New build, opinions please...

[Ks_Hayseed]

Hello All!
I have been shooting almost my entire life. I was 5 when I got a single shot .22 chipmunk for Christmas, and I got a .22-250 a few years later. I shot competetive bb guns at the international level as a kid. I moved into shotguns in highschool and have been shooting clay targets ever since. I enjoy rifle shooting and I shoot everything from my .300 WM to my dad's .204 and .220 swift. I got a bonus at work and I want to build a .338 Lapua. My first choice was GAP, because they are only a couple hours down the road, but they said their lead time on a .338 was 12 months. I rather not wait this long for my gun.

I only know a couple people with knowledge in this area, and their knowledge is limited, as is mine.

My first question:
Picking the best parts. I am sure that most if not all of the aftermarket products are great, but are some worth the extra $$. If so why? Is there a place that has done detailed reviews of some of the actions and barrels out there?

Actions? Is Surgeon the best? What about Stiller, Borden, and Nesika?

Barrels? Lilja, Krieger, Hart, Bartling?

I understand that I am jumping into the LRS sport with both feet, but I dont want to spend $2k on a gun that I keep upgrading or completely replace in a couple years. I will have the proper tool, with only my ability to hold it back. But please help me navigate the seemingly endless list of options with some constructive advise on this construction.

Thank you, I look forward to learning more from the forum and eventually contributing my own knowledge to the pool.

 

[Defusion]

Re: New build, opinions please...

First let me say that I don't have any personal experience with any .338LM
However, if it were me, I would be giving quality factory rifles a very close look.
Especially the AI AW or AX, in 338LM ofcourse.

I think you'll find them to be at least equal to a good custom, and it won't have anywhere near that lead time.

Hopefully someone with personal experience can chime in here as well.

 

[clinto]

Re: New build, opinions please...

There are a ton of threads on this site talking about all the custom actions and barrels out there. Just do some searching and you'll find lots of info.

I have a couple of surgeon actions and I think they are hard to beat. Check out their website, they usually have a few rifles in stock and ready to ship, though no 338LM's at the moment.

 

[sib1948]

Re: New build, opinions please...

I was in your position about 5 months ago and purchased a Barrett MRAD 338 LM. Shoots great with less recoil than 308 due to muzzle break. Will eventually have other barrel conversion kits you can swap out in 308 WIN and 300 WM, but who knows when. DTA and Accuracy International have similar modular 338's with multiple barrel conversion kits already available and are quality products. See Stickys above for info from companies and owners.

Rifle and gear for LR and ELR shooting totalled about $10,000. Then there is ammo. If you don't reload, factory rounds for 338 are from $3-7 each. With the modular rifles the conversions kits allow practicing with cheaper ammo, but each caliber barrel and bolt kit will run you an additional $2-3000. Any of these weapons will be much more accurate than most shooters, but with lots of practice most everyone improves and it sounds like you're starting with lots of knowledge already.

A good variable power scope 6X24 should suffice in FFP or SFP, depending on the type on shooting your plan to do. Illuminted reticles are another option you need to consider.

I hope this helps. I've had tons of fun and learned many valuable facts on this Forum, so you've come to the right place. Many experienced people here ready and willing to provide answers to even the most basic questions. Always search for answers first through the sreach function and review the threads on Starting Out, Caliber and Optics Selection. You won't be disappointed, but do your research, so you get the right weapon for your needs from the start.

Forgot to mention that you need to find where you can shoot safely to 1000 yards in your area, since many ranges are limited and have limits on some calibers and loads.
Good luck and safe shooting!

 

[swage]

Re: New build, opinions please...

Welcome to the Hide. I was in your position several years back and wound up here for the same reasons you may have. I did lots of reading and thought I knew exactly what I wanted. I ended up purchasing a Surgeon 591, Surgeon DBM, Jewell trigger and a McMillan A5 along with a Krieger barrel. It took almost 8 months for all the parts to arrive. I then changed my mind about the stock I wanted and it took another 8 months to get the new stock and I'm on month 3 waiting on the smith to put it all together. Here I am almost 18 months and thousands of dollars into my build and the rifle isn't completed. Mostly because I changed the stock I wanted.

Looking back I wish I would've purchased an AI AE or AX and been done with it. If you like the AI chassis I would recommend going this route for a number of reasons. The AI action is bullet proof and it's very easy to switch barrels yourself at home so you can shoot a multitude of calibers as long as they use the .308 bolt face. The AI AE is also more cost effective than a full custom and retains its value better. Just take a peek in the classifieds and see how many full custom $4,000 plus rifles are listed at deep discounts and they're still not selling.

The lure of building a full custom is strong. I completely understand if you want to go that route. But there are many experienced shooters here that have given up their custom rifles in exchange for an AI as their main rifle. If you do decide on the AI I would call Mile High Shooting. They give Hide members a discount and are an absolute pleasure to deal with. I recently purchased a high end optic from them and the follow up and follow through on my purchase was outstanding. Good luck in your decision.

