best 338 lapua based caliber

450matt · #1 02-02-2010, 08:57 PM

i am looking for the best long range hunting caliber shots will be out to around 1200 on deer and elk. i already have a bat machine action i was originally going to build a 338 lapua. but have since been thinking that maybe some others would be better. i was thinking a 338 lapua improved, 338 allen express or maybe a 7mm allen mag. i was wondering if you guys can give me your thoughts. and the plan on the gun is to have around a 32 inch barrel and thats before the brake.

jmden · #2 02-03-2010, 12:14 AM

Kirby (don't want to put words in his mouth, but I've seen it in print many times here written by him) would reccomend the 338's for elk past 1K as would many others here, however, there's many opinions on that.

The 338 Allen Xpress (AX) is a 338 Lap Imp--you probably realize that, just wanted to make sure--it's just Kirby's version, so my guess it he'd reccomend that. There's a number of these out there with virtually identical performance.

Which BAT action did you get? HRPIC?

Chas1 · #3 02-03-2010, 05:17 AM

You mentioned you were originally going to build a 338 lapua. Just curious what changed your mind. The 338 Lapua in and of itself is fine for what your describing. With the 338 AX you'll need to fireform cases so if barrel life is a concern...it's something to consider and thought I'd mention it but, you may already know this. The 338 AX is very nice and Kirby is known for his excellent craftsmanship.

sniperjwt · #4 02-03-2010, 07:40 AM

my personal thoughts but i would just stay with the lapua. Although the other calibers may give you a little more i dont know that it is worth all the effort and shortened barrel life and if you are planning on shooting at 1000+ yards at game then you will need to practice a lot at that range so barrel life could become an issue.

RockyMtnMT · #5 02-03-2010, 07:44 AM

338 lap imp. Kirby's version is going to be a little hotter than the others.

Steve

Broz · #6 02-03-2010, 07:48 AM

After putting about 700 rounds down my 338 Lapua I have no regrets and accuracy is still awesome. I have taken a WT doe at 1137 and a Bull Elk at 1130 yards. Both one shot kills and neither animals took a step nor did they complain.

Jeff

Tyler Kemp · #7 02-03-2010, 07:49 AM

My 338 Lapua Improved is 32"+brake, and just last weekend I was getting 2975 fps with 300 grain SMKs, and this is a relatively mild load of 100 grains Retumbo.