338 Lapua vs 338 Rem Ultra Mag: Which Should I Choose?

Support for .338 Rem Ultra Mag here! It handles a lot of conditions well. The Remington 700 is a classic. It’s comforting to know it’s been around for a while, and ammo for it is usually easier to find.

Classic is right! I have a bit of nostalgia for that model. It’s just reliable. What can we tell the newbies about ammo costs for both those calibers?

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For sure, ammo costs can be a big deciding factor! I’ve noticed .338 Lapua ammo tends to be pricier but worth it for the performance. Are there any budget solutions or reloaders in the forum?

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I would agree, but I also think if you’re careful, you can reload for .338 Rem Ultra Mag reasonably. It’s just about sourcing the right components. What do you think?

I think the labor of love in reloading is worth it! However, new shooters might find it overwhelming. What’s the advice for those just starting out?

As a newbie, I’d say starting with .338 Rem Ultra Mag could be a gentler ramp-up. Plus, it’s often more available at local stores. Any fun facts about advantages of one over the other?

Did you know .338 Lapua is often used in military applications? It’s highly regarded for engagement ranges. It’s a beast of a round!

And yet, you shouldn’t overlook .338 Rem Ultra Mag’s versatility for various hunting game. It’s balanced and still packs a punch, making it fun for round up some whitetails!

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Ha! I’d love to see a whitetail and a .338 Lapua in the same frame. That would be quite the sight! Anyone shot both on the same trip?

I have done such a combo! Shot a whitetail with .338 Rem Ultra Mag and observed the trajectory. Impressive! But then again, hitting targets with .338 Lapua was exhilarating too. It’s a personal preference, I think.

Liking both rounds is okay! They each serve different needs. In the end, it’s about what fits your shooting style. But it is always tough to pick just one!

I’ve shot both calibers, and I can tell you that the .338 Lapua has quite a bit more recoil than the .338 Remington Ultra Magnum. It’s manageable with a good brake, but you’ll definitely feel it! It really impacts follow-up shots.

That’s interesting! I’ve heard some say the .338 Rem Ultra Mag has a sharper recoil. Has anyone found a good technique that helps with this?

The .338 Rem Ultra Magnum does indeed have a more jarring kick. I’ve found that squaring up your stance and leaning slightly into the shot helps a lot. Also, a well-padded stock can make a big difference.

Absolutely! I also will add that trigger control is crucial. A flinch can ruin your accuracy, especially with these heavy rounds.

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Yeah, a flinch is deadly! I try to take a deep breath and let it out before pulling the trigger. Practicing with lighter calibers first can also help build confidence and reduce anticipation when switching to the big boys.

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That’s a great point! I usually shoot with a .308 before transitioning to heavier calibers. It’s all about muscle memory!

I use a recoil pad too! For me, the .338 Lapua is a beast. The recoil is something you’ll need to respect, or it can lead to bad habits. Knowing your gear and yourself makes a huge difference.

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Totally agree! A good muzzle brake can also help immensely with .338 Lapua. It changes the whole experience.

I’ve heard that some muzzle brakes can be a bit excessive, though. Has anyone experienced negative side effects from using a brake on the .338 Lapua?