Whay is everybody on the .338 Lapua. Looks like the .338 Edge would be a better choice. These tell me why yall are choosing the Lapua over the Edge.
Why .338 Lapua??
- Thread starter summitsitter
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Re: Why .338 Lapua??
I chose the Edge. Ballistically they are a wash, but the Lapua is a military standard caliber and you can buy off the shelf ammo for it.
If you reload, an Edge may be the way to go since the brass is significantly lower cost and it can more easily fit in a standard *magnum action, making the build a lower cost too. But you need to be comfortable with resizing 300 RUM brass necks to make the brass, and reloading to realize the benefit.
If you want an off the shelf rifle, 338 Lapua is the way to go there are many accurate and reliable packages available. The Edge is getting more popular and you can get custom builds for it almost off the shelf, but afaik it's not standardized or available from any of the major retailers. I personally like to tinker and build on my rifles, like to reload, and have more time than spare change, so the Edge is what I picked.
I chose the Edge. Ballistically they are a wash, but the Lapua is a military standard caliber and you can buy off the shelf ammo for it.
If you reload, an Edge may be the way to go since the brass is significantly lower cost and it can more easily fit in a standard *magnum action, making the build a lower cost too. But you need to be comfortable with resizing 300 RUM brass necks to make the brass, and reloading to realize the benefit.
If you want an off the shelf rifle, 338 Lapua is the way to go there are many accurate and reliable packages available. The Edge is getting more popular and you can get custom builds for it almost off the shelf, but afaik it's not standardized or available from any of the major retailers. I personally like to tinker and build on my rifles, like to reload, and have more time than spare change, so the Edge is what I picked.
Re: Why .338 Lapua??
From what I can see, reloading equipment is readily available for the LP, as is brass. Maybe I'm missing something, but I don't see ANY 338 Edge stuff From what I am reading, while the brass is EXPENSIVE for the lapua, one can get several reloads of they treat the brass properly...
From what I can see, reloading equipment is readily available for the LP, as is brass. Maybe I'm missing something, but I don't see ANY 338 Edge stuff From what I am reading, while the brass is EXPENSIVE for the lapua, one can get several reloads of they treat the brass properly...
Re: Why .338 Lapua??
The Edge will push bullets about 100 fps faster then the Lapua. In terms of ballistics the Edge is a little better.
In terms of rifles the 338 Lapua has more factory rifles with offerings in that chambering. However if you want an Edge then a custom is the only way to get one. As for the actions. Both require some modification to fit into a standard Remmy Long action. And with either one using an action that was made for such rounds HIGHLY advisable.
When looking at brass the Lapua has better quality brass and it is more readily available. The Edge requires either fire-forming or a set of dies to neck up 300 RUM brass. And the dies for the Edge are not readily available, they are special order items and not every company offers it.
When I looked into 338 calibers I picked the Lapua because of the higher quality easier to find brass. However decision such as these are highly personal and depend solely on the shooter. You have to weigh things out and see what works best for you.
The Edge will push bullets about 100 fps faster then the Lapua. In terms of ballistics the Edge is a little better.
In terms of rifles the 338 Lapua has more factory rifles with offerings in that chambering. However if you want an Edge then a custom is the only way to get one. As for the actions. Both require some modification to fit into a standard Remmy Long action. And with either one using an action that was made for such rounds HIGHLY advisable.
When looking at brass the Lapua has better quality brass and it is more readily available. The Edge requires either fire-forming or a set of dies to neck up 300 RUM brass. And the dies for the Edge are not readily available, they are special order items and not every company offers it.
When I looked into 338 calibers I picked the Lapua because of the higher quality easier to find brass. However decision such as these are highly personal and depend solely on the shooter. You have to weigh things out and see what works best for you.
Re: Why .338 Lapua??
I did it because lapua brass is great. I can also buy a set of redding type s match dies and be done with it. With the edge you have to mix and match and nek stuff up and blah blah blah. Pretty much the same velocity either way. Some people say this and some people say that. it is too close to tell either way. If I were you I would go.......LAPEDGE
I did it because lapua brass is great. I can also buy a set of redding type s match dies and be done with it. With the edge you have to mix and match and nek stuff up and blah blah blah. Pretty much the same velocity either way. Some people say this and some people say that. it is too close to tell either way. If I were you I would go.......LAPEDGE
Re: Why .338 Lapua??
If you want more info on the Edge, you should call up Shawn Carlock over at Defensive Edge and speak with him.
