whats a better long range rifle?

lingcodmaster · 11-17-2007, 03:24 PM

what would people recomend for a better long range gun. For Taking shots from 400-800 yards i was wondering what people thought would be a better gun, .30-.378 weatherby or .338-.378 weatberby? Shooting those distances takes lots of practice but i was just wondering what would be better balisticaly? thanks for the info from anyone.

brandon kind

StickFish · 11-17-2007, 03:27 PM

I'd think the 338-378 would be a better combination further out than the 30-378. There are a couple of long range shooters here - lets see if they chime in

skein · 11-17-2007, 03:37 PM

<snip>

Skein

adobe wall · 11-17-2007, 03:43 PM

thirty cal, always....

bigjake_888 · 11-17-2007, 03:58 PM

I chose the 338-378. When looking at the balistics, I thought there was more down range energy with the 338. One comment I would have is if you want a real tack driver it is easier to have gunsmiths work on the rem 700 frame. I would consider the 300 ultra mag or 338 ultra mag if you are wanting to do some extra gunsmithing work. Such as lapping bolt lugs, truing up actions, pillar bedding. There are lots of accurizing methods out there that are much cheaper to do on the RUM 700 frame. Not to say they cannot be done on the mark five, but it is a little more complicated.

However nothing matches the platform of the 378. Before you buy a weatherby I would really understand the concept of freebore and what it does to accuracy. If you are OK with that, move forward. I love my gun and it is an accumark. If you want to practice, you better reload or have alot of money to buy factory shells.

Dr Strangelove · 11-17-2007, 04:21 PM

Do a google search on the 338 Lapua or the 408 CheyTac. These are probably the hottest non 50BMG rounds being talked about. Any aftermarket barrel maker (Krieger, Douglas, Shilen, etc) can do up a heavy barrel for a Sendero stock/action to keep the cost down.

traks44 · 11-17-2007, 05:19 PM

The first thing you need to decide is if you want to go custom or factory. Here are some advantages of both

a factory rifle can be made very accurate for a not alot of money, and I say factory as in no barrel replacments or stock replacement. We are talking about out of the box rifles that you put a scope on and shoot. The advantage to this is you can cut costs on the gun and you can spend more money on a good scope. The Remington sendero in .300 ultra or .338 ultra or a weatherby in .30-378 or .338-378. These out of the box rifles have enough of their own that only minimal tweaking is needed. If you were to buy a weatherby or a remington you would need to accurize the action and free float the barrel, a "true: free float. Crispin up the trigger, throw a scope on, work up a load and go to work but even then accuracy may not be what you had in mind at a factory rifles best.

There is reason behind my madness of explaining things you did not really ask about...

If you want to go custom there are better inherrintly(sp) accurate calibers than the .338-378. Like stated above the .338 lapua is a great choice loaded with 250gr or 300 gr. sierra match bullets. We have taken 2 large bull elk with the 250s Sierras and I would not hesitate to recomment them to someone, damage done is lights out everytime. When you go custom you will never ever look at a factory rifle the same ever again, I get plain bored at sportsmans now when I am looking at regular bolt guns, its part of the madnes. The list of custom part and scopes available would be a completly different post.

If you go decide to go all out and build a custom piece like no other I would have to go with either a .338 lapua or an allen magnum. I can send you info about a custom gunsmith who has developed his own line of wildcats that literally blow even the Lapua out of the water. If you decide all you want is a big expensive factory gun then a weatherby would work ok, but again this whol long range thing revolves around accuracy especially in hunting long range, obviously a caliber needs the right energy and velocity but just because a caliber is big and fast doesnt mean its a good long range round.

My father and I shoot a 6.5x284 and a .338 lapua. The lapua has taken bulls at 780 and 910 yards. I am a little lapua biased...

Your original question was between a .30-378 or .338.378, In which case I vote for the .338-378. While there are good bullets for both of these calibers the .338 is gonna have the performance downrange that you want for larger animals. If you shoot 300 Gr. SMK an elk within range is gonna be in serious trouble. You are looking for a bullet that will retain energy, hit hard, and do maximum damage at long range and that gonna be your bigger .338. Its better to shoot a bigger bullet a little slower with a really good Ballistic coeffiency than shoot a smaller bullet really fast with a lesser B.C.

