I am looking at a buying or building a rifle in .338 caliber (I love the BC of some of the bullets in this caliber) and would like to know if there is a big difference between the 338 RUM and the 338 Lapua. Wen looking at the specks in the loading magazines the case capacity and shoulder angle are very close (at least from what I see) I've been told that 338 RUM brass doesn't hold up like the 338 Lapua (If it be Lapua brass or any other brand) I can't really see why that would be. The design of each cartridge is using the non belted design and the angle of the shoulder seams to be good on both at least from my past experience of cases that don't stand up to multiple reloads . If all other things are equal I don't see that much difference in the 2 rnds. The one big thing for me is that you can do a 338 RUM a lot cheaper than a 338 Lapua
. I must also ad that I shoot from the South side so actions are also a price factor in this build. I do have the chance on buying a left handed Remington 700 BDL in 338 RUM at a very attractive price (I deal with a person that has access to a place that is clearing there inventory of left handed Remington's in there heavy calibers) My next question is if I would buy this rifle could the 338 RUM be chamber reamed to 338 Lapua or would I have to rebarrel the gun
Thanks in advanced for your help and sorry I made this post so long George gun)
This question boils down to what YOU want .
The 338 Rum and 338 Lapua are almost ballistic twins and perform as equals, the Edge has
more velocity as long as you can extend the magazine to get the benefit of seating the bullets
long. If not then your stuck with magazine length being the limit for case capacity.(Having to
seat a bullet deeper in a longer case negates any advantage in the longer case).
The big brass debate will go on for ever.As to the lapua brass being tough it's true. but the
claims of reloading 50 or 60 times maby? but who wants to use brass that long and take the
risk of having a case head separation in the middle of a hunt or a match.
I use my brass 4 or 5 times and throw it away because if you use brass to long it will happen
no matter how good it is or how easy you load it.
The most I used brass when I shot NRA High Power matches was 5 or 6 times and this was in
a Bolt action match rifle with very careful reloading practices ,and after witnessing several
case head separations ruin the shooters chances to finish the matches I dropped it to 4 times
On my hunting rifles I keep at least 200 to 300 rounds of weight sorted brass for each, and shoot it in 100 count batches until I feel it has out lived it's usefulness and then discard it and
start on a new 100 count batch. (so I wont be tempted to reload it ONE MORE TIME).
I buy Brass that will last a reasonable number of firings and move on. If you plan on
shooting a 338 in matches barrel life will become an issue before you can use up 400 rds
x 5 firings (2,000 rds). On a hunting rifle that is zeroed and hunted with each 200rds of brass
is a lifetime supply.
I wished the best brass was only a little bit higher than rem or win brass ,But 4 to 5+times is
ridicules because it takes the same type equipment and cost to produce it and it is just price
gouging in my opinion.
So I would recommend that you start with a 338 RUM and enjoy the ease of finding
brass , bullets and loaded ammo for a reasonable price. (If there is such a thing now days)Then if you feel the need to go with more Power you can spend as much as you want .
I know that some will disagree but that is just my opinion
J E CUSTOM