Like the thread title says, how is the comparison? anyone cartridge have the upper hand on the other? Trying to find out as much as I can about the two different rounds, thanks in advance.
How does the 338LM compare to the 338Edge?
- Thread starter 30calDeath
- Start date
Re: How does the 338LM compare to the 338Edge?
From what little I know of the two. The edge is good if you want to build something more budget priced, since you can use a standard magnum 700 long action and boltface, all you need is a good barrel chambered for it, so it ends up being a lot cheaper.
338lm requires a custom action that will accept a much larger boltface.
Where Im stumped is how they can get more velocity from a 300rum case pushing a 300gn bullet than the Lapua? Now Ive only compared what the website for the Edge says with Lapua factory loads, so they may be low on velocity for a reason there.
I will be picking up the Savage 110ba in 338lm here shortly. Just not looking forward to buying brass, bullets, and powder yet!
From what little I know of the two. The edge is good if you want to build something more budget priced, since you can use a standard magnum 700 long action and boltface, all you need is a good barrel chambered for it, so it ends up being a lot cheaper.
338lm requires a custom action that will accept a much larger boltface.
Where Im stumped is how they can get more velocity from a 300rum case pushing a 300gn bullet than the Lapua? Now Ive only compared what the website for the Edge says with Lapua factory loads, so they may be low on velocity for a reason there.
I will be picking up the Savage 110ba in 338lm here shortly. Just not looking forward to buying brass, bullets, and powder yet!
Re: How does the 338LM compare to the 338Edge?
Pretty much the same except you won't have to fire form with the 338L.The Lapua brass is high quality.
Pretty much the same except you won't have to fire form with the 338L.The Lapua brass is high quality.
Re: How does the 338LM compare to the 338Edge?
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: jonaddis84</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
338lm requires a custom action that will accept a much larger boltface.
</div></div>
The Lapua just requires a different bolt face not a custom action. A lot of guys build both these calibers off Remington 700 actions.
The case for the EDGE is longer than the Lapua but the Lapua is slightly wider. You will get basically identical ballistics from both of these calibers.
I have a 300RUM that I will be converting to a 338 EDGE once the barrel is burned up. The EDGE is cheaper to build if you already have an action with a Magnum bolt face like my 300 RUM. Brass is a lot cheaper as well. The Nosler brass for 300 RUM is $70 per 50 where the Lapua brass is $260 per 100. Over $100 difference per 100 pieces.
At the end of the day I would just base my decision on which caliber would be easiest and cheapest for me to build.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: jonaddis84</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
338lm requires a custom action that will accept a much larger boltface.
</div></div>
The Lapua just requires a different bolt face not a custom action. A lot of guys build both these calibers off Remington 700 actions.
The case for the EDGE is longer than the Lapua but the Lapua is slightly wider. You will get basically identical ballistics from both of these calibers.
I have a 300RUM that I will be converting to a 338 EDGE once the barrel is burned up. The EDGE is cheaper to build if you already have an action with a Magnum bolt face like my 300 RUM. Brass is a lot cheaper as well. The Nosler brass for 300 RUM is $70 per 50 where the Lapua brass is $260 per 100. Over $100 difference per 100 pieces.
At the end of the day I would just base my decision on which caliber would be easiest and cheapest for me to build.
Re: How does the 338LM compare to the 338Edge?
the Lapua has factory ammo for it it where the edge does not
Ammo and barss for the Lapua is very expensive though high quality.
The Edge uses 300 RUM brass and all thats needed is running it though a neck expander die
Ballisticaly they're about the same , you can Ackley improve the Lapua and get a little more speed , case life and reduce bolt thrust.
they both can be built on the Rem 700 action though i'd reccomend having a Wyatt's mag box installed for either one of them to help with bullet seating depth issues.
Another option to look at is the 338 Norma , its shorter than both and ballisticaly very very close
the Lapua has factory ammo for it it where the edge does not
Ammo and barss for the Lapua is very expensive though high quality.
