Need advice on a 338LM build

[Dakotaairman]

Hello, I am putting a 338 Lapua together and need advice on a few details:

1. Brake for a 1" dia muzzle. Looking for a brake that is the same dia of the barrel after I am done fitting it.
2. A detachable box magazine, I have no experience putting a rifle together that uses one, what brand is a good brand?
3. How about a tactical stock, again I have no experience with that kind of stock. I think I would like to use a bipod and I am not sure what kind of stock to use.

What I do have on the way is a Bat HRPIC action, a Bartlin 1 in 9.5 twist 5r, 1.35" tapering down to 1.0", 30" barrel and reamer with neck dia. .374 with a free bore of .156" .

My goal with this rifle is just shooting steel gongs and paper at long distances, no competitions, so I am not concerned with weight.

Thanks for your help!
Tim

 

[MdrnBR]

I will do my best to answer your questions, most smiths can fab a brake to match barrel diameter. I have never had to commissioned one but I have seen some clean examples. As for DBM, Badger seems to be the benchmark. I have one L/A and another on the way. I like Battle Arms Development DBM but I don't think it is offered in LM. Give Manners a call, they can inlet it and get you set up with solid DBM. There are some good chassis systems out there as well. The stock selection really comes down to the ol' Chevy vs Dodge debate, it is personal preference. I am married to Manners for better or worse. Post pictures when it's done, hope I didn't muddy the water.

 

[Maelstrom]

Take a look at the APA Fat Bastard brake. Not sure if they can make it 1" but for a timed brake it is one of the best. I have a Badger FTE on my .338 but I wanted something I could take on and off without having it timed. As far as the DBM it depends on the stock you choose to some degree. Badger makes a good system. That is what I have. Focus more on the stock than the DBM for now. If you end up with a chassis system over a stock you probably won't need a separate DBM. Ty to find as many different stocks/chassis as you can to try out. As MdrnBR said it is personal preference. I am a big fan of the Manner's stocks. I have 3 T4-A stocks but I am curious about the Whiskey 3 Chassis. For the bipod you have 2 choices rail mount like the Atlas or stud mounts like the Harris. Both are solid bipods. Again it is personal presence to some degree.

 

[Desert Fox]

Send your component to Nathan Dagley of SSG Gunsmithing. He is a sponsor here. Have him build you one like this.

 

[MdrnBR]

Nice Valdada, I have the same one on my 338nm. What does your LM weigh?

 

[Desert Fox]

16.5 lbs. It wears an NXS now after tearing apart two Valdadas.

My rifle is a single shot use exclusively for F-Class and 1000 yard Long range shoot.

 

[MdrnBR]

I have never had any issues with mine, that being said I will probably be replacing it with a Kahles.

 

[Shoalwater]

I would look at Wyatt Outdoors for the DBM, as they make the largest mags for 338 lapua. You can stuff a 3.790 COL round in them. Since you will be shooting long range you will be shooting the longer 300gr bullets and will want as long a mag as possible. I too am a big fan of Manner stocks.

 

[oneshotkyle]

apa fat bastard is one of the more common brakes it seems anymore for the big magnums, i am using a aps painkiller on my heavy 338 edge and love it.
my barrel is a 31amu finishes at close to 1.0 at the brake
maybe you should run a chassis if your interested in a magazine setup. something like accuracy international. good luck and keep us posted

 

[long range newbie]

I would use surgeon bottom metal

 

[cruizer]

I just did a 338 Lapua Improved
Defiance action
30" barrel
APA Fat Bastard brake
Seekins detachable bottom metal

I went with the seekins metal since I can get close to 4" overall length. But I plan in shooting 300 gr bullets and did not want to go with a single shot action

 

[Lynn Jr]

I would use a Robertson stock Wyatt bottom metal and a K-P clamshell brake.

 

[Dakotaairman]

OK, Thanks guys, I'll look those components up and research them.
I was also thinking the 300 gr bullets and Lapua brass would be what I would try , do you think the reamer I have with a .374 neck and .156 free bore is a workable combination with a DBM that allows 3.790 OAL?
Thanks much!

 

[jonthomps]

Answers to your questions:

1. Holland's, Muscle, or maybe APA for what you are wanting.
2. Badger M-5, APA, Surgeon, or Defiance. Whatever it is make sure it is built for CIP length mags.
3. Manners or McM (A-5?) rule the day for bedded, AI for chassis.

Good luck and post some pictures when she's done!

Hello, I am putting a 338 Lapua together and need advice on a few details:

1. Brake for a 1" dia muzzle. Looking for a brake that is the same dia of the barrel after I am done fitting it.
2. A detachable box magazine, I have no experience putting a rifle together that uses one, what brand is a good brand?
3. How about a tactical stock, again I have no experience with that kind of stock. I think I would like to use a bipod and I am not sure what kind of stock to use.

What I do have on the way is a Bat HRPIC action, a Bartlin 1 in 9.5 twist 5r, 1.35" tapering down to 1.0", 30" barrel and reamer with neck dia. .374 with a free bore of .156" .

My goal with this rifle is just shooting steel gongs and paper at long distances, no competitions, so I am not concerned with weight.

Thanks for your help!
Tim

 

[Erthal]

Any chance of flexing the action with a so heavy/long barrel? I am thinking about one 338 for my self, but was thinking about a larger action. Curious to know...

 

[Dakotaairman]

Erthal: I've built a 300wsm with a long HV contour barrel on a Rem SA, barrel free floating all the way. That rifle has done respectable at the few 1000yd IBS matches I've shot it at. I am certain that the heavy barrel does flex the action, but a gun can still be accurate that way. No doubt in my mind that a bigger/heavier action would be better though...
Tim