Desert Tactical SRS .338 Lapua

[Zak Smith]

_Bullet_           _BC_ _MV_         0     250     500     750    1000    1250 | YARDS
338LM 300         0.77* 2700 >    0.00    2.61   11.00   26.18   49.34   81.98 | wind (inches)
7RM 180           0.684 2950 >    0.00    2.60   11.01   26.26   49.65   82.82 | wind (inches)
338LM 250         0.675 2950 >    0.00    2.64   11.17   26.67   50.49   84.30 | wind (inches)
7RM 168           0.643 3050 >    0.00    2.64   11.23   26.88   51.03   85.48 | wind (inches)
300WM 210BER      0.633 2900 >    0.00    2.89   12.30   29.53   56.21   94.32 | wind (inches)
243WIN 115 DTAC   0.585 3100 >    0.00    2.86   12.19   29.39   56.21   94.89 | wind (inches)
260 139           0.615 2800 >    0.00    3.14   13.38   32.20   61.52  103.35 | wind (inches)
300 190           0.53* 2950 >    0.00    3.39   14.59   35.55   68.92  117.61 | wind (inches)
308 155           0.508 2900 >    0.00    3.66   15.82   38.68   75.13  127.84 | wind (inches)
308 175 FED       0.51* 2650 >    0.00    4.27   18.56   45.74   89.14  150.37 | wind (inches)

338LM 300         0.77* 2700 >   -0.00    0.76    2.70    5.05    7.82   11.12 | drop (mil)
7RM 180           0.684 2950 >   -0.00    0.59    2.23    4.25    6.69    9.62 | drop (mil)
338LM 250         0.675 2950 >   -0.00    0.59    2.24    4.27    6.73    9.70 | drop (mil)
7RM 168           0.643 3050 >   -0.00    0.54    2.08    4.01    6.36    9.23 | drop (mil)
300WM 210BER      0.633 2900 >   -0.00    0.63    2.37    4.55    7.21   10.49 | drop (mil)
243WIN 115 DTAC   0.585 3100 >   -0.00    0.52    2.05    4.00    6.42    9.44 | drop (mil)
260 139           0.615 2800 >   -0.00    0.71    2.60    4.99    7.94   11.61 | drop (mil)
300 190           0.53* 2950 >   -0.00    0.62    2.38    4.68    7.62   11.42 | drop (mil)
308 155           0.508 2900 >   -0.00    0.66    2.53    4.98    8.16   12.33 | drop (mil)
308 175 FED       0.51* 2650 >   -0.00    0.87    3.17    6.24   10.28   15.61 | drop (mil)

338LM 300         0.77* 2700 >    2700    2433    2182    1946    1725    1523 | velocity (fps)
7RM 180           0.684 2950 >    2950    2635    2341    2068    1815    1584 | velocity (fps)
338LM 250         0.675 2950 >    2950    2631    2334    2058    1802    1570 | velocity (fps)
7RM 168           0.643 3050 >    3050    2709    2392    2098    1827    1581 | velocity (fps)
300WM 210BER      0.633 2900 >    2900    2564    2253    1966    1701    1469 | velocity (fps)
243WIN 115 DTAC   0.585 3100 >    3100    2723    2375    2054    1762    1502 | velocity (fps)
260 139           0.615 2800 >    2800    2462    2150    1863    1602    1378 | velocity (fps)
300 190           0.53* 2950 >    2950    2550    2184    1848    1548    1296 | velocity (fps)
308 155           0.508 2900 >    2900    2485    2109    1768    1472    1236 | velocity (fps)
308 175 FED       0.51* 2650 >    2650    2249    1887    1560    1293    1106 | velocity (fps)

 

[Maverick223]

Few thoughts. First of all, barrels and consumable "wear" items, like brass. The action, stock, and optic are the constant base around which you finish the system with a barrel, brass, bullets, etc. If you are locked into getting barrels from only one vendor (you allude to them possibly dropping the .338LM), then aren't you going to be totally stuck with a useless rifle system if the company ever obsoletes the product, goes out of business, decides to drop your caliber, etc?

