Of these two powerful rifles the 338 RUM and the 338 Lapua witch one has the most power with witch bullets or are they equal?

The Lapua has a slightly larger case capacity but not enough over the RUM to make a practical difference.
The Lapua requires a larger boltface and can be a little harder to find.
Lapua brass is superior to the brass available for the 338 RUM.
The Lapua is a Military caliber and so is likely to be more widely distributed.
I prefer the Lapua.
Neither are for the faint of heart or soft of Shoulder.......................DJ

I would pick the RUM. I believe that RUM ammo is actually more available to the sporting customer. Plus, it's not a belted case. And, it fits easily into a reminton 700 action (ie mine was factory).

They are both excellent cartridges. It is really a toss-up. The real question would be between these cartridges and a 338/378, but, even then, the difference is slight.

Just a warning, they do kick MUCH harder than a smaller magnum rifle. My Rem 700 is around 9 lbs all up. Couple that with 4500+ ft/lbs of ME and you've got a kicker.

These .338 magnums are in my opinion perfect for the one-gun north american hunter.

~cheers

Either is fine but I went the 338-378 route... If it's a factory Weatherby there are no issues... If you have a rifle custom built then it's a question of the freebore that Weatherby's have...

Then to you have the 85 bucks a box for factory ammo but reloading keeps it affordable....

The Lapua ammo is actually hard to come by but again reloading can solve this issue...

Ken....

I would go RUM. Case cap. is almost identical but you can build a RUM on several diff. actions. RP brass is ok & cheap enough to buy bulk & cull 100 for serious work & use the rest for load dev. & practice. This is not a round one buys factory ammo for IMO.

I seem to remember Saeed publishing capacities and there was nothing between the Lapua and 338 RUM.

www.longrangehunting.com has heaps on the two but the information will tend to be slanted to bench style rifes, Nighforce scopes etc. 338 Lapua Imp is popular.

You have not stated you intentions or desires.

If you just want a powerful 338 the 338 RUM is the way to go.

Any differences in accuracy due to brass, case design etc will only be meaningful in a very accurate bench style rifle.

As the others have all said you are hitting some big recoil and these calibres are not something where you fire a few shots offhand a rock or a 5 gallon jug of water as you would a 458.

Personally, I lump the 338 RUM, 338 Lapua, 338/378, 375 RUM and 378 Wby all in the same group, that is, fast with big bullets. For long range shooting they all need muzzzle brakes if only to control the rifle from jumping about with a loose hold from an improvised rest.

If you would like to be able to load them back then I prefer the 375 RUM and 378 because they do so well with reuced loads of powders such as Varget/4064 etc.

If you are stuck on the 338 bore and you are going to have a classy rifle made up then I think the 338 Lapua is the class act and the 338 RUM is at the low class end.

Mike

I have always defended the 338 RUM, but since Remington has chosen to drop this calibre from their Sendero, one might be better off going the Lapua route. Anyway you slice it, it will be an expensive proposition.

quote:

Originally posted by djpaintles:
The Lapua has a slightly larger case capacity but not enough over the RUM to make a practical difference.
The Lapua requires a larger boltface and can be a little harder to find.
Lapua brass is superior to the brass available for the 338 RUM.
The Lapua is a Military caliber and so is likely to be more widely distributed.
I prefer the Lapua.
Neither are for the faint of heart or soft of Shoulder.......................DJ

The Lapua!

Better Cartridgedesign, better brasquality, less bottompressur!

I prefer the Lapua because I already own one and it shoots lights out, when I do my part. I also think it will be around for a very long time, it is just that good in my opinion. With the 225 North Fork bullet it is an awesome Elk round. My grandson took his first Elk with it when he was 14 and now he considers it his, and of course it will be. I have never shot the Rum but according to case capacity it can be nearly as good, if you work with it. Good shooting.

The distribuition of Lapua brass has been consistently spotty in the US. The brass is of high quality, but sometimes you just can't get it regardless of what you might try to pay.

For that reason, and that reason alone, I'm building a 338-300 RUM. A lot of people are calling the cartridge the "338 Edge". Its nothing more than a 300 RUM necked up to 338. More case capacity than the 338 RUM, and the availability of the Nosler 300 RUM brass takes the potential to a whole different level.

Redding had dies in stock for 338-300 RUM. One step necking up, a quick neck turn for me(although the 100 pieces of brass I've got were so consistent I don't know why I bothered), and the Nosler brass is ready to go....much like the Lapua.

Using a Wyatt's box in the 700, shoudl allow feeding...I'll let you know how it works out soon.

I get my 338 RUM brass from Remington at Midway.
I bought a hole lot when I first got my RUM. It was pretty cheap then when it first came out.

I don't know how fast the Lapua can push the Nosler 250gr buller but the Rum can push it at 2975FPS.

I own and shoot a 338 RUM. As mentioned, 338 RUM, 340 Weatherby, 338 Lapua are all in the same class. If you reload, it is a wash as long as your buy enough brass to support your shooting habits.

