Is there any reason why you prefer the 338winmag to the 338lapua?
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Is there any reason why you prefer the 338winmag to the 338lapua?
Cost of ammo!!!!
^^ Yes, I use S365.
Lapua good for snipers. But I suppose that if the game is that spooky, a proper Barrett .50 for 2km headshots is a better choice.
I've had my 338WM for over 30yrs & is still my go-to rifle. 200gr heads for springbok in the Karoo to 250gr for Gemsbok in the Kalahari, using S365 powder, CCI250 primers & Sako cases .
Do you find that there is a big difference in performance between the 300wm and 338wm (across the various weights) on game?
My hunting buddy shoots a 300wm and at the end of the day, both calibres have harvested game from springbok to gemsbok with good results. That said however, the choice of bullets from 165gr up to 300gr for the 338wm has made it the perfect all rounder for me. The heavier bullets loaded down from 2200fps to 2400fps is deadly at close range & in the bush with no meat damage. For high velocities, how about 200gr GS Customs at over 3000fps? It's a very underrated calibre here in SA & feeding it is not cheap, but it's very versatile if one handloads. As to recoil - the 338 is slightly heavier, but it's like comparing the recoil of a 9mmP to a .45ACP, the bigger one is heavier, but the lighter one is sharper.
I am thinking of getting a 338 win mag and hand loading.
What weight and range of bullets are available. It seems most places have very limited stock
Brass is a bit scarce, but bullets are plentiful and not too expensive. Reloading is fun and allows for awesome loads as bullet weights are available from 350gr (what I've shot) down to about 160gr (what my friend loaded).
I shoot a 338WM
Love it to bits !!!!
225gr Nosler Accubond
Rem Brass
CCI200
S365
Fairly cheap to shoot and very accurate.