Best barrel option for 338 Lapua

[Killbox Alpha]

I am looking at purchasing a 98B and Barrett offers a couple of different barrel lengths. My question is do I need the 27" barrel since this is a magnum round? Or is this caliber similar to the 308 in the respect that the 20" is just as accurate as the 24-26", all you lose is a small amount of velocity?

Thanks.

 

[Longshot38]

Re: Best barrel option for 338 Lapua

Several guys around here run short barrel 338s and like them. But for me I got my 338 to do work WAY WAY out thus I went with a 28 inch barrel. So short version if you are going to staying withing in a mile of your target you will be fine with a 20 inch but if are looking to get the most out of the rifle then go long.

 

[SVG308]

Re: Best barrel option for 338 Lapua

Length of barrel does not really impact accuracy. With the 338LM I would go with a 26" or longer barrel for the added velocity.

 

[turbo54]

Re: Best barrel option for 338 Lapua

Without opening a can of worms, here are some basic fundamentals:

1. Shorter barrels are stiffer and tend to be more accurate
2. Longer barrels tend to yield more velocity
3. Less powder for the size bullet your using tends to make for a more efficient cartridge - these cartridges tend to work with medium/fast powders like 308/223.
4. The more efficient the cartridge is, the shorter the barrel you need to get goid velocity.
5. Cartridges that require SLOW powders - like 338LM for example, tend to give up a lot of velocity with shorter barrels.

My personal take on a 338 is they're for LONG shots. Lots of far more reasonable cartridges out there that'll go 1500 pretty nice. If I'm gonna bother to go big (338), I'm gonna go BIG, and it's going to wear a 28+" barrel. 30" sounds good too. Hell 32" isn't over the top as far as I'm concerned. Sure doesnt make for a handy rifle though.