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My AR 30 338LM Review........Updated 4/10/10!!

T

treetop00

Private
Minuteman
Apr 5, 2010
90
0
44
Kentucky
#1
Guys I've been looking at this caliber for a while and I finally decided it to go for it. I figure I'd post a quick review of this gun as I've seen in the past people asking about this armalite product. Well for starters I can say I'm extremely pleased myself. I searched the internet far and wide and besides the regular 100 yard group shots I found no concrete evidence of how this gun really shot, besides it was a sub moa gun out to 1500 meters. Personally I find that the gun looks wicked mean, but it's got to have the right optics and setup. My gun is completely stock, I've got a Leupold Mark 4 8.5X25 Mil dot mounted with mark 4 rings and a harris bipod 6-9 with podloc swivel. Bolt cycles nicely and the gun weighs just a bit over 15 lbs with empty magazine. The muzzle break is phenomenal on this gun, doesn't hurt to shoot and only adds to the accuracy because it's not moving you all over the place. Yes, it's very loud but with some ear muffs alone it's not bad at all.

Shooting impressions:
I'm not the best shooter out there and I know I'm not the worst, but I feel that I'm descent. I sighted the gun in at 100 yards and it's a tack driver in my book! With 3 shots fired I managed to get a .33 grouping. (With Hornady 250 hpbt ammo) So yeah seems to do a pretty good job so far. So instead of shooting 300 or 400 yards I went ahead and made the longest shot availabe to me at 800 yards. Yeah it's not a mile but it'll give me some idea of how this gun shoots. Well got setup checked range and did my ballistics info and sent 3 shot down range. I get a 3.62 group shot, 2 shots were 2.5 inches from the other. I took all 3 shots with no cool down on the barrel. So I tried to back this up and did another 3 shots down range and 2 bullets were 2 inches apart from each other, but my overall group wasn't my best. Could have been me, the bullet, wind or who knows. But considering all, I'm extremely impressed with this rifle. So anyone looking for a 338lapua round I can honestly say this is a good gun for the price and from what I've seen would hold up well to the other competitors if not beat some. I will be doing more testing with other manufactured ammo soon. I'll post up pictures of my rifle and the groupings if anyone wants to see. Might take me a day or two though
grin.gif


Feedback is welcome! How's everyone else doing with their 338lm?
 
#8
Re: My AR 30 338LM Review........

Accuracy international has a 338lm. I did a crap ton of research on the 338 lapua round and have been looking for a gun in this caliber for over a year. I was looking at the barrett m98b, desert tactical arms, remington mlr 338lapua, and a few others. Remington being the cheapest of these guns it was tempting to go that route, but further looking into it I found out alot of people were changing out the muzzle brakes, and this and that and I didn't want to buy something and have to start changing things right off the bat. DTA was my first choice I think, I like the look of the rifle and seen that it shoots very well. I also like the changeable barrels. The m98b has been tested by special weapons magazine and they said they shot a 4.05 3 shot group at 800 yards so in all honesty I was just wanting to take the underdog and out do the other guns. lol But from the get go Armalite's 338's have been shooting good from most information I can find on the web. I didn't find everything I was looking for so I decided to go ahead and go for the cheaper gun, but it's not built cheap at all. I was a bit worried with there not being an adjustable butt plate, but it ended up being just perfect for me with the mark 4 medium rings. I've got 40 rounds through the gun and have done the intial break in cleaning and I called armalite and they stat that 100 rounds down the tube and the rifle will be shooting it's best afterwords. I'm going to try and make it back to the 800 yard line and do some more groups, I believe I can better my 3.62inches. I'll keep ya posted! Oh and try and do some 5 shot groups in the future, I was just trying to savior my rounds! lol
 
#9
Re: My AR 30 338LM Review........

3 shot groups are a no-go on the Hide. Save yourself some grief and post 5 shots. Just friendly advise.
smile.gif
 
#10
Re: My AR 30 338LM Review........

Yeah I realize that's pretty much the norm but I was temporarily getting some shooting info and can get a few more shots while I'm waiting on some ammo to come in. Plus, I was trying to compare to a article I read in special weapons magazine comparing the m98b. I was doing this for my sake and figure I'd share with everyone thus far. I'll keep everyone posted! I'm trying my best to go back this coming saturday and do a few more shots. But honestly 800 yards and beyond a 3 shot is a bit more reputable than per say at 100 yards. I fully see doing 5 shots at 100 yards. But if it's 5 shots that's gonna save me some grief I'll try and get it done!
cool.gif
 
#11
Re: My AR 30 338LM Review........

