Settle the Remington .338 Lapua question for me.

[tobnpr]

Prolly 7 or 8 years ago I tried to purchase a Lapua magnum action from Remington (through Brownell's as an FFL) but they were unable to obtain one. It was my understanding that these were not the standard magnum long actions, but I was never able to get details (beefed up lugs? abutments?).

Anyone ever own or work on one of the factory Lapua rifles- was this urban legend, or were they the same magnum long actions used for RUM's etc?

 

[Dusty Stevens]

Same exact action as the RUM but as you can see the bolt nose is scary

 

[DocBII]

Good day,

Went with an action designed for the caliber rather than the Remington offer. Dealer attempted to screw me on the deal, went with a Stiller action for $300 off the cost of a new Remington. Don't regret the decision.

HTH,
DocBII

 

[DaveTooley]

I refuse to build a Lapua size case on a 700. It is at the very max limit for safety, durability and function.

 

[sparky123321]

I owned the Remington Police .338 Lapua years ago. All I can say is that it was the least accurate .338 Lapua I've ever owned, and I've owned 5 or 6(mostly Savages and a Barnard Custom). I sold it off after repeated attempts failed to work up an accurate load for it.

Also, the Remington factory muzzle brake was useless as tits on a bull.

 

[338 Mollett]

I refuse to build a Lapua size case on a 700. It is at the very max limit for safety, durability and function.

^^^^^^ THIS !!!

 

[DiffEQ]

I refuse to build a Lapua size case on a 700. It is at the very max limit for safety, durability and function.

I toyed with the idea of making one on a rem action around 2014. Called Shilen, and they would not chamber a barrel in 338LM for a magnum action, citing safety as the primary reason.

 

[tobnpr]

I concur with not building on the standard magnum action, that wasn't my question- I wanted to know if there was a real difference with them, which is what I'd been told in the past.

Thanks for clarifying.

 

[WSnyder]

As I recall the only difference on the factory built Rem 700 338 Lapua was a very long throat to keep pressure down and of course the extractor and larger bolt face. No bolt diameter, lug, lug abutment or tenon differences as far as I recall. When they came out quite a few people reported on them so I’d think you could search and find some of that original info.

I believe the original rifle models were the XCR & XLR.

Once upon a time I did hoop strength calculations on a 1.060 tenon with the 338 which left you lacking quite a bit. I want to say I also calculated for opening up the action to 1.120 and that wasn’t quite up to par either.

 

[Carl S]

My friend had one.Remington Police everytime he shot it he had his nose in the loading port to see if something had fractured.

 

[Alex Wheeler]

Im with Dave. I wont do one on a 700. Even worse, many customs have went to a .750 bolt but stayed with 1 1/16" tread tenons which limits the OD of the lugs. Bolt body OD bigger + Lug OD the same = smaller lugs. .223 and .308 bolts with bigger lugs than Lapua bolts? Yep.

 

[tobnpr]

We all have our "will" and "won't" lists, based on our experience and comfort level for both safety, and the suitability of the end product. So I respect those that say "no" to a Lapua Magnum on a 1.06 tenon.

That said, my son owns a Savage Elite Precision in .338 LM and it's a hammer. Yesterday, rarely missed at a mile despite gusting 25 mph winds before the tropical storm hit. The Savage Lapua action has beefier lugs than the standard LA, but obviously same bolt diameter.

Given the staff of engineers (and lawyers) they have that would certainly never introduce a marginally safe product to market- and that I've never heard of one blowing up- I have no qualms with him, or myself driving that rifle.

 

[Alex Wheeler]

Its not that the lugs are shearing, its that the seats set back and there goes the lug contact I worked on to get to my satisfaction. Also, you will see early pressure signs as well. If I am building it, I want it to perform to its potential.

 

[tobnpr]

Its not that the lugs are shearing, its that the seats set back and there goes the lug contact I worked on to get to my satisfaction.

You've personally witnessed this?

 

[Alex Wheeler]

Yes I have. I would not post something that was just a theory. Not only that, but Lapua .338 lapua or 300 Norma brass is probably the toughest brass you will ever work with. It will handle a lot of pressure. Most guys are building these things for performance. The action should not be the weak link. I want my brass to be the weak link. I have built a lot of 338 Lapua improveds and 300 Norma improveds. The action really does matter here if you want the performance.

 

[338 Mollett]

We all have our "will" and "won't" lists, based on our experience and comfort level for both safety, and the suitability of the end product. So I respect those that say "no" to a Lapua Magnum on a 1.06 tenon.

That said, my son owns a Savage Elite Precision in .338 LM and it's a hammer. Yesterday, rarely missed at a mile despite gusting 25 mph winds before the tropical storm hit. The Savage Lapua action has beefier lugs than the standard LA, but obviously same bolt diameter.

Given the staff of engineers (and lawyers) they have that would certainly never introduce a marginally safe product to market- and that I've never heard of one blowing up- I have no qualms with him, or myself driving that rifle.

Good for you !! And for the record they SUCK !!! I have as many experiments as most western military's like Dave and a few others . But don't take our word for it . I go by 338 Mollett to remind myself how stupid I was !!