Which 338 Lapua hunting rifle?

[338Hunter]

What 2 or three companies make the best purpose built hunting rifle in the $2,000 to $6000 range chambered for 338 Lapua? I don't want to pay $6000 for a rifle but... I am considering the Weatherby RC Accurmark but I am given pause by the chrome moly barrel, a two round capacity (I would like 3), and a safety that locks the bolt preventing unchambering a round with the safety on. At the other end, I am looking at MOA rifles (and McMillan). I hunted with with a Sako 338 Winchester for elk for years but prefer the Lapua for reloading, which I do for my MRAD. Ideally, but not necessarily, it should be capable of a half MOA. I'd appreciate your comments or just the names of companies. Thanks.

Clarification:
- I am considering 338 Lapua only
- I want it for LRH and think it should be capable of .50 MOA but did not limit it to that because the Weatherby guarantees sub MOA only and I did not want to rule it out of the discussion.
- I want three shots for range time, not hunting.
- I have a Barrett MRAD that shoots .25 MOA but it weighs 21pounds set up, which is inappropriate for walking drainages and dark timber. I think 12 pounds is about max.

 

[Alex Wheeler]

Why not build one for half that cost and get .25 moa? For me a .338 is a long range hunting rifle, not something you carry and need fast follow ups. I would build a single shot.

 

[jonbearman]

Why not just buy a TRG-S Sako sporter. It is still heavy and I have a friend who has one. It shoots under an inch at 100 yds.

 

[people]

There are many options I personally would opt for a repeating rifle. If you just want a hunting rifle look into a 338rum.

 

[slm9s]

I'd call GAP and see if they chamber their 'non-typical' in 338L. Or pick a different model that suits your needs.

 

[dkhunt14]

I would not build a 338 RUM. The brass is junk compared to Lapua. I can shoot 10 shots in less then 30 seconds with my single shot. It would take you that long to reload. How many times do you need a second shot? I hunted for years with a single shot shotgun. I was always taught to make my shot count. Sako makes a 338 Lapua and the Sako's I had always shot great. I agree with Zfast in that it is a long range hunting rifle and not something you shoot fast with. Matt

 

[people]

Single shot or mag feed? Not really a question the OP wants at least an internal mag.

The op stated he wants a 1MOA rifle or better. The OP has not stated what he wants to do with the rifle but with 1MOA I would think he has taken long range hunting off the table. The 338RUM gives the same velocity as the LM and yes the RUM brass is not as good. Most hunting rifles are not fired that much either. With all the 338LM haters out there claiming brass is too expensive the RUM shines with cheap brass. That can be a benefit when hunting if brass loss is likely. I have a friend who replaces his brass after the third shot in everything he shoots. I just want to give the OP options they may not have thought about.

 

[dkhunt14]

I was not attacking you. if you shoot off bipod or bench and you let the shells lay there you can shoot a single shot fast. I don't consider a 338 Lapua a gun to shoot real close or fast. The energy on a hit is awesome. I have a 338 Lapua Imp and don't shoot nothing under 500 Yards with it. The damage with a 300 Berger Elite on a deer is just incredible. We longrange hunt and the guys I hunt with said they never seen anything like it. I won't describe the details because it is pretty ugly. A lot of my 1000 yard match rifles won't shoot much smaller then 3/4 of an inch at 100 but will shoot 10 shots in 4 to 5 inches at 1000. The big magnums and the big bullets usually don't do great at 100. Matt

 

[338Hunter]

Thanks,Matt. I just wanted to clarify my reasoning. I appreciate everybody's comments. I don't want to find myself selling a rifle after shooting it 10 times. I have found the .338 caliber bullets can work on deer even under 200 yards without significant meat damage; it's all about shot placement and the type of bullet used (bonded). I may have been lucky so far not to have pushed a lot of bone out the other side. I have observed small exits but the organs are devastated.

 

[dkhunt14]

338 hunter check your PM Matt

 

[people]

Nor I to you. It is all good.

 

[Eric Leonard]

Stiller Tac 338 action,,Bartlien 9 twist Sendero contour barrel about 25 inches and a McMillian A5 stock setup for AICS CIP length mags,,

thats what I would do anyway,,

 

[mshelton]

If you can find one, the old Sako 995s came in 338L and were pretty sporty.

 

[effendude]

338-
I am building exactly what you want right now using a Stiller TAC338 action, Weatherby BDL bottom metal from Stiller and a Bartlein barrel. My barrel will be around 27-28" after the brake is on but it should still be quite handy. I have a 338 RUM which is virtually the same cartridge as the Lapua but the RUM is designed to be run at less pressure which most don't do, which is why the brass complaints arise about the RUM.

Stainless barrels might sound cooler but there really is nothing wrong with a quality chrome moly barrel. Don't let that shy you away from the Weatherby.

I own a Sako M995 TRG-S in 338 Lapua also. It is a nice light, well handling rifle with a flush detachable magazine that holds 3 rounds. The stock fits my fat head well. The factory barrel is a 1-12" twist which shoots the 250 Bergers very well at mag length. I did put a brake on it. I bought the rifle used for the cost of the Stiller action so that is something to consider as well.

Good Luck,
Scott

 

[338Hunter]

Many of the comments here have completely changed my thinking. Rather than looking for a complete rifle, I am now deciding on an action first, then a barrel, and then the stock. I guess you call that a build; something I would never considered having done until now. In actions, I'm looking at Gap Templar, Surgeon, and Stiller. The research is on. Thanks for your help.