The Edge uses 300 RUM brass and all thats needed is running it though a neck expander die
Ballisticaly they're about the same , you can Ackley improve the Lapua and get a little more speed , case life and reduce bolt thrust.
they both can be built on the Rem 700 action though i'd reccomend having a Wyatt's mag box installed for either one of them to help with bullet seating depth issues.
Another option to look at is the 338 Norma , its shorter than both and ballisticaly very very close
Re: How does the 338LM compare to the 338Edge?
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: steve123</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Pretty much the same except you won't have to fire form with the 338L.The Lapua brass is high quality. </div></div>
There is no fire forming brass on a 338 Edge. Just run it through the sizing die to expand the case mouth, load it up and go out and shoot. I do this with my Edge and get nice small groups with brand new brass every time.
Ballistically they are practically the same. Some say the Edge gets 50 to 100 fps faster than the Lapua, but in the end, they are virtually identical.
If you have the ability to get ammo and brass cheap for the Lapua (and it's available in your local), or if you just have deep pockets and don't care, than the Lapua would probably be just right for you.
If you have the ability to reload, than the Edge might be better. I can find 300RUM brass a lot easier than I can find Lapua. Plus, like was mentioned earlier, it is a lot cheaper! I shoot Lapua brass exclusively in my .308, but for my Edge, I've found that the Remington 300RUM brass is just fine. It's not as bad as people lead you to believe. Yes, you might get a couple more loadings out of the Lapua brass, but the cost difference still favors the Edge.
The 338Edge round is just an all around excellent cartridge! Have you looked at Shawn Carlocks web site (Defensive Edge gunsmithing) for more details on the round? He's done a lot of work with the cartridge and has a great section on his findings.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: steve123</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Pretty much the same except you won't have to fire form with the 338L.The Lapua brass is high quality. </div></div>
There is no fire forming brass on a 338 Edge. Just run it through the sizing die to expand the case mouth, load it up and go out and shoot. I do this with my Edge and get nice small groups with brand new brass every time.
Ballistically they are practically the same. Some say the Edge gets 50 to 100 fps faster than the Lapua, but in the end, they are virtually identical.
If you have the ability to get ammo and brass cheap for the Lapua (and it's available in your local), or if you just have deep pockets and don't care, than the Lapua would probably be just right for you.
If you have the ability to reload, than the Edge might be better. I can find 300RUM brass a lot easier than I can find Lapua. Plus, like was mentioned earlier, it is a lot cheaper! I shoot Lapua brass exclusively in my .308, but for my Edge, I've found that the Remington 300RUM brass is just fine. It's not as bad as people lead you to believe. Yes, you might get a couple more loadings out of the Lapua brass, but the cost difference still favors the Edge.
The 338Edge round is just an all around excellent cartridge! Have you looked at Shawn Carlocks web site (Defensive Edge gunsmithing) for more details on the round? He's done a lot of work with the cartridge and has a great section on his findings.
Re: How does the 338LM compare to the 338Edge?
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Snipedogg</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: jonaddis84</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
338lm requires a custom action that will accept a much larger boltface.
</div></div>
The Lapua just requires a different bolt face not a custom action. A lot of guys build both these calibers off Remington 700 actions.
</div></div>
It requires a larger diameter bolt (0.750 vs nominal 0.700), larger bolt face (0.590 vs. 0.532), re-bore on the receiver to accommodate the larger bolt.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Snipedogg</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: jonaddis84</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
338lm requires a custom action that will accept a much larger boltface.
</div></div>
The Lapua just requires a different bolt face not a custom action. A lot of guys build both these calibers off Remington 700 actions.
</div></div>
It requires a larger diameter bolt (0.750 vs nominal 0.700), larger bolt face (0.590 vs. 0.532), re-bore on the receiver to accommodate the larger bolt.
Re: How does the 338LM compare to the 338Edge?
