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Shooting & Reloading - Mausers, Big Bores and others >> Rifles

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Ripp
.577 member

Reged: 19/02/07
Posts: 16072
Loc: Montana, USA

338 Lapua
#119365 - 23/11/08 12:29 PM

Curious if anyone has any experience with the 338 Lapua? Been looking at several versions...curious what your thoughts and experiences are with this caliber...

also see that Barret is now offering the .416 Barrett in lieu of California banning 50's..

thanks

Ripp

--------------------
ALL MEN DIE, BUT FEW MEN TRULY LIVE..

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Caprivi
.375 member

Reged: 30/09/08
Posts: 811
Loc: America's Serengeti, Buffalo W...

Re: 338 Lapua [Re: Ripp]
#119379 - 23/11/08 02:32 PM

If you are looking for a long range (700yds plus)I think it is the best balance of caliber, velocity, recoil, bullet construction, barrel life, potential accuracy, brass life, brass cost.
They work well with a 27 28" barrel and the 300gr smk is a stellar target and GAME bullet. If you are not looking for a long range gun and want a 33 just get a .338wm.

This season we had 2 friends in with them. Pronghorn at 296, 480, 816 and 820 yds. Later on deer and elk at over 500. Another deer at 974.

The 416 barrett is very expensive to shoot, bullets to load are expensive and you cannot load it to factory velocity with available data or powders.

--------------------
To live life as it is handed to me from God

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Tatume
.400 member

Reged: 09/06/07
Posts: 1091
Loc: Gloucester, Va USA

Re: 338 Lapua [Re: Caprivi]
#119385 - 24/11/08 12:08 AM

Quote:

The 416 barrett is very expensive to shoot, bullets to load are expensive and you cannot load it to factory velocity with available data or powders.

According to J. Guthrie, "Shooting Times," January 2009, pg 48-55, the 416 Barrett may be loaded with Hodgdon US 869 or WC 869. No data were given. I have not been able to locate either of these powders, but haven't tried very hard.

However, Guthrie goes on to say that no available commercial bullets will withstand the stresses of being fired in this cartridge. You must use Barrett bullets, at $2 each.

Take care, Tom

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grandveneur
.400 member

Reged: 21/09/08
Posts: 1356
Loc: France / Germany

Re: 338 Lapua [Re: Caprivi]
#119388 - 24/11/08 04:06 AM

The limit for hunting is 500 yards and that is a problem ! Hunting game is not tactical shooting by military actions ! How many animals at wood ?

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Ripp
.577 member

Reged: 19/02/07
Posts: 16072
Loc: Montana, USA

Re: 338 Lapua [Re: Caprivi]
#119395 - 24/11/08 06:23 AM

I am looking for a LONG RANGE gun --which is why I plan to get something along these lines..

Saw the same article mentioned by Tatume--have not had a chance to read it yet--but it did mentioned, I thought, it actually was a better round than the 50 in terms of ballistics..think the mighty 50 might still hold the edge if you are trying to stop a truck at 2000 yards..

Have been looking at several rifles in the .338 Lapua..saw a model by Barrett as well as Sako and several others including I believe Kimber...

Out of my league on this as to who offers some of the most accurate in this caliber/rifle combo...any suggestions anyone has would be greatly appreciated..

thank you everyone for your info

Ripp

--------------------
ALL MEN DIE, BUT FEW MEN TRULY LIVE..

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Tatume
.400 member

Reged: 09/06/07
Posts: 1091
Loc: Gloucester, Va USA

Re: 338 Lapua [Re: Ripp]
#119402 - 24/11/08 08:04 AM

1000 Yard World Record 4.2" for ten shots with a 6mm BR, Hornady 105 A-MAX bullets. The nut behind the trigger (Kyle Brown) worked well that day.

For terrific long-range performance with match bullets (220 & 240 gr Sierra MK at about 3000 fps), the 30-378 Wby is hard to beat. Also, the 338 Lapua with the 300 gr Sierra MK at 2750 fps works well.

Using hunting bullets in these two, you can expect almost 1700 fps remaining at 1000 yards with the 200 gr Sierra SBT, and over 1500 fps with the 250 gr Sierra SBT.

