338 Lapua Improved or 300 WSM for 1000 yard bench rest

6

6BR

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Hey guys, what would do you think the better choice would be for a 1000 yard bench rest rifle. I need to decide between the 338 Lapua Improved or 300 WSM. With the new 338 bullets from Lapua, Berger and Hornady, I am thinking the 338 Lapua might be the better choice. I like the idea of shooting a 300grn bullet, like the Lapua 300grn Scenar with a BC of .810, at 2950fps to 3000fps. I also like the 300 WSM with a 210grn bullet, with a .645 BC, at 2850fps to 2900fps. I think I am leaning toward the 338 Lapua Improved, however, I would really like to hear what you guys think. I will also be using this rifle for long range varmint hunting.
 
Here are the specs that I am going with;

1. Action-Stiller Python
2. Barrel-Bartlein, 30", 1-10 twist, 1.450 STRT Cylinder with flutes.
3. Stock-McMillan Tooley MBR with 5Lbs lead added to rear.
4. Jewel Trigger
5. Vais Muzzle Brake
6. Total weight will be around 30 to 35 pounds

I am thinking the 338 Lapua might be the way to go. This will be my first heavy gun. I want to shoot a large bullet with high BC. I am really thinking the new Lapua 300grn Scenar with a .810 BC would be a really aesome set up. Also, Berger and Hornady are coming out with their own .338 Match bullets and that would the .338 shooter a variety of bullets to choose from.
 
6br

Never seen a 338 that shot as consistent as a 300 wsm! I know you haven't much time before shooting season, but go to PA1000yard.com and look at what top shooters are using.

Joe Salt
 
While the Vias brake is a great choice for the smaller calibers, for a 338 lapua, I can tell you from experience, you want the most efficient brake you can buy. Thats going to be a baffle or gill brake and not a perforated brake.
 
haze10 said:
While the Vias brake is a great choice for the smaller calibers, for a 338 lapua, I can tell you from experience, you want the most efficient brake you can buy. Thats going to be a baffle or gill brake and not a perforated brake.
Click to expand...
Except for one small problem.

They are probably against the rules -- at least, IBS -- which generally prohibits clamshell brakes, or any brake that direct the gas rearwards. "Perforated" brakes are allowed in Light Gun -- which must be under 17 pounds. The proposed rifle is too heavy for LG. No brakes are allowed in IBS Heavy Gun.

Since you appear to be a west coat shooter, most of the matches you would likely go to won't (currently) be IBS. Whether or not a rearward brake is allowed in NBRSA, you'll have to ask.
 
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The 338 was specially made for longggg range varmints...the 2 legged kind. It has quite a wollop too. Almost all the records set for 1000 yard bench are from much smaller calibers that are very efficient, and get on target in a very repeatable manner. The 338 will most certainly get to 1000 yds...and kill a semi-truck engine or driver or both. If you really like BIG guns thats fine...they are fun, but not fun for benchrest as a rule. Good shooting, Gary
 
300 WSM & Action Choice

I have decided to build a 300 WSM. I am still trying to decide between a BAT or Stiller Python. I called Stiller yesterday and they said it would be about 10 months before I receive the action. I know where I can get a BAT M 1.550 Daimeter action as we speak. However, I am thinking the bigger Stiller Python, with it's 1.650 diameter, will be the better action for the 30", 1.450 STRT Cylinder barrel. Any advice would be great, as this will be my first heavy gun project.
 
338 v. 300WSM

I have shot both in 1000 BR. Joe Salt is correct. Day in and day out, the 300 WSM will out shoot the 338s. Why? The bullets are just better for one. It is hard to win for group with a 338 as most of the success with that chambering has been for score. I would not champion a 338 Lapua Improved in a light gun or a heavy gun that was under about 60 pounds.

The new bullets from Lapua and Berger may change everything. I don't know. I do know that you have to do extensive work to the 300 SMK to be competitive over a 10 match season plus making a good run at the Nationals.

With the 300 WSM in Heavy Gun you will be shooting a chambering that also will be great in your light gun. When you become dedicated to one chambering your chances of really "knowing" that chambering will really assist in your long run success. Also, the light gun can be your backup if something goes wrong with your HG (just remove the break on the LG).

Your time at the loading bench will be more effient as you are loading for the same chambering with a chance of using the same loads. It is really no contest. I love my 338 UGA, but go with the 300 WSM in light and heavy gun and never look back.

Jim Hardy
 
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Action

Jim, thanks for the excellent info. I sent you an e-mail regarding one of your BATactions. I am going with the 300 WSM for sure. Now I need to decide on chamber and throat. I was thinking a tight neck in a .335 or .337 neck with a .148 lead for the 190grn to 210grn bullets. Let me know what you guys think would be the best chamber and lead.
 
If ya have alot of money to throw away on a Bat or Stiller action, that's fine. I use older Savage actions. If you have a real good gunsmith like mine(therifler.com) Mike Burns, Than you don't have anything to worry about. My Savage actions work as smooth as the big name actions and the tolerances are tight. They have dominated over those other actions and now i have even more money in my pocket for powder and tips.
 
You might want to look into

a 1:11" twist. All of the top barrel makers offer that option, I think.
Just a thought, not a recommendation.

Jay, Idaho
 
If I end up going with the 300 WSM, I am going to go with the 1-11. However, I am thinking about going with the 6.5x284. I am trying to pick the right cartridge for this project.
 
give this guy a call.
Mark King Rifles
he's in Duncannon Pa.
Great guy.
Talk to him about what you want and ask him about what's winning at Williamsport, which by the way you'll see a lot of rifles are Smithed by him there.
 
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