.50BMG, .338 Lapua Magnum, hmm?

D

Dynamite

Private
Minuteman
Aug 29, 2009
26
0
36
Okieland
#1
I'm thinking about either getting a custom .308 rifle, a .338 lapua magnum, or a .50BMG.

Not trying to start any cartridge wars, but what are the plus/minuses for the .50BMG and LM?

It seems like they both cost $4-$5 a shot, and are both capable of 1000+ yard distances with ease. From what my friend tells me (Not sure I trust his knowledge as he is known to make up gun facts) the .50BMG is a bullet made to destroy hard objects and is not as aerodynamic/accurate at long distances compared to the .338LM. Apparently the .338 LM is very accurate, packs a punch, but not the wallop that the .50BMG does. Am I getting this right?

If I get a .338LM it'd be either a Surgeon, Gap, or AIAW... if .50BMG then probably a Barrett 82A1.
 
#2
Re: .50BMG, .338 Lapua Magnum, hmm?

If cost is a concern, go with .300WM. Now if I had to choose between shooting a .338LM or .50BMG all day, I'll take the .338 hands down. The main thing that the .50BMG has over the .338 is payload capability, which means squat to civie shooters. Bottom line, if you really want a .50, you get a .50. If you want to shoot steel out to 1800 yards or so and don't care about whether your rifle is a monster or just a slightly scaled-up .308, go with a .338.
 
#4
Re: .50BMG, .338 Lapua Magnum, hmm?

Get a LA Surgeon. Have the boys in OK build you a few extra barrels and be done with it.........

or

consider a SRS .243, .308, .300WM, .338LM

both systems will work.

There needs to be a specific reason to have a .50BMG. If is the smallest round that can carry "payload" other than that there are better rounds.

Other than "you can" why get the .50 if this is your first good stick as you previously posted.

Have you shot to 500 yards? 750 yards? 1k yards? Beyond?
 
#7
Re: .50BMG, .338 Lapua Magnum, hmm?

First question is:
1) How often (1-3 x per week?)and how many rounds (between 50 - 100 rounds?)are you going to shoot each time?
2) How far can you shoot? What is the max range that you can shoot? Is it going to be 1200 + yards?

I have all three calibers. Among the three, I shoot my 308 the most. Lots of practice behind trigger time. I can reliably shoot my 308 out to 1K without much difficulty, unless there is a tornado coming. The 338 LM is very accurate out to 1500+. Its accuracy is far better than the 50 BMG. Now that is subject to debate if you are talking to the 50 cal members. In terms of knick and fun factor, nothing is going to come close to shooting the 50 BMG. Also, I don't think anyone wants to shoot 100 rounds of the 50 BMG a day anyway, whether it's mil. surplus or match ammo. Having said all of that, it boils down to what do you want? and what do you want to do with your stick? JHMO.
 
#8
Re: .50BMG, .338 Lapua Magnum, hmm?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Tyler Kemp</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I don't think the 50 is less aerodynamic that a 338 at longer ranges...BC's over 1 are awful special. </div></div>

Only applicable to match grade bullets such as AMAX, Scenars, or monolithic bullets. These babies are going for about $2 + per bullet (just the bullet). The standard mil M33 ammo has a BC of about .650 ish. So comparing to the 338 LM. it's comparable in BC.
 
#9
Re: .50BMG, .338 Lapua Magnum, hmm?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: DesertHK</div><div class="ubbcode-body">First question is:
1) How often (1-3 x per week?)and how many rounds (between 50 - 100 rounds?)are you going to shoot each time?
2) How far can you shoot? What is the max range that you can shoot? Is it going to be 1200 + yards?

