338 for elk hunting- Build a lightweight rifle

[Skinem]

That makes perfect sense. It just becomes too heavy to tote up many mountains at that weight.

 

[Redslug]

I currently have a 338 lapua, it comes in at 14.4 lbs. Im looking at building a light weight 338 lapua or Improved shooting 300gn bergers. I elk hunt with my current rifle but would like to drop a few pounds with all the hiking we do. Just returned from WY and hiked 32 miles in 5 days. Our group went 5 for 5 on cows.

Anyone have experience with a light weight rifle in these calibers?
Would you go improved or standard 338 lapua?

I currently have a 338 lapua, it comes in at 14.4 lbs. Im looking at building a light weight 338 lapua or Improved shooting 300gn bergers. I elk hunt with my current rifle but would like to drop a few pounds with all the hiking we do. Just returned from WY and hiked 32 miles in 5 days. Our group went 5 for 5 on cows.

Anyone have experience with a light weight rifle in these calibers?
Would you go improved or standard 338 lapua?

Well not a Papua but it's a 338 Edge ,300 gr. bergers , 30" proof ,T-3 terminator in a McMillan Game hunter Edge , Remington stainless action , 20 moa rail , heavy 34"" rings , Burris XTR ii 5 x 25 x50 .
All in its 10.6 pounds . I have a another 338 Edge at 14.6 pound and my heavy one is 19.4 pounds . It's been out to 3027 yards so far .
I'm building another 338 Edge but 27" barrel and a lighter Scope .
Last years Elk at 1244 yards .

Rum Man

This is my 7.5 pounds 338lapua sending 300gr burger it had next to no kick shooting it

I can shoot it all day long no problem

Proof research Barrel Gun Works carbon stock Razer TI action Christensen Arms TI muzzle brake

 

[tomsd]

View attachment 244208

This is my 7.5 pounds 338lapua sending 300gr burger it had next to no kick shooting it

I can shoot it all day long no problem

Proof research Barrel Gun Works carbon stock Razer TI action Christensen Arms TI muzzle brake

Beauty.

 

[tomsd]

What did that rig cost if I may ask.

 

[Deleted member 115360]

View attachment 244208

This is my 7.5 pounds 338lapua sending 300gr burger it had next to no kick shooting it

I can shoot it all day long no problem

Proof research Barrel Gun Works carbon stock Razer TI action Christensen Arms TI muzzle brake

A 7.5lb 338 lapua that is bearable to shoot sounds like a unicorn, but I'm not doubting you. That's a beautiful rifle. I have a 340 Weatherby that feels like a .308, but it probably weighs 13 lbs and I have a good brake on it. I brake everything. I will look into the CA brake, because it sounds like it is killing it..

 

[tomsd]

Never shot a .338 but did shoot a 375 - and leaning into it - was not too bad. Some say it's more of a push v. the more of a kick with the .338 and .340's.

 

[StumpGrinder]

View attachment 244208

This is my 7.5 pounds 338lapua sending 300gr burger it had next to no kick shooting it

I can shoot it all day long no problem

Proof research Barrel Gun Works carbon stock Razer TI action Christensen Arms TI muzzle brake

It looks like it has a pretty long barrel or is that a photo illusion? You could probably shorten the barrel a couple of inches without affecting velocity to much.

 

[Elk Hunter 338]

True, but a bit simplistic. There gets to be a point where enough is enough. I "think" the big 338's are the best all around caliber for all of North America.

Yep and my cheytac is just enough for deer!

 

[longrangebob]

Had you considered an "Edge" - w/Titanium Or Such Action

 

[Rum Man]

Yep and my cheytac is just enough for deer!

I'm almost afraid to get a Cheyac...my 338 Edges would just set in the Safe !

Rum Man

 

[Michael Souther]

That makes perfect sense. It just becomes too heavy to tote up many mountains at that weight.

Do not buy into all the bs about these expensive over powered 338 rifles. 338 win mag will do everything in the USA without huge cost over powered sniper or long range rifles. 338 Remington Or savage. Easier to get ammo and brass average hunting rifle weights and much less expensive. I have used mine for over 50 years.

 

[Rifleman97]

It looks like it has a pretty long barrel or is that a photo illusion? You could probably shorten the barrel a couple of inches without affecting velocity to much.

Doesn't look too long to me. Remember that the larger the amount of powder to be burned, the higher the benefit of a long barrel. That's why 50bmg's have 36" barrels, lapua's really should have at least 30 (although many have less) and 300 win mag needs at least 26 to get the most out of it. I've never really felt encumbered by having a 30" barrel. I don't understand the appeal of "short as possible" for a long range gun. You won't be making many shots that need a short barrel, like shooting in brushy area at close range anyways.

 

[tomsd]

Amen - and the converse is where we hunted in heavy timber. My Model 94 Winchester in .32 Special - and relatively short barrel tossing 170 gr Silvertips would do for about anything - as rarely much was needed over 100 yards.

 

[Elk Hunter 338]

I'm almost afraid to get a Cheyac...my 338 Edges would just set in the Safe !

Rum Man

its an eye opening experience !! you think those 300's hit hard.. imagine what a 350gr 375cal does with muzzle velocity over 3200!!