If you want more info on the Edge, you should call up Shawn Carlock over at Defensive Edge and speak with him.
Re: Why .338 Lapua??
Why Lapua Magnum you ask? Simple--it is an industry/military standard. When I was a kid, my "Uncle Joe" told me to stick to military calibers. Military calibers typically have a "balance" of performance, availability, cost-effectiveness. He was right, and my collection has changed over the years, but MOST of my toys are in military calibers. The .338 LM has been around for many years, and is only getting better! The GWOT has pushed it farther/faster than I expected, but I fully expect it to be around for the 20+ years. Wildcats have an appeal, but again, tastes and mileage vary...
Why Lapua Magnum you ask? Simple--it is an industry/military standard. When I was a kid, my "Uncle Joe" told me to stick to military calibers. Military calibers typically have a "balance" of performance, availability, cost-effectiveness. He was right, and my collection has changed over the years, but MOST of my toys are in military calibers. The .338 LM has been around for many years, and is only getting better! The GWOT has pushed it farther/faster than I expected, but I fully expect it to be around for the 20+ years. Wildcats have an appeal, but again, tastes and mileage vary...
Re: Why .338 Lapua??
I've got 12 loadings on some of my .338LM brass.....is it really more expensive?
I've got 12 loadings on some of my .338LM brass.....is it really more expensive?
Re: Why .338 Lapua??
i found a place that sells "wild cat dies"
i havent bought any yet, but i am building an edge so when it is done i will give them a try
http://www.z-hat.com/Ultracat.htm
i found a place that sells "wild cat dies"
i havent bought any yet, but i am building an edge so when it is done i will give them a try
http://www.z-hat.com/Ultracat.htm
Re: Why .338 Lapua??
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: summitsitter</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Whay is everybody on the .338 Lapua. Looks like the .338 Edge would be a better choice. These tell me why yall are choosing the Lapua over the Edge. </div></div>
Lapua brass quality in terms of uniformity/consistency and toughness, is what other brass is measured up against.
338 Edge brass is made by using 300 RUM Remington/Nosler brand brass, and expanding the neck up to 338. Those on a tight budget use 338-300 dies or 338 RUM FL sizer dies, and use the expander ball on the decapping rod to neck up their brass.
The 338-300 RUM aka Edge is approx .100 longer than the 338 RUM so this allows folks to use 338 RUM dies, but they are unable to size the last .090 worth of case body diameter. If your brass survives 6-7 firings, this may become an issue. Most shooting the Edge that I've spoke with don't have brass life that long. Some have had good luck using 300 RUM dies and then using 338 neck bushings. Redding won't decides commit if that will works or not....but that's working for folks as well.
Dieter Horneber will make you some great quality 300 RUM brass, but you'll need to wait 9-12 months, and pay 2.00 per piece.
About velocities between the two....nearly every Edge is built with a longer i.e. 30" barrel...so keep this in mind when reading velocities you "see" posted on the web. There might end up being a disparity between what is posted on the web, and the load pressures you may settle in on, behind your chrono at the range. The Lapua will do everything the Edge will given equal brass life and barrel length....and then some.
Another way of saying this, is the Lapua will allow you to run a shorter barrel, inch or two, and still run with an Edge, and have great brass life. If you want to run an Edge with a Lapua, you'll need to run a longer barrel, and live with shorter brass life.
The Lapua has a lot going for it too...Redding Type S and Competition Neck Sizing/Seater dies are available right off the shelf. If you anneal, you can buy 100 pieces of Lapua brass. When you're out of brass, it's time for a new barrel.
In the end, there's a lot of pluses for both rounds....but the ones above are probably why the Lapua has such a following.
Good luck.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: summitsitter</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Whay is everybody on the .338 Lapua. Looks like the .338 Edge would be a better choice. These tell me why yall are choosing the Lapua over the Edge. </div></div>
Lapua brass quality in terms of uniformity/consistency and toughness, is what other brass is measured up against.
338 Edge brass is made by using 300 RUM Remington/Nosler brand brass, and expanding the neck up to 338. Those on a tight budget use 338-300 dies or 338 RUM FL sizer dies, and use the expander ball on the decapping rod to neck up their brass.
The 338-300 RUM aka Edge is approx .100 longer than the 338 RUM so this allows folks to use 338 RUM dies, but they are unable to size the last .090 worth of case body diameter. If your brass survives 6-7 firings, this may become an issue. Most shooting the Edge that I've spoke with don't have brass life that long. Some have had good luck using 300 RUM dies and then using 338 neck bushings. Redding won't decides commit if that will works or not....but that's working for folks as well.