I have all three calibers. Among the three, I shoot my 308 the most. Lots of practice behind trigger time. I can reliably shoot my 308 out to 1K without much difficulty, unless there is a tornado coming. The 338 LM is very accurate out to 1500+. Its accuracy is far better than the 50 BMG. Now that is subject to debate if you are talking to the 50 cal members. In terms of knick and fun factor, nothing is going to come close to shooting the 50 BMG. Also, I don't think anyone wants to shoot 100 rounds of the 50 BMG a day anyway, whether it's mil. surplus or match ammo. Having said all of that, it boils down to what do you want? and what do you want to do with your stick? JHMO. </div></div>

I generally go shooting over the weekend about every 1-2 weeks. Even then, I only take one or two guns to go shooting, so this gun probably will get shot about once a month. (Not very often I know, but that's life) Range will pretty much be unlimited. But I do live in Oklahoma and 5mph winds are rare. Just this past 4th of July, my friends and I were shooting AR15s and AK47s when we had what seemed like a monsoon blow in with 70+mph gusts. I've got nothing against getting a .308 to shoot, but for some reason... I just can't get the allure of a big caliber rifle out of my head. And ya, a custom .308 that shoots 1/4moa can shoot circles around a (maybe 1moa) barrett all day... but it doesn't seem to have the same effect lol.
 
#10
Re: .50BMG, .338 Lapua Magnum, hmm?

understand that is comes to the "nut behind the bolt". Get a .308 and burna couple of barrels out. If will be more fun, you will learn more, and actually at the end of the day (like Nike says) "Just do it". If you "have" to have the long stick, get a 7mm WSM and run away from almost every stick out there (almost I do understand that it is not the end all, be all). In that this is you first real foray into LR get one that you learn with and dont shudder every time you pull the trigger.
 
#11
Re: .50BMG, .338 Lapua Magnum, hmm?

My 50 is REALLY fun. Nuff said...
smile.gif
 
#12
Re: .50BMG, .338 Lapua Magnum, hmm?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Dogtown</div><div class="ubbcode-body">If cost is a concern, go with .300WM. Now if I had to choose between shooting a .338LM or .50BMG all day, I'll take the .338 hands down. The main thing that the .50BMG has over the .338 is payload capability, which means squat to civie shooters. Bottom line, if you really want a .50, you get a .50. If you want to shoot steel out to 1800 yards or so and don't care about whether your rifle is a monster or just a slightly scaled-up .308, go with a .338.

</div></div>

What he said.
 
#13
Re: .50BMG, .338 Lapua Magnum, hmm?

So your range has losts of cross winds. Obviously, the 308 is going to be a bit "under-gun" if you will. If you truly have an unlimited gun range, then I would get a 375 CT. With reloading, it's not going to be that much more compared to the match grade stuff for the 50 BMG. It can buckle the wind. It will leave both the 338 LM and 50 BMG in the dust. I am currently working on that to complete my "long distance carriers". Seriously speaking, I would consider either the 338 LM, or the 375 Chey Tac before the 50 BMG. If it is just a "must have factor", then it's a different story.
 
#14
Re: .50BMG, .338 Lapua Magnum, hmm?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Dynamite</div><div class="ubbcode-body">And ya, a custom .308 that shoots 1/4moa can shoot circles around a (maybe 1moa) barrett all day... but it doesn't seem to have the same effect lol. </div></div>

From the reports I'm reading the M82A1 is actually more like 2-3 MOA. Unless you just get lucky and manage to aquire a rare one that was put together just right.

Once you catch the .50bmg disease there's really no cure other than to buy one. Get the Barret because that's what you really want or get a Windrunner while they're still on sale and you can step down to a .408, 375-408 or .338lm if you decide (but it'll still be in a 35lb gun package).

The best compromise IMHO is the DTA SRS. You can practice in .308win and then when you want to strech your legs swap out to .300wm or .338lm.
 
#16
Re: .50BMG, .338 Lapua Magnum, hmm?

