First Post and Caliber Opinion

[Rhino52]

Howdy from middle Tennessee! Long time shooter and lurker and looking forward to contibuting. I'll get to the point. I have an opportunity to get my first(and probably only) custom built long range bolt action rifle from a well known manufacturer and my dilemma...Do I stick with my original inclination and get the rifle in 300WSM, a caliber I'm already set up for (including suppressor) and shoot oooor...do I get it in 338 Lapua Mag for pure range/competition? I've shot 50cal and it's a hoot and would look at 338 LM in the same light. Looking for feedback from those who shoot/have shot 338 LM or both.

Happy Thanksgiving All!

 

[468shot]

Re: First Post and Caliber Opinion

Here's a recent thread that applies somewhat (300Win Mag or 338 LM) to your question:

http://www.snipershide.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=2174845#Post2174845

Try using this search function:

http://www.google.com/cse/home?cx=010955838166721108978:qcbx5qqy10o&hl=en

It will yield far more data than the site search function.

It also comes down to your budget and what you want. It's going to cost a lot more to step into the Lapua, especially if your set up for the WSM. How far do you really need to shoot with it?

 

[steve123]

Re: First Post and Caliber Opinion

Unless you plan on shooting extreme long range all the time the 338L isn't necessary.

300WSM holds some impressive 1000Y benchrest records and will likely do all that you'd need it to.

 

[bohem]

Re: First Post and Caliber Opinion

The 300 WSM is a fine caliber and when that barrel is shot out you can move to a 7/300 WSM (aka 7 BAT) to shoot the 162-180gr 7mm's to outrun the 300 WSM handily at very long distances. You just neck the brass down from 30 to 7 and run with it.

Til then, the 300WSM is an excellent round and unless you're shooting over a mile all the time, I would take a 300 or 7mm short magnum of some flavor over the 338 all the time. The cost of feeding the WSM's is MUCH cheaper than a 338 LM.

 

[nelly250]

Re: First Post and Caliber Opinion

I would also vote for the 300wsm - just for the cost factor. Most of my shooting is well within the 300s range and the odd time where a bit extra would be nice isn't worth the cost (to me).

 

[JFComfort]

Re: First Post and Caliber Opinion

Forget .338 LM, its cheaper to shoot .50 BMG. 300WSM is pretty bad ass but I would go 7WSM with 180 VLD's!

 

[Rhino52]

Re: First Post and Caliber Opinion

Thanks to all for the sound advice...A head vs heart argument. I'll stick with 300 WSM and shoot alot more...for now