Dieter Horneber will make you some great quality 300 RUM brass, but you'll need to wait 9-12 months, and pay 2.00 per piece.
About velocities between the two....nearly every Edge is built with a longer i.e. 30" barrel...so keep this in mind when reading velocities you "see" posted on the web. There might end up being a disparity between what is posted on the web, and the load pressures you may settle in on, behind your chrono at the range. The Lapua will do everything the Edge will given equal brass life and barrel length....and then some.
Another way of saying this, is the Lapua will allow you to run a shorter barrel, inch or two, and still run with an Edge, and have great brass life. If you want to run an Edge with a Lapua, you'll need to run a longer barrel, and live with shorter brass life.
The Lapua has a lot going for it too...Redding Type S and Competition Neck Sizing/Seater dies are available right off the shelf. If you anneal, you can buy 100 pieces of Lapua brass. When you're out of brass, it's time for a new barrel.
In the end, there's a lot of pluses for both rounds....but the ones above are probably why the Lapua has such a following.
Good luck.
Re: Why .338 Lapua??
I'm new at this but I had a chance to purchase a Dakota Long Bow
.338 Lupua. I have always heard that you stick with what the military recommends and you can't go wrong I think reloading is the way I'll go. My $.02
I'm new at this but I had a chance to purchase a Dakota Long Bow
.338 Lupua. I have always heard that you stick with what the military recommends and you can't go wrong I think reloading is the way I'll go. My $.02
Re: Why .338 Lapua??
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: PGS</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I've got 12 loadings on some of my .338LM brass.....is it really more expensive? </div></div>
12 Loadings is impressive, do you anneal? Do you worry about case seps or somehow check? I get nervous loading any rifle brass beyond 5 or 6 times, so I just trash it and use new regardless if it appears OK.
There have been scattered reports of reloading remington 300 RUM brass in 338 Edge 10-12 times and having good results too, but most people seem to get 5-6 loadings before they elect to trash it and I'm not sure I'd be brave enough to try to push it more than that.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: PGS</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I've got 12 loadings on some of my .338LM brass.....is it really more expensive? </div></div>
12 Loadings is impressive, do you anneal? Do you worry about case seps or somehow check? I get nervous loading any rifle brass beyond 5 or 6 times, so I just trash it and use new regardless if it appears OK.
There have been scattered reports of reloading remington 300 RUM brass in 338 Edge 10-12 times and having good results too, but most people seem to get 5-6 loadings before they elect to trash it and I'm not sure I'd be brave enough to try to push it more than that.
Re: Why .338 Lapua??
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: summitsitter</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Whay is everybody on the .338 Lapua. Looks like the .338 Edge would be a better choice. These tell me why yall are choosing the Lapua over the Edge. </div></div>
Because most shooters like to shoot what the military shoots...plain & simple.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: summitsitter</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Whay is everybody on the .338 Lapua. Looks like the .338 Edge would be a better choice. These tell me why yall are choosing the Lapua over the Edge. </div></div>
Because most shooters like to shoot what the military shoots...plain & simple.
Re: Why .338 Lapua??
The Lapua brass cost the same as my Weatherby brass so that was not an issue. I rarely full length size and when I do, I do it minimally so a head seperation is not ever going to be an issue. Where the Lapua brass really shines over the Remington brass is the primer pockets are going to stay tight several times longer than Edge brass. The standard Lapua also has slightly greater case capacity over the Edge. The actually gives a potential ballistic advantage over the Edge.
The Lapua brass cost the same as my Weatherby brass so that was not an issue. I rarely full length size and when I do, I do it minimally so a head seperation is not ever going to be an issue. Where the Lapua brass really shines over the Remington brass is the primer pockets are going to stay tight several times longer than Edge brass. The standard Lapua also has slightly greater case capacity over the Edge. The actually gives a potential ballistic advantage over the Edge.
Re: Why .338 Lapua??
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Hired Gun</div><div class="ubbcode-body">\The standard Lapua also has slightly greater case capacity over the Edge. The actually gives a potential ballistic advantage over the Edge. </div></div>
I believe you have that backwards, from what I've read the 338 LM has 111 grains of water case capacity while the Edge has about 115 grains of water case capacity.
