.50BMG vs .338 Lapua

[artherd]

It's long range accuracy time.

Which one, and why? Is the .338 actually more accurate?

Armalite is severely tempting me with their AR-30 5-shot mag fed .338 Lapua for around $1200.

 

[Surely]

info

sniper info 338

 

[fslflint]

there really isn't much to compare. as I've read and been told is that these two cartriges are for two different things. the 338 lapua is for anti-personel and the 50 bmg is for ant-material. just a thought

 

[cratz2]

Is this a purely armchair ballistics question or are you trying to figure out which to buy?

I hate to talk anyone out of a new gun - and if you have funds freely floating about, then knock yourself out - but I'd say unless you like really loud guns and/or recoil, if you can't hold your heavy barrel 308 rifle to consistant 1/2 MOA groups, then I think either the 50 or the 338 are kind of a waste.

IMNSHO.

 

[Bacchus]

I assume that you have a range to go to that has the range to shoot at long distances....If you're a member of a club, perhaps someone else has one that you can borrow and try to your hand at both.

 

[MLC]

If it were me I'd get the 338.
If you handload then the 338 will give you more projectile options at a more reasonable price than the 50 cal.
For short range you could use factory(Rem,Win) bullets and reduced loads for comfort. Long range, load up some whoppers with the 300g SMK that will buck wind like nobodies business.
If you just want a long range rifle, Remington makes(not sure about currently) a Sendero in 338 Ultra mag, it's almost the same as the 338 Lapua and is an attractive rifle unlike the AR-30. You could get a scoped, breaked and tuned Sendero for less than a scoped AR-30.

 

[artherd]

Is this a purely armchair ballistics question or are you trying to figure out which to buy?

The latter.

I am looking for a very accurate long-range gun. 600-1500 yds.

My .30-06 has the shorter range covered.


PS: I think the AR-30 is georgeous, beauty is in the eye of the beholder

 

[50 Shooter]

If you like the AR-30 then just get it's bigger brother, AR-50.

The .338 will cost you more to reload then the .50 BMG, there are NO surplus parts for .338 Lapua. While there is plenty .50 BMG surplus to buy, now if you plan on reloading match quality it will get more expensive. If you buy match expect to pay about $5 a round.

The record for .50 BMG at 1000 yards is just under 3" for five shots, all five went into the X and all five were shot under one minute.

 

[artherd]

A .50 is definately on my list, but I think I want an M82A1. Which is 7 grand. And because of the stupid PRK, not legal with a pistol grip (it must be removed). I need to stay away from semi-autos for a little while, too much temptation to break such a stupid stupid law.


I want a mag-fed bolt action that I can actually move with in the mean time. (pretty much rules out most .50s, the AR-30 weighs 12lbs!)


.50 does have the surplus advantage, but you're right at about $5/round comparing the (only for .338 ) comprable match ammo.


Also, the AR-50 is single-shot. And that Barrett....