I am currently in the process of a 338 Edge build, It is a blueprinted Remington 700 Long Action with longer mag box and BDL floorplate, Manners T4, I believe a Mike Rock 1-10 barrel. I would like you guys input on what scope and mounting system I should go with and barrel length. I will be shooting 300gr SMKs and it is going to be a long range tactical/ long range hunting rifle. I am wanting to push the rifle to its longest effective distance, thanks in advance.
338 Edge Build, Scope Choice
- Thread starter bandit10-4
- Start date
alf
Silver $$ Contributor
Seekins 20 MOA Picatinny base and rings.
As far as what scope, that, most times, is based on budget. Start by looking at available MOA in the models. I'd start with Leupold's 8.5-25x50 LR, and go up from there.
Overall barrel length is based on your weight goal, velocity goal, and balance, which all can be fudged on by contour. I wouldn't go shorter than 28".
Unless your builder is on his first try, he should know which way to push.....
As far as what scope, that, most times, is based on budget. Start by looking at available MOA in the models. I'd start with Leupold's 8.5-25x50 LR, and go up from there.
Overall barrel length is based on your weight goal, velocity goal, and balance, which all can be fudged on by contour. I wouldn't go shorter than 28".
Unless your builder is on his first try, he should know which way to push.....
I am shooting a (TAC338)McMillan built 338 Lapua mag.It was built with a Schneider bbl. @27.5".It comfortably pushes a 300gr SMK @ 2750fps. I must agree on the 20moa base,I am useing a Nightforce 5.5x22 NXS,which has 100moa of elevation.This outfit was a little pricey but I saved for it and got the best money can buy.Very accurate,worth every dime.
When you have the action trued, have your smith open up the mount screw holes to #8, and have him mill drill the holes to insure perfect alignment.
Go with a one piece 20 minute quality steel rail, must be a half dozen good makers advertising on the site. Pick one. When you mount the rail, see if it needs to be bedded, not uncommon with a Remington action. I generally use golf club epoxy to glue in one piece mounts while I'm at it. A heat gun will allow for future removal without overheating the receiver when using golf club epoxy. It also has a high shear strength.
I go with steel rings on my RUMs and larger magnums (yes, larger than a RUM). Same thing, pick a good maker. Four screw rings and a 1/2" mounting nut.
One of the NXS scopes would be a good choice with all the adjustment range. On the other hand I've had a Leupold 8.5 X 25 -50 30mm LRT on a .338 RUM for years and it's stood up to a lot of rounds. Pick your price range, hang on to the warranty card. No scope is indestructible. For accuracy shooting you'll want something that doesn't have a real coarse recticule.
Go with a one piece 20 minute quality steel rail, must be a half dozen good makers advertising on the site. Pick one. When you mount the rail, see if it needs to be bedded, not uncommon with a Remington action. I generally use golf club epoxy to glue in one piece mounts while I'm at it. A heat gun will allow for future removal without overheating the receiver when using golf club epoxy. It also has a high shear strength.
I go with steel rings on my RUMs and larger magnums (yes, larger than a RUM). Same thing, pick a good maker. Four screw rings and a 1/2" mounting nut.
One of the NXS scopes would be a good choice with all the adjustment range. On the other hand I've had a Leupold 8.5 X 25 -50 30mm LRT on a .338 RUM for years and it's stood up to a lot of rounds. Pick your price range, hang on to the warranty card. No scope is indestructible. For accuracy shooting you'll want something that doesn't have a real coarse recticule.
Thanks guys for all the great info, and keep it coming
alf
Silver $$ Contributor
I don't have any first hand knowledge, or a basis for an opinion, just food for thought...
With the heavier steel rings on a already heavy scope, adds to the recoil abuse that a scope is submitted to. So, in theory, aluminum rings and bases adds less. But, steel is tougher, but then, secure is secure. Maybe Fred Bohl or someone else has some real world insight.
I guess I subscribe to the lighter is better theory. I prefer the Seekins rings, also, because they don't have the "ugly" nut on the sides, of which makes removing/ installing easier if needed. Pick your poison....
With the heavier steel rings on a already heavy scope, adds to the recoil abuse that a scope is submitted to. So, in theory, aluminum rings and bases adds less. But, steel is tougher, but then, secure is secure. Maybe Fred Bohl or someone else has some real world insight.
I guess I subscribe to the lighter is better theory. I prefer the Seekins rings, also, because they don't have the "ugly" nut on the sides, of which makes removing/ installing easier if needed. Pick your poison....
The magazine is the week link. Mine is chambered in .338 RUM and I gave up on using hunting bullets longer than a 225 gr. Barnes TTSX. I’m using Wyatt’s long magazine box, with BDL bottom metal, which is barely adequate. Maybe someone knows of a longer magazine. If I were building a .338 Edge, I would plan on it being a single shot.
Bandit10-4
I use a 338 edge w/ 300 gr smk and a 32" barrel (mv 2925 fps) for long range deer hunting-if I was using the Leupold 8.5-25x lr target scope w/72moa of elev I would install a 40 moa tapered base. It depends how far your shooting but even if your shooting 1000 or so it will keep your scope (erector tube) more centered if you go beyond 1000 you will have the elev. I believe you will still be able to shoot 200, but it doesn't matter to me, it might to you. I'm using a Unertl bv20 now, however I will be using the above Leupold in the future on another rifle and will definitely install a 40 moa tapered base.
I use a 338 edge w/ 300 gr smk and a 32" barrel (mv 2925 fps) for long range deer hunting-if I was using the Leupold 8.5-25x lr target scope w/72moa of elev I would install a 40 moa tapered base. It depends how far your shooting but even if your shooting 1000 or so it will keep your scope (erector tube) more centered if you go beyond 1000 you will have the elev. I believe you will still be able to shoot 200, but it doesn't matter to me, it might to you. I'm using a Unertl bv20 now, however I will be using the above Leupold in the future on another rifle and will definitely install a 40 moa tapered base.
If you are still scope shopping, I have a new in the box 4-16x50 Schmidt & Bender in the for sale forum that would save you many many dollars.
MV
MV
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