338 lapua magnum suggestions

I'm guessing you're referring to the Remmy. As far as I know, the Remmy is the cheapest rifle that caliber is available in.
 
Of course you can make a "cheap" 338 Lapua.

Anyone who has any knowledge of the 1917 Enfield knows they are quite accurate.

The 1917 action is a long action, longer the the Long actions of Remington, Winchester, & Savage.

1917 Enfield actions are relatively cheap. Either buying the action alone or boogered up sporterized 1917 Rifles.

A as Issued 1917 Enfield action is a different color, meaning they are going up in price because of the CMP's GSM (military surplus rifle) programs. But they have to be un-modified.

The 338 Lapua is based on a 416 Rigby case necked down to .338. The first rifle I ever made was a 416 Rigby on a 1917 action. The only difference between my 416 and a 338 is the barrel. So if you get a 1917 Enfield action, open up the bolt fact to fit the 338L/416 case, Open up the mag well allowing the thicker rounds to go into the magazine, stick on a 338 Lapua barrel, You have a 338 Lupa for the price of a barrel and action.

To make it look nice, you'll want to grind off the ears used to protect the rear sights, replace the bolt handle. Another cheap fix I did on mine was to replace the firing pin group with one that allows for cocking on opening instead of cocking on closing.

I built my 416 in the late 70s and the only problem I have had with it is I made it too light, it kicks like a mule.

I know things are different now, but in the 70s I was given the action, I paid $80 for the barrel, another $75 for a Bishop stock. $18 for the cock on opening firing pin group, and $15 to rent a 416 R reamer and headspace gages.

I did all the work myself and the total price was $188. Granted that was late '70 prices, but even at todays dollars, you can do it a lot cheaper then paying $4-5000.
 
brass--$300 for 100ct
decent bullets--$200 for 250ct
powder--?$ for a large pile each shot

I would't sweat the cost of the rifle too much if I could afford to shoot it.;)
 
Savage and Remington both have more affordable lapua mags. I've built a lapua on long action remingtons before for roughly $1000. That's me providing the actions. After the brake, recoil compensator, stock, mounts, rings, and quality scope, you'll be about $3500 in. The cheaper factory guns are alright for hunting but you wont get the accuracy that a custom build has. The savage 110ba has the most potential as far as a factory stick goes. I'd look to the sako trg series. Have u shot heavy mags before? A 338 ultra mag sendero is also an option. They're about $1500 new. Never buy a big magnum second hand though. U never know what someone's done to it and its a lot of headache to fix em.
 
I don't know if I would want a Lapua in a cheaper action.

I have been shooting and reloading for magnum rifles since 1975. I currently own and reload for 300WBY, and 340WBY.

Neither rifle mentioned has a solid bolt or integral recoil lug. They are probably strong enough, but I believe in a solid everything in a magnum rifle. I own a Vanguard in 300WBY, and a MKV in 340 WBY, both of which are solid and integral. The MKV is widely recognized as the strongest action available to the consumer.

One option might be to find a used rifle with solid bolt and integral recoil lug, and have it rebarreled. You could, perhaps find a used Vanguard or Interarms MKX, or MDL 70 , Ruger 77, with a shot out barrel for not too much, and have it rebarreled. It would need to be a magnum length action to have a long enough magazine to accomodate the Lapua, also you will need to have the bolt face enlarged to fit the fat, .588" base of the Lapua.

IMO magnum riflery is not something I would want to scrimp on. These rifles operate at 65000psi, which doesn't leave much wiggle room as far as safety is concerned. Good luck and always look for signs of excessive pressure.
 
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There is nothing "weak" about the 1917 Enfield action. It and its commerical brother, the Rem Model 721 are probably some of the strongest actions out there.

About 25 years ago I build a 340 Weatherby on a 1917 Action for a friend of mine, He's shot the crap out of it, and is still shooting it today.
 
Kraig, I'd agree. I'd say it's every bit as stout as the Mauser magnum action and would certainly be an acceptable action to build a .338LM rifle around.
 
The minimum I would use for a donor action is a blue printed rem 700. I wouldn't touch an action that is more than 1000 shots old.
 
My buddy Rob has a P17 actioned 338/378 wearherby custom rifle an it has worked like a dream for over 10 years ,I have shot it many times . The P17 action is more than strong enough .
 
I wasn't aware that the P17 and Rem 721 were the same action, I am familiar with the 721, and I consider them to be the best action that Rem has ever produced. This action should be very serviceable.

Thanks Kraig, for correcting me about this, you're never too old to learn, and I'm better edified now.
 
cheaper 338?

I think the cheapest would be by savage. They make two models, one for bench rest shooting ( I payed $1600) and now they make a lighter weight hunting version (not sure on price). Search my other post on the performance at long range of the 338 if desired.
 
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