Need help making a .338 purchase decision.

Any caliber you shoot has the potential to hit another object past the intended target. That's why you always make sure of your target and anything behind it. Check out Shawn Carlocks .338 Defensive Edge. He is a member of this site and it is a great caliber.

 

Safety aside, the two rifles you have chosen (AI, and TRG) are coveted rifles by the military for long range targets. Either would be a viable rifle in the 338 especially should you improve it. If you have the money for either, I would say go for it. Just double check the twist rate on the rifling. I believe the TRG is a 1:12 which means you can only shoot the 250grn bullets and lighter. If you want to shoot the 300grn bullets, then a 1:10 is the minimum.

On the other side, with the money either rifle costs, you could always have a custom rifle built especially for the price of the AI. This would afford you to build it with any action, barrel, stock combination you could think of. So take your time in your decision.

As far as hitting somebody accidentally, should there be an orange wear law and it is violated by the person you should hit accidentally (heaven forbid) it would not be your fault. You could not be prosecuted for following the law and being as careful as you can. Unfortunate things happen and you just have to exercise caution in all shooting situations both close and far. You can't see the victim because they are breaking the law, there is really not a whole lot you could have done to change that.

Tank

 

Bear, talk with Kirby Allen, of APS precision. His 338 AX is just the ticket built on his Raptor action. It is as tough as they come and you will be able to stock it with a rugged stock that you can make as tactical looking as you want. Just another good choice.

And just so you know, your choice of bullet makes a big difference in whether or how far a bullet passes through an animal. I really dont think that should be worry.
Good luck, God Bless and Merry Christmas.

Jim

 

Shawn Carlock or Kirby Allen 338 edge all that needs to be said

 

Depends on how much you want to spend. 338 is a good long range caliber but not mandatory and any caliber can shoot through and carry on. That depends more on the bullet selection. Check a good custom or semi custom rifle for extreme long range. If your talkiing 800 yard hunting that can be done with several over the counter rifles under $750. If your talking over 1000 yards then talk to a good gunsmith about a custom or semi-custom rifle. If your talking large big game at long range then get one of the big 338's. Lots of choices in standard and wildcat cartridges in over the counter and custom rifles. If you do a custom I would suggest doing a cartridge the gunsmith you choose is familiar with and on an action he is familiar with customizing.

 

Just wanted to let you know that the Sako TRG 42 in 338 Lapua is available in 1 in 10 twist which will stabilize the 300 gr SMK and would seem to be a great factory option.

 

New to site...ex-lurker..currently serving tour in Afghanistan..I own Armalite AR30 in .338 LM with First focal plane Weaver mil-dot....I paid $1700 for rifle and $750 for scope....and it will shoot as good as any rifle that costs twice as much or more....very rugged....very loud due to brake but, low recoil. I feel these rifles get overlooked by most. I have shot in state/national level Military matches.

 

Bear, for the price of an AI AW you could really build a nice custom rifle and scope it! As far as being rugged, most custom rifles these days really have quality synthetic stocks that are very tough and are not made from wood, Mc Millian and Manners just to name a few. Look through some of the pictures on this forum under gun photo's and you will see what I mean. Nothing wrong with the rifles you mentioned, but I would not throw out a custom rifle. Take your time and do your research, make sure that Sako and AI can really produce the level of accuracy you are after. Try to find guys that shoot these rifles and ask their opinions.

Just my .2cents