I am thinking about adding a new caliber to my collection. I have a 308 but am thinking about going bigger. I am trying to decide if 300win mag is enough to justify a new weapon, or does the extra reach/punch of a 338LM justify its continued extra cost. Presently I only have the option of a 700 yard range, but hope to get to 1000+ at some point. I figure the weapon cost is not really relevant, but the cost of 338LM brass and bullets is an eye opener compared to the 300WM. Will I get enough boost in performance from a 300WM to make it worth getting another weapon, or do I need to do the hyperspace leap and go to the 338LM, even if my potential for 1500+yards is weak. I shot the 50BMG tons in Afghanistan, and for some reason, I've blocked that option out of my mind. Thanks for any input
Switching calibers
- Thread starter heydavemd
- Start date
Re: Switching calibers
The .300 WM can get you reliably to 1200 yards at sea level, farther if you are at a higher altitude.
The .338 LM will add at least 300 yards to that, at considerably higher cost - factory .338 LM ammo starts at around $6 per round.
So, there are two factors there - how far you need to go, and what you're willing to pay to get there.
The .300 WM can get you reliably to 1200 yards at sea level, farther if you are at a higher altitude.
The .338 LM will add at least 300 yards to that, at considerably higher cost - factory .338 LM ammo starts at around $6 per round.
So, there are two factors there - how far you need to go, and what you're willing to pay to get there.
Re: Switching calibers
If you want to shoot either cartridge I strongly suggest you take up reloading.
If you want to shoot either cartridge I strongly suggest you take up reloading.
Re: Switching calibers
If you want a big boomer take a look at the 7Mag with 180 Bergers, great ballistics and much cheaper than the 338. If you don't currently reload you will want to start.
Outside of that a 243 or 160 can carry more energy and have MUCH less wind drift at 1000 that a 308. Nice a comfy to shoot too.
If you want a big boomer take a look at the 7Mag with 180 Bergers, great ballistics and much cheaper than the 338. If you don't currently reload you will want to start.
Outside of that a 243 or 160 can carry more energy and have MUCH less wind drift at 1000 that a 308. Nice a comfy to shoot too.
Re: Switching calibers
I already reload, so its just a decision to decide what to reload. Mostly, I am just in a state of shock what the components to reload a 338 are. I just don't know if its worth it. Thats what you guys are for I guess. Thanks for the feedback, I appreciate it all.
I already reload, so its just a decision to decide what to reload. Mostly, I am just in a state of shock what the components to reload a 338 are. I just don't know if its worth it. Thats what you guys are for I guess. Thanks for the feedback, I appreciate it all.
Re: Switching calibers
Since you already reload go for the 338 lapua or 338 edge just get a 9.5 twist so you can run the new berger 300gr bullets with .89bc they are only around .65cents a round for the bullets if you buy the 250packs and they will put you in a whole new performance category. run the ballistics on a 300gr bullet with a mv of 2800fps and a .89bc it is unreal.
Since you already reload go for the 338 lapua or 338 edge just get a 9.5 twist so you can run the new berger 300gr bullets with .89bc they are only around .65cents a round for the bullets if you buy the 250packs and they will put you in a whole new performance category. run the ballistics on a 300gr bullet with a mv of 2800fps and a .89bc it is unreal.
Re: Switching calibers
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: diggler44</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Since you already reload go for the 338 lapua or 338 edge just get a 9.5 twist so you can run the new berger 300gr bullets with .89bc they are only around .65cents a round for the bullets if you buy the 250packs and they will put you in a whole new performance category. run the ballistics on a 300gr bullet with a mv of 2800fps and a .89bc it is unreal. </div></div>
+1000
I couldn't agree more. 9.5 or 10 twist to shoot the heavies! Definitely check out the new Bergers.
The only thing I could add to this is that considering your range of only 1000 yards many would consider that a waste of a good 338 bullet.
If you are already reloading then I would say 338 lapua. Hitting that 1000 yard target may be a little too easy being that with the new bergers you will only need about 25 MOA to get there and by the looks of things they will buck the wind nicely as well, but what the hell, you only live once! I should have a couple boxes showing up any day now and I can't wait to get them down the range.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: diggler44</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Since you already reload go for the 338 lapua or 338 edge just get a 9.5 twist so you can run the new berger 300gr bullets with .89bc they are only around .65cents a round for the bullets if you buy the 250packs and they will put you in a whole new performance category. run the ballistics on a 300gr bullet with a mv of 2800fps and a .89bc it is unreal. </div></div>
+1000
I couldn't agree more. 9.5 or 10 twist to shoot the heavies! Definitely check out the new Bergers.
The only thing I could add to this is that considering your range of only 1000 yards many would consider that a waste of a good 338 bullet.
If you are already reloading then I would say 338 lapua. Hitting that 1000 yard target may be a little too easy being that with the new bergers you will only need about 25 MOA to get there and by the looks of things they will buck the wind nicely as well, but what the hell, you only live once! I should have a couple boxes showing up any day now and I can't wait to get them down the range.
Re: Switching calibers
You can go with a 338/378 Weatherby which will outdo (slightly) a 338 Lapua....for less money.
A very overlooked round is the 340 Weatherby, give it a look.
Any of the ultra mags (300-338-375) are capable of some serious punch, at both ends of the rifle
A 7mm rem mag won't get you all that much change from a 308 in range or energy, not enough to warrant a whole new rifle.
You can go with a 338/378 Weatherby which will outdo (slightly) a 338 Lapua....for less money.
A very overlooked round is the 340 Weatherby, give it a look.
Any of the ultra mags (300-338-375) are capable of some serious punch, at both ends of the rifle
A 7mm rem mag won't get you all that much change from a 308 in range or energy, not enough to warrant a whole new rifle.
Re: Switching calibers
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Thorax</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
A 7mm rem mag won't get you all that much change from a 308 in range or energy, not enough to warrant a whole new rifle. </div></div>
Really?
It outperforms the .300 WM.
I could accept your argument that it wouldn't warrant a new rifle, but it certainly exceeds the .308 in range and energy by a VERY wide margin.
You could look to a 7mm STW with the heavy berger VLDs, that would get you way out there, but barrel life would be short, as is barrel life in any extreme range cartridge.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Thorax</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
A 7mm rem mag won't get you all that much change from a 308 in range or energy, not enough to warrant a whole new rifle. </div></div>
Really?
It outperforms the .300 WM.
I could accept your argument that it wouldn't warrant a new rifle, but it certainly exceeds the .308 in range and energy by a VERY wide margin.
You could look to a 7mm STW with the heavy berger VLDs, that would get you way out there, but barrel life would be short, as is barrel life in any extreme range cartridge.
