Range Report Only 2 calibers needed - 308 & 338 lapua

Mag 300

Gunny Sergeant
Full Member
Minuteman
  • Dec 31, 2006
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    Downers Grove Illinois
    I have now had the ADHD of rifles and recently went thru receipts and exchanges to find that over the last 5 years had approx 40 rifles that came and went.
    I have now decided to lock in to three cals.

    6XC covered by the 308 out to 800

    308

    338 lapua

    Not trying to stir any SHIT but these cover it all for me

    Your thoughts????
     
    Re: Only 2 calibers needed - 308 & 338 lapua

    1) Rem 700 .223 Bolt 22" Fluted 1-8 twist (on drawing board, have action, need $)

    2) Rem 700 LTR .308 Fluted 1-12" 20" in service

    3) Rem 700 6.5 Creedmoor 24" Fluted 1-8" 5R (Building - action @ Kreiger for rebarreling, chambering and truing)

    That covers all my center-fire varminting, hunting, and tactical comps. So three will do for me.
     
    Re: Only 2 calibers needed - 308 & 338 lapua

    Here is what i am trying to finish up

    1-8 223ai bolt gun

    260/308 switch barrel bolt


    Later on i hope to add a 338 Lapua and 7-300wsm when funds allow
     
    Re: Only 2 calibers needed - 308 & 338 lapua

    Now you know why the DTA takes the SA chamberings and the 338 LM in one rifle platform. Bill you can go down to one rifle, with one scope, AND carry the 338 bolt, barrel, and ammo with you...

    Think about it.
     
    Re: Only 2 calibers needed - 308 & 338 lapua

    Great point,
    I was not challenging anyones choices but its really clear that 2 cals selected and chambered correctly can cover 100 to 1800 meters.
    then also I forgot about one of if not the most fun rifles the rimfires.

    i have a
    Tubb T2K in 6 XC
    PGW coyote on its was in 308
    AW in 308
    AW in 338 lapua
    Lawton in 338 lapua
    these are my main shooters.
    but also have
    winch pre 64 30/06 amazing hunting rifle
    7STW winchester
    Anscutz 54-18 .22
    Winch mdl 52 in .22
    Ruger in 10/22
    in rifles


    There all motre than I need but looking at it the 6 xc is good to 1000 and the 338 lapua is good to 1800? <div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: _9H</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Now you know why the DTA takes the SA chamberings and the 338 LM in one rifle platform. Bill you can go down to one rifle, with one scope, AND carry the 338 bolt, barrel, and ammo with you...

    Think about it. </div></div>
     
    Re: Only 2 calibers needed - 308 & 338 lapua

    I agree with Bill and actually have the same exact calibers. BUT I do have one more rifle that is one of my most useful tools and in my own opinion, a necessity for a complete tool set.

    The SKS.
    Its my mud and dirt gun that is as tough as they come. Throw it down the highway going 50 mph and it will still throw some lead. The ammo is one of the cheapest and easy to find usually. Its the tool I take when I dont know what I will need. Plus it has a bayonet if you run out of ammo. haha.
     
    Re: Only 2 calibers needed - 308 & 338 lapua

    Texas

    Great line , love the bayonet look while squirrel hunting!!!!!!

    <div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Texas Republic</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I agree with Bill and actually have the same exact calibers. BUT I do have one more rifle that is one of my most useful tools and in my own opinion, a necessity for a complete tool set.

    The SKS.
    Its my mud and dirt gun that is as tough as they come. Throw it down the highway going 50 mph and it will still throw some lead. The ammo is one of the cheapest and easy to find usually. Its the tool I take when I dont know what I will need. Plus it has a bayonet if you run out of ammo. haha.

    </div></div>
     
    Re: Only 2 calibers needed - 308 & 338 lapua

    Bill,
    I agree with you completely, the shooting game can be expensive. Some guys can only afford one rifle. I think if a person can only have one rifle they better go with the .308. It's good to 1000y and you can shoot competitions with it that other calibers may not be allowed in (FclassTR, etc).

    Texas,
    I love my SKS as well. That cheap rifle goes everywhere with me. It rides around on the Gator with me everytime I go out. Great companion that I don't give a shit about damaging, or cleaning. Lots of fun to shoot as well.
     
    Re: Only 2 calibers needed - 308 & 338 lapua

    Lucks I agree most ranges are about 600 yds average and the 308 does that real well also ammo is not exotic nor costly

    <div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Lucks</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Bill,
    I agree with you completely, the shooting game can be expensive. Some guys can only afford one rifle. I think if a person can only have one rifle they better go with the .308. It's good to 1000y and you can shoot competitions with it that other calibers may not be allowed in (FclassTR, etc).

    Texas,
    I love my SKS as well. That cheap rifle goes everywhere with me. It rides around on the Gator with me everytime I go out. Great companion that I don't give a shit about damaging, or cleaning. Lots of fun to shoot as well. </div></div>
     
    Re: Only 2 calibers needed - 308 & 338 lapua

    I agree the 338LM and the 308 cover most needs however I find the 223AI a welcome addition. Less noise smoke and disturbance, less powder, cheaper bullets. To date I've only run mine to 710 yds. but it seems to do a pretty good job out to there. I find I'm shooting it more then the other two.
     