Hunting-weight rifles chambered for these cartridges may be built. The Barrett M99 weighs 25 lbs, before the scope is installed.

The M99 in 416 Barrett has the most speed and bullets with the best BC. It all depends on what you need (want). The article in "Shooting Times" reports on a most impressive rifle and cartridge. It should be tons of fun.

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DoubleD
.400 member

Reged: 23/11/03
Posts: 2438
Loc: Retired in Oklahoma

Re: 338 Lapua [Re: Tatume]
#119404 - 24/11/08 08:15 AM

The first question to ask is what is the target? That will determine what bullet you need.

--------------------
DD, Ret.

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Tatume
.400 member

Reged: 09/06/07
Posts: 1091
Loc: Gloucester, Va USA

Re: 338 Lapua [Re: DoubleD]
#119413 - 24/11/08 11:02 AM

Ripp,

There is a good article on the 416 Barrett cartridge, M99 rifle, and BORS calculator in the July 2008 issue of "Precision Shooting." PM your mailing address and I'll send it to you.

Take care, Tom

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mehulkamdar
.416 member

Reged: 09/01/04
Posts: 3688
Loc: State of Ill-Annoy USA.

Re: 338 Lapua [Re: Ripp]
#119417 - 24/11/08 01:25 PM

Ripp,

The 338 Lapua's designer JTomlinson is a member here and you won't find a nicer person to talk to. Just PM Jonathan with whatever queries you may have.

Of course, you must post pics of the rifle when it is built.

Good hunting!

--------------------
The Ark was made by amateurs. Experts built the Titanic.

Mehul Kamdar

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SharpsNitro
.375 member

Reged: 12/08/08
Posts: 729
Loc: Arizona, USA

Re: 338 Lapua [Re: Ripp]
#119461 - 25/11/08 08:18 AM

The new Barret 98Bravo looks interesting. Take a look at the Blaser LRS-2 Tactical (I think that's the current designation). I had one in .308 and it was amazingly accurate, I came close to getting the .338 in it's place but decided to build an M14/M1A instead. The Blaser was very easy to load for, it seemed to shoot any quality load well.

Although I wouldn't buy a new one, the Dakota Longbow had a pretty good reputation, last year there seemed to be a number of them for sale on gunsamerica. On the hunting rifle side of things, I saw a Dakota Traveler that had .338 Lapaua and .416 Rigby barrels on gunbroker a few months ago (since sold), that would have been a pretty nice setup.

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btm_54
.224 member

Reged: 24/11/08
Posts: 5
Loc: NSW, Australia

Re: 338 Lapua [Re: SharpsNitro]
#119485 - 25/11/08 10:16 PM

Another option is the 408 Cheytac.
Tere are different brands exhibited on you tube that you can watch in action.

--------------------
Regards, btm_54

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Caprivi
.375 member

Reged: 30/09/08
Posts: 811
Loc: America's Serengeti, Buffalo W...

Re: 338 Lapua [Re: btm_54]
#119561 - 27/11/08 02:20 AM

The 408 has the same trouble as the Barret in that the bullets are expensive and very limited. The 375 Chey-Tac is a better option and I have seen the results at 3000yds.

Here is the 338 lapua in action at our place. 480 and 820yds

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0LAEOJbyklI

--------------------
To live life as it is handed to me from God

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tkv000
.300 member

Reged: 02/01/08
Posts: 118
Loc: Canada

Re: 338 Lapua [Re: SharpsNitro]
#119579 - 27/11/08 09:43 AM

Why wouldn't you buy a new one? Poorer quality? or just price wise?

Quote:

The new Barret 98Bravo looks interesting. Take a look at the Blaser LRS-2 Tactical (I think that's the current designation). I had one in .308 and it was amazingly accurate, I came close to getting the .338 in it's place but decided to build an M14/M1A instead. The Blaser was very easy to load for, it seemed to shoot any quality load well.

Although I wouldn't buy a new one, the Dakota Longbow had a pretty good reputation, last year there seemed to be a number of them for sale on gunsamerica. On the hunting rifle side of things, I saw a Dakota Traveler that had .338 Lapaua and .416 Rigby barrels on gunbroker a few months ago (since sold), that would have been a pretty nice setup.