I own both a match grade 338 lapua and a match grade 50 bmg custom rifle. I can tell you that they are both awesome. The 338 is real accuarate and you can get good quality brass. The 50 is just as accurate but the problem with the 50 is that you have to sort brass more and do a lot more brass prep, but if you spend the time on the 50 brass it will shoooot really far!!. I love both guns but the 50 is just amazing to shoot. If you are going to get a 50 save your money and get a custom 50 built by randy dierks with a match chamber and bore rider throat. if you shoot lehigh 800 grain bore riders behind 20n29 you will have more fun than you ever imagined. The BC on the lehigh's is around 1.1. There is a bad rumor going around about 50's not being accurate. Thats not true if you you spend the time getting the brass right. I am currently having a custom match grade 416 barret built on a mcmillian action, kreiger 1/11.5 twist match barrel. ill let you all know how it shoots in a few months you might want to go that route. There was just a world record set with a 50, it was around 1.9 inches at 1000 yards. He was shooting lehigh bullets. I can watch my bullets hit a steel plate with my naked eye at 1000 yards thats awesome.They slip the wind real good to.
 
#18
Re: .50BMG, .338 Lapua Magnum, hmm?

Between the 2?

.338LM.

Why? Cheaper to reload, easier to get components, less recoil.

You still have a 1 mile gun, as long as you can hold your end of the log up.
 
#20
Re: .50BMG, .338 Lapua Magnum, hmm?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: PGS</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
500meter338LM001.jpg


Pretty good performance for quite a bit less money than a BMG. This rifle has shot MOA out to 1600 meters.(1 mile) </div></div>


Wow. Uhh... dumb question, but what caliber was that?
 
#23
Re: .50BMG, .338 Lapua Magnum, hmm?

Dynamite I own both an AIAW & Surgeon in 338, I've dedicated the AI to 250's and my Surgeon to 300 grainers, I don't believe it's that expensive to shoot if you can reload your brass 5 to 7 times.

Today I warmed up at 1130 yards, cold bore hit my plate and put two more rounds on the plate , the third was dead center.

My second target was 1770 yards, shot 8 rounds and hit my plate 5 times, 338's are surgical instruments. I was done shooting, totally satisfied, sometimes a first round hit and a second confirmation at distance is perfect.

Shooting a 50BMG is awesome but for me not nearly as pleasurable. I originally intended to go the 50 route then spent a day in tucson shooting the 1000 yard course, my teeth ached when I was done.

Preston at Surgeon is the Best, you can't go wrong working w/ him, purchase a 338 remedy w/ a surefire break then a can and you can shoot all day, and night. Just my two cents.
 
#24
Re: .50BMG, .338 Lapua Magnum, hmm?

Everyone makes good points. The fifty is definitely not for everyone and many other smaller calibers will get you to the same place. But Stenger is right, the fifty is more accurate than most realize, it just takes more work to get there. Randy, IMHO, is a good way to go if your getting a .50 built. He has a ton of experience with them and is full of a lot of info.

I have an M82 and a custom build. My 82 will shoot 1.5 MOA on a good day with AMax if I can do my part. Not impressive by any standard, but can't beat the coolness factor. Just started playing with different loads for the single shot, and already have it shooting 1/2 MOA without much tweeking.
 
#25
Re: .50BMG, .338 Lapua Magnum, hmm?

With pulled and sized 690 grain AP with 225 grains of H50BMG and cci's I can get to about $1 per round and still stay 1 moa. The core on them are very stable and are very accurate even though they are pulled and sized. You sure as heck know you have a hit at 1K on plate. Obviously AMax is a bunch more (about $2 to $2.25 each projo cost alone) but competitions have been won with A2.
3 shot group at a paced off 190 yards on 1/2" plate
DSC07528.jpg

DSC07527.jpg
 
#27
Re: .50BMG, .338 Lapua Magnum, hmm?

You really cant beat punching big holes in stuff at pretty much any range you want. Plus, they dont make APIT rounds in .338....
smile.gif
 
#30
Re: .50BMG, .338 Lapua Magnum, hmm?

