And so it begins.

[Biggerhammer]

I talked my younger brother into having a .338 Edge built along side mine at BenchMark barrels. He had to get a action to them in a hurry since my 450 Ultra Mag is already there being "Switch" barreled. So he took them a 300 Ultra, Benchmark was great and pulled the barrel on the .300 today so it could be sold.

Benchmark busting down the .300 today.

[75johndeere]

Once again very nice.  is benchmark doing the whole build or just barrel & action? 

p.s. will you adopt me 

[Biggerhammer]

They are doing the whole build, it will be going into a AICS AXE Stock in flat dark earth. The action will be finished in black and the barrel in flat dark earth.

[JimmyHoffa]

Is this a new cartridge?  Looks like it will be a cool set up.  Super long range sniping target gun?

[Biggerhammer]

The .338 Edge has been out for some time, out performs the .338 Lapua and it can be safely run on a Rem 700 action. Where as the Lapua needs a larger bolt face, it can be put on a 700 but a custom action is more appropriate. Most Lapua shooters don't like to admit the Edge has the Edge. They argue the quality brass thing, match prepped brass is match prepped brass. I case care less if the head stamp in Lapua when it comes to brass. It doesn't change my group sizes.

Here's a .338 Berger 300gr Hybrid campared to one of my loaded 6.5 Gendel cartridges with a 120gr BT.



There a several members that shoot the Edge and I know Rbros may have built some.

[Special T]

BH so how much of an "edge" does it have over the Lapua? IF I were to build one or the other what are the benifits of going the route that you are going over a Lapua?

[Bob33]

"I talked my younger brother into having a .388 Edge"

Did you mean .338 Edge?

[Biggerhammer]

"I talked my younger brother into having a .388 Edge"

Did you mean .338 Edge?

Yes Bob, thanks. I didn't see the typo until you bought it to my attention.

[Biggerhammer]

BH so how much of an "edge" does it have over the Lapua? IF I were to build one or the other what are the benifits of going the route that you are going over a Lapua?

The factory chambering of the .338 Ultra Magnum is faster than the Lapua. Then you have the edge above both when it comes to speed. So when push comes to shove and one wants to yap top speed, then the edge has it in the bag but if your half way up to speed on the matter. Which I will assume you are, then we both know the accuracy node for both cartridges is bellow it's highest speed levels so in the end. Take your pick, a elk, deer or bear isn't going to be able to tell you the difference between getting hit with one of the three. (.338 Lapua, Ultra or Edge) All cartridges can be  loaded down but not all can be loaded up. . Kind of like a 9mm may expand but a .45 sure isn't going to shrink. Build whatever floats your boat, speed kills.

The question should be:

What are the benefits of a .338 Lapua over a .338 Edge?

My position is, it's your wallet. Toss it where you please.

[high country]

Once I get this shop fully flying, you are going to have be on my "take that guy to lunch list". I love seeing good parts stacked up on good parts price be damned. It's depressing when someone wants to cram the action and tube you just sweated over into a pos stock.

[jaymark6655]

So I heard a rumor that the edge is too long to fit in a magazine, any truth to that?  Also, why build one from scratch?    I could see if you already had an action the edge would be great because you can use an action that you already have, but for a whole new rifle why not the LM?  Is the difference in ballistics that awesome?  I also heard that the LM brass last longer and you have already available brass instead of having to make your own.  Just trying to get the facts since I am considering a new rifle.

[whacker1]

Once I get this shop fully flying, you are going to have be on my "take that guy to lunch list". I love seeing good parts stacked up on good parts price be damned. It's depressing when someone wants to cram the action and tube you just sweated over into a pos stock.

What is your timeline on this shop?

[Biggerhammer]

So I heard a rumor that the edge is too long to fit in a magazine, any truth to that?  Also, why build one from scratch?    I could see if you already had an action the edge would be great because you can use an action that you already have, but for a whole new rifle why not the LM?  Is the difference in ballistics that awesome?  I also heard that the LM brass last longer and you have already available brass instead of having to make your own.  Just trying to get the facts since I am considering a new rifle.

You have sure "Heard" allot. I based my decision on rifles I have shot(.338 Edge). With the correct reamer, the .338 Edge will feed from the AICS Lapua mags. As for basing my cartridge decision solely on brass manufacturer, pure rubbish. Bottom line is speed, the .338 Edge still has Velocity over the Lapua. Matched prepped and weighed brass is match prepped weighed brass. Weather it comes that way or the work is done in ones reloading room. Remington brass can be easily prepped and better yet Nosler Custom .300 Ultra brass has been performing excellent in the Edge. As for "Making my own", the .388 Edge cartridge is easily formed by one simple pass in a full length Edge die to expand the neck. I know guys that use a standard .338 Ultra die to accomplish this. While they are waiting for their Edge dies.

