.338 Lapua Rifles

S

sprice

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Minuteman
Jun 19, 2011
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Utah
#1
What do you think would be the best .338 Lapua for me?
The best optic I want to afford is the SWFA SS 5-20x with quality mounts. I suppose my question can be narrowed down to is the Sako really worth the extra cash for my needs, and what do you think I'll like more out of the 700 and AR-30 if it isn't?

I'm really just trying get the most bang for my buck here and I've pretty much narrowed it down to the Sako TRG-42, the Armalite AR-30, and the Remington 700 line of .338's.

I'll be using it for general wanna-be sniper range sessions, long range target shooting on steel, and some big game hunting, so Lighter is better (but not to light of course). I'd also consider one of the .338 uppers for an AR.

More details: Yes I reload, I've never shot a .338 lapua before but I'm probably gonna try a TRG soon, I have a .22lr bolt set up with a mil dot scope to practice fundamentals on (I figured out how to mimic (almost) .308 trajectory at shorter ranges), as well as a .223. I expect to shoot almost exclusively from 500-1500 yards; but I wanna push the limits if I can. The appeal a .338 lap (opposed to a .300 or .308) has to me is I can shoot it further and most of all I can destroy some cinder blocks/make some bigger holes (also the ability to make a clean kill at further range).

Oh yeah, I have used the search function and have been reading through this forum as well as some others for a few weeks now. I don't really wanna dish out any more cash on the scope so I'm thinking I may want to consider a smaller round... What say you?



I understand it's all a matter of personal opinion, haha what isn't?! I decided to just go ahead and make this thread because I wanted others to share their opinions and experiences that they've had, and for them to hear what I was looking for so they could better help me to decide what I should spend my money on.

Thanks again Sniper's Hide!
 
#3
Re: .338 Lapua Rifles

No one can determine the best for you. It's personal preference. Being able to get behind each before you purchase would be the best bet.

I personally prefer the TRG42. The AR30 isn't too shabby, but I like the ergo's on the TRG stock much better. As far as lightweight, the TRG42 is the lightest I'd want to go. Otherwise you're going to get shoved around a bit - which is fatiguing in shorter order than smaller rounds.

I think there are a few TRG42's here in the classifieds for sale.
 
#4
Re: .338 Lapua Rifles

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

The best optic I want to afford is the SWFA SS 5-20x with quality mounts.

I'm really just trying get the most bang for my buck here and I've pretty much narrowed it down to the Sako TRG-42, the Armalite AR-30, and the Remington 700 line of .338's.

I'll be using it for general wanna-be sniper range sessions, long range target shooting on steel, and some big game hunting, so Lighter is better. I'd also consider one of the .338 uppers for an AR. </div></div>

Do you reload?

The three you named are apples and kiwis....

Have you ever shot one?

Don't get me wrong.....love mine.....still have to knock the dust off it the amount it gets shot though
 
#5
Re: .338 Lapua Rifles

I was thinking about making a thread like this myself. Here is the problem.

You are not specific enough about what you are looking for though. My guess is its because your not sure what you like and don't like yet.

Can you expand on what other rifles you like and even better features that you don't like? Do you have a maximum budget?
 
#6
Re: .338 Lapua Rifles

How far do you intend to shoot?

I think the average shooter would be much better off buying a factory .300 Win, a reloading kit, some 230 gr Bergers, and an S&B for the same money.
 
#7
Re: .338 Lapua Rifles

Love my new Remington. Normally not a Remmy fan but they are an accurate and easily tuned platform. I've had fun bedding, tweaking the trigger and assembling loads for it. Lots of goodies and upgrades are available so it can easily be made to be the type of weapon you want as your tastes and desires develop. It already shows great promise in the accuracy department.
 
#9
Re: .338 Lapua Rifles

What is your shooting experience?

What ranges do you intend to shoot?

If you're not "very experienced" and you don't intend to shoot exclusively beyond 1,000 yards, you're wasting cash. Do you have a .308? 6.5? If not, you may go that route first, learn fundamentals, and become proficient on a much cheaper to operate platform.
 
#11
Re: .338 Lapua Rifles

A .300 WM shooting 230gr Bergers with a good brake would serve you well out to around a mile - especially with your elevation advantage.

Brass, bullets and powder are quite a bit less expensive but you can still shoot heavier bullets. The recoil impulse will also be much less.
 
#14
Re: .338 Lapua Rifles

Many factors come into play when it comes to firearms. but the best advise I can give you is to save and cry once. If you are like most gun aficionados, you will end up getting hooked and buying something more expensive in the future.
 
#16
Re: .338 Lapua Rifles

Savage 110BA is also a good choice I have both the TRG and 110ba. of course the quality goes to the TRG but accuracy is about the same in fact the 110BA is a little better.
 
#17
Re: .338 Lapua Rifles

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Tomg</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Savage 110BA is also a good choice I have both the TRG and 110ba. of course the quality goes to the TRG but accuracy is about the same in fact the 110BA is a little better. </div></div>

I find that real hard to beleave, I would like to see proof. I have shot both, the savage was no where in the same place when it comes to accuracy and fit and finnsh. You can not produce a rifle 1500 bucks and get the same result as a 3000 stick.
 
#19
Re: .338 Lapua Rifles

I very honestly think you're wasting your money to go with a .338 Lapua at this point. Were I you, I'd have a custom .300 built and put the best glass you can afford on it. The glass is more important than the rifle.

Hell, a Rem Sendero a good trigger, and a good stock with GREAT glass would put you miles ahead for long-range shooting. When you wear out the barrel, upgrade it and the stock.
 
#20
Re: .338 Lapua Rifles

I realize this is my 1st post and you have a ton...but.
#1. he stated that savage WAS lower QUALITY.
#2. Betting money on stock savage accuracy against anything isnt real smart.
#3. A savage can be built for $1500 that will hang with any non-br gun on the planet. And yes some of them might be less accurate than a full custom but some are, just as some full customs are less accurate than a stock savage. That is a bet I wouldnt stick any real $$$ on either way.
#4. I have a 338 edge I would put up against any trg on the planet especially at 1000 as it will dip under 6" most of the time, not once in a while but usually. And its been way under 6 for 10 shots. A savage may not win 100 br but for lr its not a bad choice. Might wanna check some f-class guys out.
 
#21
Re: .338 Lapua Rifles

If you have to ask which 338LM to buy, you're not ready for one.

95+% of the time, a 338LM is purchased to either overcompensate for something else that's lacking, to win a pecker contest, or both.

In my case, it was both. Honestly, I can barely come up with any real reason to pull it out of the safe.

Get a reasonable caliber, and shoot a lot.
 
#22
Re: .338 Lapua Rifles

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Alaskaman 11</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Tomg</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> </div></div>

I find that real hard to beleave, I would like to see proof. I have shot both, the savage was no where in the same place when it comes to accuracy and fit and finnsh. You can not produce a rifle 1500 bucks and get the same result as a 3000 stick. </div></div>

Actually the $2000 110BA is competing against and beating guns that cost 2-3 times more in accuracy.
 
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