This is really a broad topic and caliber picking is only the start. What are your hunting plans for this rifle, does it need to be packable,does it need a synthetic stock...etc etc....

what are your plans or idea right now?

Edit: I should also add that I am not picking on the weatherby cartridges at all. There is a reason they are still around, its just boils down to personal preference and your wants and needs from a caliber.

DRUNK COWBOY · 11-17-2007, 06:39 PM

I have had some luck with my 338-378, but others have not had the same experience. I would go custom like Trask 44 said if you want to be safe from defects.

My next rifle will be the .416 Barrett once they get the bugs worked out.

DC

Zeke · 11-17-2007, 08:37 PM

If you're thinking of a custom gun take a look here. He's in Washington and has one of mine right now.

strictlyRUM · 11-17-2007, 10:30 PM

There are plenty of good factory guns(and I build customs!!). The hottest (walmart available)factory round ballistically is the 7 ultra mag. Although finicky, can be some great down range numbers. Look at what is practical, feeds right, and is what you NEED not what you WANT! Then just buy what you want. You can spend days looking at numbers that dont mean half as much as how much you practice. But..... as I always say "what I lack in skill I will make up for in horsepower".:tongue: Just remember Weatherby guns cost almost as much as customs, just throw that into your allready growing headache of "what calliber" is best, then dont listen to anyone but yourself. They pay their bills and you pay yours. Clear as mud eh? Good luck with the battle.

Jason

strictlyRUM · 11-18-2007, 06:21 AM

Sorry, I did what most gun geeks do. You asked a specific question and I gave my opinion instead of an answer to the question. If you are just looking at the mentioned rounds. The 338-378 is going to have higher BC bullets and more horsepower. It will also be easier to load for and a tad more barrel life.(if you think you will burn a barrel out on a big toad like that) The thirty will have more speed therefor flatter shooting at closer distances. Say 800-1000 or less. So I guess your are back to looking over numbers that really dont matter except on paper. Its like asking if an elk at 800 yards will know if he was hit with a mack truck or peterbuilt. He wont! He wont know if you had to aim 6 inches higher with the 338 either. But like I said when in doubt go BIG! Again good luck.

Jason

PIR8 Hook · 11-18-2007, 08:04 AM

Seems to me what military snipers use should work...try a BMG .50 or one of it's off-shoots

PIR8 Hook · 11-18-2007, 08:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DRUNK COWBOY

I
My next rifle will be the .416 Barrett once they get the bugs worked out.

DC

this is the "off-shoot" I was talking about.....

strictlyRUM · 11-18-2007, 08:14 AM

50s are more used for disabling vehicles than shooting people. Allthough they have and will account for may kills, they are not too inherently accurate. That is why they are using alot of 408s now. They are using "light"(308, 300WM) "medium"(338 lapua and 408 Cheytac) and "heavy"(big 50) sniper rifle designations. But if the elk are in jeeps use the fifty! Bigger is always better!

traks44 · 11-18-2007, 08:38 AM

I am gonna gona have to vote no for the 416, 408, or even 50's for what you are looking for. when you go with a gun like this you are also buying all of the problems and expenses associated with these " custom manufactured guns". Things such as brass availability and cost, rifle components and service will all be issues. These type of guns are always circled with mass amounts of discussion and there are some very good sniper forums that talk ALOT about the the .408 and even new .416 which many think wont be around long.

bigjake_888 · 11-18-2007, 12:26 PM

A more interesting conversation in my opinion is what kind of scope is best used to dial up to the correct elevation adjustment. Is it those tactical type and if so, what kind?

traks44 · 11-18-2007, 01:19 PM

Well if by tactical scope you mean those with elevation and windage turrets then yes. Scopes such as nightforce. Leupold, supersniper, US optics, etc. There are more and more middle budget companies comming out with scopes for longer shots as well though that will work well, but if you are serious anyone will tell you quality optics is the most important part.

If you are Long range hunting you will want a scope with 1/4 MOA, I am not sure but I am under the impression that benchrest shooters use mostly 1/8 MOA scopes. The nightforce NXS is 1/4 and the Benchrest model is 1/8.

Some scopes will have the mil-dot recticles which are good out to a certain range; however, the accuracy when "dialing in" cannot be duplicated.