It's not just "pretty much the norm"


<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Lowlight</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Okay, I have to revisit the posting rules for Sniper's Hide specifically regarding 3 shot groups.

I know early on I said we can do 3 shot groups if they are beyond 100 yards, but I am gonna call myself out on this and change the rules.

From this day forward I am deleting any 3 shot groups period, and especially any groups that are groups within a group.

So here are the revised rules for posting groups on Sniper's Hide.

<span style="font-weight: bold">
1. You must show the Entire target unedited.

2. Inside 300 yards you must post at least (5) 5 shot groups that can be identified on target or you may post (1) 10 shot group for record.

3. Anything beyond 300 yards a minimum of 5 shots is required, also please adhere to rule #1.

4. The group shot rules can be bypassed only with a target using 10 or more 1/2" dots with one individual round on each dot for a minimum of 10 shots.

5. Shots on steel can only be used for demonstration purposes and not as part of an exhibition of group shooting. These images must be in conjunction with rifles, optics, etc... they cannot be standalone.

6. Groups shots must be within 2 MOA of the aiming point, otherwise I consider the shots a miss.
</span>

This is my effort to help everyone strive to be a better shooter and to shun mediocrity. At Sniper's Hide we want to set the standard of what shooting good groups means, and we encourage those who are practicing to display their groups especially if you are working on improving your skills.

Any group currently posted on the site will be grandfathered in, however moving forward I ask the membership to be vigilant in enforcing the group shot rules and regulations. I think you'll thank me in the long run and we'll help raise the bar for everyone. </div></div>
 
#12
Re: My AR 30 338LM Review........

fine gun there. I really want to get a bigger rifle soon. Im debating between a 338 or a 50. eventually I want both but Idk which I want first. The one you got is fine and seems to shoot even better. Whats the price on it if you dont mind
 
#13
Re: My AR 30 338LM Review........

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: DaveX</div><div class="ubbcode-body">It's not just "pretty much the norm"


<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Lowlight</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Okay, I have to revisit the posting rules for Sniper's Hide specifically regarding 3 shot groups.

I know early on I said we can do 3 shot groups if they are beyond 100 yards, but I am gonna call myself out on this and change the rules.

From this day forward I am deleting any 3 shot groups period, and especially any groups that are groups within a group.

So here are the revised rules for posting groups on Sniper's Hide.

<span style="font-weight: bold">
1. You must show the Entire target unedited.

2. Inside 300 yards you must post at least (5) 5 shot groups that can be identified on target or you may post (1) 10 shot group for record.

3. Anything beyond 300 yards a minimum of 5 shots is required, also please adhere to rule #1.

4. The group shot rules can be bypassed only with a target using 10 or more 1/2" dots with one individual round on each dot for a minimum of 10 shots.

5. Shots on steel can only be used for demonstration purposes and not as part of an exhibition of group shooting. These images must be in conjunction with rifles, optics, etc... they cannot be standalone.

6. Groups shots must be within 2 MOA of the aiming point, otherwise I consider the shots a miss.
</span>

This is my effort to help everyone strive to be a better shooter and to shun mediocrity. At Sniper's Hide we want to set the standard of what shooting good groups means, and we encourage those who are practicing to display their groups especially if you are working on improving your skills.

Any group currently posted on the site will be grandfathered in, however moving forward I ask the membership to be vigilant in enforcing the group shot rules and regulations. I think you'll thank me in the long run and we'll help raise the bar for everyone. </div></div> </div></div>


I'm not going to argue with any of this as I feel will help shooters overall. I'm pretty new to the forums here and have posted accordingly. Had I shot a 5 shot group I would have posted it too. Magazine editors throughout the years have done 3 and 5 shot groups regularly, I'm not saying one is better than the other but I do feel the bigger groups shows a better overall picture of how your gun truly shoots and how well the shooter does. I just wasn't aware it was a sin to compare what I DID do and currently only have a 3 shot group to verify. Heck for what anyone knows on here everyone is lying and their guns shoots 3moa at 100 yards. I'm just being realistic. But please don't take this out of context! I was excited how well i thought the rifle shot! hehehe
 
#14
Re: My AR 30 338LM Review........

I get your excitement. I have the same gun. I'm just saying that some here will bust your balls for 3 shot groups regardless of how you feel they will help others out. Seen it happen. Don't want to see it happen to you.
smile.gif
 
#15
Re: My AR 30 338LM Review........