Barstooler

I'll second the 338-300 RUM...

After a ton of research on the 338 cals for long range shooting, I do feel that's the best all around-er. My cousin is working on a build right now, and I'll have one when I shoot the barrel out of my 300 RUM in another few years.

According to the load manuals The 338 RUM has more FPS then the Lapua. I know the Lapua shell is wider but the RUM shell is longer.
They are both very powerful but the Rum has a little more power.

I actually measured the water capacities of the two cases. The Lapua has slightly more case capacity and loaded to the same pressure levels is the more powerful round. It's not enough difference to over though................DJ

Opinions are like "noses", everybody has one. That being said, the difference in powder capacity of the two cases is really insignificant. Given that I always have budget constraints, I would recommend the RUM. The brass may not be as good as Lapua but is much more readily available for a MUCH cheaper price. The Lapua (Rigby) requires a larger bolt face than the regular H & H and can really do with an oversized action to accomodate that larger diameter. The RUM will fit any belted (H & H) bolt face which will allow you to use US made factory actions, Remington, Winchester, Ruger, etc. If cost isn't a factor, use either one, the animals won't be able to tell the difference.

jro45 ----- As posted earlier, I own and shoot a .338 Lapua. I bought it from a friend who said it was too much gun for him, even after he put the most expensive muzzle brake he could buy on it. I got the rifle, 200 rounds of brass, bullets and dies for a song. I have shot Elk with the rifle as has my grandson. After this discussion I took it out today and shot it for the first time in a couple of months, just to remind myself of what it can do. It is a Sako Model 998 with a Ziess 4.5X14 Conquest scope on it. Referencing my old targets I was trying to pick the most accurate load. They told me to load H-1000 powder and a Fed 215M primer with either a 240 grain North Fork or 250 grain Barnes X bullet. I loaded both and went shooting with my regular shooting buddy, who is always ready to toss fun at any groups that seem over large (of course I do the same for him). I only had time today to shoot the Barnes load and this is the original old Barnes X, not the coated or Triple X. ----- The result was a one hole group of two in practically one hole and the third cutting that hole half way. It chronographed 3142 fps on my Oehler 35P. I was quite pleased because on some days I cannot buy a one hole group, but today I achieved it and in front of my most discriminating shooting critic. I don't know if the RUM can do that or not, all I can say is, if it can it is one hell of a fine rifle, and I would be proud to shoot it. Final conclusion, I will not be swapping my Lapua for any rifle regardless of what it is, but show me a RUM that can do that and I might consider buying it. Good shooting.

/

quote:

Originally posted by phurley5:
jro45 ----- As posted earlier, I own and shoot a .338 Lapua. I bought it from a friend who said it was too much gun for him, even after he put the most expensive muzzle brake he could buy on it. I got the rifle, 200 rounds of brass, bullets and dies for a song. I have shot Elk with the rifle as has my grandson. After this discussion I took it out today and shot it for the first time in a couple of months, just to remind myself of what it can do. It is a Sako Model 998 with a Ziess 4.5X14 Conquest scope on it. Referencing my old targets I was trying to pick the most accurate load. They told me to load H-1000 powder and a Fed 215M primer with either a 240 grain North Fork or 250 grain Barnes X bullet. I loaded both and went shooting with my regular shooting buddy, who is always ready to toss fun at any groups that seem over large (of course I do the same for him). I only had time today to shoot the Barnes load and this is the original old Barnes X, not the coated or Triple X. ----- The result was a one hole group of two in practically one hole and the third cutting that hole half way. It chronographed 3142 fps on my Oehler 35P. I was quite pleased because on some days I cannot buy a one hole group, but today I achieved it and in front of my most discriminating shooting critic. I don't know if the RUM can do that or not, all I can say is, if it can it is one hell of a fine rifle, and I would be proud to shoot it. Final conclusion, I will not be swapping my Lapua for any rifle regardless of what it is, but show me a RUM that can do that and I might consider buying it. Good shooting.

I put three Hornady 250 RN bullets into the same hole, I mean a .338 hole with my 338 RUM. I don't mean to sound like I'm bragging cause I'm not.

jro45 ----- If you can do that good buddy, go right ahead and bragg all you want. What was your speed. Good shooting.

quote:

Originally posted by ALF:
The biggest difference lies in the design of the web of the Lapua and all others in this class.

The Lapua's web was beefed up on purpose and by design to withstand higher pressures.

It is one very thought out design and case, purposely to an intended use.

Yes indeed, designed as little brother sniper round to the 50BMG, able to feed and function smoothly in any bolt action or full auto, and accurate, and meant for higher than usual pressure capability. Beautiful design.

Brass is thick in the web/head.
I have weighed some cases and found the .338 Lapua Magnum brass (by Lapua) to have about 1/2 the variance in weight of the .338 RUM cases by R-P. This despite the .338 Lapua brass being 22.8 % heavier than the .338 RUM brass.