There are lots of ways to get into long range shooting for all budgets the more you spend the more accurate and further you will be able to shoot. I could throw togethar a gun and have a solid 800 yard elk gun for about $1600 or so and thats about as inexpensive as I can think of off the top of my head...

The market for this kind of stuff is really growing so the list of parts and dealers for everything is quite staggering.

Oregon-Jet · 11-18-2007, 01:48 PM

338 edge

Jedcraft · 11-18-2007, 05:35 PM

My friend shoots the Accumark 30-378 - WOW! Very accurate. At $85.00 or more per box you better handload. Pie plate groups at 800yds when conditions are right. I had to see it to believe it. My 300 Wby Accumark keeps up pretty good to 600yds then you really notice the difference.

nobrownline · 11-18-2007, 08:07 PM

308 win. If the U.S Marine snipers use that round for that range it should work great.

billc_sbio · 11-18-2007, 09:20 PM

:grin:

bigjake_888 · 11-18-2007, 10:51 PM

I had a feeling someone was going to post an octagon barrel. It was just a matter of time.

PIR8 Hook · 11-19-2007, 06:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bigjake_888

I had a feeling someone was going to post an octagon barrel. It was just a matter of time.

Hey, it works for Billc S. & Quigly.... why question?

billc_sbio · 11-19-2007, 09:20 AM

:grin:

Quote:

Originally Posted by bigjake_888

I had a feeling someone was going to post an octagon barrel. It was just a matter of time.

Octagon barrels are simply "Fluted Barrels" turned the other way around!

(Better cooling, prolly NOT less weight!:grin

Chesapeake · 11-19-2007, 09:41 AM

I know little or nothing of the 2 rounds you are asking about, but I will give my opinion. Bear in mind I'm not a long range hunter.

If I was in your position I would start with a specific bullet I wanted to shoot, or atlease a specific caliber/weight bullet.

Like a 250 grain .338 or a 220 grain .30 cal (insert brand).

Once I decided that, then I would start looking for the case I would use to launch my bullet.

One I had decided on a bullet and a case, I would then look for a rifle.

I'm gonna quote something I read and realy liked, "Speed is nice, accuracy is final".

My vote between the two; the 338.

Weatherby · 11-19-2007, 10:43 AM

I'd just move up. Are you shooting at game or hunting it? Long range is in the eyes of the beholder. Hunting is in the blood.

fishbuilder · 11-19-2007, 12:52 PM

As a member of the 30-378 WBY club and Dakota "investor", I find I use my Weatherby more often for most "typical" hunting chances. The Weatherby 30-378 with the options 30 caliber offers is a very good long range gun. My Zero point for my 180 grain typical loads is approx. 330 yards with no hold over. This is a hand load with over 10 years of development. The 200 grain loads can also be loaded for similar results at longer ranges. I have found that the Barnes SXT bullets never fail at any distance and because of available free bore are a great choice for this gun. Most problems I have had with this caliber involve short range shots, that do not finish the animal off because of extreme velocity. This round has preformed time after time, is comfortable to range shoot (with break) and has very comfortable pressure to deal with. Once you find the correct powder you will find a load that will preform at any level or range. Most loading data for this caliber is very conservative to say the least and does not show the extreme preformance this caliber is intended for. I have worked on barrel length variables, powders,bullets, ect. and this caliber works very well for me.

bigjake_888 · 11-19-2007, 07:35 PM

I think it is safe to say the 338 is better, but only on paper. The gun, the ammo/load and the shooter are the bigest infuence. You can also get into a 30-378 for less money.

DRUNK COWBOY · 11-19-2007, 08:52 PM

If I were only deciding between the 30-378 and the 338-378, then I would choose the 338-378. Trust me on this one, we have three 338-378 rifles and two 30-378. We get better accuracy at long range with the 338 with heavier bullets. Velocity of the bullet should never determine your choice of caliber. Just because it goes fast does not mean it will hit it's mark at a click

I would not pass up the custom rifle. This way you get exactly what you want.

traks44 · 11-19-2007, 09:03 PM

would be nice to hear from our original poster about now?

Lincod master you out there?

Dan in Alaska · 11-20-2007, 01:14 PM

For long range shooting, both of the Weatherby calibers you mentioned should be capable of good things. A friend had a .30-378 Wby, but sold it because he got tired of lugging it around. The rifle shot well, but it was really heavy.

