New GAP 338LM or 260

[afelipe86]

I know this comparison question gets asked a lot and I read the caliber thread and everything else I could find but here it goes:

I want to get a GAP bolt action and I'm torn between 338LM and 260 Rem. I have experience with .308 and I'm ready to take the next step to a new caliber. I will be reloading either caliber and this rifle will be used primarily for target shooting out to 1000 yards maybe 1000+. This will not used much for hunting or competitions.

Which caliber would you recommend for enjoyment, accuracy or all around good caliber to get? Also, I have no experience shooting either. Thanks for your help!

 

[Captain Kirk]

Re: New GAP 338LM or 260

Well, thats like asking "should I get the Dodge Magnum SRT8 or the Toyota Prius?"

If you are thinking your shooting will be limited to 1K, maybe 1200 yds, the 260 will be the choice. The 338LM is a fantastic round, not for the faint at heart, not cheap to load for, and really designed and best suited for distances exceeding 1K you wish to shoot.

260 hands down

Kirk R

 

[cavemanmoore]

Re: New GAP 338LM or 260

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Captain Kirk</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Well, thats like asking "should I get the Dodge Magnum SRT8 or the Toyota Prius?"

Kirk R </div></div>

I'm not sure if you are complimenting my SRT8 Magnum or insulting my 6.5 caliber rifle....

-Chris

 

[Bear_308]

Re: New GAP 338LM or 260

It's kind of like comparing an apple to a watermelon ...

You might want to check into the cost of reloading components first ... the .260 will get the job done out to 1000yds. If you're already used to a .308 it should be a pretty simple transition for you.

The 338 is a great round ... but it can be quite expensive to shoot and components can be a challenge to find. It can also be punishing depending on the efficiency of your brake.

I guess it all boils down to what you want out of the round you choose.

 

[ZLBubba]

Re: New GAP 338LM or 260

260 all the way if you're just cutting paper. You'll shoot way more 260 rounds than you will 338. If you were talking 1600 meters, then get a 338.

 

[Creature]

Re: New GAP 338LM or 260

Two TOTALLY different applications. Sounds like you need to clearly identify your objectives and then re-asses which rifle fills your needs. .338LM is a big, heavy, expensive rifle to shoot. .260rem is a mid-low caliber size wise but has great ballistics. You could build a very light .260 and walk for days with it, not the case with the .338lm. A 300gr(.338lm) SMK if pushed fast enough stays supersonic past 2000m, 142gr(.260rem) SMK falls below at around 1000 IIRC.

 

[afelipe86]

Re: New GAP 338LM or 260

Thanks for the replies! I know it's comparing two drastically different calibers and the 338 is going to be 2x-3x more expensive to reload. I just wanted to check to see what you all would do for your first caliber outside of 308 and for a 1000 yard range.

260 is cheaper to shoot, low recoil and good performance at 1000.
338 is expensive, and hard recoil but a badass round.

Getting a GAP rifle is expensive and I don't want to make a mistake. Thanks again.

 

[Inline6]

Re: New GAP 338LM or 260

Or just split the difference and get a 7WSM. 1400+ yards is not a problem hi bc bullets with more then enough energy to take care most peoples needs. FWIW

 

[hunter223]

Re: New GAP 338LM or 260

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: cavemanmoore</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Captain Kirk</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Well, thats like asking "should I get the Dodge Magnum SRT8 or the Toyota Prius?"

Kirk R </div></div>

I'm not sure if you are complimenting my SRT8 Magnum or insulting my 6.5 caliber rifle....

-Chris </div></div>

yes

 

[D_TROS]

Re: New GAP 338LM or 260

well since I want both I am also torn.

Since I already have a 308, my next rifle will be the 338. Then its to be the 260.

I believe the barrel life, price per round, comfort, ballistics, etc would favor the 260 tho...

It absolutely depends on how often you shoot and how much you want to spend. If price per round is not an issue and you only shoot a dozen or so rds per month, go 338. But I like what the above guy said, go with a cal that is in the middle like the 7 WSm or a standard 284 win. both great rnds, with my preference in the 284..

tifwiw..

 

[TEAMSENDIT]

Re: New GAP 338LM or 260

why not a 300wm then you could use the bullets you already keep in stock and then, later you could rebarrel to 338 edge or rum if the 300wm isn't enough caliber for you.

the 208 amax out of the 300wm is alot cheaper to shoot than 338 lapua but still has alot of horsepower which is sounds like something you are after.

 

[Knife]

Re: New GAP 338LM or 260

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Inline 6</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Or just split the difference and get a 7WSM. 1400+ yards is not a problem hi bc bullets with more then enough energy to take care most peoples needs. FWIW </div></div>

What he said. Or the 7mm RM.

 

[Lowe Left]

Re: New GAP 338LM or 260

how about a 338 LM necked down to 6.5?

 

[Lowe Left]

Re: New GAP 338LM or 260

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: SofaKing</div><div class="ubbcode-body">how about a 338 LM necked down to 6.5?</div></div>

<span style="color: red"><span style="font-weight: bold">260</span></span>

 

[Lazuris]

Re: New GAP 338LM or 260

I say 260

http://www.snipershide.com/forum/ubbthre...650#Post1981650

 

[afelipe86]

Re: New GAP 338LM or 260

Thanks guys. Gave me a lot to think about and research. Leaning towards 260 because seems to have the best balance of performance, price and barrel life.