Thanks, read that on your site too, part of what is leaning me away from the big boy. Also thanks for the easy to read comparison you put together. I appreciate you (and everyone else) sticking with me. If it weren't for you guys I would have to listen to the "snipers" at the local gunshop (one suggested the Simmons I eluded to above as glass for the new gun ).

 

[Albert A Rasch]

Howdy Fellows,

Thought I would throw a couple more thoughts out.

As the DT SRS is a sniper system, I doubt they would drop the 338LM.

If it where me, (and I was considering the SRS), I would definitely go for the 308 first and hone my skills at relatively low cost. You can handload specialized loads with less expensive components too.

On the other hand, if you already own an accurate 308 then go ahead and drop the loot on the 338LM. Order a couple hundred Lapua brass, and whatever bullet you prefer. The net is full of recipes.

Zak sounds like he knows what's up so I would mind his tutelage.

Regards,
Albert A Rasch
The Rasch Outdoor Chronicles
The Range Reviews: Tactical

 

[Maverick223]

Thanks Al, IMHO my .270WSM is has the potential to have superior range than a .308, so I don't really want a .308. The problem with my A-bolt is ammo, as no one (that I am aware) of makes match .270WSM, or even .270 match bullets. The .270WSM has a great BC and will reach out there quite well (almost as good as a .308 match grade, with less adjustments necessary) and with decent accuracy, however the .300WM or the .338LM will offer quite a bit more range and oomph. And I like oomph, I mean who doesn't right?

 

[gvnwst]

Best idea is like Zak said, get the .308 and rebarrel it. The .260 is a very good cartridge, or the 6.5x47 lapua if you like the prospect of better brass without any forming. (only brass IIRC though, so ALL of it will be expensive, no cheap option, and nosler makes good .260 brass...really hard to find and EXPENSIVE though)

 

[Maverick223]

Sorry for the slow response, had a long day yesterday and passed out early. As I stated above (getting long I know...) I would rather stay away from the .308 just because it has a rather short barrel, also I don't really care for wildcats or uncommon cartridges as brass is often difficult to obtain and factory loads are not available. Back to work...

 

[Hostile Amish]

"soooo cheap @ <$2k."

Rem 700 in 338 RUM = $850

 

[mcwjr13]

Just eat ramen for the rest of the year sell your car buy a bike and buy two. One in .300wm and one in .338 lapua. Then maintain your diet and exercise routine to feed them and get optics. You know you've thought about it. Tell you what you buy them and I'll be a nice guy and buy gas and ammo for a weekend of shooting.

$3,693 .338lm
$3,518 .300wm
$5398 two Schmidt & Bender 3-12 x 50
$398 two Storm cases
$392 two sets of scope rings
$196 for two harris bi-pods
$170 an extra mag for each
$170 two Tactical Intervention Slings

$13,935 plus ammo range finder and spotting scope

 

[gvnwst]

also I don't really care for wildcats or uncommon cartridges as brass is often difficult to obtain and factory loads are not available. Back to work...

Well, IF you are talking about .260.....:shakeshead: You are saying that you don't want to go with a .260, yet you are wanting to go with a .338LM or RUM??? That is WAY harder to get brass and ammo for than any .308 based cartridge. If you just don't like the .260, there is always the .243, but it burns barrels faster, so there is no real reason to get it.

 

[Maverick223]

Tell you what you buy them and I'll be a nice guy and buy gas and ammo for a weekend of shooting.

Thanks...alot of gas from Texas Don't need two entire systems though as the SRS is made to readily change bbl and caliber, and you can even use the same scope, et al.

Well, IF you are talking about .260...

