Looking for a good custom long range gun. Would any of you guys point me in the right direction of reputable companies around. thanks
- Thread starter whitenup11
- Start date
If you're new to the cartridge or magnums in general, I would start with a Sako TRG-42. They're easily one of the best values out there and can be had for much less than some of the high-end factory rifles. If you don't reload, you may want to reconsider .338LM in general and instead go for a .300WinMag. Other factory rifles that are well regarded: AI AX, Barrett 98B, McMillan TAC-338. And if you're willing to spend more for a multi-caliber rifle system there's the DTA SRS.
As for custom shops that regularly make .338LM rifles, there are many (GAP, Surgeon, Skunkworks, SAC) but I'll save specific comment on those to people with direct experience with them.
And one last thing: the number one mistake people make with long range rifles is they skimp on optics.
As for custom shops that regularly make .338LM rifles, there are many (GAP, Surgeon, Skunkworks, SAC) but I'll save specific comment on those to people with direct experience with them.
And one last thing: the number one mistake people make with long range rifles is they skimp on optics.
Thanks for your response dogtown. I do reload, because that is the only way to go. Also I plan on throwing a nightforce on the gun. Anybody else have some input. All is appreciated!
I just built a Badger M2013 338LM and I couldn't be happier. It's got a Schneider barrel, AICS stock, NF optic and the whole build including glass was around $5500. Not too bad for hand selected parts and great smithing. I had all of the barrel/ action work done by Phoenix Custom Rifles, and the AICS was inletted for the M2013 by Badger themselves. It's a monster, accurate, beefy, and smooth shooting. Keith at PCR talked me into a Badger Thruster brake, and it kicked damn near zero dirt up at the dusty rifle club Sunday. That's my experience, YMMV
SD
SD
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Sounds sweet, do your have any pictures to share?
Might think about 300 wim mag, a lot less money too shoot.
Builder? I'd recommend Southern Precision Rifle. Greg does great quality, and is very patient to help you get exactly what you need.
I have a custom 300 Norma built on a M2008 that RWSnyder did for me and I am very happy with. Although not a 338LM, its a similar LR set up
I just picked up a desert tactical arms covert and am VERY happy with it.
I just picked up a desert tactical arms covert and am VERY happy with it.
If I were in the market for a .338 lapua magnum I would pick out which stock, action, barrel and trigger I wanted and then put it all in a box and mail it to Jon Beanland. Lol I have heard great things about his rifles. He is in the process of building me a .260 and I know for a fact that it'll be a laser. Just sayin'
Jim Ruiz at Predator Custom shop built me a really nice .338 Lapua. It may be the most accurate rifle that I own. A lot of people here will also recommend GA Precision, as they are very popular here on the Hide.
Reloading or not this is one expensive caliber to run
Btw my AiAW does very well in 338
Btw my AiAW does very well in 338
Just curious, minus the brass cost, how much $$ do you have in each load? I've been contemplating this cartridge for a long time.
running 300 gr Bergers, depending on where you get bullets from, approx. .60 cents per round
running Fed 215 primers, depending on where you get them from, approx. .05 cents per round
H1000 or Retumbo, Say an average of 88 gr per load. 7000 gr in a pound and using a high price of $35 a pound, each powder charge would be approx. .45 cents per round
Lapua brass, if you get 10 reloads out of each piece of brass paying $250 for 100 cases, approx. .25 cents per round.
All of this if my math is correct or close.
Not bad for loading a 338
running Fed 215 primers, depending on where you get them from, approx. .05 cents per round
H1000 or Retumbo, Say an average of 88 gr per load. 7000 gr in a pound and using a high price of $35 a pound, each powder charge would be approx. .45 cents per round
Lapua brass, if you get 10 reloads out of each piece of brass paying $250 for 100 cases, approx. .25 cents per round.
All of this if my math is correct or close.
Not bad for loading a 338
Sure do, just got back from day 2 at 200-1200 with the M2013. Gun holds under 1/2 moa with me holding it back, I can't hold steadier than 1/2 most of the time.
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Yeah the TRG is awesome! Mike over at CStactical has them in .338 for 3700$ killer deal. Out of the box they shoot as good as most custom guns.
I was just like you on building a 338 Lapua when I stumbled upon someone much more knowledgeable than me recommended that I consider the 338 Norma. I did the research and decided that that was the way I should go as opposed to the Lapua. Just something to ponder on.
What ranges are you able to shoot? Unless its over 1600-1700 yards I'd go 300WM over .338 Lapua. Ballistically they pretty close out to there with the WM running 230 grain bullets.
can anyone ballpark the approximate dollars spent on gun smithing if I were to buy the parts and ship them off to one of the companies listed above? I dont understand the break down of pricing very well since I know nothing when it comes to building or gun smithing rifles. thanks
$200 bedding & inletting
$300 action truing and barrel install
$150 chambering
$100 thread barrel
Just ballparking for you... call chad at longrifles inc. he can get you a quote in minutes.
See my thread in this section on my savage 338 lapua. Its cheap and will shoot 1/2 moa groups. Good starter 338 platform if you are on the fence. Also a good rifle if you have a tight budget. And in reality, it will keep up with the more expensive rifles for a fraction of the cost.
$300 action truing and barrel install
$150 chambering
$100 thread barrel
Just ballparking for you... call chad at longrifles inc. he can get you a quote in minutes.
See my thread in this section on my savage 338 lapua. Its cheap and will shoot 1/2 moa groups. Good starter 338 platform if you are on the fence. Also a good rifle if you have a tight budget. And in reality, it will keep up with the more expensive rifles for a fraction of the cost.
There are one or two AI ASWMs for sale here in .338 Lapua Mag. I have had one myself for several years and it is very accurate. You could save yourself some money going that route.
I'd buy a used AWSM before I'd buy a TRG. The TRG is a nice rifle but it gets very expensive by time you buy the muzzle brake that doesn't come standard, a few extra mags, and a scope mount. Their extras are very expensive.
Here is another option - http://www.snipershide.com/shooting...uhr-sp4002-mount-less-than-200-rds-fired.html
Op,
If you don't want to build one from one of the many mentioned above then I would suggest buying an AI or a TRG, otherwise your money will be wasted for this caliber IMO. Mark Chanlynn just finished my build with one of his 30" tubes and I think it looks and shoots pretty well.
Sully
If you don't want to build one from one of the many mentioned above then I would suggest buying an AI or a TRG, otherwise your money will be wasted for this caliber IMO. Mark Chanlynn just finished my build with one of his 30" tubes and I think it looks and shoots pretty well.
Sully
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I also would recommend consideration of 338 Norma Mag. Its a little cheaper to shoot, and really is set up well for running the heavier 300gr boolits, still feeding from the mag.
After extensive research on the 338 LM, I just placed my order with Southern Precision Rifles for a 338 NM.
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