338 Lapua

[BrettSass844]

Well I had plans to start a AR build here soon and after reading some of the posts on the 338 I'm having second thoughts. I guess what I'm wanting to know is what dies, brass, bullets, powder, and primers you guys are running? I'm trying to figure out how much I would have into the whole rig and weigh my options against how often I would be able to use the rifle to its full capabilities. I have to drive over a hour easy to shoot 1k plus. So the AR logically makes more sense as I am looking for a lighter weight varmit rifle and something to run through some brass on the local range that's 50-200. Then again I'm not exactly know for making the logical decision all the time.

 

[Longshot38]

Re: 338 Lapua

338 and larger calibers are not cheap to shoot. If you don't shoot over 1000 yards or big game on a regular basis then the 338 Lapua magnum is not the best choice for you. Simple fact of the matter is that for paper punching the 7mm WSM is a cheaper calbier that will kill paper out to just about as far as you want to go.

I can tell you that what you spend on a rifle is really up to you. But I have about $6000 sunk into my 338 and it cost me about $1.50/round with me loading LeHigh solids.

 

[BrettSass844]

Re: 338 Lapua

Thanks Longshot. I sure as hell wish I had a little more access to a longer shooting range. I got some farms I can shoot my 308 on but the landowners don't want anything bigger than that going boom. I would love to have one but I'm still kicking it around. I would hate to drop several grand on one that collects dust most of the time. More than likely I will stick to the AR for now. And work on the local coyote population a little more. Appreciate the input.

 

[generalquark]

Re: 338 Lapua

Ya they are certainly not cheap. A fantastic long range round though. Seems like a pretty huge round for varmint.

 

[Lt. Arclight]

Re: 338 Lapua

That's a huge difference between an AR build and ANY 338LM system.Brass although expensive, is without peer, from a quality and longevity standpoint. With care 20 loadings is not uncommon.

I've fired over 6K rounds since 2004 in 3 different sticks with most shooting done at 300 yards with numerous trips to 1000 yards.

You are correct, I don't see the logic in even comparing the 2. Cost on reloading isn't cheap but no where near factory produced ammo.If you want a long range varmint stick,with long range accuracy 6mm,6.5mm and 7mm gives you alot of choices.