I prefer the .338 caliber over the .30 cal. I don't really know why, but .338's just hold more interest for me.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Oregon-Jet

338 edge

I've got one. I had a .338 Ultra several years ago, but I sold it. I wanted another one (a stainless one this time), but I ran across a smokin' deal on a custom .338 Edge. I bought the rifle from a guy that had it built, and then sold it due to money problems. I actually felt bad for the guy. The rifle is really nice, and he sold it really cheap. Really, really cheap.

It's built off a trued Rem 700 SS action: 26" stainless Shilen super match barrel (#5, fluted), McMillan stock, and muzzle brake with threaded cap. It also came with a Jewel trigger and a 6-18x VX-II, but I put them on my .223 instead.

We were shooting the rifle this weekend. With just over 100 grains of RL-25, it launches 225gr Accubonds at 3200fps. I am supposed to be able to get even more out of it, but I haven't had much of a chance to play around with it yet. The rifle is currently sighted one inch high at 100 yards, and hits 5 inches low at 300 yards. That's pretty cool.

baltz526 · 11-20-2007, 03:15 PM

packing a 15lb rifle over the breaks of the snake, sounds like fun. 3000' elevation gains and 3lb bullets. if i can not kill it with a 7mm rem mag or a 300 win mag, it don't need killing

strictlyRUM · 11-20-2007, 04:00 PM

All bears should have a chance to be dinner and not take any more dinner off our plates. I have lugged a 15 pounder in the breaks of the snake just for that reason. Its good exersize anyways not really fun at all. I will be too old to cary something like that someday and I will put her on a diet then. My eyes will be too bad to see that far, and my skills will have wilted beyond capabillities of the long shot. At that time I will probably buy an auto or lever and beat the brush. And shoot at scared running deer. If I can stretch the average joes 300 to an accurate 700 or 1000??? And shoot at a relaxed deer or bear(that taste better by the way when not pumping straight adrenelin). Dem bears need killin! Why do we argue when someone asks a simple question anyways???? Lets not debate long range but maybe answer the guys questions.

Jason

baltz526 · 11-20-2007, 04:18 PM

i'm already to shaky, to old, and the eyes are going. i can miss at 300yds now from a steady rest

strictlyRUM · 11-20-2007, 04:34 PM

I was not pointing that reply at anyone in any sort of a disrespectfull way. Thats the thing with the internet you cant always get your point accross the way you intend too. Sometimes the only one I show is the one on my head! I hope I didnt offend.

Jason

Hunt'nFish · 11-20-2007, 05:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by baltz526

packing a 15lb rifle over the breaks of the snake, sounds like fun. 3000' elevation gains and 3lb bullets. if i can not kill it with a 7mm rem mag or a 300 win mag, it don't need killing

No Rich it's isn't fun. But ya gotta have the tool for the job. Although the 7mmMag & .300win are fine calibers they are on the under powered side in that kinda country.
I pick the .338-378 over the .30-378 for work past 500yds.
Although caliber is some what important, I'm with Traks & DC.......accuracy rules over power.

That being said, I also like light rifles. So the Browning A-Bolt has been the basis of my LR projects. For factory barrels, they are accurate. Just good enough IMO for 500yd work....all I need.

Before the .338Ultra was offered, I punched out a .338win to Ultra Mag and it packs over 2000ft-lbs out to 750yds....more than enough for me. 24" drop at 500 w/ a 300yd zero. Accuracy is a ho-hum sub 12" at 500yds off the bi-pod....not in Traks leauge but good enough for my needs.

And I took another A-Bolt, a 26" .300win and opened up the bolt face & punched it out to .30-378wby, worked the mag over to get 2rds to fit. (Big PITA to!) 6.5lb before scope...kicks like a mule, but a Limbsaver pad tames it to tolerable. Now this rifle is a real gem and capable of 6" 500yd groups off the bi-pod w/ 12" drop at 500 w/ a 350yd zero. It's faster, flatter and has more energy at 500 than my .338 Ultra, but it's custom affair and ammo not cheap. Handloading is required for all long range rifles IMO.

