only shot at long ranges meaning you wont the gun as accurate as possible.

If you try and sell a 338 built off of a Rem 700 you are going to cry when you see what the resale value will be. Most guys feel that the action is not strong enough for the 338.

If I was set on a 338 I would get a Surgeon XL and not look back.

If I was set on a Rem 700. I would do a 7WSM or 300 win Mag. Loaded properly the 7mm 180 Hybrids pointed or the new Heavy Berger 30 cal Hybirds in a magnum will keep up with the Lapua for a good while before the Lapua pulls away. Just Sayin..
 
Re: Build research 30-338LM !!!

I have a Savage lefty 30-338 LM made by Kevin Rayhill of Stockade guns. Love it. It's my yearly elk gun. Might want to ask him as he's made quite a few.
 
Re: Build research 30-338LM !!!

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: .257</div><div class="ubbcode-body">The advice I would like to give and I mean no offense at all is.

Why worry about the little cost diffrence between a trued 700 action set up for a 338 bolt face and a Surgeon or BAT action?

You are about to step into a rifle that cost 5.00 at a minimum every single time you pull the trigger.

Usually the 338s are only shot at long ranges meaning you wont the gun as accurate as possible.

If you try and sell a 338 built off of a Rem 700 you are going to cry when you see what the resale value will be. Most guys feel that the action is not strong enough for the 338.

If I was set on a 338 I would get a Surgeon XL and not look back.

If I was set on a Rem 700. I would do a 7WSM or 300 win Mag. Loaded properly the 7mm 180 Hybrids pointed or the new Heavy Berger 30 cal Hybirds in a magnum will keep up with the Lapua for a good while before the Lapua pulls away. Just Sayin.. </div></div>

This is a fair point. While the argument over whether or not the 700 is G2G in 338LM is ongoing, it just seems like the extra couple hundred bucks is money well spent on a sweet custom action for an ELR hotrod rifle...assuming of course, the 700 gets trued/blueprinted.

As to twist for a high BC 30 cal, go 1:9. 1:10 will probably do ok, but 1:9 guarantees stability with any bullet choice.

I think I'd go ~28", MTU. My buddys 30" MTU is super heavy, and you can visually see it vibrate/whip when he fires it.
 
Re: Build research 30-338LM !!!

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: .257</div><div class="ubbcode-body">The advice I would like to give and I mean no offense at all is.

Why worry about the little cost diffrence between a trued 700 action set up for a 338 bolt face and a Surgeon or BAT action?

You are about to step into a rifle that cost 5.00 at a minimum every single time you pull the trigger.

Usually the 338s are only shot at long ranges meaning you wont the gun as accurate as possible.

If you try and sell a 338 built off of a Rem 700 you are going to cry when you see what the resale value will be. Most guys feel that the action is not strong enough for the 338.

If I was set on a 338 I would get a Surgeon XL and not look back.

If I was set on a Rem 700. I would do a 7WSM or 300 win Mag. Loaded properly the 7mm 180 Hybrids pointed or the new Heavy Berger 30 cal Hybirds in a magnum will keep up with the Lapua for a good while before the Lapua pulls away. Just Sayin..</div></div>

No offense taken, but i would like to know where you come up with the figure for 5$ a shot,

Midway has 338LM brass for 2.20/pc, 240gn SMK for 0.31c each, I cant imagine that it uses 2.50 worth of powder,

I shoot my (2) trued remmy actions (1 in 308 the other 243AI) beside some of the most expensive custom guns I have ever seen and fair quite well.

Remington builds guns chambered in 338 (am i correct? havent seen many) so tht would lead me to beleive that their plenty strong enough.

im not trying to get all definsive because i know there is some money well spent with some custom actions. (please feel free to chime in with some names and prices as i am not familiar with many)

I already know the cost of gunsmithing work and "The Wizard" is very afordable.

thanks for further info.

@ Turbo thanks for the barrel ideas.
 
Re: Build research 30-338LM !!!

doing some bullet research, it looks like the 230 Burger hyrid is king, with runner up the 240SMK.
 
Re: Build research 30-338LM !!!

Have you considered the 300 norma mag?
Same case as the 338 norma mag, but on .308 caliber.
 
Re: Build research 30-338LM !!!

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: JWP6114</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: .257</div><div class="ubbcode-body">The advice I would like to give and I mean no offense at all is.

Why worry about the little cost diffrence between a trued 700 action set up for a 338 bolt face and a Surgeon or BAT action?