The major difference in my opinion is that the 338LM is a standarized military round for precision long-range use. This is far more significant than just being available as "factory ammo." The fact that so many militaries use it, will ensure continued ammunition R&D, firearms production/improvement, and world-wide availability. When it was introduced in the early 80's, it was a wildcat filling a void between .308 and .50 BMG. It is now (thanks to the GWOT) a "standard" round. It will be around for decades--at least in my crystal ball...
The major difference in my opinion is that the 338LM is a standarized military round for precision long-range use. This is far more significant than just being available as "factory ammo." The fact that so many militaries use it, will ensure continued ammunition R&D, firearms production/improvement, and world-wide availability. When it was introduced in the early 80's, it was a wildcat filling a void between .308 and .50 BMG. It is now (thanks to the GWOT) a "standard" round. It will be around for decades--at least in my crystal ball...
Re: How does the 338LM compare to the 338Edge?
jjones75( factory availible) and longebow (mil use)have it right.
jjones75( factory availible) and longebow (mil use)have it right.
Re: How does the 338LM compare to the 338Edge?
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: bohem</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Snipedogg</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: jonaddis84</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
338lm requires a custom action that will accept a much larger boltface.
</div></div>
The Lapua just requires a different bolt face not a custom action. A lot of guys build both these calibers off Remington 700 actions.
</div></div>
It requires a larger diameter bolt (0.750 vs nominal 0.700), larger bolt face (0.590 vs. 0.532), re-bore on the receiver to accommodate the larger bolt. </div></div>
The 338LM does not <span style="font-style: italic">require</span> a larger diameter bolt. There are plenty of 338LMs out there with .700 bolts.
It does require a larger BF.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: bohem</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Snipedogg</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: jonaddis84</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
338lm requires a custom action that will accept a much larger boltface.
</div></div>
The Lapua just requires a different bolt face not a custom action. A lot of guys build both these calibers off Remington 700 actions.
</div></div>
It requires a larger diameter bolt (0.750 vs nominal 0.700), larger bolt face (0.590 vs. 0.532), re-bore on the receiver to accommodate the larger bolt. </div></div>
The 338LM does not <span style="font-style: italic">require</span> a larger diameter bolt. There are plenty of 338LMs out there with .700 bolts.
It does require a larger BF.
Re: How does the 338LM compare to the 338Edge?
I think it is odd that a guy would buy a Savage rifle in a chambering that is expensive to shoot. Seems like putting a 100 dollar saddle on a 5 dollar mule.
I find it odd that anyone buys a Savage rifle, and yes I have shot them.
I think it is odd that a guy would buy a Savage rifle in a chambering that is expensive to shoot. Seems like putting a 100 dollar saddle on a 5 dollar mule.
I find it odd that anyone buys a Savage rifle, and yes I have shot them.
Re: How does the 338LM compare to the 338Edge?
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Steelhead</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
The 338Edge round is just an all around excellent cartridge! Have you looked at Shawn Carlocks web site (Defensive Edge gunsmithing) for more details on the round? He's done a lot of work with the cartridge and has a great section on his findings. </div></div>
I will be building off a custom action, the rifle will be a full house build. Pops will be reloading for us at first until I can get a reloader later on in the year. Yes I have checked out Carlock's site, he lives the town over from my parents and my Dad is supposed to be stopping by a guys house tomorrow in the area that did the R&D on the 338Edge with him. So we will see what my Dad comes away with. Can you use non-Lapua brass on a 338LM or does the Lapua co. exclusively make the cartridge?
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Steelhead</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
The 338Edge round is just an all around excellent cartridge! Have you looked at Shawn Carlocks web site (Defensive Edge gunsmithing) for more details on the round? He's done a lot of work with the cartridge and has a great section on his findings. </div></div>
I will be building off a custom action, the rifle will be a full house build. Pops will be reloading for us at first until I can get a reloader later on in the year. Yes I have checked out Carlock's site, he lives the town over from my parents and my Dad is supposed to be stopping by a guys house tomorrow in the area that did the R&D on the 338Edge with him. So we will see what my Dad comes away with. Can you use non-Lapua brass on a 338LM or does the Lapua co. exclusively make the cartridge?
Re: How does the 338LM compare to the 338Edge?
