Guided: Custom Savage 338 Lapua

As shooters, we are always looking to get more out of our rifle systems. We want smaller groups and first-round hits on targets at distance. One variable we are always contending with is wind. Regardless of how well we can read and predict what the wind is doing down range, we will eventually miss targets down range because of wind. When it comes to playing in the wind, one of the best things we can do is reduce the effects of wind by shooting a fast, high ballistic coefficient bullet like the .338 Lapua. Let's take a look at a custom 338 from the Guided YouTube Channel!

ERIC'S RIFLE SETUP

Looking through Eric's previous videos, one will notice he is inclined towards conventional stocks versus chassis. So, it is no surprise the MDT XRS was his go-to for this build. It is an excellent crossover option. Another thing worth mentioning is that this was what I like to refer to as a "semi-custom" build. He kept his original Savage action and replaced the barrel with one from K&P chambered by Long Rifles Inc. in South Dakota. On top of the rifle, Eric mounted a Sightron S8 5-40x56 with a 40mm tube. This is an interesting and less common scope choice, but speaking from personal experience, it is an excellent one. The scope's optical performance is top-tier. An additional benefit is its weight and how it helps tame the stout recoil of the .338 Lapua. Another step Eric took towards mitigating the .338's recoil was installing an EC tuner muzzle brake. From the video, it doesn't look like he spent any time tuning the brake for ammunition being used, but it didn't seem to negatively affect accuracy.

Eric chose a Sightron Rifle Scope for his build. Excellent piece of glass.

SHOTS FIRED

Midway through the video, Eric conducted some load testing with various charge weights projectiles. He initially shot Some factory Federal Gold Medal Match 250gr., which shot sub-MOA (as did most, if not all, of his subsequent three-shot groups.). As a shooter, I found something strangely satisfying about watching the holes appear on paper and was vicariously pleased as Eric kept punching out tight groups. In addition to the excellent group sizes, the minimal point of impact shift from group to group is worth noting. This is indicative of a well cut chamber and a stable action to chassis fit. Stay tuned to Eric's channel to see what load Eric settles on and how his rifle performs at distance.

Eric tested several different loads through the rifle.

Check out the latest video on our YouTube Channel!

CALIBER RESOURCES FROM MDT

• Copper VS Lead - Meateater & Modern Day Sniper
• Analysis: 6.5 PRC
• Analysis: 6.5x47 and 6x47 Lapua
• The Carbon Ring
• Analysis: .277 Sig Fury - Inside MDT
• Is the 308 Winchester Still Relevant?
• Analysis: 6.5 Creedmoor
• Why All The Hate For The 30-06
• Loading 6MM ARC And .223 REMINGTON with A Dillon Progressive Press
• Hornady 6MM ARC For Competition
• Analysis: 6MM BR NORMA
• Fire Forming and Loading 223 AI
• Loading 6GT with Hodgdon H4350
• 270 Winchester and Colorado Elk
• 6mm GT Load Development
• Capable And Versatile: A Close Look at the 6.5X55 Swedish
• Analysis: .338 Lapua Magnum
• Analysis: 7MM PRC
• 280 AI: Merging Power and Precision
• 338 Lapua: A Journey
• Analysis: 8.6 Blackout
• Hornady 338 ARC Versus 300 Blackout