ArmLite AR 30 in Lapua .338?

[vernosr1]

Anything out there on the Armlite AR30 chambered in .338 Lapua?

I'm looking to get a pretty good new rifle for learning how to shoot (and experiment with reloading)at shoot longer ranges. I want to get into the .338 Lapua cartridge and have been looking at a lot of firearms in the $4-5000 range. (Yes, I'll put almost as much into a decent scope, probably a Leupold.) All of a sudden I come across the Armlite AR30 chambered in a .338 Lapua for something a little less than $2000...(MOA less than 1...maybe that's it...)
What gives? Is this weapon good enough for a non-Navy SEAL like me? Can i use the money saved to but reloading dies,brass, etc. for this expensive round?
Thanks!

 

[NCsmitty]

Is there a range available in Maryland to be able to use the long range potential of the Lapua cartridge?



NCsmitty

 

[conhntr]

Aberdeen has some nice ranges they are in md

 

[ny32182]

Personally I would not "learn how to shoot" at long range with a cartridge like that. I would "learn" out to 800yd or so on a .308 for MUCH less money all the way around. Then if I wanted to stretch it out with one of the dedicated long range rounds and had 1500++ yards available I might consider .338 Lapua.

 

[anthony-white]

I personally wouldn't start out with a round that recoils like the 338LM. There's a lot of calibers that are quite capable of 1000 yards that will be a whole lot easier on your shoulder. The longer you can sit at the bench the better you get. I would look at the 6 and 7 mm's, lots of great bullets made for those calibers.

 

[vernosr1]

Thanks But...

I truly do appreciate all the ancillary advice and tips....the hearts are in the right place for those replying.....and the .338 Lapua and long (like over 800 meters) range shooting is not for beginners....I agree....but let's try to hit paper here...I'm asking about the firearm........OK?

 

[giggitygiggity]

I've shot the AR30 in .338 Lapua. AWESOME rifle! Very accurate. When shot from the prone with a bipod, the muzzlebrake eliminates almost all of the recoil. The pressure and concussion from the muzzle blast almost makes your head feel as if you've been bopped in the nose though. Nothing too bad though. It is also extremely loud. However, it is one accurate, reliable, solid, and fun weapon. Make sure you mount a high quality scope on there such as the Leupold otherwise it will break.

 

[DoubleTapDrew]

You may have already read this article but it makes me want an AR-30
http://www.gunblast.com/ArmaLite_AR-30.htm
It may not be quite as accurate as a Sako TRG-42 but it's half the price as well.

 

[Zak Smith]

If you have no or little experience shooting at medium and long ranges (say 300-1000 yards), the .338 is a terrible choice for a variety of reasons: cost, recoil, blast.

That said, if you have really determined that a .338 will best suit your needs/wants, the AR-30 is a good, economical choice. The .338 RUM cartridge provides identical ballistics to the .338LM so you might be able to find a cheaper option there.

Here are some articles about long-range cartridge selection


article | Practical Long-Range Rifle Shooting, Part I - Rifle & Equipment


article | The Case for .260 Remington: A Better Cartridge For Practical Long-Range Shooting

 

[Tim the student]

Good links Zak. Thanks.

 

[Tapoutking]

The .338 is my next rifle. Great choice.