And so it begins.

[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.