Savage 338 LM Rifles

[Big Dawg]

I am new to this thread but have always found the conversations to be both informative and enlightning. I am new to long range shooting and will purchase my first true long rifle at the end of the month. I'm considering three savage 338 LM rifles: hs precison, 11/111 LRH or the 110 BA. I really want the 110 BA but my budget being what it is may require me to purchase a less expensive rifle. Do these rifles have comprable performance and which one represents the best value for the money performance wise?

 

[Ludicrous]

I have a Savage 111 LRH 338LM and a BA10 308. Your answer probably depends on what you plan to use it for. The BA110 would not be a good choice for hunting, the HS could be used for target and some hunting and the 111LRH would be the ticket for a pure hunting gun.

 

[Big Dawg]

Thanks for the reply Ludicrous! My intent is long range target shooting. I recently purchased the savage 10 FCP-K which gets me out to 1,000 yds but I am now looking to extend the range. Is the recoil on all three about the same and do all three have approximately the same range given same loads?

 

[Ludicrous]

The recoil will be less with the BA110, HS next and the 111 last. Even the 111 isn't bad though. Honestly I would grab a HS model, they were next to impossible to get for most of 2012. Savage recently sent a batch out to dealers. My guess is they will all dry up again until the next batch is manufactured. I believe it's the best selling 338 LM they make. If all you do is target shoot grab a BA.

 

[Big Dawg]

Thanks Ludicrous! It's down to the 110 BA & the HS Precision 110. I'm leaning towards the HS then I'll have a little left over to purchase 100 rounds of Lapua brass & 300 grain bullets. Thanks for the advice!

 

[Big Dawg]

Hey Len, I went with the 110 BA as my final decision... Below is a picture my new rifle. Thanks again for your feedback, it played a major role in my purchasing decision.

 

[Big Dawg]

Sorry for calling you Len Ludicrous, I entered the wrong name. But my new rifle rounds out my collection. Below is a pic of my entire battery.

 

[SidecarFlip]

All good except for the AK. Need to loose that.

IMO, the 110 BA should be mounted on a vehicle roof. It's stupid heavy.

 

[Ludicrous]

You know your bipod on the BA is on backwards?

 

[Ludicrous]

Looks like Santa needs to bring you some glass too.

 

[Big Dawg]

Yeah, I'm saving up for a Nightforce scope for the BA but need to slow my role just a bit to keep my wife at bay. I aready have a Hawke 6-20 x 50 for the Savage 10 FCP-K but need to get some good rings for it. As for the bipod, I purposely mounted the bipod backwards thinking it would eliminate the recoil from colapsing it. Your thoughts?

 

[Ludicrous]

Turn it back around. Recoil is not going to be an issue at all. You will want to use the bipod to preload the legs. If you have an S model Harris get an Alpha Bravo pod lock too.

 

[Big Dawg]

Thanks Ludicrous! I do have the swivel bipod and I will turn it around. Guess I tried to over think the solution.