No, sorry for the confusion (was at work with a little spare time) referring to the 6.5x47 Lapua... the .260 isn't that bad, and you are right about the .338LM. Another concern is the cost to make a custom bbl (I am pretty sure it won't be as cheap and easy as re-chambering/barreling a Rem 700). The .243 is not out of the question, however as you mentioned it eats barrels quicker than the Magnum without the added oomph (although it is pretty flat, and bucks the wind pretty nicely). IIRC the cost ammo for the .243 is about = 300WM, and that is enough to sway me to the larger cartridge.

 

[Maverick223]

Does anyone know the twist rate on any of the DT SRS rifles (especially the .243)? The twist will make a great deal of difference in that cartridge, although I would imagine it equal to or greater than a 1:9 twist.

 

[gvnwst]

Okay, sorry. The 6.5x47 is really the ballistic twin of the .260, i personally just like it. (might be because i am part europian, i dunno) As for it being easier to re-chamber a 700......no way. A barrel is a barrel, unless there is some sort of fancy system that this rifle has that would need to be added. Then, it is just that system, to rechamber, you go out and buy a .264" barrel, and have a gunsmith chamber it. You might actually be able to go and buy a prechambered .260 barrel, but if you prefer to go with some specifics that barrel/chamber don't have.....

 

[Maverick223]

I realize it is difficult to remove the bbl of the Rem 700...what I am referring to is the multitude of barrels available for them. The SRS requires a pretty specific bbl to work properly (to be able to break it down), and I don't know how easily one may be obtained.

 

[gvnwst]

Okay, i just looked up what the SRS is, seems i had gotten this rifle confused for another. For barrels, email them and ask how easy it would be to make a barrel work with their system, as you would like it in .260 rem. (if you do...)

what I am referring to is the multitude of barrels available for them

Now, pretty much all barrels available, as in blanks, can me made to work with the 700, you just take the barrel, and turn it down to the correct size, thread it, and screw it into the reciever. So, a barrel blank that will work with a 700 will work with a multitude of other bolties.

 

[Maverick223]

For barrels, email them and ask how easy it would be to make a barrel work with their system, as you would like it in .260 rem. (if you do...)

I'll have to do that this weekend, the internet is sloooow here (at hotel in Charleston - business trip) and it takes too much effort. Thanks gvnwst...

 

[gunnie]

Information, pls...

...."Thanks...alot of gas from Texas Don't need two entire systems though as the SRS is made to readily change bbl and caliber, and you can even use the same scope, et al."....

seen a lot of these QC bbl offerings in the gun porn mags lately, have always wondered at how repeatably a mechanical connection would retain the n'th of a degree of accuracy you're paying the extra premium for.

strikes me that at some point the wear of just changing the (metal-to-metal fit) components would degrade the trueness they are designed/over-engineered for.

might be talking as one who didn't take the time to research this particular system, but can't envision one same wouldn't eventually happen to.

if your still following this , Zak, any long term reports on these QC bbl units you can tell me of?

just curious.

gunnie

 

[1911shooter]

I would strongly reccomend a Weatherby Accu-Mark in 30-378wby or 338-378wby i have one of each and they are wonderfully accurate even at long range. with the factory ACCU brake installed they are very managable, with out then your own your own as they generate recoil that can and will cause retinal detachment. but there is no better calibers that i can think of for long range anything.
Now that being said i do own a Sako trg 42 in .338 lapua magnum and a custom Mcbros, .50 caliber bolt gun, as well as a Chey-Tac in .416 Chey-tac. these are great guns and i shoot them often but i have learned a long time ago most people can not handle large bore magnums no matter what they think recoil is tremendous and the cost to feed they is staggering. back to the 30-378 and 338-378wby's with the brakes installed my oldest son hunt deer with the 338-378wby he love it and as we own 1,123 acres and 1,010 is open land he has taken 4 deer well over 600yrds with this rifle the farthest is a lasered 612yrds. he is only 15yrd he is 5'8" 215lbs.