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Trey Warren</div><div class="ubbcode-body">fine gun there. I really want to get a bigger rifle soon. Im debating between a 338 or a 50. eventually I want both but Idk which I want first. The one you got is fine and seems to shoot even better. Whats the price on it if you dont mind </div></div>


I was in your shoes thinking the same thing once! I got the gun for 1700 dollars out the door. Ended up with a little over 3300 with scope, rings, and bipod. I feel thus far it's definitely the best BANG for the buck. Lifetime warranty is a bonus!
 
#16
Re: My AR 30 338LM Review........

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Trey Warren</div><div class="ubbcode-body">fine gun there. I really want to get a bigger rifle soon. Im debating between a 338 or a 50. eventually I want both but Idk which I want first. The one you got is fine and seems to shoot even better. Whats the price on it if you dont mind </div></div>

http://www.armalite.com/ItemForm.aspx?it...f0-7914a7ffbb4e
 
#17
Re: My AR 30 338LM Review........

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: DaveX</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I get your excitement. I have the same gun. I'm just saying that some here will bust your balls for 3 shot groups regardless of how you feel they will help others out. Seen it happen. Don't want to see it happen to you.
smile.gif
</div></div>


You liking your rifle? hehe What's your best 5 shot groups out to any distances?
grin.gif
 
#20
Re: My AR 30 338LM Review........

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: DaveX</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I get your excitement. I have the same gun. I'm just saying that some here will bust your balls for 3 shot groups regardless of how you feel they will help others out. Seen it happen. Don't want to see it happen to you.
smile.gif
</div></div>

Not to sound like a total dick here, but you seem to be the only one "Busting his BALLS" about his three shot group.

To the OP, Nice rifle, have fun and stretch the legs if you get the chance.
 
#21
Re: My AR 30 338LM Review........

Come on flyboy, give me a break. I've seen posts deleted with 3 shot groups. Just trying to help out. I don't care either way, but some do. Wise up.
 
#22
Re: My AR 30 338LM Review........

I have an AR-30 in 338 Lapua.... does shoot well, no doubt. Still, the barrel is a bit thin and heats easily, so to get it to group for 5 or more you have to be able to "read"
it, along with the elements, and coax the node a bit more than a purpose built custom.
But for the price, it is golden.
 
#23
Re: My AR 30 338LM Review........

Thanks guys, I'm looking forward this weekend to trying it out again at the 800yds as long as the weather is good. So hopefully I'll get to find out more about it.
 
#28
Re: My AR 30 338LM Review........

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: landtoy80</div><div class="ubbcode-body">The 338LM looks a bet too $ for me even to reload. Looks like its about a $1+ per round if you do it on the cheap. I will have to hold off on the 338LM at least till I get a job. </div></div>


A Hide member that helps me out through PM's, has a .338, and yes, cost him right at $1 a round to reload.
 
#29
Re: My AR 30 338LM Review........

Guys made it back to the 800 yards this morning! I started off with a clean barrel and shot 2 rounds through but just aiming at some trees to account for cold bore. I took 3 three shot groups and one 5. The first 3 groups, conditions were most favorable. I started off with a 4 inch group, a 3 inch group and most people wont believe me a 1 and five eights group. I don't know if the stars aligned for me or what, but I did feel great about that shot. My 5 inch group was 4 inches, but did have a flyer or barrel had begun to heat up on me plus wind was picking up quite a bit. So my next trip back I will be focusing on 5 shots next time around. I just felt that I could best what I had already done. I'm more than happy with this, if not in disbelief. I posting up 4 pictures, 3 of my 3 shot groups and the place I'm shooting at. My 9 year old son was even estatic! lol

4 inch at 800yds
3.jpg


3 inch at 800yds
2.jpg


My best 1 inch and 5 eights at 800 yds
1.jpg


The place 800 yards lol You can barely see the 4 foot by 6 foot white back board
4.jpg



After today I'm really excited, and I have the conditions to thank also for my shooting. Now I'm out of bullets and will be trying some black hills 300smk and 250 gr lapua scenars. Thus far this has been done with factory Hornady 250gr. Oh and everything today was magazine fed. Didn't single load. The 4 inch group was shot first than the 3inch second and finally my best!


 
#30
Re: My AR 30 338LM Review........Updated 4/10/10!!

My only problem I have with my rifle is the harris bipod slowly slips forward on the rail, I've got it tightened to the max, but I think the surface on the stock isn't rigid enough to hold it. And what's funny I've tried to move it with my hands and I can't. Anyone else having this problem on their ar-30 and if you do how did you fix this? I really don't want to get another bipod if I can help it.
 
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