As for a complete rifle, if you read my OP again. You will see that they are switch barreling a complete custom rifle I already have. Which is chambered in 450 Ultra Magnum. Simply removing the 450 barrel and installing a .338 Edge barrel and 4 port brake. My recoil lug is pinned and both barrel will be index marked so I can switch barrels and cartridges at will. My brothers that is going into the AICS AX will be a completely new build. Both our rifles will have the same barrel, chamber, twist and brake. I like Remington700 actions and the ultra mag case head is as large as I want to run. The Lapua case head is larger, in the end it is all personal preference as to one's choice. As I mentioned earlier the accuracy node for both the Edge and Lapua is under the max velocities both cartridges are capable of so a speed argument doesn't really matter, back to personal preference.

I'm just having another barrel done (.338 Edge)for my rifle bellow. I'm not doing a complete build myself. Benchmark did build the rifle bellow(.450 Utra Mag).




Funny how on most forums, if you mention the Edge. The Lapua guys all puff up. Like women complaining about the toilet seat being left up, you don't hear us sniveling about having to put it down. . When in all reality I can care less who shoots what, run what ya brung. The argument will the Lapua brass cost is laughable. When you look at the total cost of a custom 3500.00-5000.00 depending on the glass you park on top, brass cost is nothing.

[jaymark6655]

Not saying that the LM is better.  Actually agree with you, already have a rifle that you can convert then the edge makes the most sense.  I am actually trying to decide which I want to get and I don't have a rifle so I would have to get a new one.  Just trying to make sense of all these people saying get the edge its better and cheaper when it seems like the both cost and do the exact same thing in the end.  So which is the better round for a new gun and ignoring cost (since new guns could cost the same to build anyway and LM brass last 3-4x longer than edge brass so reloading cost seems to be about the same)?

BTW really cool liking rifle, looks fun to shoot.

[Biggerhammer]

Not saying that the LM is better.  Actually agree with you, already have a rifle that you can convert then the edge makes the most sense.  I am actually trying to decide which I want to get and I don't have a rifle so I would have to get a new one.  Just trying to make sense of all these people saying get the edge its better and cheaper when it seems like the both cost and do the exact same thing in the end.  So which is the better round for a new gun and ignoring cost (since new guns could cost the same to build anyway and LM brass last 3-4x longer than edge brass so reloading cost seems to be about the same)?

BTW really cool liking rifle, looks fun to shoot.

There are 4 .338' s I looked at. The .338 Dakota, .338 Ultra, .338 Norma Mag, .338 Edge. In all reality, I may just make a call and chamber both in .338 Ultra Magnum. I want to shoot around the 2850fps mark with the 300's and all will do it and all are accurate in a custom rifle and there would less hassle feeding from the Lapua mag with the .338 Ultra/ 300gr bullet. Combo, I just might do that. 

[rbros]

In my experience, 150-175 Edge builds, you would be limiting performance by trying to stuff an Edge in the 3.6 or 3.68" lapua mag.  At that point, you might as well just go with the 338 Ultra.  Depending on barrel length, 2850 is possible.  Our 30" barrel's run 2950 with the Berger, and most 28's run in the 2850 range.  But, this is with things throated out considerbly more than the 3.60-3.68" length.  The Lapua in the same length barrel as the Edge will be approx. 75fps slower. 

Brass life isn't much difference between the 2 calibers.  Most guys are trying to push their Lapua's so hard  to catch the Edges, that they only get 4-5 firings on a case anyway.  I see around 7 firings, then I pitch the cases and start over with my personal Edge.  I found Remington brass to last longer than the Nosler, but have heard Nosler changed their 300RUM brass a few years ago and its supposed to be better now. 

I would recommend ditching the AX stock and going with a conventional stock and a Seekins DBM to maximize case capacity.  Set your rifle up with the Wyatt's box if it doesn't already have it and chamber them both the same length with your rifle being the one that determines that length.

Again, your mileage may vary, these are just my observations from playing with this caliber ALOT and building a bunch of them.

[high country]

A hot rod lapua on a remington 700 is too risky for my face.

[rbros]

Then there is that also!

[jaymark6655]

Yeah wasn't going to put a lapua into a 700 action.  I would be starting from scratch so either get an action for the lapua or get an action for building the edge.  Trying to figure out with a from scratch build why one would be better than the other.  75fps doesn't really sell it since that difference could be seen between two rifles of the same caliber.

