338Lapua savage which model

[simplicity]

I've been thinking about taking the dive into a savage 338 Lapua. I love the 338 caliber, I've been shooting a 338 win mag ever since I was 13 ( I was a odd kid) the rifle shoots great. I know I'll probly get a few that say don't waste your time etc. I just want to try out the Lapua. I'm having trouble deciding on which model to get the HS or the Long range hunter. The gun will be used for long range hunting and friendly long range competitions but won't be as often as you would have to shoot for a match.  LR hunter seems like it would fit the task a bit more then the HS due to the sporter style stock configuration and it's a fair amount cheaper. I have a stock pile of 338 accubonds and the powder already just need gun brass and dies. I was just wondering what others thoughts about the two models were.

[wareagleguy]

I got to spend a whole summer working up a load for a custom 338 Lapua.  While that isn't my cup of tea I fell in love with the round.  You are going to want to reload for that beast, trust me.  Just the supplies to start reloading are going to give you a heart attack!!!  You are going to burn a ton of powder but you will have one crazy shooter of a rifle.  If you have never shot a 338 Lapua then I can only tell you to hang on.  The 338 Win Mag is a good start but the Lapua is much more and with a big dose of recoil depending on rifle weight.  I would suggest getting as much scope as you can get because 300 yards is nothing.  It really doesn't get it's legged stretched out until 750+ yards.  If you get it keep us posted.

[243dave]

I know nothing about the Lapua but I know about carrying a heavy rifle with a big scope hunting, it sucks.  The older u get the more u hate it.  The long range rifle is not a lightweight but the HS model is nearly 11 lbs. After u scope a 11lb rifle, load it with ammo and possibly put a bipod on it u won't want to take it hunting.  Off the bench the HS will be much nicer but if u plan to hunt a fair bit with it go the lighter LR rifle, a pound and a half makes a good bit of difference in a rifles portability.  I guess it boils down to if u are gonna use it as a bench gun or a hunter the most, let that make the decision for u.   

[simplicity]

Well I ended up getting the HS model reason in being I have a338 win mag in a rem.700 that I hunt withand this I feel is prtty much going to be a long range rig. I'll probly end up buying acouple boxes of the PPU ammo to break the barrel in, I know the ammo will not shoot all that great (but it'll give me some brass that I know is not that great) to work up somwhat of loads to get close to what i want then get some lapua brass.

[peak98]

The only 338L I've got to shoot was an Accuracy International AW model, was an awesome round and rifle ! Wait till you take it out to 1000y plus, I'd love to have the Savage you purchased. Put some superb glass on it and run it hard ! I shot a 5" group at 800y with my buddy's rifle, when I asked him how much he wanted for it, he just busted out laughing like an insane person.....