Ya I own 2 different 50's and they are really fun, but now i want to get a couple 338's. The 50 concusion is something to experience. Doesnt bother my teath, but shooting on or close to the ground gets you filthy, I dont really want to shoot mine much until i get it supressed. Any ways, You probably wont be happy unless you have one of each...

CJG
 
#31
Re: .50BMG, .338 Lapua Magnum, hmm?

I have a Barrett and a Anzio Ironworks in 50 and a TRG-42 and a 700 MLR in 338. There all outstanding rifles, but the 50's are hard to beat for collness factor. There about the same cost to reload but you need a new press to do the 50 so you have to add that into cost. With that said go for the barrett 99 single shot and get a Sako TRG-42 338 Lapua. You can get both rifles for about the price you'd pay for 1 M82.
 
#32
Re: .50BMG, .338 Lapua Magnum, hmm?

Unless someone has lots of experience and knowledge, the 338 Lapua is the MOST one should consider. It really concerns me, in this anti-gun era that we're in, that anyone can go out and buy a 50 cal, go find a pasture or powerline to shoot it on, shoot it without a proper backstop and kill someone a mile or farther away without even realizing the cartridge was capable of that. Not trying to upset anyone, but as soon as this happens a few times, some politician is going to start the ball rolling against all of us who love this hobby. I have a 338 Lapua and do not shoot it near as much as I would like because of this.
 
#33
Re: .50BMG, .338 Lapua Magnum, hmm?

but the 338 LM is also capable of serious damage at longer distances if one is not careful. Personally, I think that nothing is going to "idiot proof" stupidity. So I don't really think that the 50 BMG is anymore "evil" than the 338 LM. Perhaps in the eyes of those numb-nuts politicians and the "Brady bunch" it is.
 
#34
Re: .50BMG, .338 Lapua Magnum, hmm?

WTF are you talking about? You still have the .408CT and .375CT .416 Barret etc. that will shoot further. You my friend are the reason we have laws against "assault weapons" etc. because of the perceived power and deadly capabilities of the weapon. Why would you even say that the .338LM would be the most anyone could consider? Have you ever seen a civil war reenactment and seen a parrot gun fired at something? You need to have a proper backstop for anything. Incrementalism will take all of our guns away and you are on that road.


<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: CCooper</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Unless someone has lots of experience and knowledge, the 338 Lapua is the MOST one should consider. It really concerns me, in this anti-gun era that we're in, that anyone can go out and buy a 50 cal, go find a pasture or powerline to shoot it on, shoot it without a proper backstop and kill someone a mile or farther away without even realizing the cartridge was capable of that. Not trying to upset anyone, but as soon as this happens a few times, some politician is going to start the ball rolling against all of us who love this hobby. I have a 338 Lapua and do not shoot it near as much as I would like because of this.</div></div>
 
#35
Re: .50BMG, .338 Lapua Magnum, hmm?

Sorry to upset you, but your next to last sentence says "You need to have a proper backstop for anything". My point was, some people do not have the experience and knowledge to know what a proper backstop is for these cartridges. I love my 338, but I did educate myself about its capabilities before building and shooting it and would hope anyone would do the same. I would absolutely love to someday have a 375 Cheytac, but there is not many places here in the southeast where I can enjoy it.
 
#36
Re: .50BMG, .338 Lapua Magnum, hmm?

My .50 has brought in untold numbers of new shooters to the sport. I have taught several the loading of .50's on down. They are all so similar. Like having a Corvette or a Prius both can get you killed but I would never want to tell someone what they can or can not drive.
 
#37
Re: .50BMG, .338 Lapua Magnum, hmm?

the 82a1 and the word accurate as defined by me can not be used in the same sentence. Although the 82a1 is quiet capable it isnt "match grade" accurate/ With that said unless you have tons of time and money to either reload or by match ammo your kinda screwed on the .50 front. Many capable single shot and reapeaters out there but not alot of people willing to do the load developement required to get it.

Whatever, what do i know, i havent even shot my crappy .50 yet. but I'm glad all my barretts are gone.
 
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