Savage 112 Magnum Target 338 Lapua Bolt-Action Rifle

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02-09-2023, 06:46 AM
Eamonn

Savage 112 Magnum Target 338 Lapua Bolt-Action Rifle

I am thinking of getting this rifle for it's 338 "Lapuaness"... then in time make my own wooden tactical grip stock as I don't like the stock it has. I will want it for long range target shooting, (I'm a beginner).

Does anyone have experience with this gun? I have read that the bolt might stick with reloads and it is finicky with some brands of cases?

If this is the case, are there things that can be done to negate this... or what other 338 Lapua rifles could I buy for the metal parts only? The more buttery the bolt action, the better.

https://gun.deals/product/savage-112...on-rifle-89999
02-09-2023, 09:53 AM
Padox

I have the 110 in 7mmrm and ur right the bolt does get sticky with reloads
02-09-2023, 12:57 PM
Pommy

It's not what you asked, but what do you consider to be long range?

Because for most beginners making an entry into "long range", it's rarely over 1000m. And a 338 Lapua is just an obscene amount of overkill for that. Unless you are routinely going to be shooting out to a mile and beyond, you'll be much better served by a 6 or a 6.5 something. Easier to shoot, easier to spot what happens down range, MUCH easier on your wallet.
02-09-2023, 01:00 PM
ariki

No way a beginner should be starting with a 338 Lapua unless you want to become recoil sensitive or develop a flinch.
02-09-2023, 06:17 PM
No.3

Well with a decent brake and a decent fitting stock they aren't that bad to shoot. A 12guage shotty can boot more. But, the amount of gas produced can be a shock for someone not used to magnums and very effective muzzle brakes. And, noise is a definite factor with these - with a decent brake they are loud. I really dislike shooting radial braked anything over sandy or pumice areas too.
03-09-2023, 01:15 PM
Eamonn

It's ok, relax everyone... I'm from Northern Ireland, haha.

This won't be the first gun I will shoot. I'll be getting a .308 and a .223 also.

The 338 Lapua is a long term project. I'm just looking for a solid base for my own woodwork.
03-09-2023, 01:23 PM
Eamonn

@ Padox

Is this with certain brands of bullets?

Or do you mean "reloads" as in, bullets you load the powder yourself?

All in all... how do you find the gun? How accurate is it? Other than the "stickiness" how does the bolt feel?
03-09-2023, 01:26 PM
Eamonn

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pommy

It's not what you asked, but what do you consider to be long range?

Because for most beginners making an entry into "long range", it's rarely over 1000m. And a 338 Lapua is just an obscene amount of overkill for that. Unless you are routinely going to be shooting out to a mile and beyond, you'll be much better served by a 6 or a 6.5 something. Easier to shoot, easier to spot what happens down range, MUCH easier on your wallet.

I'll be wanting to shoot it 1000-1500+ meters.
03-09-2023, 01:38 PM
Padox

@eammon shoots ridiculous well have shot deer out to 600 with it I home load for it and every now and then u gotta tap the bolt open got to keep the bolt well oiled otherwise everything works as it should
03-09-2023, 01:50 PM
Eamonn

Quote:

Originally Posted by Padox

@eammon shoots ridiculous well have shot deer out to 600 with it I home load for it and every now and then u gotta tap the bolt open got to keep the bolt well oiled otherwise everything works as it should

"shoots ridiculous well"... that's what I want to hear... thanks.

I won't be "relaoding" for a few years to come. So for now I will just buy bullets. Are there any brands, that you know of that better suit the gun/calibre?
03-09-2023, 02:26 PM
Padox

Buying 338 bugger that even if u can find it prob $15-$20 a round now have never used factory ammo in my 7
03-09-2023, 02:34 PM
Eamonn

Quote:

Originally Posted by Padox

Buying 338 bugger that even if u can find it prob $15-$20 a round now have never used factory ammo in my 7

Yeah, $15 a round. That price will concentrate the mind... sharpish, hehe.

It's looking like I'll be getting into reloading sonner that I was planning.
03-09-2023, 02:44 PM
Padox

Yea not many places stock it eather
03-09-2023, 05:22 PM
tikka

If you can get ammo with the 285gr ELD-M they work well out to 1100m on deer from my experience. Not tried the 270gr ELD-X ammo. $15 is still cheap meat even if only saving back steaks and back legs.
03-09-2023, 06:25 PM
Eamonn

Quote:

Originally Posted by tikka

If you can get ammo with the 285gr ELD-M they work well out to 1100m on deer from my experience. Not tried the 270gr ELD-X ammo. $15 is still cheap meat even if only saving back steaks and back legs.

" $15 is still cheap meat"... that's a great way to look at it.

Although I will use the Lapua for mostly long range target shooting, (at first). Only after I would have it mastered would I even think to shoot something alive with it.
03-09-2023, 06:38 PM
Padox

@Stump this is ur ally
03-09-2023, 07:20 PM
Stump

You can build a very nice nz made rifle with truflite/hardy barrels and a barnard action, that will leave you the stock to custom make yourself.

I don't know anyone who shoots long range and dosent reload...
03-09-2023, 07:58 PM
Eamonn

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stump

You can build a very nice nz made rifle with truflite/hardy barrels and a barnard action, that will leave you the stock to custom make yourself.

I don't know anyone who shoots long range and doesn't reload...

Thanks for the info.

I'm sure I'll get into the reloading... lets just get a long range rifle first.
03-09-2023, 08:14 PM
zimmer

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stump

You can build a very nice nz made rifle with truflite/hardy barrels and a barnard action, that will leave you the stock to custom make yourself.

I don't know anyone who shoots long range and dosent reload...

If only
03-09-2023, 08:42 PM
Trout

Just use the 308 for the live stuff(deers).308 Very cheap to
feed.
03-09-2023, 10:44 PM
Eamonn

Quote:

Originally Posted by zimmer

If only

Please elaborate... for a novice.
03-09-2023, 10:46 PM
Eamonn

Quote:

Originally Posted by Trout

Just use the 308 for the live stuff(deers).308 Very cheap to
feed.

That's what I was thinking and use the .223 for trigger time/building muscle memory and learning the "trade".
04-09-2023, 11:31 PM
makka

Are you planning on going from nothing to 338 lapua?
05-09-2023, 06:23 PM
Eamonn

Quote:

Originally Posted by makka

Are you planning on going from nothing to 338 lapua?

No that will come after my .223 and .308.
07-09-2023, 06:40 PM
crnkin

Have you got the 223 yet?
10-09-2023, 11:48 PM
longshot

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eamonn

Thanks for the info.

I'm sure I'll get into the reloading... lets just get a long range rifle first.

If you are really set on long range shooting, the first best investment you could make upfront, would be in any of Nathan Fosters books, or even all five of the set. Maybe if you don't want to get the whole set, start with 'The practical guide to long range shooting'.

While it may seem like an easy option, it is a fairly demanding discipline, buying the good gear only gets you so far, and then you have to put some hard yards. Doing your homework by reading the above is a starting point. Having read the suggested literature, you will be much more informed about the reality of your ambitions. You will be able to make an informed decision on whether you want to pursue such ambitions, and if you do decide to proceed, you will do so in an informed way.