[rbros]

Depends on the combo really.  Out of all the Edges that I have built, there isn't more than 15-20fps spread amongst them in the same barrel lengths.  Same goes with all the rest of the calibers actually.  With the Broughtons, Rock and Bartlein barrels I use, the velocities are pretty damn close.  All shoot the same load, etc...  The Lapua is a little over rated from what I have seen.  Its performance is almost on par with the 338 Ultra.  If you run the pressures up to the 68K mark, then it will get a little advantage, but the brass doesn't last long.  They all do the same thing, hit hard.  Its nice to have choices.

[Biggerhammer]

RBros,

If you recall, I gave you a shot at building them. You declined, I thought I would try your services and compare your work to the many other reputable smiths that I have used, that been around much longer. Thank you for hitting some key points that Benchmark and I already know and have discussed at length. As for ditching the Axe stock, that's not going to happen, hence the .338 Ultra option. I mentioned in one of my posts, one thing I can't stand in a gun shop. Is a sales man that is tossing his persenal opinion in their and not his proffessional, factual service or trying to sell me something other than I want. My cash is on the table, simply give me what I ask for, if you have it and I'm on my way.  Feel the same way about gunsmiths! So in the end, you jam your crap in whatever floats your boat and I'll jam my crap in a AICS AX.

[JPhelps]

Biggerhammer, I think all Travis did was make suggestions based on  his experience   Isn't this forum for helping each other out?

Back to the chambering.  The .338 edge is tough to beat and when built right is a definite shooter.

[Biggerhammer]

Biggerhammer, I think all Travis did was make suggestions based on  his experience   Isn't this forum for helping each other out?

Back to the chambering.  The .338 edge is tough to beat and when built right is a definite shooter.

I also based my cartridge choice before committing to them based on my expiriences. He knows as well as I with the proper grind on a reamer and a faster powder, I can do the Edge just fine on a AXE stock and the AICS mags. Sure it's more in depth but don't tell me it can't be done or I would be restricted, more cost yes but completely doable. I don't tromp down the beaten path of most others.

I don't recal asking anyone's opion on what I should chamber or what cartridge they feel is better or what stock they prefer , my post was stating what I was doing and what was in motion. It would be way cool to have a Edge on a AXE stock, I still may go with a .338 Ultra on the AXE. As I had mentioned before the "Advise" post.  There are other chamberings Benchmark has on hand that fit the bill for AICS mag length. .338 Dakota, .338 Norma Magnum etc.

[jaymark6655]

Biggerhammer, I think all Travis did was make suggestions based on  his experience   Isn't this forum for helping each other out?

Back to the chambering.  The .338 edge is tough to beat and when built right is a definite shooter.

I also based my cartridge choice before committing to them based on my expiriences. He knows as well as I with the proper grind on a reamer and a faster powder, I can do the Edge just fine on a AXE stock and the AICS mags. Sure it's more in depth but don't tell me it can't be done or I would be restricted, more cost yes but completely doable. I don't tromp down the beaten path of most others.

I don't recal asking anyone's opion on what I should chamber or what cartridge they feel is better or what stock they prefer , my post was stating what I was doing and what was in motion. It would be way cool to have a Edge on a AXE stock, I still may go with a .338 Ultra on the AXE. As I had mentioned before the "Advise" post.  There are other chamberings Benchmark has on hand that fit the bill for AICS mag length. .338 Dakota, .338 Norma Magnum etc.

Sorry think I helped side track this thread, was originally asking why you chose the Edge over Lapua.  Thanks for the info, think I know what I want now.

[Biggerhammer]

Your good to go, nothing is side tracked. 

[westside Elkhunter]

What are the advantages of the 338 edge over the 338 ultra mag? Where does the Edge shine?

[Biggerhammer]

What are the advantages of the 338 edge over the 338 ultra mag? Where does the Edge shine?

I would shoot either, a big game animal isn't going to be able to tell you the difference between getting hit by the two. At distance/ extended ranges the Edge is going to be flatter but at the same time a good range finder and quality optics with repeatable knobs, it does matter when your dialing your dope. Most people don't have the access to ranges or properties to realy ring out the true extended performance of either cartridge anyway. I'm not talking #No and ballistics program drop charts off a 100 yards zero. I'm talking , real world behind the rifle extended range trigger time.

We are fortunate on the east side to have such distances to shoot, I can ring my stuff out to 800 yards on my property and much further if I move the target off the end onto state land. It's nice to be able to shoot such distances so conviently. Without having to make a long drive. If my latest offer is accepted, I'll have 1050 yards to myself.

The home range  . Currently, I think the international tick convention is being held here.

[fishngamereaper]

The rifle build peaked my interest, but the 1050 yds got me to reply..... ...ive got several thousand rounds and a tank full of gas.