Norma, Jamison, Remington, and Nosler make 338LM brass. It is not proprietary to Lapua. But the Lapua brass is hands down the best you can get.
There may be others I forgot. Those are the ones that come to mind.
Norma, Jamison, Remington, and Nosler make 338LM brass. It is not proprietary to Lapua. But the Lapua brass is hands down the best you can get.
There may be others I forgot. Those are the ones that come to mind.
Re: How does the 338LM compare to the 338Edge?
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: brand692</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Norma, Jamison, Remington, and Nosler make 338LM brass. It is not proprietary to Lapua. But the Lapua brass is hands down the best you can get.
There may be others I forgot. Those are the ones that come to mind. </div></div>
Good to know, this thread has def been helpful, now I dont know if I want to go edge or LM, Ill go LM if the Norma, jamison, Remington is good just now as pricey.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: brand692</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Norma, Jamison, Remington, and Nosler make 338LM brass. It is not proprietary to Lapua. But the Lapua brass is hands down the best you can get.
There may be others I forgot. Those are the ones that come to mind. </div></div>
Good to know, this thread has def been helpful, now I dont know if I want to go edge or LM, Ill go LM if the Norma, jamison, Remington is good just now as pricey.
Re: How does the 338LM compare to the 338Edge?
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: brand692</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: bohem</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Snipedogg</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: jonaddis84</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
338lm requires a custom action that will accept a much larger boltface.
</div></div>
The Lapua just requires a different bolt face not a custom action. A lot of guys build both these calibers off Remington 700 actions.
</div></div>
It requires a larger diameter bolt (0.750 vs nominal 0.700), larger bolt face (0.590 vs. 0.532), re-bore on the receiver to accommodate the larger bolt. </div></div>
The 338LM does not <span style="font-style: italic">require</span> a larger diameter bolt. There are plenty of 338LMs out there with .700 bolts.
It does require a larger BF. </div></div>
Thanks for clearing that up. I did a search to try and find any information saying the LM needed a larger bolt because I've never seen or heard of that. Needless to say I didn't find anything.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: brand692</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: bohem</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Snipedogg</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: jonaddis84</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
338lm requires a custom action that will accept a much larger boltface.
</div></div>
The Lapua just requires a different bolt face not a custom action. A lot of guys build both these calibers off Remington 700 actions.
</div></div>
It requires a larger diameter bolt (0.750 vs nominal 0.700), larger bolt face (0.590 vs. 0.532), re-bore on the receiver to accommodate the larger bolt. </div></div>
The 338LM does not <span style="font-style: italic">require</span> a larger diameter bolt. There are plenty of 338LMs out there with .700 bolts.
It does require a larger BF. </div></div>
Thanks for clearing that up. I did a search to try and find any information saying the LM needed a larger bolt because I've never seen or heard of that. Needless to say I didn't find anything.
Re: How does the 338LM compare to the 338Edge?
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Snipedogg</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: brand692</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
The 338LM does not <span style="font-style: italic">require</span> a larger diameter bolt. There are plenty of 338LMs out there with .700 bolts.
It does require a larger BF. </div></div>
Thanks for clearing that up. I did a search to try and find any information saying the LM needed a larger bolt because I've never seen or heard of that. Needless to say I didn't find anything. </div></div>
Interesting, both the 700's in 338 that have been through my hands were 0.750 bolts to get the extractor and bolt nose enough material to function reliably.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Snipedogg</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: brand692</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
The 338LM does not <span style="font-style: italic">require</span> a larger diameter bolt. There are plenty of 338LMs out there with .700 bolts.
It does require a larger BF. </div></div>
Thanks for clearing that up. I did a search to try and find any information saying the LM needed a larger bolt because I've never seen or heard of that. Needless to say I didn't find anything. </div></div>
Interesting, both the 700's in 338 that have been through my hands were 0.750 bolts to get the extractor and bolt nose enough material to function reliably.
Re: How does the 338LM compare to the 338Edge?
