As I’ve been social distancing the last couple weeks mainly at the range, I’ve decided I’m wanting something to get into the elr game. I have a 338 edge that is an absolute hammer but I’d like something to realistically play out beyond the 2k mark! Likely will never attend a competition just for my own personal pleasure at a private farm range. So the question is, is the 375 cheytac the best option or is there other choices that will get out to those ranges accurately? So what would you folks build? Thanks!
Cheytac or something similar
- Thread starter Muley chaser 2345
- Start date
The term 'realistic' is part of the key to offering suggestions to your question, pragmatic is the other one.
How far can you safely shoot right now?
What are your aspirations right now?
What is your realistic budget?
Do you own or have access to: accurate rangefinder, spotting scope, target cameras?
Budget sort of controls all other desires. Stepping up from .338 to .375, especially considering solid Match bullets will put a definite hurt on some budgets. Longer barrels with possibly faster twists can take longer to order. Bigger cartridges for more horsepower will cost more per case. Powder will cost more due to increase in volume. Everything will cost more.
The .338 Edge is an excellent cartridge but has limits like any other cartridge. You can use a slightly smaller step up by considering the 33XC from David Tubb or the .338-378 WBY given the similar capacity. Or...
Just go for all the gusto and select one of the really big .375 cases. Remember dies (usually custom) reamers, HS gauges, powder selection. Bigger stocks, bigger actions and a muzzle brake is required. Might need a bigger press?
Enjoy the process!
currently we have targets set up in 50 yard increments out to 1000 from the mAin bench from there we just move back and either take a portable bench or shoot prone to the yardage we want we could move back as far as two miles and still have shots at the targets so room is not a problem! Currently we shoot regularly to a mile I’ll never claim I’m capable of hitting at that range every time but I feel like we have a good percentage of hits now the 2k mark it gets to be a crap shoot on making hits hence why I am wondering about stepping up to something bigger! I understand no cartridge is a magic ticket to making hits I’m just thinking it will up the odds if I make the proper doors and wind calls! Budget wise I was figuring it would cost in the 10k range to get something built is that about right? I have been looking into to 37 Xc seems promising?
I was ready to go for the 37xc until I saw the 390 grain hornady a tips . Now I am thinking I might want
cheytac horse power . Going the xc rout didnt seem to save much. Brass is 32 cents a round cheaper. Dies are about
the same. You will pay for the extra 100 FPS, it may or may not be worth it
cheytac horse power . Going the xc rout didnt seem to save much. Brass is 32 cents a round cheaper. Dies are about
the same. You will pay for the extra 100 FPS, it may or may not be worth it
I have been running the 37XC out to about 2,500 yds. but I think when you really want to go further from the start you need to make a bigger step up to the .375 CheyTac. I understand the fascination with the A-Tips but the solids outpace them at these distances.
I started shooting the CT with Lehigh 353 gr. then tried the Warner 361 gr. and finally the Warner 400 gr. Out of these I have the most confidence in the Lehigh 353 gr. but I can load and shoot all three. This is a 36" barrel with a self designed brake.
An important consideration at this point is the scope and rail. I'm more comfortable with an adjustable rail but these can get pricey. When trying to run to the ultimate 2 miles I think you have to have something like the Charlie Tarac on your scope. Then think through the scope because here is a substantial amount of money when you jump up with the big boys to play.
Actions will run from $2,000 - $2,600
Scope $2,000 - $4,000
Adjustable rail $600 - $800
Barrels $700 - $1,000 depending on length and diameter
Stock $1,200 - $2,200 depending on the builder and materials.
Brakes figure $500 installed.
Triggers - pick your poison, I have one Flavio Fare...
Bipod $300 - $1,100
Rangefinder
Spotting Scope
Gunsmithing - call to get a quote from your favorite.
Terry
Gold $$ Contributor
The 37XC will shoot 400gr solids and any A Tip just fine. You don't need a new reloading press with the XC. Look on Long Range Only for more info.
Get yourself a .50 and forget about the rest. Join FCSA and be prepared to invest 10-15K for an accurate rifle.
Terry
Gold $$ Contributor
I load my snipetac on a rock chucker. No special press needed
Finding a place you can shoot it should come FIRST! If you will be shooting alone, you will not be able to spot hits and misses. It is NOT for the lone shooter.
He's got a place to shoot, it's in his second post.
Lone shooters can make ELR shooting work but the equipment list gets a little more expensive. I have a shooting partner but we both have full time work (both self-employed) so there are occasions when we are left to our devices when we're moved to go shoot some targets.
Enter the long range target cams which are available these days. Yes, it's an investment but I think it's stupid to get in the truck to drive 1.4 miles to look at some splashes on a piece of steel plate. Yes, it takes time to set it up correctly and safely. No it's not perfect but see my first response. It takes nearly 4 seconds for my longest shot to reach the steel so I can adjust to see the camera image in plenty of time. No need for a spotter, you learn to adjust and accommodate. The deficit is that a shooting partner might have better capabilities of making wind calls...
Yes, you can shoot the 400s in the 37XC just the same as you can shoot any other heavy for caliber bullet in their respective cartridge cases. And yes, the performance will be adequate. Shooting for personal enjoyment might find adequate to be fulfilling for their desires. On the other hand, if the desire is go beyond 2,000 yards or even 2,500 yards, then you have to reassess the need for horsepower.
Rather than buying twice when you realize that you want/need more, I am suggesting to buy once and bigger from the start. The reason is making the jump from 37XC to .375 CheyTac requires a new action, new barrel, new stock (usually) and sometimes a bigger rest or bipod along with the new components. Sure you can always make something work by compromise but when it's all said and done, will you be satisfied?
B23
Gold $$ Contributor
Take a look at the 375 Terminator by Defensive Edge Rifles. Their 375 Terminator is a CheyTac size case but with a rebated rim that is the same size as 338 Lapua so it doesn't require the much larger action of the regular CheyTac case.
http://defensiveedge.net/index.php/terminator-cartrdige-data/129-375-terminator
I think once that new Hornady 375 cal A-Tip becomes available it could make some of these different 375's much more popular for guys wanting to dip into the ELR world.
http://defensiveedge.net/index.php/terminator-cartrdige-data/129-375-terminator
I think once that new Hornady 375 cal A-Tip becomes available it could make some of these different 375's much more popular for guys wanting to dip into the ELR world.
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Terry
Gold $$ Contributor
Lead core can be easier to tune, and more accurate.
B23
Gold $$ Contributor
Because the solids can often be rather finicky and bore specific. Some barrels they shoot great in, while others, not so much. The new Hornady 375 caliber A-Tip is a conventional cup core bullet that won't have those same issues.
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