Help me pick my new toy! 6.5 or 338???

I started out in long range with a .338 mag years ago using a 215g Sierra bullet for deer sized game in a Ruger M77 with a brake on it. Then I went to a 6.5-284 for 1000yd shooting. This was a custom rifle that weighs over 18lbs with the scope so its not a carry rifle but great on a bench or bi-pod. Then Savage introduced the Long Range Hunter in 6.5-284 and this is a carry rifle. It has a adjustable cheek rest, boss type muzzel brake and the Savage trigger. This is my go to rifle for most game in this continent with the exception of large bears. As with the Creedmore, ammo is dear even for a reloader as the brass is a major expense. I lucked out and started hoarding Lapua and Norma brass when it was cheap. You can configure 284 to 6.5 in winchester brass but I have had some problems where it sprang back to .284 after being loaded. Once fire formed you are good to go.
Jim
 
I have custom rifles in 260 rem and 338 Edge. The edge is 10-11 lbs with scope ready to hunt. It is not a fun gun to shoot. It is totally impressive, but not fun. The 260 on the other hand is great to shoot and can run to 1000 on steal or paper.

I would get the 6.5 and run with it, or look at a 7wsm or rem mag. good luck!
 
If he really was worried about light rifles he could go with the 338lm in the LRH which weighs 9 and some change. The rifle he is looking at weighs 10 1/4lbs so it isn't that heavy. I have held the 338 that he is looking at and it isn't much heavier then my 30-378 Wby.
 
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Hoier,

I think he should buy the .338 Lapua.

Then maybe we can all get together and shoot our AR500 targets with the .338 LM, .30-378 Wby, and 6.5-284 Norma side by side and compare trajectories and validate our charts.

Maybe even suck down an ice cold microbrew after......

 
Originally Posted By: Jim n IowaI started out in long range with a .338 mag years ago using a 215g Sierra bullet for deer sized game in a Ruger M77 with a brake on it. Then I went to a 6.5-284 for 1000yd shooting. This was a custom rifle that weighs over 18lbs with the scope so its not a carry rifle but great on a bench or bi-pod. Then Savage introduced the Long Range Hunter in 6.5-284 and this is a carry rifle. It has a adjustable cheek rest, boss type muzzel brake and the Savage trigger. This is my go to rifle for most game in this continent with the exception of large bears. As with the Creedmore, ammo is dear even for a reloader as the brass is a major expense. I lucked out and started hoarding Lapua and Norma brass when it was cheap. You can configure 284 to 6.5 in winchester brass but I have had some problems where it sprang back to .284 after being loaded. Once fire formed you are good to go.
Jim

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Here is my Remington 721, 264 WM which will push a 85gr sierra HP over 3900fps it weighs 12.5 lbs without the scope which is a Nikon Buckmasters 6 to 18 power with BDC
 
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sounds like you really want the .338 so I would say get it! I have a DPMS 6.5 CM and enjoy the rifle and the round. The 6.5 was a perfect fit for me and my needs. I never cared for the big boomers though!
 
Yes the power of a large rifle is fun . May not be as practicle if you don't have truely large game . And its alot more expensive. Myself I would build a 338 Edge . Cheaper brass ,a little more velocity . I had a 338 RUM really liked it . But the longest shot on game I ever took , I took with a 375 H&H . With a 3x scope . So I sold the RUM . But thats just me .

If you want a Lapua , go for it ..
 
Yes I have held the .338LM and to be honest my 16" bull barrel AR feels heavier! I have not held the 6.5 so don't know how heavy it feels.

I think I will just go for the .338 Lapua as it is more of a toy gun and I have no need for it but I sure do want it! I plan on still getting a 6.5 CM but I plan on building it as I want a longer tube and a different stock.

gumboot458 my boss has a .338 Edge and he loves his. With a brake he says it shoots like a 270 without a brake.

Now I just have to start selling and saving for glass! Thinking along the lines of NF 5.5x22 with a NP-R2 or mildot???
 
I shot that same gun a few weeks ago (338LM). Awesome. I already own a .50 and that will still likely be my next rifle. I was able to hit a 12" X 12" steel plate at 1200 yards. Very little kick, less then a 12 gauge pump.

I vote .338, because you can.
 
I should sell my 338 lapua.Its been at least 3 years sense I last shot it.If you want to shoot steel it had better be high dollar steel or it won't last long.Also here where I live I don't have many places I can see 1000 yards.Also when you pull the trigger on that rifle,there is a pretty good sized bullet going somewhere with a lot behind it.I am not sure how many houses over the ridge a half mile away that you cant even see it would shoot through.I like the rifle but it is hard to find a truly safe place to shoot it around here.That goes for all heavy hitters,not just the lapua.There was nice range down near Nashville that closed a couple years ago because of rounds going off the property.It was a well built range with bulldozer built berms and all the safety stuff done right,but rounds still went wrong rarely.Enjoy shooting the bigger ones,just take a little extra care in your backstop is all I'm saying.
After all,the 338 lapua was developed to shoot through 3 layers of body armor at 1500 yards.
 
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