700p MLR help

[Spectre1]

Gentlemen,

Noob here on the Hide, hoping to get some help.

I am looking to get into a new rifle and have been interested in the 700p MLR. I have been told by many on other sites that I should get a Sako TRG 42 and be done with it. While I would like to get a Sako, I just can't swing it financially.

My question, mainly, is this: Why is the MLR so maligned? I know that the '08 versions are reported to have had issues with the barrels, mostly inconsistant accuracy from what I understand, but this has been rectified. Another recurrent theme is that the 700 action is not suited for the .338 Lapua, but I cannot get any concrete rationale for this claim.

So, is the MLR just a waste, or does it have any redeeming qualities?

Any input would be appreciated!

 

[turbo54]

You should get a TRG42 and be done with it.

If finances are tight, consider ammo/loading costs.

For the price point of the MLR, the 110 Savage is a better buy, I think.

My MLR:

Barrel too short
Brake not effective
Stock lame
Trigger so-so at best
Ejection WEAK - empties barely dribbled out
Accuracy good - only put ~40-50 rounds through but was certainly sub moa

All of these items could have been addressed, but how much $$ would I have sunk into it?

I got a TRG42 and called it good.

I think the MLR barrels are fine. Action big/strong enough? Probably. I've heard it both ways. Some smiths won't do a 33LM on a 700, but GAP and SAC will. In general, I'll take whatever they say to the bank.

 

[Who Dat]

Read this thread if you have not all ready and post there if you have questions, good luck in your decision making.

http://www.snipershide.com/shooting/showthread.php?t=31527

 

[Spectre1]

Thanks!

So, this leads to the next question. How about the 700 XCR in .338?

 

[Spectre1]

Any input on the XCR in .338 LM?

 

[SPEAK338]

If funds are tight just skip the 338 LM.
Get something that you can afford to shoot and do just that SHOOT

 

[Tango down]

Spectre1
Before anything else, I do not own a Remington in .338 LM and never shot one. Nevertheless, the reports about the Factory Remington's in .338 LM are very controversial, depending on who you are talking to
Few things you may want to look into:
There is no smoke without a fire, keep on looking around and read as much as you can about the factory Remmy's in .338 LM.
You are not married to Remington in this caliber (XCR, MLR); Remmy's are some of the most affordable .338, after the Savages but they do not have the best reputation and you can find more than one bad story when it comes to Remington Customer Service, regarding this caliber. I have a couple of Remington in .308 and 22.250 and they are good rifles but we are talking about a different beast with the .338. I looked into the MLR and decided to stay away from it.
My question is: Why would you buy a horse, if there are rumors that he has a bad leg?
Other choices would be Savage, they have the 110 BA and the 110 FCP HS Precision; I shot the BA in many occasions, up to a mile and it is a decent rifle; well worth the $$ if your finances are limited. A recommendation with the Savage, stick to Lapua brass and avoid softer brass, it could get stuck.
Sako TRG 42 is a great choice; it has a higher tag price than the Remington or the Savage (around $3000/3500) but it is in a different league. If you are somewhat limited with $$, it would not be a bad idea to save a bit longer, in order to get the Sako, you would not regret it. They are reliable and very accurate, read about it and you will find a lot of very positive comments, it checks. Accessories are a bit pricey but you do not have to go for the Sako bipod, even though it is an Excellent bipod.
The $$ amount you will spend on your rifle will make a difference and this brings us to the ammo cost. After the first year shooting .338 LM, you will (most likely) have spent mo'money in ammo, even if you are reloading, than on the original cost of your rifle (except if you are very rarely shooting your .338 LM but then, why bother) so, as SPEAK338 says and I quote "If funds are tight, just skip the .338 LM".
It is a great feeling to nail that target at 2000 yards but it does not come cheap.
If $$ were not an issue whatsoever (yes, it would be nice), then go with the TRG 42, or even better, a custom rifle. Many great Smiths will build you a reliable awesome tack driver, average cost around $4000, up to ????; Or look for a good used one, without too many rounds down the pipe, there are (sometimes) out there.
You can also look into different calibers allowing you to shoot ELR at a lower cost; 6.5 Creedmoore, 7mm SAUM (got to reload) and many others are available. They have less of a "devastating impact" on the target but if you are not going to use it playing in the Sand Box against unfriendly characters, they will do just as well, or better, on steel and paper.
One thing to take in consideration, with some of these calibers, is the barrel's life expectancy. If you are interested, then read about it and ask questions on the Hide. The cost and down time for a new barrel may be a factor.
I could have say it in a shorter manner: If you really want a .338 LM, no matter what, get the Savage, or save $$ a bit longer and buy the TRG 42.
I hope this will help you some.
Good shooting.
Ombre noire

 

[Spectre1]

Thanks for the input everyone.