You are about to step into a rifle that cost 5.00 at a minimum every single time you pull the trigger.

Usually the 338s are only shot at long ranges meaning you wont the gun as accurate as possible.

If you try and sell a 338 built off of a Rem 700 you are going to cry when you see what the resale value will be. Most guys feel that the action is not strong enough for the 338.

If I was set on a 338 I would get a Surgeon XL and not look back.

If I was set on a Rem 700. I would do a 7WSM or 300 win Mag. Loaded properly the 7mm 180 Hybrids pointed or the new Heavy Berger 30 cal Hybirds in a magnum will keep up with the Lapua for a good while before the Lapua pulls away. Just Sayin..</div></div>

No offense taken, but i would like to know where you come up with the figure for 5$ a shot,

Midway has 338LM brass for 2.20/pc, 240gn SMK for 0.31c each, I cant imagine that it uses 2.50 worth of powder,

I shoot my (2) trued remmy actions (1 in 308 the other 243AI) beside some of the most expensive custom guns I have ever seen and fair quite well.

Remington builds guns chambered in 338 (am i correct? havent seen many) so tht would lead me to beleive that their plenty strong enough.

im not trying to get all definsive because i know there is some money well spent with some custom actions. (please feel free to chime in with some names and prices as i am not familiar with many)

I already know the cost of gunsmithing work and "The Wizard" is very afordable.

thanks for further info.

@ Turbo thanks for the barrel ideas. </div></div>

On the 5.00 a shot deal I was just quoting the basic price of quality factory loaded ammo such as Cor Bon. It runs around 100.00 for 20 rounds.

Yes Remington makes a 338 Lapua. It has gotten about 99% terrible reviews. Most agree that a .750 bolt should be used on a 338 Lapua. That being said will a Rem 700 work.....Yes

Im honestly just trying to help you. I am the buy once cry once guy. Why is that? Its because I started out just like everyone else. I started with factory, went to trued 700s, now custom actions. I think a Rem 700 makes a great action when properly trued. But I would keep the chamberings to a standard or magnum bolt face, no bigger. The cost diffrence between a trued 700 is nothing.

As stated before You are building a rifle that you will want the ultimate accuracy from. A Custom action will help that. The Surgeon which is all intergal will be stronger, straighter, and more reliable. It will hold its value bar none better than a 700 338.

Even reloading you are going to be spending a pile of money. I would be willing to venture and say that if you dont factor in your time of handloading you will still spend a good 2.50 per trigger pull. Let take a look

Barrel 350.00
chamber 275.00
thread 125.00
brake 100.00
200 Lapua Brass 500.00
1000 berger 30 cal 230 grain 525.00
primers x 1000 30.00
powder you will need roughly 16.00 pounds for 1000 rounds 290.00
dies with bushing around 200.00

Total of 2395.00 just to have a barrel spun up and shoot 1000 rounds. SO yes you can do it for 2.40 every time you pull the trigger.

If Im spending 2400.00 to fire 1000.00 rounds Ill pay a extra 400.00 or so for a Surgeon over a Trued Remington 700. When you sell the rifle you will get that 400 bucks back. You will have more confidence in the rifle. You will also have a better rifle, No questions asked about that.

Best of Luck

Joe
Total of
 
Re: Build research 30-338LM !!!

The 300 and 338 Norma are not belted. However, Norma does make some belted cartridges (308 and 358).
 
Re: Build research 30-338LM !!!

Oh I almost forgot, I see your from Georgia.

I would suggest calling

American Precision Arms
Gradous Rifles
Accurate Ordanance

They are all from GA. They do great work. Call them and ask there opinion on what action you should use for a 338 based build. They will steer you right. As all three build a pile of them
 
Re: Build research 30-338LM !!!

I shoot a 300 Norma Mag (no belt)with a 28" barrel. I'm shooting the 208 A-MAX at 3100 fps. Check yur program, pretty salty to 1 mile.

$1.33 per brass
$.30 per bullet
$.03 per primer
$.22 per powder

That's a $1.88 per shot on new brass. I have some brass with 6 firings, so let's say you get 6 firings on a peice of brass and the price would be $.77 per round. No forming, no necking down. Just load and shoot.
 
Re: Build research 30-338LM !!!

