AR 30 338LM plunge

[Da-Law-Dawg]

Finally made the plunge on my first 338LM. I acquired a gently used AR30 from a fellow Hide member here and finally got to get her out and burn some powder recently. I can honestly say that I am more than impressed with the level of inherent accuracy these rifles have.

My initial trip to the range netted a .495" 3 shot string at 100 yards with Lapua 250gr Scenar ammo. The 1/2 MOA factor held at 200 yards to boot. Looking for some trigger time at a private range in the near future to "stretch her legs" a bit.

Here's a pic after some new "color" on her. For those that were wonderin', runnin' a Leupold MK4 8.5x25 with the illuminated TMR reticle set in a pair of Burris XTR lows.

Here's my initial range trip target, don't flame me too bad for lackin' a 5 shot string for you!

Gotta get my reloading set-up running to get some more ammo rolled out.

 

[DaveV]

Re: AR 30 338LM plunge

Who did the bolt knob?

 

[Da-Law-Dawg]

Re: AR 30 338LM plunge

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: DaveV</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Who did the bolt knob? </div></div>

Dave,

Knob was already done on the rifle when I got it. Not sure, but I'll try and find out for ya.

 

[DaveV]

Re: AR 30 338LM plunge

Thanks Dawg. And, yeah, put on a cup because the group nazis will probably show up to give you the link to group rules. Nice looking stick.

 

[Lt. Arclight]

Re: AR 30 338LM plunge

I've had one since 2005. I put 900 rounds through the factory barrel and had GAP install a 30in. Schneider 1/9" twist with a Badger FTE brake. The factory barrel still looks great and didn't lose a bit of accuracy. I just wanted to try a longer barrel with a slower twist.

For the money its a great gun. Since I got my 338 AIAWSM from Stacey last year, the AR30 is now a "spare". I only got to put about 30 rounds through the new barrel.I should sell it-but to be honest I really hate to part with it. FYI, the trigger is a shilen and can be adjusted to break real crisp. Good Luck.

 

[DaveV]

Re: AR 30 338LM plunge

I know this is like asking, "How long is a rope?" but what is the average barrel like on these?

 

[Da-Law-Dawg]

Re: AR 30 338LM plunge

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: DaveV</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I know this is like asking, "How long is a rope?" but what is the average barrel like on these? </div></div>

Dave,

I believe that the factory tubes are/were made by Lothar. I have talked to several guys running them and all were above par on accuracy.

 

[DaveV]

Re: AR 30 338LM plunge

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Da-Law-Dawg</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: DaveV</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I know this is like asking, "How long is a rope?" but what is the average barrel like on these? </div></div>

Dave,

I believe that the factory tubes are/were made by Lothar. I have talked to several guys running them and all were above par on accuracy. </div></div>

Ha! Sorry about that! I didn't proof my post very well. I was going for "life" and not like.

What is the average barrel life?

 

[Lt. Arclight]

Re: AR 30 338LM plunge

I fired over 5K rounds of 338LM. Provided you watch your RATE of fire- I think 3000 rounds is a far guess. Definitely easier on barrels than a 300WM or 243.

The factory barrel off my AR30 and 900 rounds of load development looked near new.YMMV, but I wouldn't consider the 338LM a barrel burner.

 

[DaveV]

Re: AR 30 338LM plunge

Thanks LA, I was hoping to hear that. I'm down at 87.5 gr. of RE22, so I'm not running real hot. I'm in construction and don't have a lot of extra barrel money laying around. It's hard enough to stay ahead of this thing just shooting it.

 

[Lt. Arclight]

Re: AR 30 338LM plunge

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: DaveV</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Thanks LA, I was hoping to hear that. I'm down at 87.5 gr. of RE22, so I'm not running real hot. I'm in construction and don't have a lot of extra barrel money laying around. It's hard enough to stay ahead of this thing just shooting it. </div></div>

Try 87-89 of RL25 for 300SMK's and 90-92 of RL25 for 250's

 

[landtoy80]

Re: AR 30 338LM plunge

I was looking at one today as gun store that sold as I was holding it.

