BrentM
Well-Known Member
If I were to build a 338 Lapau will a LA with magnum bolt face suffice? Will standard shank work as well or do I need the large shank?
Advice on 338 Savage build- action
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MudRunner2005
Well-Known Member
No, the Lapua uses a larger bolt face. Standard magnum is .540". Lapua is .585".
You will have to have the bolt face opened up, or start with a rifle that came from the factory as a .338 Lapua.
I would also go with the largest shank possible.
You will have to have the bolt face opened up, or start with a rifle that came from the factory as a .338 Lapua.
I would also go with the largest shank possible.
BrentM
Well-Known Member
Thanks for the info. I was wondering about that.
MudRunner2005
Well-Known Member
Also, unless you have a true need for a .338 Lapua sized caliber, I wouldn't waste my money on it. But it's your rifle and your money.... If you're planning on hunting and shooting inside of 1,200 yards, the .300 WinMag or .300 RUM with handloads and heavy bullets is more than enough gun. But that is just my opinion.
Most people who build big boomers don't truly have a need for them, then they get tired of feeding them 120+ grains of powder and expensive projectiles, buying $5.00 a piece brass, and dealing with the massive recoil and percussion, and having to wear earplugs while hunting. Which is why you always see alot of them on the used racks at gun shops. You find alot of big .300's and .338's sitting on racks around here. But we don't have huge game animals, or very many really long places to shoot, that would warrant such a caliber.
Unless you just want one....In which case, I have been guilty of building rifles outside of my "needs" spectrum, just because I wanted them. Was it practical? No. Was it expensive? You bet. But once you get the rifle and all the reloading components paid for, it's not too bad.
Most people who build big boomers don't truly have a need for them, then they get tired of feeding them 120+ grains of powder and expensive projectiles, buying $5.00 a piece brass, and dealing with the massive recoil and percussion, and having to wear earplugs while hunting. Which is why you always see alot of them on the used racks at gun shops. You find alot of big .300's and .338's sitting on racks around here. But we don't have huge game animals, or very many really long places to shoot, that would warrant such a caliber.
Unless you just want one....In which case, I have been guilty of building rifles outside of my "needs" spectrum, just because I wanted them. Was it practical? No. Was it expensive? You bet. But once you get the rifle and all the reloading components paid for, it's not too bad.
BrentM
Well-Known Member
It is for a friend actually. I don't want a 338 anything personally because all the things you mentioned. He is set on big and bad to the bone I guess.
MudRunner2005
Well-Known Member
I had a buddy like that.....All he talked about building was a .338 Lapua, because that's what the military uses, and blah blah blah. I would always ask him, "So, what and where are you gonna hunt with that big bastard?" And he never had much of a response.
Until he hung around me and my toys at the range enough, and got to see real first-hand results. Then he realized that sometimes bigger isn't always badder.
Just like the old .25-06 AI vs .257 Wby arguement. I have both, so I can argue with folks on it. LOL
Same arguement about .300 Wby vs .300 RUM. 7mm STW vs 7mm RUM. .260 Rem vs 6.5 Creed.
There's always atleast 2 calibers so close in velocity that it's almost pointless to argue about. But people will, and it's always an ongoing battle. LOL
BrentM
Well-Known Member
He is a young buck and thinks he is all SF/spec ops level sort of guy. Nice guy just a little too full of himself. I told him about my experience at the Vortex Challenge and he decided to coach me so I can do better. FYI, he does not use a range finder or ballistic apt to shoot LR. He goes by the artillery method.....ha ha. I don't care what he shoots, he will be the one pulling the trigger. I don't want to shoot it : ) It would be fun building it though.
ZSteinle
Well-Known Member
If u don't mind single shot go with the savage target action and on a savage u can just swap out the bolt head to whatever size u need. Costs about 13 bucks to go from standard bolt face to magnum or lapua
BrentM
Well-Known Member
The hard part will be locating a target action. Any leads?
ZSteinle
Well-Known Member
Discount Guns for Sale - Buds Gun Shop
wont eject a loaded round but should eject a spent case just fine. Single shot so short action wont matter and they are large shank. Still debating throwing together a 7mm-338 norma on a target action
bigngreen
Well-Known Member
My advise would be to get a factory Savage 338 Lapua if you need a Savage, the action is designed to handle it other wise grab a Stiller Tac 338!!
BrentM
Well-Known Member
Looking at the 338 edge as an option. If he stuck on the 338 it might be a decent alternative
bigngreen
Well-Known Member
A 338 Edge or RUM work much better, done a number of RUM's on the Savages that have been real excellent!!