    Re: Only 2 calibers needed - 308 & 338 lapua

    Bill, I have same problem with ownership of guns. That is why I am selling most of them. I am cured of the addiction. As long as I do not go to Shot show. Anyway i have settled on.:
    1) 6.5 x 47 lapua in 22" barrel Mcmillan A3-5 w badger bottom W/ S&B PMII 4-16 p4f reticle
    2) 7wsm For hunting Mcmillan HTG stock Swaroski z6 5-30
    3) 338 lapua Mcmillan A3-5 stock badger bottom metal S&B 5-25 PMII P4 fine reticle
    4)223 LWRC w/ t1 aimpoint
    5) 308 LWRC REPR w Swaroski Z6i 1.7 - 10
    Sorry that is the smallest I can get my collection to.
    oh wait
    6) 375 Dakota Mcmillan stock swaroski Z6i 1.7 - 10 ( THIS IS FOR SOLE PURPOSE FOR BIG BEARS & DANGEROUS GAME IN AFRICA )
    So 6 guns are not to bad now your covered
     
    Re: Only 2 calibers needed - 308 & 338 lapua

    Bill, you raise a point, and having ADHD for guns,watches,guitars and amplifiers,tools and cars, I also understand the affliction.

    I only shoot 3 calibers 308,338LM and 50BMG. 308 and 338LM can get it done. 50BMG is strickly for the big bang fun of it. I like loading for it and shooting it. I find it fun and usually shoot 50-70 rounds, in a session, before I get a headache.

    Variety is the spice of life.You have ALOT of VERY NICE sticks.ANd alot are for sale.I like your rationalization of our sickness.

    I'd really like ot have a nice double-rifle in 470 NE-just for shits and grins- but that is stupid money for a gun. I guess I'll settle on a 408 Cheytac. (yeah I know 375/408 et al)
     
    Re: Only 2 calibers needed - 308 & 338 lapua

    God were to much alike
    love the 7 WSM also just that I have ADHD with GUNS


    <div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: THUNDERBOLT68</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Bill, I have same problem with ownership of guns. That is why I am selling most of them. I am cured of the addiction. As long as I do not go to Shot show. Anyway i have settled on.:
    1) 6.5 x 47 lapua in 22" barrel Mcmillan A3-5 w badger bottom W/ S&B PMII 4-16 p4f reticle
    2) 7wsm For hunting Mcmillan HTG stock Swaroski z6 5-30
    3) 338 lapua Mcmillan A3-5 stock badger bottom metal S&B 5-25 PMII P4 fine reticle
    4)223 LWRC w/ t1 aimpoint
    5) 308 LWRC REPR w Swaroski Z6i 1.7 - 10
    Sorry that is the smallest I can get my collection to.
    oh wait
    6) 375 Dakota Mcmillan stock swaroski Z6i 1.7 - 10 ( THIS IS FOR SOLE PURPOSE FOR BIG BEARS & DANGEROUS GAME IN AFRICA )
    So 6 guns are not to bad now your covered </div></div>
     
    Re: Only 2 calibers needed - 308 & 338 lapua

    I own neither, but still agree with Bill. His choices suit his needs, as the money/paper trail demonstrates.

    Mine are different. Not better, just different.

    I treasure my .22LR's for many reasons, and am currently doing most of my shooting at about 200yd. My R700 VLS .223 is soon to be replaced by a vintage R700 BDL .222. For LR, My .308's are gone, and all that work is done with .260 Rem. .30-'06 and .44Mag are invaluable for my hunting needs.

    Greg
     
    Re: Only 2 calibers needed - 308 & 338 lapua

    There is some merit in each persons additions / subtractions here but i think that gets to the larger point. Guns are toys for older boys and every boy has in his head what is the minimum. I think it does miss conceptually for me in that the only reason i would limit the number and type of guns I have is because of money and space constraints and even if I dont have the money I am dreaming about the next build or how to add something to the gear i have. Even if i had all the money in the world I would just dream about some caliber or rifle that was more unobtainable. maybe at that point I would want a rare gun or get a class three so i could get a mini-gun or something. ........but thats just me, and to each his own.

    But if I did have to limit it to three caliber rifles it would be .223 gas, .260 bolt tactical and 7mm mag bolt hunting ,....I do love my AK and my .308 though...
     
    Re: Only 2 calibers needed - 308 & 338 lapua

    your list is about the same as mine except for the 375 there THUNDERBOLT68, pretty much covers all the bases though, I love my 50cal Barrett M82A1 though i dont shoot it as much as i used to when i first got it
     
    Re: Only 2 calibers needed - 308 & 338 lapua

    Good list, but I have replaced my .308 bolt gun with a 6.5 creedmoor gas gun, we'll see how that works out. I haven't had it that long but it looks promising. As for the other 2 calibers a .300wm for stretching it out, and a 338wm for hunting. I also wouldn't give up my glock 21.
     
    Re: Only 2 calibers needed - 308 & 338 lapua

    your just reaching a lot farther!!!!!!!!!
    make that a real lot!!!!!!!!!!!

    <div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Mildot308</div><div class="ubbcode-body">your list is about the same as mine except for the 375 there THUNDERBOLT68, pretty much covers all the bases though, I love my 50cal Barrett M82A1 though i dont shoot it as much as i used to when i first got it </div></div>