What is the recoil like on a Ar30 338 Lapua?

Is it hard on brass? What is the life of the brass?

 

[DaveV]

Re: AR 30 338LM plunge

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Lt. Arclight</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: DaveV</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Thanks LA, I was hoping to hear that. I'm down at 87.5 gr. of RE22, so I'm not running real hot. I'm in construction and don't have a lot of extra barrel money laying around. It's hard enough to stay ahead of this thing just shooting it. </div></div>

Try 87-89 of RL25 for 300SMK's and 90-92 of RL25 for 250's </div></div>

I was using 90 of RE25 until it dried up here, so I worked up the RE22. I don't know how it will perform at LR, but I will know soon. RE25 is now available, so I may move that direction again. Thanks.

 

[DaveV]

Re: AR 30 338LM plunge

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: landtoy80</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I was looking at one today as gun store that sold as I was holding it.

What is the recoil like on a Ar30 338 Lapua?

Is it hard on brass? What is the life of the brass? </div></div>

The muzzle brake on the AR30 is awesome. It kicks about like an '06. If you use Lapua brass, I've read that you can get 15-20 shots. If you anneal, maybe more. Lt. Arclight is the guy to answer that question.

 

[Lt. Arclight]

Re: AR 30 338LM plunge

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: DaveV</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: landtoy80</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I was looking at one today as gun store that sold as I was holding it.

What is the recoil like on a Ar30 338 Lapua?

Is it hard on brass? What is the life of the brass? </div></div>

The muzzle brake on the AR30 is awesome. It kicks about like an '06. If you use Lapua brass, I've read that you can get 15-20 shots. If you anneal, maybe more. Lt. Arclight is the guy to answer that question. </div></div>

Recoil is more like a 308 or 243. I have a GAP TIS 308 built on a graphite McMillan stock that kicks harder. Brass life. IMO, buying other than Lapua is pennywise and dollar foolish. Most if not all 338LM's have reasonably tight chambers compared to a run of the mill 308 or 30-06.

I have tried powders from 4350 to most of the 50BMG powders,ie:VV 20N29,VV 24N41,H50BMG, Hodgdon US869 and VV560 VV170,retumbo,H1000,4831, RL22, RL25. IMO, its not a hard round to reload. I've had the best results with RL25, Fed 215 primers and Lapua brass. I have never had a case failure. I have never felt the need to anneal either. The brass isn't worked that much-really. I have never tossed Lapua brass. 10 reloads-easy. I've lost track on some cases. I try to keep about .003" bullet tension. Trim as necessary.Provided you aren't trying to go into unknown realms with hot loads- you'll have the cases for a long time.

For most work 300-1100 yards, I'd try 87-89 grains of RL25 behind a 300SMK or 90-92 gr. RL25 behind a 250SMK or Lapua scenar. 1-10" twist is preferred for the heavy bullet-1:9" is even better.

I use Redding bushing dies (.364 bushing IIRC). The 338LM does not like to have the projectile seated INTO the lands. It really is a simple round to reload. I've had similar results with several 338LM systems. The AR30-with 2 different barrels, a McMillan MCRT ultra mag. (initially built by McMillan with a Lilja barrel followed by a rebarrel by GAP to a Schneider 1/9" twist. and my Accuracy International AW.

Expect 2800fps or so with a 300SMK and 3000 fps or so with a 250 SMK. Put on good glass, and work on your skills. Its a sweet round. A LOT LESS frustrating than getting a 50BMG dialed in. My only advice would be to resist trying to do load development at ranges LESS than 300 yards. Let it stretch it legs and you'll be amazed.

 

[DaveV]

Re: AR 30 338LM plunge

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Lt. Arclight</div><div class="ubbcode-body">The 338LM does not like to have the projectile seated INTO the lands. </div></div>

In fact, you can't get the SMK's to the lands unless you want to single load from the top. I'm way off the lands and still shot a .363 5-shot group at 100. I could get right in the lands with Barnes XLC 225's, but they wouldn't shoot worth a crap. This caliber really likes SMK's.

 

[cstmwrks]

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