Inside 500 I think you have many options. When you start talking 800yds, I defer to Traks research & experience. 4, 5, 600yds is great shoot'n. 700, 800, 900...... Man that's a whole nother ball game!!
But I'd be looking at .338's real hard.
Hunt'nFish

Northwest Pest · 11-20-2007, 09:24 PM

Vote for the 30-378 here.

bigjake_888 · 11-21-2007, 04:33 AM

My 338/378 with 50mm scope, sling and brake weighs just over 10#. My browning bar with scope and no sling weighs in at 9.5. Does the 30-378 weigh much less since the barrel should weigh less. Mine is fluted by the way so that we are apples to apples.

baltz526 · 11-21-2007, 08:54 AM

my job when hunting is to have an enjoyable experience. to bring up the negative aspects of long range shooting and the guns needed for doing it is a mandatory thing in my opinion. i hunt the country where you guys use these cannons and kill deer bear and elk in it, with my little squib loads. they are not needed (cannons) just a different hunting style preferance. kind of a foot hunter quad hunter thing. the difference is i can hate quads and like long range rifles. i have been in the field elk hunting twice where guys where launching these big fast bullets at elk over 800yds (running elk) or 20 rounds walking the bullets into 2000yd elk bedded down. you all posting here would never do this, but it is happening.

Hunt'nFish · 11-21-2007, 01:53 PM

I see your point Rich. Slobs exist on all ends of the shooting spectrum.
I've seen the same things being done at 400-500yds, so it's not just a LR thing.
One shot, one kill....we owe it to the game.
Hunt'nFish

strictlyRUM · 11-21-2007, 05:05 PM

Im with ya Baltz. There are bad apples making bad decisions in all aspects of life. I prefer hunting with a bow myself. I just love the whole shooting and mechanics of long range rifles. Once you realize just how accurate the machining has to be to make one of these rifles you can begin to understand why I am drawn to it. I have been machining since I was 14 and shooting longer than that. I just happen to get too wound up when I am holding a bow 20 yards from a buck or bull and dont usually close the deal. Therin comes the rifle. I dont care for quads(and I work designing and machining aftermarket quad parts!), but I usually couldnt ride one where I go anyways. But for some its the only way they can get around in the woods. The part I have a problem with is when people use the "you guys" statements, and look past the fact that there are responsible guys making good decisions in all facets of life. I have also stated before...If I can get closer I will. ALWAYS! I practice all year. I am prepared for a long shot but seldom take them. Alot of self proclamed "long range hunters" are just that SELF proclamed, and usually they are that just because they think its cool and are severly underprepared. To me, I am a hunter, that is prepared for a longer shot if the need arises. Walking a bullet in is not long range hunting. Its an exersize in trigger pull and stupidity, thats IT! You wont always hit something on your first try, but you shouldnt be taking shots that you are not sure of. And to shoot just to see if you could hit them or to hit them before someone else sees them? Take em out of the woods. Ok I am done ranting. I just feel the need to defend a sport(Long range shooting) I love so much.

Jason

baltz526 · 11-21-2007, 05:53 PM

i wish i had the ability to make long shots after climbing a 1000' ridge. eyes crossed blowing like an old race horse is my normal state when finding a trophy in the big country. shaking like a drunk with DT'S with the crosshairs sweeping around like a rodeo clown in a barrel

strictlyRUM · 11-21-2007, 07:03 PM

I dont care who ya are. Thats funny!

ambush 1 · 11-22-2007, 04:13 PM

BOTH WEATHERBYS ARE GREAT BUT COST OF THE GUN PLUS AMMO. YOU ALSO CANT MATCH WEATHERBY LOADS THEY HAVE A POWDER MIX THAT WE CAN NOT GET! SO YOU CANT RELOAD AND MEET WEATHERBY SPEED!!! BUT JUST FOR KICKS TAKE A LOOK AT THE 7MMSTW SUPER FLAT ALOT LESS MONEY $$$$$$$$$$

RU1234 · 11-22-2007, 05:03 PM

I've got the 30-378 Accumark and love it. I shoot a 180TSX on top of 110grn of Retumbo, which gets me 3420fps. This year I took a muely in Oregon with one shot (20yd recovery) at 377yds. I then took a muley in Wyoming with one shot at 350yd and he fell in his tracks. I came back to Oregon and got a bull at 432yds with one shot (15yd recovery). Oh...and this spring I rolled (literally) a spring bear at 200yds.