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: bohem</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Interesting, both the 700's in 338 that have been through my hands were 0.750 bolts to get the extractor and bolt nose enough material to function reliably. </div></div>
Here is mine. .700 bolt diameter with .590BF. No raceway work was needed to use this bolt. I will concede that there are are several very valid points as to why you should have a .750 bolt, a longer tennon, and larger lugs. But, those things are not required. Below you can see how the extractor is made into the lug and therefore a .750 is not used. Additionally, since the extractor is behind the lug, in the event of a catastrophoic case failure, it will not come flying out like some of the other designs. Also, it ejects the huge cases at a 90 degree angle instead of upward at a 45 degree where the brass bounces off your turret. It is a really well thought out bolt IMO.
Donor 300RUM action as they have the same feed rails as the 338LM action. The 300WM does not have the same rails and cannot be used for 338LM without modification. This is a Chromoly action. The bolt is stainless. 20 inch Sendero Contour barrel.
The bolt is a one piece Competitive Edge Gunworks. Here are a couple links to it:
Competitive Edge Gunworks Bolts
Competitive Edge Gunworks Review
Competitive Edge Gunworks Bolt @ Midway USA $279.00
KillZone45, if you ever get up this way, you are more than welcome to come and try either of my 338LMs. This one pictured above is a riot to shoot. That offer is open as long as I'm stationed here.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: bohem</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Interesting, both the 700's in 338 that have been through my hands were 0.750 bolts to get the extractor and bolt nose enough material to function reliably. </div></div>
Here is mine. .700 bolt diameter with .590BF. No raceway work was needed to use this bolt. I will concede that there are are several very valid points as to why you should have a .750 bolt, a longer tennon, and larger lugs. But, those things are not required. Below you can see how the extractor is made into the lug and therefore a .750 is not used. Additionally, since the extractor is behind the lug, in the event of a catastrophoic case failure, it will not come flying out like some of the other designs. Also, it ejects the huge cases at a 90 degree angle instead of upward at a 45 degree where the brass bounces off your turret. It is a really well thought out bolt IMO.
Donor 300RUM action as they have the same feed rails as the 338LM action. The 300WM does not have the same rails and cannot be used for 338LM without modification. This is a Chromoly action. The bolt is stainless. 20 inch Sendero Contour barrel.
The bolt is a one piece Competitive Edge Gunworks. Here are a couple links to it:
Competitive Edge Gunworks Bolts
Competitive Edge Gunworks Review
Competitive Edge Gunworks Bolt @ Midway USA $279.00
KillZone45, if you ever get up this way, you are more than welcome to come and try either of my 338LMs. This one pictured above is a riot to shoot. That offer is open as long as I'm stationed here.
Re: How does the 338LM compare to the 338Edge?
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: rth1800</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I think it is odd that a guy would buy a Savage rifle in a chambering that is expensive to shoot. Seems like putting a 100 dollar saddle on a 5 dollar mule.
I find it odd that anyone buys a Savage rifle, and yes I have shot them. </div></div>
Please explain your hatred for Savage. Besides having less aftermarket parts available. They are hands down more accurate than a 700 out of the box.
The 110BA is set up for AI mags, has a full aluminum chassis, and all reviews I have read say sub .5moa with little to no load development.
I mean when it comes down to it, what difference does it make who the "manufacturer" of the gun originally was if you are going to dump $2k into it anyway? If you put a custom barrel, stock, and action and $1000 worth of gunsmith work...then its really not a Remington anymore is it?
Id say the only reason people use the 700 is that its been around the longest, so it has by far the most aftermarket stuff available...no other reason
If you can find a way to argue that, from the factory, Rem's miles of headspacing is somehow more accurate than Savages few thousandths Im all ears. Also fixed boltface that is who knows how square to the chamber.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: rth1800</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I think it is odd that a guy would buy a Savage rifle in a chambering that is expensive to shoot. Seems like putting a 100 dollar saddle on a 5 dollar mule.