--------------------
"…and behold a pale horse: and his name that sat on him was Death, and Hell followed with him,"

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SharpsNitro
.375 member

Reged: 12/08/08
Posts: 729
Loc: Arizona, USA

Re: 338 Lapua [Re: tkv000]
#119701 - 29/11/08 03:52 AM

Quote:

Why wouldn't you buy a new one? Poorer quality? or just price wise?

Quote:

The new Barret 98Bravo looks interesting. Take a look at the Blaser LRS-2 Tactical (I think that's the current designation). I had one in .308 and it was amazingly accurate, I came close to getting the .338 in it's place but decided to build an M14/M1A instead. The Blaser was very easy to load for, it seemed to shoot any quality load well.

Although I wouldn't buy a new one, the Dakota Longbow had a pretty good reputation, last year there seemed to be a number of them for sale on gunsamerica. On the hunting rifle side of things, I saw a Dakota Traveler that had .338 Lapaua and .416 Rigby barrels on gunbroker a few months ago (since sold), that would have been a pretty nice setup.

I don't know how stable Dakota is after their recent experience with bankruptcy.

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Ripp
.577 member

Reged: 19/02/07
Posts: 16072
Loc: Montana, USA

Re: 338 Lapua [Re: mehulkamdar]
#134628 - 06/05/09 11:30 AM

Quote:

Ripp,

The 338 Lapua's designer JTomlinson is a member here and you won't find a nicer person to talk to. Just PM Jonathan with whatever queries you may have.

Of course, you must post pics of the rifle when it is built.

Good hunting!

Made the leap of faith so to speak...Got a Sako TRg-42 in .338 Lapua...

Heard they are going to be short on supply for a while so grabbed one yesterday---will be getting it shipped to a gun shop here as I had to get one out of state...actually in Idaho---so, 9.3, I am helping the economy in your state...

Read quite a bit on the gun and heard more good than bad--now all I need to do is order brass, bullets, powder, etc.....let the games begin...

Can't wait to start shooting game at over 1500 yards...

I AM KIDDING...would never attempt that even if I could..unless it was a wolf...

Ripp

--------------------
ALL MEN DIE, BUT FEW MEN TRULY LIVE..

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Ripp
.577 member

Reged: 19/02/07
Posts: 16072
Loc: Montana, USA

Re: 338 Lapua [Re: Caprivi]
#134629 - 06/05/09 11:38 AM

Quote:

If you are looking for a long range (700yds plus)I think it is the best balance of caliber, velocity, recoil, bullet construction, barrel life, potential accuracy, brass life, brass cost.
They work well with a 27 28" barrel and the 300gr smk is a stellar target and GAME bullet. If you are not looking for a long range gun and want a 33 just get a .338wm.

This season we had 2 friends in with them. Pronghorn at 296, 480, 816 and 820 yds. Later on deer and elk at over 500. Another deer at 974.

The 416 barrett is very expensive to shoot, bullets to load are expensive and you cannot load it to factory velocity with available data or powders.

Any idea what they were using for loads, bullets., etc?? One source has told me to use 250gr Sierra's...

Thx

Ripp

--------------------
ALL MEN DIE, BUT FEW MEN TRULY LIVE..

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DuggaBoy
.300 member

Reged: 03/03/09
Posts: 106
Loc: Tx

Re: 338 Lapua [Re: Ripp]
#134630 - 06/05/09 11:40 AM

Rip,
Currently shooting the .338LM in the Blaser TAC-2 and LOVIN IT.
Also shooting the .308 in the LRS-2 and having an equai amount of fun.
Dial in the come-up and bang the gong, 350, 500, 750, 1000

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DuggaBoy
.300 member

Reged: 03/03/09
Posts: 106
Loc: Tx

Re: 338 Lapua [Re: Ripp]
#134631 - 06/05/09 11:41 AM

BTW, just emailed Walt Berger--.338's by late 09 with any luck.

