Gunsmithing Want to Build a 338 lapua

[poke5353]

What would be a good start for building a 338 lapua. Could I use a Rem 700 ultra mag receiver and have it re barreled or do I need to go another direction. Or could I chamber it in 338 ultra. I have an ultra mag action if that will work fine. Any suggestions or recommendations would be greatly appreciated. I would like to use my current ultra mag action. I am also interested in other calibers if something comes to mind. I am looking to build a long range rifle.

Thanks

 

[wnroscoe]

Re: Want to Build a 338 lapua

I'd go with one the larger custom receivers with a .750" bolt diameter.

 

[treebasher]

Re: Want to Build a 338 lapua

Also the 1-1/16" x 16 tpi barrel thread on a Rem 700 doesn't leave you much for chamber wall thickness. Take a look at the Surgeon XL Repeater action and they are using a 1-1/8" x 16 tpi thread.

So I would definitely agree with Roscoe and go with an action specifically made for the Lapua sized cartridges.

If you stick with the 338 Ultra you can essentially match the Lapua performance. One of my good friends has a 338 Ultra single shot built on a 700 action and it is a shooter.

Hope this helps out.

 

[Keith Johns]

Re: Want to Build a 338 lapua

Theres a great A5 for sale right now for $750. LA700, inletted for M5 so I believe you can use AI338LM mags.... could me wrong on that though.

If your looking for parts, the stock can takes the longest to get. Besides a scope

 

[radmcg]

Re: Want to Build a 338 lapua

I Just sold a MLR because I was concerned about the bolt face and action size. Before anyone spouts all the facts. That was just me and absolutely based on nothing other than my preference not engineering. I decided to go with a Lawton 8500 .750 bolt and bigger action. I love my stillers but was going to be a 6-8 month wait. Then you add the supplier fudge factor. 1.75 times the original time promised plus a month for your scale 1-10 of how bad you want it and 3 months for retooling and another month for the machine that broke for the first time in 10 years and I would have had it for my 50th birthday. Not a slight at Stiller just how it goes. Anyway. Liked what Bobby had to say about the 8500 and he will inlet the bottom for seekins new DBM bottom metal. I have one on a 260 and love it. Bobby said Mannersand mcmillan can both inlet the stock and install the pillars for almost a drop in fit.
This just makes it almost a bolt together project.
JMHO definitely not engineering.
Rad

 

[oneeyedmac]

Re: Want to Build a 338 lapua

The Lawton receivers and the Surgeon receivers aren't that much comparatively, I would want to use a Rem 700.

 

[Keith Johns]

Re: Want to Build a 338 lapua

I have used a 700LA for a 388LM build. Worked fine but make sure the smith knows what he's doing.

If I were to build one now, I'd use a Surgeon.