I'm sure the 338-378 packs a punch too, but I liked the ballistics of the 30-378 better.

lingcodmaster · 11-22-2007, 07:46 PM

thanks for all the info and sorry so long it took me to get back to the post. ya i was leaning torwards a .338-.378 but a few people were telling me the .30-.378 was better. i was also thinking of the.416 barret instead but thought they were having a few problems. well we will see and thanks for all the info.

brandon kind

haugenna · 11-22-2007, 08:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lingcodmaster

thanks for all the info and sorry so long it took me to get back to the post. ya i was leaning torwards a .338-.378 but a few people were telling me the .30-.378 was better. i was also thinking of the.416 barret instead but thought they were having a few problems. well we will see and thanks for all the info.

brandon kind

I have the 30-378 and love it. IF I had to do it over again I would probably go with the 338-378. I have experienced some great times with my 30 but curiosity is biting me to see what the 338-378 can do. From what I hear, the pressures are a little lower in the 338. I am seeing some swelled cases with my 30 and would like to try out the 338-378.

I have shot 1 bear and 4 deer with mine, and lots of paper. The doe I shot was 576 yards, but before that I shot LOTS of paper and clay targets at Upper Nisqually.

fisher-ben · 11-23-2007, 01:43 PM

I've got both guns, if i had to choose i would say the 30-378 with a 165 grain barns. We shot elk with both guns this year at long distances over 800 yards, i don't dislike the 338-378 but i think the 30 cal. is all you need.

DRUNK COWBOY · 11-24-2007, 08:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fisher-ben

I've got both guns, if i had to choose i would say the 30-378 with a 165 grain barns. We shot elk with both guns this year at long distances over 800 yards, i don't dislike the 338-378 but i think the 30 cal. is all you need.

Interesting you like shooting 165gr at long range. The wind effect is horrible with this light of bullet traveling @ 3,400 fps. There are a lot of other variables that can effect the bullet travel as well. Not saying it can't be done, but you lose a ton of energy at the 600 yard mark let alone the 800yd+++ range. I load our 30-378 with 200gr and I have good loads for my 338-378 with 225 and 250. I would like to shoot 300 for more accuracy and stability of travel in wind and temp changes. When we were shooting 180 gr out of the 30-378 we had bad accuracy when contitions were not "perfect"

Again my 338-378 way outperforms the 30-378 rounds at long distances for hitting it's mark.

DC

traks44 · 11-24-2007, 10:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DRUNK COWBOY

Interesting you like shooting 165gr at long range. The wind effect is horrible with this light of bullet traveling @ 3,400 fps. There are a lot of other variables that can effect the bullet travel as well. Not saying it can't be done, but you lose a ton of energy at the 600 yard mark let alone the 800yd+++ range. I load our 30-378 with 200gr and I have good loads for my 338-378 with 225 and 250. I would like to shoot 300 for more accuracy and stability of travel in wind and temp changes. When we were shooting 180 gr out of the 30-378 we had bad accuracy when contitions were not "perfect"

Again my 338-378 way outperforms the 30-378 rounds at long distances for hitting it's mark.

DC

BIGGER BULLETS A LITTLE SLOWER!!!

Forget the 165 or really even th 180's you wonna talk long range capability we are talking about the 200 or 220s for the .30-378 weatherby or the 250s and the 300s for the .338-378. If you arent shooting bigger bullets you are not getting any of the benifits of shooting the big powder burners. Some people like to shoot accubonds but most will tell you including me shooting giant Sierra match bullets will have explosive deadly results on game at long range and will buck the wind better, carry more energy and just flat out shot better than most. A good long range elk gun will have more energy at 800-1000 yards than some other smaller close range elk gun and have the sniper like acuracy you need to make a killing shot. Speed is not the name of the game, the best shooters will always tell you they will gladly give up some velocity for accuracy. If you can find a gun like I have just described above you will have a heck of a rifle and there are plenty out there.

fisher-ben · 11-25-2007, 10:30 AM

Excellent points and i agree, like i said 338 cal is a great gun i just prefer the 30 cal. I seem to have better luck with it but that could be because its always the one i use!

ommedia · 11-26-2007, 10:19 AM

.338 edge !

goggle it, study it, read other forums that are all about long range.