I just noticed you mentioned wanting a .338LM. Unless you can afford to shoot $5 dollar bills or have the components to reload and the range to realize the potential of this round I wouldn't recommend it. There are many other calibers I would recommend over the .338.

 

[steve123]

Re: New build, opinions please...

I'd like to try and help you out here, to do so can you answer some questions.

How far do you anticipate shooting?

Do you reload?

Exactly what is your budget?

 

[turbo54]

Re: New build, opinions please...

In my opinion, it is unwise to build a custom until you've had a couple rifles, and have "the perfect" and "unique" rifle totally spec'd out in your minds eye.

If you're even somewhat flexible in the specs you'd be well advised to keep an eye on the classifieds here and buy one that strikes your fancy.

You see a LOT of 338s for sale around here - people want them because, well, they're awesome...then they sell them because they can't justify having it between ammo cost, and a rifle that really doesn't even "come into its own" until 1000 yards.

Speaking of which, you should definitely ponder your intents (HONESTLY) and consider if a 338 is the way to go for you.

 

[Ks_Hayseed]

Re: New build, opinions please...

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Defusion</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Especially the AI AW or AX, in 338LM ofcourse.

I think you'll find them to be at least equal to a good custom, and it won't have anywhere near that lead time.
</div></div>

I have found a couple custom shops that "only" have a 3-4 month lead time, which is understandable and acceptable.

How much is an AI AX in 338LM? They can't be much less then $4k...

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
How far do you anticipate shooting?

Do you reload?

Exactly what is your budget? </div></div>

My family has a few thousand acres of pasture ground that while nothing is set up, I do have a few places in mind that are 1000+ yards, with a good backstop

My dad has a reloading setup that I can use, and I plan on using it. He has everything from a brass polisher to a press.

My budget... My bonus is more then enough to cover the gun, optics, and ammo. But I want to get the most that I can for my money.

The Surgeon is a little pricey I think. I found have found a couple custom shops that look like they have a good product. Carolina Custom Rifles and Predator Custom Shop. Anyone have any experience with either of these?

I havent ruled out buying a used one, I will give the for sale section a good look.

 

[steve123]

Re: New build, opinions please...

Uh cough.. gag.. a AIAX 338 is up there in the neighborhood of $8000. It might be a little out of your budget

Surgeon XL's are in the $5500 territory.

You can find "good" used 338's for $3000 or so. If I were buying a 338L I'd try to get my hands on one built by a known builder of good reputation with a low round count. Or something like that TRG42 below.

For instance here's a great 338L in the classifieds.

http://www.snipershide.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=3589843#Post3589843

Another cartridge worth considering is a 338 Edge. It fits a standard magnum bolt face.

Also keep in mind you will need a high quality scope mount and rings. If you don't have it already you can just about count on allotting at least $1500.

One last thing in case you didn't realize it. 7mm or 30 cal magnum with high BC bullets are cheaper to shoot, with less recoil and do well at a mile. I've had fantastic success with my 30-375R out to 2400Y.

 

[mstephenson51]

Re: New build, opinions please...

Theres a lot of talk here and all over the web about "right tool for the job" hope you want a 338 for a reason, ammo is triple the cost of others like 308. For whatever you do, build a rifle thats ballisticly optimized for the distances you plan to use it for. barrel length, twist, grains all working together.

Friend of mine built a $7k 308 for 1k yds. 5R rifling a must, Badger action, AI chassis, NF scope. nail driver, and $3-4k less than the same thing prebuilt from AI

 

[jonthomps]

Re: New build, opinions please...

As others have said, find a good smith or buy an excellent factory gun (AI or Sako) and be done with it the first time around. GAP, Surgeon, Black Ops, RWS Gunsmithing, etc. all make great rifles.

 

[Ks_Hayseed]

Re: New build, opinions please...

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> For instance here's a great 338L in the classifieds.

http://www.snipershide.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=3589843#Post3589843

</div></div>

I think you might have just found me a solution...

Why do I want a 338lm? Because it is an absolutly badass caliber, and I want to blow big holes in stuff from a really long ways away...

 

[littlerascal56]

Re: New build, opinions please...

That TRG-42 is a great deal, and you could possibly meet him half way for a FTF deal(meet in Oklahoma).

Down the road...if you still feel the need for a "custom", you will easily get your money back out of a TRG with all those accessories, and then have a custom built.

I really like shooting my .338Lapua, and actually shoot it more than my other calibers. The brake is loud, but I don't have to worry about other shooters crowding me at the range!

 

[Uncut_Teeth]

Re: New build, opinions please...

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Ks_Hayseed</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
Why do I want a 338lm? Because it is an absolutly badass caliber, and I want to blow big holes in stuff from a really long ways away... </div></div>
I can think of a few rounds that would make similar sized holes at the same distance for a little less dough, but it's your money so I'll shut up and ask you to post pictures when you get something.