300WM or 338LM

[oubeta]

My work schedule has pretty much put an end to my reloading.
I'm looking to step up from the .308 to a longer range platform and will have to buy factory loads or semi factory (SW Ammo) in order to shoot now.
The price of the .338LM is crazy. Why are they so much higher than the .300WM?
It looks like the 300WM would be the best option for me until I have time to start reloading again.

 

[jrob300]

Re: 300WM or 338LM

What ranges specifically are you intending to shoot?

John

 

[desertHK]

Re: 300WM or 338LM

I think you have answered your own question. Until you can reload again, the 338LM is going to be crazily expensive compared to the 300 WM. Mike at SW Ammo is certainly GTG. His stuff are top notch and the prices are very reasonable. On another note, if you go with the 300 WM, I would suggest a platform that will permit you to swap barrel to a 338LM in the future, without buying a new rifle. Just a thought.

 

[ORD]

Re: 300WM or 338LM

In addition to the ranges you are looking to shoot, what specifically are you planning on doing with the rifle at those ranges (target/steel, hunting, etc.)?

 

[TP4]

Re: 300WM or 338LM

I shoot both of those cartridges. The price of the 338 LM brass and projectiles is what makes it such an expensive round. I'd stick with 300WM if you're not handloading.

 

[Rifle Barrel Blanks]

Re: 300WM or 338LM

For pure performance go with the 338. If your worried about money go shoot a bb gun. Haha. This crap is getting expensive. The above poster is right though. Buy an action you can eventually screw a 338 lapua barrel on. That way you can shoot the 300 until you want to jump up

 

[VYD]

Re: 300WM or 338LM

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: jcvibby</div><div class="ubbcode-body">If your worried about money go shoot a bb gun.</div></div>

Unless you have one of these for $2400 with a micro-computer inside...

If your reloading days are over, then .300WM is the answer for you. Otherwise, .338 will put a bigger smile on your face. You hone your skills with .308 and let the .338 do the long distance calls...once in a while

 

[SniperCJ]

Re: 300WM or 338LM

Another point of view thats been posted before: Unless you routinely have access to a range that boasts 1000++, youre really wasting your time with the 338. If your under 1K why do you want to waste $5 per round with a 338 when you could do it cheaper and better with a 308 or 300wm.

And really, if youre not at 1500, you might as well do it with the 300.

 

[Dirty D]

Re: 300WM or 338LM

Savage 110 BA in .300WM and since it is a Savage you can buy a .338 barrel later and swap them yourself with the barrel nut wrench and headspace gauge.

eta: and a .587 boltface.

 

[BCP]

Re: 300WM or 338LM

300 win. Unless you have money coming out your ass 338 lapua will bankrupt you.

 

[Tactical30]

Re: 300WM or 338LM

I was in the same boat when I chose my new build.

I went with the .300WM becuase of reloading cost and the difference is not really untill you start shooting out to 1000yrds+ which im not going to be doing that often.

If your shooting longer ranges all the time go with the .338LM.

There are guys on the Hide shooting the .300WM to 2000yrds+ too.

 

[oubeta]

Re: 300WM or 338LM

800 yards is about the farthest I can shoot at the range.
I hope to be able to try some 1000yrd shooting sometime in the future.

How many rounds can you get out of a 338 brass typically?
300WM?

How much case prep is involved with the 338? Is it a lot of work each time you reload, or can you get a few rounds out of the brass before it starts to need more attention?

 

[oubeta]

Re: 300WM or 338LM

I like the barrel swap idea. Is the AW the one that you can switch the barrels on or can you do that on the MK as well?
I don't know much about the AI guns. I've always shot with more traditional M40 style rifles.

 

[johndoe]

Re: 300WM or 338LM

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: SniperCJ</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Another point of view thats been posted before: Unless you routinely have access to a range that boasts 1000++, youre really wasting your time with the 338. If your under 1K why do you want to waste $5 per round with a 338 when you could do it cheaper and better with a 308 or 300wm.

And really, if youre not at 1500, you might as well do it with the 300. </div></div>

I 2nd this save your money and go 300 wm.

 

[Dirty D]

Re: 300WM or 338LM

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: oubeta</div><div class="ubbcode-body">800 yards is about the farthest I can shoot at the range.
I hope to be able to try some 1000yrd shooting sometime in the future.</div></div>

Shooting a 338 LM (or a 300 Win Mag) at only 1k is like buying a Ferarri that you can only drive in your neighborhood. A 260 Rem will get you to 1k yards easily and Lapua is now making 260 Rem brass so reloading your own match ammo is easier and cheaper. That being said you may just be looking for a BFG and us to validate your decision

 

[Dylan in AZ]

Re: 300WM or 338LM

The 338LM requires a much longer action than the 300WM correct? Then doesn't that limit your options to a 338LM specific action feeding 300WM ammo. And at that point your allready into high dollar rigs. And considering your range only goes to 800yrds and you have only said that your planning on 1000yrds you really dont need the LM. IMO, go 300WM if you HAVE to have one of those two you listed.

If money is a bit of an issue, go 308 Win. It won't beet up your shoulder or eat the contents of your wallet like the others.

Considering you cannot reload anymore i'd suggest you stick with 308Win. But if you HAVE to have that cool factor go with the 300WM. The 338LM is just a waste of material at short range..Unless your just looking to put a smile on you or your buddies faces.