This is pretty insignificant, and for a given load the velocity between the two is usually dictated by the barrel length/finish rather than by the 3.5% difference in case capacity.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Hired Gun</div><div class="ubbcode-body">\The standard Lapua also has slightly greater case capacity over the Edge. The actually gives a potential ballistic advantage over the Edge. </div></div>
I believe you have that backwards, from what I've read the 338 LM has 111 grains of water case capacity while the Edge has about 115 grains of water case capacity.
This is pretty insignificant, and for a given load the velocity between the two is usually dictated by the barrel length/finish rather than by the 3.5% difference in case capacity.
Re: Why .338 Lapua??
On my scales
Fired Lapua brass holds 116.6 grains of water.
Fired 338 Edge brass holds 115.0 grains of water.
In ball powder capacity the Lapua hold 6 more grains of H-380.
I agree the two are basically the exact same and your are right the barrel length will decide the velocity differences. In egual length barrels the Lapua brand brass will have at least double the useful life for the same velocity. More likely 3 times. At 2950fps in 30" barrels you will be hard pressed to get primers to stay after 3 times in that soft Remington brass where the Lapua is still going strong at 10 times.
On my scales
Fired Lapua brass holds 116.6 grains of water.
Fired 338 Edge brass holds 115.0 grains of water.
In ball powder capacity the Lapua hold 6 more grains of H-380.
I agree the two are basically the exact same and your are right the barrel length will decide the velocity differences. In egual length barrels the Lapua brand brass will have at least double the useful life for the same velocity. More likely 3 times. At 2950fps in 30" barrels you will be hard pressed to get primers to stay after 3 times in that soft Remington brass where the Lapua is still going strong at 10 times.
Re: Why .338 Lapua??
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: dareposte</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: PGS</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I've got 12 loadings on some of my .338LM brass.....is it really more expensive? </div></div>
12 Loadings is impressive, do you anneal? Do you worry about case seps or somehow check? I get nervous loading any rifle brass beyond 5 or 6 times, so I just trash it and use new regardless if it appears OK.
There have been scattered reports of reloading remington 300 RUM brass in 338 Edge 10-12 times and having good results too, but most people seem to get 5-6 loadings before they elect to trash it and I'm not sure I'd be brave enough to try to push it more than that.
</div></div>
Yep....I anneal every four firings....as for checking for web separation I look in each case with my bore scope. Really easy to see whats going on with that.
I absolutely hate thowing away brass...especially .338LM.
IMO a lot of web separation is caused by body dies set too low and thus bumping the shoulder too much.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: dareposte</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: PGS</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I've got 12 loadings on some of my .338LM brass.....is it really more expensive? </div></div>
12 Loadings is impressive, do you anneal? Do you worry about case seps or somehow check? I get nervous loading any rifle brass beyond 5 or 6 times, so I just trash it and use new regardless if it appears OK.
There have been scattered reports of reloading remington 300 RUM brass in 338 Edge 10-12 times and having good results too, but most people seem to get 5-6 loadings before they elect to trash it and I'm not sure I'd be brave enough to try to push it more than that.
</div></div>
Yep....I anneal every four firings....as for checking for web separation I look in each case with my bore scope. Really easy to see whats going on with that.
I absolutely hate thowing away brass...especially .338LM.
IMO a lot of web separation is caused by body dies set too low and thus bumping the shoulder too much.
Re: Why .338 Lapua??
Since 2005 I've fired 6K rounds of 338LM through 4 different sticks. I have cases with 20 loads. NO signs of web failure.I full length resize EVERYTIME.
PGS+1, set your dies up to match your sticks chamber and don't overwork the brass by bumping the shoulder more than necessary.
Why Lapua?Factory Rifles and Factory ammo readily available. The best brass money can buy HANDS DOWN.
Lapua brass fired through my AIAW holds 117.3 grains of water.
Since 2005 I've fired 6K rounds of 338LM through 4 different sticks. I have cases with 20 loads. NO signs of web failure.I full length resize EVERYTIME.
PGS+1, set your dies up to match your sticks chamber and don't overwork the brass by bumping the shoulder more than necessary.
Why Lapua?Factory Rifles and Factory ammo readily available. The best brass money can buy HANDS DOWN.
Lapua brass fired through my AIAW holds 117.3 grains of water.
Re: Why .338 Lapua??
To add to what Lt.Arclight said above, I have 14 firings on my Lapua 338 cases out of a TRG with a load thats a grain over book max.
Primer pockets feel nearly the same as when the brass was still new, no annealing other than when the factory did it, and FL sizing with a Redding S bushing die. Good to go. THE best money can buy.