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: .257</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I would suggest calling

American Precision Arms
Gradous Rifles
Accurate Ordanance

</div></div>

Im glad my prefered gunsmith is'nt as popular as these mentioned above, I am familiar with APA and AO they may produce high quality work as does my prefered smith, at a significantly higher rate and a mamoth wait time.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: .257</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
Barrel 350.00
chamber 275.00
thread 125.00
brake 100.00
200 Lapua Brass 500.00
1000 berger 30 cal 230 grain 525.00
primers x 1000 30.00
powder you will need roughly 16.00 pounds for 1000 rounds 290.00
dies with bushing around 200.00

</div></div>

Thanks for the input Joe, i do agree that it is worh a nice action, no debate there. are there any other similar options to surgeon? i know of them and BAT. there the 2 big names i hear about all the time.

as for your pricing, you should check out Doyle Englin of Dixie Guns in north GA, last 2 rifles he built for me his preices were as follows if my memory serves me corectly.

Barrel - $350
chambering - $150
Thread muzel - $75, custom tapered finnished Vais 175 total.
true action - $150
hes never had one of my guns for more than 2 weeks. even with coating and beding. if your not waiting on parts, its about 2 weeks.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Snakeman</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Is it the 300 Lapua cartridge you are looking for?
Wikipedia
</div></div>

or a variant thereof, the basic idea is an overbore .30 cal cartrigee capable of launching the uber heavy .30 bullets at or above 3000fps. see also: 300 hulk, 30-378WBY, 30-338LM, and yes 300LM and there are a boat load of other that attempt the same principal. launch a near AA battery sized bullet at near light speed.

@ .260, thanks for the input, i will look into that cartridg.
I havent really ruled any of the mentiond cartridges out just trying to do a little research and get a few opinions.
 
Re: Build research 30-338LM !!!

Great input from everyone so far, thanks. It will not be a project that i complete in a month, (not independtly wealthy) think i will start saving up for an action and get a barrel on order soon. even if i have thoes 2 parts laying around and change my mind before the build i wont loose much $ on them.
 
Re: Build research 30-338LM !!!

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 260 shooter</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I shoot a 300 Norma Mag (no belt)with a 28" barrel. I'm shooting the 208 A-MAX at 3100 fps. Check yur program, pretty salty to 1 mile.

$1.33 per brass
$.30 per bullet
$.03 per primer
$.22 per powder

That's a $1.88 per shot on new brass. I have some brass with 6 firings, so let's say you get 6 firings on a peice of brass and the price would be $.77 per round. No forming, no necking down. Just load and shoot. </div></div>


Do yourself a favor, pay special attention to this post, then do a search for "300 Norma Magnum".
 
Re: Build research 30-338LM !!!

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: BCP</div><div class="ubbcode-body">My factory rem 300 win mag can get the 208 amax to 2950fps with H1000. If you want a big boomer but are on a budget I think that is your best all around option.

</div></div>

if i choose to sink thousands of dolars into another rig i dont think there will be much compramise on my goal. I dont mind spending whatever amount of money it takes over a period of time.
 
Re: Build research 30-338LM !!!

I have been working with the 220SMK a little. FastestI pushed it was 3189 fps. I think the 230 will make 3000. I found accuracy with the 220 at 3030 fps. Had the Hornaday 225 BTHP to 3122 fps. Only did pressure testing with this bullet. Research and price this bullet out.
 
Re: Build research 30-338LM !!!

just an alternative suggestion, but have you considered the 30-378 Weatherby Magnum?

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It dwarfs the Lapua Magnum and will give you all the speed you want. It's available in the new Threat Response Rifle made for long range tactical shooting. I've had an easier time finding brass and ammo locally for it compared to the Lapua and Norma magnums. Just a thought.
 
Re: Build research 30-338LM !!!

im just not a fan of belted magnums, although i know a gun smith can set the chamber up to head space off the shoulder instead of the belt to increase brass life. i do have a friend that has a 30-378wby locally, as soon as i can i will ask him about it.
 
Re: Build research 30-338LM !!!

update, called Defiance yseterday and talk'd to one of there guys and was pointed towards their Rebel all the bells and whistels jewel'd bolt on 590 bolt face mag fed or near 1450 shipped.
 
Re: Build research 30-338LM !!!

Can't go wrong with defiance. If i was making a super mag, it would be with a custom action. Surgeon, Defiance etc... Would be at the top of the list.
 
Re: Build research 30-338LM !!!

When I buy Lapua brass for my .338 Lapua $$$ sometimes I wish I owned a 338 edge...lol! Oh well, should be good for a bunch of reloads.

The .30 Cal 230 Berger Hybrids are bad to da bone, just like the 300gr Hybrids I run out of my .338 : )
 
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