I have a friend who is something of a commando at heart.
He has been engaging me in a discussion about sniper-type rifles, since he would like to build one just for fun. (He has no actual use for it, nor will he use it in any sort of competition.) Since I am not knowledgeable about anything to do with high-powered rifle shooting at long range, I thought I would throw his basic questions out to you guys for comments, if anyone is inclined.
He is trying to determine what to build - leaning toward a 338 Lapau, which seems a little much to me. I would think he could do some pretty good shooting out to 1000-yards (a magic number, for him) with a good .30/06 or .300 Winchester, and spend a lot less money for ammunition.
That is all I can tell him, which is probably not what he wants to hear. Specifically, he is interested to know what the state-of-the-art happens to be with barrels and bullets. For example, the .33 cal 300-gr Matchking does look impressive in terms of comparing it to, say, a .30 cal 175-gr Matchking. Obviously, we know there is going to be a lot more recoil. What we don't know is what barrels are available, and how they work with that type of bullet. Has the technology developed in producing .30 cal barrels spilled over into the .33s, and if so, is the 300-gr bullet a viable option? We're wondering the same things about the super-heavy .30 cal bullets, such as the 220-gr and 240-gr Matchkings, and barrels suitable for them... ?
Any of you guys toying around with these things care to comment, or actually using them in your assignments? I was flabbergasted to read some PDs are actually buying 338L rifles, since I can't imagine any real use they would have for them, other than something to amuse themselves and take up spare time/money. Any comments or experiences will be appreciated.
He has been engaging me in a discussion about sniper-type rifles, since he would like to build one just for fun. (He has no actual use for it, nor will he use it in any sort of competition.) Since I am not knowledgeable about anything to do with high-powered rifle shooting at long range, I thought I would throw his basic questions out to you guys for comments, if anyone is inclined.
He is trying to determine what to build - leaning toward a 338 Lapau, which seems a little much to me. I would think he could do some pretty good shooting out to 1000-yards (a magic number, for him) with a good .30/06 or .300 Winchester, and spend a lot less money for ammunition.
That is all I can tell him, which is probably not what he wants to hear. Specifically, he is interested to know what the state-of-the-art happens to be with barrels and bullets. For example, the .33 cal 300-gr Matchking does look impressive in terms of comparing it to, say, a .30 cal 175-gr Matchking. Obviously, we know there is going to be a lot more recoil. What we don't know is what barrels are available, and how they work with that type of bullet. Has the technology developed in producing .30 cal barrels spilled over into the .33s, and if so, is the 300-gr bullet a viable option? We're wondering the same things about the super-heavy .30 cal bullets, such as the 220-gr and 240-gr Matchkings, and barrels suitable for them... ?
Any of you guys toying around with these things care to comment, or actually using them in your assignments? I was flabbergasted to read some PDs are actually buying 338L rifles, since I can't imagine any real use they would have for them, other than something to amuse themselves and take up spare time/money. Any comments or experiences will be appreciated.