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Ripp
.577 member

Reged: 19/02/07
Posts: 16072
Loc: Montana, USA

Re: 338 Lapua [Re: DuggaBoy]
#134634 - 06/05/09 12:29 PM

Quote:

Rip,
Currently shooting the .338LM in the Blaser TAC-2 and LOVIN IT.
Also shooting the .308 in the LRS-2 and having an equai amount of fun.
Dial in the come-up and bang the gong, 350, 500, 750, 1000

You mind sharing your recipe?? You can PM if you wish..

As to Berger--was told that today as well--

Just picked up some Bergers today for my 300 Ultra-mag...want to try them and work up a load for it as well..

Ripp

--------------------
ALL MEN DIE, BUT FEW MEN TRULY LIVE..

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9.3x57
.450 member

Reged: 22/04/07
Posts: 5522
Loc: United States

Re: 338 Lapua [Re: Ripp]
#134655 - 06/05/09 03:24 PM

Hey RIPP:

We felt the boost!!

Make sure to post your impressions. Neat cartridge.

Either of these powders work?

http://www.gibrass.com/

--------------------
What are the Rosary, the Cross or the Crucifix other than tools to help maintain the fortress of our faith in Jesus Christ, the Son of God?

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kamilaroi
.400 member

Reged: 18/12/04
Posts: 1803
Loc: sydney, new south wales, Austr...

Re: 338 Lapua [Re: mehulkamdar]
#134661 - 06/05/09 03:56 PM

Quote:

Ripp,

The 338 Lapua's designer JTomlinson is a member here and you won't find a nicer person to talk to. Just PM Jonathan with whatever queries you may have.

Of course, you must post pics of the rifle when it is built.

Good hunting!

I think JT wrote a piece on the Lapua for an english mag abt 20 years back?

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Der_Jaeger
.375 member

Reged: 09/10/08
Posts: 607
Loc: SE Pennsylvania

Re: 338 Lapua [Re: kamilaroi]
#134672 - 06/05/09 08:52 PM

Congrats on your Sako TRG, Ripp! Awesome gun and great looks, too. I've heard many good things about that rifle and cartridge combo. I guarantee that once you set it up with Near bases and rings, a Nightforce scope, Nightforce ballistics program, and a Kestrel wind montor, you'll be laughing all day long as you hit targets at 1000 yards plus....with practice. What Caprivi mentions above is true. I was there.

Cool gun

--------------------

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Ripp
.577 member

Reged: 19/02/07
Posts: 16072
Loc: Montana, USA

Re: 338 Lapua [Re: 9.3x57]
#134676 - 06/05/09 09:08 PM

Quote:

Hey RIPP:

We felt the boost!!

Make sure to post your impressions. Neat cartridge.

Either of these powders work?

http://www.gibrass.com/

9.3

I'll check it out...

Once I get her lined out and shooting will let you know what I think..

Take care

Ripp

--------------------
ALL MEN DIE, BUT FEW MEN TRULY LIVE..

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Ripp
.577 member

Reged: 19/02/07
Posts: 16072
Loc: Montana, USA

Re: 338 Lapua [Re: Der_Jaeger]
#134677 - 06/05/09 09:13 PM

Quote:

Congrats on your Sako TRG, Ripp! Awesome gun and great looks, too. I've heard many good things about that rifle and cartridge combo. I guarantee that once you set it up with Near bases and rings, a Nightforce scope, Nightforce ballistics program, and a Kestrel wind montor, you'll be laughing all day long as you hit targets at 1000 yards plus....with practice. What Caprivi mentions above is true. I was there.

Cool gun

I did order a Nightforce--5.5-22 for it..had not read up on the ballistice program by NF before talking to them yesterday..so, ordered that as well--

Kind of excited about it...not sure why, really didn't need it..but then again, need has nothing to do with it I guess...

Ripp

--------------------
ALL MEN DIE, BUT FEW MEN TRULY LIVE..

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gryphon
.450 member

Reged: 01/01/03
Posts: 5487
Loc: Sambar ground/Victoria/Austral...

Re: 338 Lapua [Re: Ripp]
#134719 - 07/05/09 05:19 AM

heres an H S Precision with a Zeiss Diaviri Victory T*FL 6-24x72 scope (what a scope) mounts are tad high though.

--------------------
Get off the chair away from the desk and get out in the bush and enjoy life.

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