We have built 3 of them. Most importantly...practice with whatever you chose. Like all weapons, if you are not confident with your weapon at specific ranges, don't take the shot.

traks44 · 11-26-2007, 11:29 AM

For those wondering the .338 edge is a .300 ultra with some work done to shoot a .338 bullet. Some might think you would call it a .338 ultra but there is a difference.

All things considered the .338 edge and the .338 lapua are ballistic twins...neither offers any real great advantage to the other although ultra mag brass is a little easier to get ahold of then Lapua brass.

If I remember correctly shawn carlock and Kirby allen still own the right to this reamer as they are the ones who developed it? Or was it just shawn, or Kirby? cant really remember.

Salty1 · 11-26-2007, 02:56 PM

For the enjoyment - hitting a paper target at 800 yards or roughly 1/2 mile, definitely DOES bring intrigue as a test to one's abilities. Hunting at that range however, holds little if any interest for me as it feels too much like a "virtual" experience. Yes, I've been there done that out to 600.

Unlike most of you, I know virtually nothing about the nearly required use of a pocket PC for charting in advance the corrections required on a shot regarding not only distance, but also the present conditions regarding temperature, barometric pressure, relative humidity, percentage of correction for wind(s), cross gusting, percentage of angle of lift, or those subtle little things like barrels in a right handed twist used in a "left to right" wind shoots low and right, but the same barrel with a "right to left" wind shoots high and left, or even just primer speed...

Baltz 256 - "my job when hunting is to have an enjoyable experience".

Out-guessing and stalking deer with bow and arrow, busting rooster pheasant with a load of #5's, or trying to get my breathing under control before squeezing the trigger of a muzzle loader targeting a moose...now that gets the blood pumping!
Dang! Ballistics are an intriguing subject, I learned and didn't want too!

P.S. lingcodmaster - Thanks, you made me Think

strictlyRUM · 11-26-2007, 04:54 PM

Bow hunting is my choice for the rush also. I just would only eat every 3 or 4 years that way!

But one thing we are all missing. Long range hunting to me is not about the testing of abillities. I can do that any ol weekend. As we did this friday. Long range hunting is a chance to watch a( or sometime multiple) game animal for extended periods of time in its natural state. Unbothered. This veiwing is what I extract for "THE HUNT". I get more of a joy out of watching an animal undesturbed for an hour while I wait for the right condition to shoot or to move to the next ridge for a closer shot, than I ever do crashing through the brush with a lever action 30-30. I dont enjoy seeing running deer, nor do I like taking shots at allert or running deer. We all get what we need out of what we do that is why we do it! I dont have to understand WHY a guy likes something I just know he DOES? We are all hunters and without us guys. There would be no you guys. That means the guy on the ATV everyone hates. The guy taking pot shots at 2000 yards. We all pay to play. The funds from those guys make it so we can still tromp around out there. Its allways best to lend a hand instead of an attitude. Sometimes even better than an opinion?

Jason

Flatfish · 11-26-2007, 08:31 PM

338. The term you seek is 'Sectional Density', Which is more or less what makes for high 'Ballistic Coefficient'.

Commonly available 338 bullets have high sectional densities, and therefore retain their velocity better at long range.

Rifles chambered for 338 caliber chamberings are usually built with these heavy bullets in mind.

Even in the 'normal' chamberings (30-06, 338win mag, 270 etc) heavy bullets fly past their lighter counterpartds somewhere around 400 yards or so. they hit harder all the way, and are hurt less by the wind.

The wind is what you should be worried with in the first place. Distance is easy with modern rangefinders. But nobody has the technology available to judge how much that wind boiling halfway downrange will actually drive your bullet off target at a rate very unlike the rest of the atmospheric conditions.

Read about the 1000 and 1800 yard benchrest shooters. They understand time of flight, and how variables change shot placement as well as anyone(Including snipers).

strictlyRUM · 11-27-2007, 04:14 PM

Where do they do 1800 yd benchrest?

Flatfish · 11-27-2007, 05:37 PM

RUM,

I have never shot at 1800. I have read about it in a couple articles. I have shot 1000 yard stuff enough to know I have no business at the 1800 yard line!