To add to what Lt.Arclight said above, I have 14 firings on my Lapua 338 cases out of a TRG with a load thats a grain over book max.
Primer pockets feel nearly the same as when the brass was still new, no annealing other than when the factory did it, and FL sizing with a Redding S bushing die. Good to go. THE best money can buy.
Re: Why .338 Lapua??
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Longshot38</div><div class="ubbcode-body">The Edge will push bullets about 100 fps faster then the Lapua. In terms of ballistics the Edge is a little better.
In terms of rifles the 338 Lapua has more factory rifles with offerings in that chambering. However if you want an Edge then a custom is the only way to get one. As for the actions. Both require some modification to fit into a standard Remmy Long action. And with either one using an action that was made for such rounds HIGHLY advisable.
When looking at brass the Lapua has better quality brass and it is more readily available. The Edge requires either fire-forming or a set of dies to neck up 300 RUM brass. And the dies for the Edge are not readily available, they are special order items and not every company offers it.
When I looked into 338 calibers I picked the Lapua because of the higher quality easier to find brass. However decision such as these are highly personal and depend solely on the shooter. You have to weigh things out and see what works best for you. </div></div>
No modification is NEEDED for a STD Remmy LA with a magnum bolt face for an EDGE.A Wyatts EBM is highly advised for a repeater due to OAL
Good dies ARE very expensive for an EDGE.I bought mine from Shawn Carlock.Tried to get some from Z-Hat but made the mistake of calling it a 338 EDGE.Guy thinks it should have been known as the "Ultra Cat".Some peoples Egos I guess.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Longshot38</div><div class="ubbcode-body">The Edge will push bullets about 100 fps faster then the Lapua. In terms of ballistics the Edge is a little better.
In terms of rifles the 338 Lapua has more factory rifles with offerings in that chambering. However if you want an Edge then a custom is the only way to get one. As for the actions. Both require some modification to fit into a standard Remmy Long action. And with either one using an action that was made for such rounds HIGHLY advisable.
When looking at brass the Lapua has better quality brass and it is more readily available. The Edge requires either fire-forming or a set of dies to neck up 300 RUM brass. And the dies for the Edge are not readily available, they are special order items and not every company offers it.
When I looked into 338 calibers I picked the Lapua because of the higher quality easier to find brass. However decision such as these are highly personal and depend solely on the shooter. You have to weigh things out and see what works best for you. </div></div>
No modification is NEEDED for a STD Remmy LA with a magnum bolt face for an EDGE.A Wyatts EBM is highly advised for a repeater due to OAL
Good dies ARE very expensive for an EDGE.I bought mine from Shawn Carlock.Tried to get some from Z-Hat but made the mistake of calling it a 338 EDGE.Guy thinks it should have been known as the "Ultra Cat".Some peoples Egos I guess.
Re: Why .338 Lapua??
I would like a .338 Lapua.
I would look into getting a .338edge only if the douchebags that write the rules in this country decide to change gun laws and put a caliber restriction out.
In south Australia the government has already banned .338LM, .375Chey, .408Chey, .460Steyr and .50BMG.
Why?
Because they smoke pole thats why
Hopefully it never makes its way down to the other states as it proves nothing. However if it does, a .300RUM sendero will be on the cards, and then Il turn it into an edge.
Why you ask?
Because we can
I would like a .338 Lapua.
I would look into getting a .338edge only if the douchebags that write the rules in this country decide to change gun laws and put a caliber restriction out.
In south Australia the government has already banned .338LM, .375Chey, .408Chey, .460Steyr and .50BMG.
Why?
Because they smoke pole thats why
Hopefully it never makes its way down to the other states as it proves nothing. However if it does, a .300RUM sendero will be on the cards, and then Il turn it into an edge.
Why you ask?
Because we can
Re: Why .338 Lapua??
^ yep heard qld is looking at banning a few more cals as well
if it were me Id go the Edge
^ yep heard qld is looking at banning a few more cals as well
if it were me Id go the Edge
Re: Why .338 Lapua??
although i cringe at the notion that "uncle sugar knows best," its hard to argue that one should generally attempt to go with whats readily available unless theres a majorly significant performance increase not to. that doesnt seem to be the case here...pun intended.
although i cringe at the notion that "uncle sugar knows best," its hard to argue that one should generally attempt to go with whats readily available unless theres a majorly significant performance increase not to. that doesnt seem to be the case here...pun intended.
