Input needed - .338 Lapua TRG-S

Duffy

Inactive
Several months back I made inquiry regarding production of a .338 Lapua based on the Montana “Professional Hunter” action and their staff stated it would work better than their magnum action, implying perhaps a better fit? Production was to begin in December of 2006, but they amended their website in December to indicate production would start in December of 2007. Now they indicate it is on indefinite suspension.

I just purchased a used SAKO TRG-S in .338 Lapua and am retrofitting it to my wants. Months ago, I posted here looking for a better stock, but I'll have to take what I can afford as I prep for a return to college.

It shall use the factory barrel until it loses accuracy.
A Limbsaver recoil pad is being installed as they fit the stock.
I initially specified a BP-TEC muzzle brake but they indicated they had not developed one for the gas volume of the .338 Lapua; they could prototype one for me at double the cost. Therefore I am going with a David Gentry “Quiet” muzzle brake as they are marginally less noisy than others.
Bedding will be fiberglass in the factory stock, as my smith stated it won’t need pillar-post.
Rings will be either the Burris Pos-Align or Sako.
Scope will be Burris Euro Diamond 30mm, 2.5-10 with 50mm objective lens and illuminated ballistic-plex reticle.

Concerns remain.

How should I break-in the barrel? Sako hammer forges their barrels so they are relatively smooth to start with. It’s all being done back in the States, and I haven’t seen the bore. What if I find corrosion?

Can anyone recommend a brake that doesn’t significantly increase noise?

My smith stated pillar-post bedding won’t be needed. Uh, I had a .300 RUM pillar-post bedded and it shot like a laser beam. It would seem to me the Lapua recoils significantly more and might benefit from pillar-post bedding.

I have read vague criticisms of the recoil lug in the TRG-S. What has anyone else heard of this?

Should I go with Burris or Sako rings?

As for the scope, well, it isn’t a dedicated long-range scope now is it? Let me explain – I’m going back to school in Ontario to get another degree and hopefully make a good wage. I can only afford one rifle at this time, and to the best of my knowledge I can’t bring my handguns into Canada for close range work in the bush. The rifle must perform a variety of tasks through many situations.

For reloading dies I intend to purchase Hornady with the micrometer seating stem.

Who makes the best brass? I know only about Lapua and Norma, but Black Hills makes loaded ammunition. Who makes their brass?

I’m familiar with the Federal magnum rifle primers but read an article some years ago indicating another manufacturer produces a more potent magnum rifle primer, and for the life of me, I can’t remember who.

Filson has a motto: “Might as well get the best”. Sadly, I can’t afford the very best at this time and satisficing is the watchword of the day. Please guide me through this.
 
A friend of mine has a TRG-42 in 338LM, and I have the AI 338 rifle.

For components, definitely get the Lapua brass. It's high quality and nice and hard. We are using FGMM 215M primers (Magnum Match).

For the 250gr bullets, we have had excellent results with H4831SC and Retumbo. For the 300's, I am using Retumbo but also got good results with RL25.

I would recommend the SAKO rings over the Burris.

For barrel break in, just shoot it and clean a little more often in the begining. Do not use anything abrasive.
 
Thanks!

Zak - thanks for the input. I'll defiantely get the Sako rings. I'll also get Lapua brass.

Should I insist on pillar bedding? My smith stated the Sako fiberglass stocks and barreled actions rarely require this.

What about a muzzle brake? Is there one that won't blow my eardrums in the field?

Your primers, the FG215MM, are they the match grade magnum large rifle primers from Federal?
 
I am not familiar with the TRG-S stock, so I can't offer really good advice on it. I would be surprised if it didn't just shoot well from the box however.

All brakes are going to be quite loud. I don't know of any for .338-class rifles which are quieter than others, but there probably are some.

If sound suppressors are legal in your country, I would recommend one of those. They do not reduce recoil in the 338's as much as the best brakes do (such as the new AI brake or the TRG-42 brake), but they reduce recoil a lot compared to no muzzle device. They also reduce the report volume not-quite to ear-safe levels-- but certainly better than no muzzle or a brake.

My TRG-42 friend and I are using 1.75" diameter x 9" long titanium suppressors, and it's impressive to send those 250-grain bullets with no blast and significantly less report.

ou are right on the primers.
 
Duffy, I'm shooting a TRG-S in .338 Lapua with a factory stock. I'm getting ragged holes at 100 yds. with it's favorite 250 grain loads so you should be
fine.
I'm using a J.P. brake which makes the rifle look like an artillery piece but sure
tames the recoil. My friends all say that it's not too loud but they are all deaf
anyway. :)
Have fun and let us know how it turns out.
 
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