Here's a question about the 338 caliber

freebird63 · #1 06-23-2010, 12:12 AM

So if a person was going to have a custom 338 built which would it be?
338 Ultra Mag
338 Edge
338 Lapua
When I first got my 300RUM I was thinking I can't wait to load up some 150gr or 168gr ammo and push it out there at 3300-3500fps. But have changed my thinking, these bigger guns are meant to push the big bullets. At least this is my thinking. But to me a nice big sleek bullet with a high BC pushing a mile to mile and a half. Dang.
I know alot of people like shooting the 150's and 168gr bullets out of their 300RUM's, hey what ever floats your boat. I would rather have a 200, 210, 220 or 240gr bullet hitting 3000fps and doing it very accurately. Ya I know 3000fps with a 240gr SMK might be hard to get and also be accurate.
But hey what do I know, am just a small town scooby

FEENIX · #2 06-23-2010, 06:03 AM

Of your choices and cost-wise, I'd go in the same order you have listed. But if cost is not a factor, I'd throw in Kirby's .338 wildcats in the mix.

Good luck!

Ed

SHRTSHTR · #3 06-23-2010, 10:19 AM

I had the same questions as you when I built my custom 338 Lapua. I got the rifle and shot a couple hundred rounds through it. Rifle shoots fantastic but I decided I wanted a little more. I sent the rifle back to my smith (Joe Starns) and had him put a 30" Lilja, #8 contour, 1-10 twist, chambered for 338 Lapua Improved.
I will have the option of switching barrels if I decide I want to go back to the 338 Lapua but see no reason for doing so at this time.
All said and done, I should have ordered one of Kirby's big magnums in the 1st place and been done with it

.

J E Custom · #4 06-23-2010, 10:36 AM

For performance the EDGE has the Edge, for cost and simplicity the 338 RUM is my first
choice and the ballistics are almost the same as the other two.

Brass for the Lapua is second to none and if I were going to use this brass (Requires a larger
bolt face than the RUM or the Edge) I would go ahead and Improve it with less body taper
and a 37.5 to 40o shoulder for more performance and brass life.

If you aren't into reloading yet then go with the 338 RUM .

Just my opinion

J E CUSTOM

sambo3006 · #5 06-23-2010, 11:53 AM

If you want to shoot the 300 gr Sierra Match King, any of the three you listed ought to do just fine. If you are not planning to shoot the 300 gr SMK, you ought to explore the 200 gr Accubond and the 240 gr SMK in your 300 RUM. I don't have any experience with the 240 gr SMK on game but the 200 gr Accubond has performed well on several elk for me and my hunting buddies.

aroshtr · #6 06-23-2010, 03:46 PM

What ever you do, don't order a Kirby built rifle for at least 6 months! I don't want him to be too busy to work on the 338Ax I ordered

.....

Just kidding. I made the decision that I only wanted to do this once, and decided the improved version of the lapua case would be best. Who knows, maybe after I shoot this gun for a while, I will be wanting an Allen Magnum on the CheyTac case...

aroshtr

midwesthunter · #7 06-23-2010, 06:33 PM

I would first decide how far you plan on shooting. If your new to longrange keep the 300 and load it with either 175 or 200 grainers. After you build your experice rebarrel for the caliber of your choice. Me I was going to have a 338 rum built but I am in he process of picking parts for my 7mm Allen mag. Which will out do the 338 rum at a 1000.