I find it odd that anyone buys a Savage rifle, and yes I have shot them. </div></div>
Please explain your hatred for Savage. Besides having less aftermarket parts available. They are hands down more accurate than a 700 out of the box.
The 110BA is set up for AI mags, has a full aluminum chassis, and all reviews I have read say sub .5moa with little to no load development.
I mean when it comes down to it, what difference does it make who the "manufacturer" of the gun originally was if you are going to dump $2k into it anyway? If you put a custom barrel, stock, and action and $1000 worth of gunsmith work...then its really not a Remington anymore is it?
Id say the only reason people use the 700 is that its been around the longest, so it has by far the most aftermarket stuff available...no other reason
If you can find a way to argue that, from the factory, Rem's miles of headspacing is somehow more accurate than Savages few thousandths Im all ears. Also fixed boltface that is who knows how square to the chamber.
Re: How does the 338LM compare to the 338Edge?
I see where you're getting the 0.700 bolt from now, I was dealing with what were reportedly factory bolts.
Thanks for the pictures.
I see where you're getting the 0.700 bolt from now, I was dealing with what were reportedly factory bolts.
Thanks for the pictures.
Re: How does the 338LM compare to the 338Edge?
Hello,
Don't forget the 338 Lapua Improved or the 338-378.
From purely a performance persepctive here are the loads that I found (and used) when doing the high BC 265 grain Aluminum tipped bullet testing from the bullets in Georgia.
All of these individual loads would ring the same hole with a half bullet overlap or less @ 100 yards and they were also all less than 10 fps deviation over the 35P chronograph.
338-378 Weatherby ----> 3257 fps (30" barrel Hall Express)
338 Lapua Improved----> 3245 fps (30" barrel Hall Express)
338 Edge--------------> 3116 fps (30" Hall Express Repeater)
338 Lapua-------------> 2965 fps (26" barrel Hall Express)
338 RUM (factory) ----> 2955 fps (26" Remington Sendero)
With all things considered (ie barrel length, overall weight and handling ability), for me, it is hard to pass up the 338 RUM Sendero for a "walking" rifle.
For sheer horsepower, I prefer the 338 Lapua Improved and for purely long range hunting simplicity without the weight factor, I prefer the 338 Edge for a "stand" rifle since it is heavier and it "rests" well.
For the Lapua casing and the Weatherby casing, one needs a larger diameter action to allow full house loads to eliminate potential for sticky extraction due to thinner wall thickness of the barrels for the larger diameter cases.
I am sitting on about 3000 338 Lapua cases that I now do not need. Do yourself a favor and get the Edge for a custom build or the RUM if choosing a factory gun.
Hope this helps
James
Hello,
Don't forget the 338 Lapua Improved or the 338-378.
From purely a performance persepctive here are the loads that I found (and used) when doing the high BC 265 grain Aluminum tipped bullet testing from the bullets in Georgia.
All of these individual loads would ring the same hole with a half bullet overlap or less @ 100 yards and they were also all less than 10 fps deviation over the 35P chronograph.
338-378 Weatherby ----> 3257 fps (30" barrel Hall Express)
338 Lapua Improved----> 3245 fps (30" barrel Hall Express)
338 Edge--------------> 3116 fps (30" Hall Express Repeater)
338 Lapua-------------> 2965 fps (26" barrel Hall Express)
338 RUM (factory) ----> 2955 fps (26" Remington Sendero)
With all things considered (ie barrel length, overall weight and handling ability), for me, it is hard to pass up the 338 RUM Sendero for a "walking" rifle.
For sheer horsepower, I prefer the 338 Lapua Improved and for purely long range hunting simplicity without the weight factor, I prefer the 338 Edge for a "stand" rifle since it is heavier and it "rests" well.
For the Lapua casing and the Weatherby casing, one needs a larger diameter action to allow full house loads to eliminate potential for sticky extraction due to thinner wall thickness of the barrels for the larger diameter cases.
I am sitting on about 3000 338 Lapua cases that I now do not need. Do yourself a favor and get the Edge for a custom build or the RUM if choosing a factory gun.
Hope this helps
James
