Is .338 Lapua Mag overkill for 700 yard shooting?

[Maverick223]

if you thread it and get a muzzle, purchase some serious ear protection because a 338 with a muzzle is going to be very very very very loud.

First welcome to THR, blackops; now that was an interesting statement...I personally wouldn't have a gun without a muzzle (not to be confused with a muzzle brake)...where would you aim?

Which is better, .408 cheytac or .416 Barrett, if I may be indulged with a sidebar?

Doc, I have heard that the .408 Cheytac performs better at longer ranges, but dang if I can afford to play with either, so it is just heresay.

 

[RugerOldArmy]

Well, he can but it. Learn to regret it. Then some masochist can buy it more cheaply.

 

[freakshow10mm]

.408 CT stays supersonic for longer ranges, has less drop than the .416, and retains more energy than the .416.

The .338 Lapua, 416 Barrett, and 50 BMG are fine and dandy but the 408 CT is definitely up and coming as the long range performer.

 

[saturno_v]

There is one huge difference between the 338 Lapua (ore any of the hyper 338s like the 338-378 and the 338 RUM) and the 408 Chey Tac, 416, and 50 BMG.

The super 338s are still chambered in rifles that you can really put on a shoulder sling and light enough that you can log them around like any other hunting rifle.

And they all can be had in sub $2000 guns (the 338 RUM for under $1000).


The 408, 416 and 50 is an entire different category; rifles chambered for these rounds cannot really be considered shoulder fired weapons, basically you can only shoot from the bench with support, they are very heavy and there is nothing even remotely around 2K in price other than some single shot AR based conversion, as far as I know....not to mention the cost of the optics able to take that kind of beating....

This is where I personally draw the line.....I stop at shoulder fired rifles that you can hike with and you do not need a mortgage to buy them...

 

[noob_shooter]

7mm ultra mag is probably better in my opinion

 

[bryanZ06]

Thanks for all the insight guys. I haven't decided what I'm going to do yet, but keep the info coming.

 

[MTMilitiaman]

Actually, the 7mm RUM is probably the least useful and the most specialized of the Ultra Mags.

The .338 RUM is probably the best matched in terms of capacity to bore diameter. The .300 is useful for those looking for a .300 Magnum, but anything it can do, the .338 can do better, whether it be hunting or long range shooting. The 7mm is very overbore, which typically leads to finicky cartridges that are hard to load accurately for, can show larger standard deviations in velocities, have lower brass and barrel life, ect. While I don't doubt that a 180 gr .284 caliber Berger VLD at the velocities the 7mm RUM could push it at would be an outstanding long range performer, I don't see it beating a 300 gr Sierra out of the .338, at least at any real distance.

 

[freakshow10mm]

I'd opt for the 7mm STW if going to a 7mm cartridge.

 

[blackops]

Was watching The Mil. Channel, and they had the top ten in sniper rifles. Three were in Lapua. I didn't see all that much recoil. Actually looked kind of mild.

Your most likely right. When they shoot recoil doesn't seem bad. Also when you watched them shoot the 408 cheytac, 416 barret, and the 50 bmg it seriously doesn't look that bad either. Remember the average cost of a military sniper rifle is 8k-12k$ I think that plays a part as far as recoil goes. If you watch them they can shoot the M107 50 bmg and still keep their eye in the scope, something tells me not all 50 cals are capable of being that smooth.

 

[blackops]

First welcome to THR, blackops; now that was an interesting statement...I personally wouldn't have a gun without a muzzle (not to be confused with a muzzle brake)...where would you aim?

I haven't even made six post and already a moderator has to play king of knowledge and of the forum. Notice how everybody understood my statement, but the only person to comment directly to that point is a moderator. Always pointing out the most unimportant flaws as if they are perfect. I guess because its their job they have nothing better to do then nit pick peoples threads and the vocabulary. neener: Anyways MUZZLE BRAKE for those who were confused.

 

[Maverick223]

Was watching The Mil. Channel, and they had the top ten in sniper rifles. Three were in Lapua. I didn't see all that much recoil. Actually looked kind of mild.

My new rifle made no. 6, but I don't agree with the decision. I don't think it should have made the list because it isn't proven in battle...or in any military/LE Agency to date. It is still in testing.

 

[Wes Janson]

It's absolutely not overkill. At that distance you're starting to push .308, whereas .338 is still going strong. If you want to shoot small groups, and that's the distance you plan on shooting, then the .338 will definitely serve you better.

 

[Cohibra45]

I'll have to throw in the 338-06 and the 338-06 AI for those that are looking at the 338 caliber!!!

Not much more thump than the ol' 30-06 and much less than the 338 Mags. Good bullet performance out to the yardage you are shooting!!!

The only downside, if you can call it a downside, is they are a handloading proposition. But then you get the benefit of getting the load just right for the rifle you are shooting!!!

 

[Maverick223]

I don't think the .338-06 is nearly fast enough to be a viable long range cartridge, fine for hunting though.

 

[Arkel23]

No gun is overkill for big game.

 

[gvnwst]

The .338 Lapua, 416 Barrett, and 50 BMG are fine and dandy but the 408 CT is definitely up and coming as the long range performer.

I beg to differ, the REALLY upcoming performer is the .375 CT. Better all around ballistics and a more commen bullet size, less recoil, ect.

 

[Kind of Blued]

'Overkill' is a term invented by wussies.

That said, I'd get the .308.

 

[bryanZ06]

Thanks for all the advice, but as of today the TRG is on hold since I have a new Steyr AUG on the way. It's one of those things that I just happened to find and had to have. I'm REALLY bad about doing that sometimes.

I'll make sure to post a thread once it gets here and I have a chance to run some rounds through it.

 

[Maverick223]

new Steyr AUG

?? A new made by Steyr AUG?, a new to me made by Steyr AUG?, or a AUG Clone?

Either way better decision I would say...at least for right now.

 

[bryanZ06]

It's a Steyr branded AUG made here by Sabre Defense to get around the nonsense import laws. I figured I'd get this while I could and leave the bolt action rifles for later.

 

[Maverick223]

I figured I'd get this while I could and leave the bolt action rifles for later.

Good choice...and from all accounts a pretty decent rifle.

 

[xm21]

To answer the OP's question,yes,yes it is.

 

[DAN CARROLL]

338 Lapua

Get it. Im purchasing a wby 338/378 mag and everyone laughs at me but thats what I want and I'm going to be shoot well over 700 yards with mine. I bought a 300 wby and I shoot it at 1000 yards and it holds its own. But if you want that caliber get it. And who cares about ammo price. A box of wby 338/378 is 130.00 for a box of 20.

 

[MTMilitiaman]

Who cares about ammo price?

Those of us who can't afford $130 for 20 rounds!

And for the record, you're getting hosed. My dad reloads .50 BMG for well under $130/20. Same with his .338 RUM.