I have sectioned the .338 LM brass (by Lapua) and found it visibly thicker webbed than the .416 Rigby (by Norma) brass of same external dimensions.

Sample of 5 each, brass weights:
.338 Lapua Magnum, Lapua: 337.2 grains
.338 RUM, R-P: 274.7 grains

I cannot give the water gross weight of the .338 RUM, but I SWAG it is less by about 3% to 8%, than the gross water capacity of the above lot of fire-formed .338 LM brass: 117.1 grains.

I traded in my .338 RUM, and turned the brass into 404 Dakota plinking brass. cant do the water capacities now!

I did find one source (AEM) to list the water capacities as:
.338 Lapua Magnum: 122.9 grains H20
.338 RUM: 113.8 grains H20
That is about an 8% difference. I do not know what brass they were using, but it must have been fire formed!

Length of brass, CIP maximum, 0.91 mm difference:
.338 LM: 69.20 mm
.338 RUM: 70.11 mm

Maximum average pressure allowed, according to CIP:

.338 Lapua Magnum = 4700 bar = 68,150 psi
.338 RUM = 4400 bar = 63,800 psi

AEM lists these pressure average maxi's, maybe a SAAMI error or typo?:

.338 LM: 60,925 psi
.338 RUM: 65,000 psi

I am sure the .338 Lapua Magnum case by Lapua is built stout, can take higher pressures, is the best possible functional geometry available for a .338-bullet-firing rifle: hunting rifle, target rifle, sniper rifle, or machinegun.

Lapua, for all of the reasons noted by RIP.

If you line up a 50 BMG trajectory chart with the 338 Lapua, they are amazingly similar. In a military application, I seem to recall that the Lapua began life as an arctic warfare weapon. Once word of its performance began to get out, it was tapped for long range sniper duty. The Brits loved it, and Accuracy International began producing rifles for it.

Maybe consider the .338 Excaliber or 8.59 Titan. Both of these surpass the performance of the RUM, Weatherby, and Lapua cartridges and I can't imagine that if you're going the custom rifle route, they would be any more expensive.

quote:

Originally posted by phurley5:
jro45 ----- If you can do that good buddy, go right ahead and bragg all you want. What was your speed. Good shooting.

phurley5, I didn't run those thru my congraph
but I think they were going around 2800 or 2900 FPS. I just held to the center of that target and squezzed the trigger.

jro45 ----- If your .338 RUM is running 2800 or 2900 fps, then have you not answered your original post, of which has the most power, as it pertains to YOUR rifle. The RUM can certainly be pushed faster, the question becomes, can it retain that accuracy at the higher speed. I like power but not at the expense of accuracy. I would never belittle a 250 grain .338 bullet going 2900 fps, but compared to one going 3142 fps, there is considerable difference. Good shooting.

phurley5, I'll tell you what the 338 RUM can do.
250 Nosler bullet= 2975 FPS
250 Serria bullet= 3015 FPS
225 Nosler Accubond= 3178 FPS
225 Nosler bullet = 3138 FPS
210 Nosler bullet = 3232 FPS
200 Hot Core bullet= 3260 FPS
300 Woodleigh bullet 2720 FPS
180 nosler bullet= 3505 FPS

I don't know what the Lapua can do but I think it would be close to the same. All these are very close to 65000 PSI. All these Shoot with in a 1" three shot group at 200 yds some holes are 1/2 to 5/8".

jro45 ----- You stated that you didn't run them through your chronograph, if that is the case, where did you get your figures. Good shooting.

phurley5, I didn't run those 2800 or 2900 FPS thru. They were approximate by the amount of power I used.

These above I ran thru my conagraph.
My question is what can the Lapua do?

jro45 ----- Your .338 RUM is a fine chambering and compares very well to the Lapua or any other .338 on the market. I also have owned and shot extensively many Elk and a fine Moose with a .340 Wby, which ballistic wise is only a short step behind the RUM and Lapua. Comparing chamberings is like comparing kids, they each are different and all have their special characteristics. The shooter that can take a chambering and make it walk and talk according to his desires is also special. I don't think my Lapua is any better than many chamberings on the market today, but that rascal will do what I want it to 90% of the time and that other 10% is me, not the rifle. You will have to draw your own conclusions about the comparison between the two chamberings, I have presented my figures, and they are not approximated, you do the math. This is also a comparison of only yours and mine, others may have completely different sets of figures. Good shooting

phurley5, I use RL25 power. There are limits using this power. I used to use H1000 but now I use it for my 300 RUM.

It seems that they both are pretty close[ The Lapua and The RUM. They both are two of the most powerful 338's around. I think a couple wildcats and the 338-378 might beat them but not in every bullet.

I'd go with the Lapua as rem brass leaves a lot to be desired. You can fit the Lapua on most of your comercial actions mine is on a 700 that I opened the bolt face and installed an AR type extractor.

The 338 RUM Brass by Remington I've shot 10 times already. I don't see anything wrong with it so I'm still using it. I don't know where you got your information.

I don't trade my brass around I use the brass thats for it.