 

[Maverick223]

Thanks to all, I'll be brief, as I am currently on the I-state heading back home (not driving); but I really want to stay with the SRS simply because of the bullpup configuration. I know that many despise them but I love the practicality and comfort that they offer. I am curious about the effect of pulling and replacing the bbl frequently (although I don't see me using that feature often) as well as the twist rates for the SRS. Zak, you with me? Thanks yawl.

 

[Zak Smith]

[The SRS requires a pretty specific bbl to work properly (to be able to break it down), and I don't know how easily one may be obtained.

This is what I was referring to when I said,
. If you are locked into getting barrels from only one vendor (you allude to them possibly dropping the .338LM), then aren't you going to be totally stuck with a useless rifle system if the company ever obsoletes the product, goes out of business, decides to drop your caliber, etc?

if your still following this , Zak, any long term reports on these QC bbl units you can tell me of?

I don't have any first-hand experience with "precision" rifles with quick-change barrels, OTHER than those that just screw on the conventional way but have constant headspace (ie, like the AI).

t I love the practicality and comfort that they offer. I am curious about the effect of pulling and replacing the bbl frequently

For screw-on systems, as long as it was done properly, I bet you could remove/replace it every month and not ever have a problem.

but I really want to stay with the SRS simply because of the bullpup configuration. I know that many despise them but I love the practicality and comfort that they offer.

Well, there are a lot of really "practical" and "comfortable" rifles out there that aren't bull-pups, but it sounds like you're really stuck on the SRS. That's OK. We all buy rifles from time to time because we just want them. However, it's usually not the cheapest way to achieve some utilitarian ends nor always the best solution to the problem.

 

[Maverick223]

We all buy rifles from time to time because we just want them. However, it's usually not the cheapest way to achieve some utilitarian ends nor always the best solution to the problem.

You got me nailed...I do really like the SRS, the more I see/handle other systems the more I like the SRS. I think it just fits me, however I think you are right about the price (other weapons would cost the same and include alot of ammo to go with them). I really appreciate the help from someone that doesn't...

have any first-hand experience with "precision" rifles

Thanks, will you still be my friend?

 

[Albert A Rasch]

Me and the 308.
​

You'll be happy with the 300WM if that's what you want, then just get the 338LM barrel and magazine when you're ready. It's headspaced and ready to go into the receiver.



One scope is all you need.

Regards,
Albert A Rasch
The Rasch Outdoor Chronicles
The Range Reviews: Tactical

 

[Maverick223]

Thanks Al, I really appreciate your input, considering that you have handled and fired the SRS. A few questions though: Do you know the twist rate of any of the SRS versions (especially the .243)? What rings did you use (if DT rings, what MOA was used on the SRS you fired)? I was thinking of using 40 MOA. Finally, can you repost the pics (I was unable to view)?

 

[Albert A Rasch]

That's odd the pics were there last night...

I'll tell you what, let me post them on my blog, give me till tomorrow (Sunday) PM. In the mean time, I'll try and get those answers for you.

Twist Rates:

243- 1 in 7.5
308 - 1 in 11
300WM - 1 in 11
338LM - 1 in 10

The SRS uses proprietary rings suitable for any scope with an objective lens 56mm or smaller. They come with 40, 35, or 20MOA and unfortunately I don't recall which they were.


I'll post those pics at The Range Reviews: Tactical tomorrow.

Regards,
Albert A Rasch
The Rasch Outdoor Chronicles
The Range Reviews: Tactical

 

[Albert A Rasch]

Pictures are up.

Desert Tactical Arms SRS

Regards,
Albert A Rasch
The Rasch Outdoor Chronicles
The Range Reviews: Tactical

 

[Javelin]

Good points made in this thread.

Really give it some serious thought. But if you really want one just because and you have the deep pockets for a round that serves a very limited and specialized role then I say go for it.