Looking for Insights on Christensen Arms .338 Lapua for Long-Range Hunting

Hunting
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Introduction

I’m diving into the world of long-range hunting, and I’m particularly interested in the Christensen Arms rifles, specifically the .338 Lapua models. With elk season approaching, I want to ensure I have the best gear to maximize my chances on the hunt.

Why Christensen Arms?

From what I’ve gathered, Christensen Arms offers some impressive options when it comes to precision shooting. Their craftsmanship and attention to detail seem ideal for the demanding nature of long-range hunting. However, I’m curious about:

  • Performance: How well do these rifles perform in real-world scenarios?
  • Weight and Balance: Are they easy to carry for long periods in the field?
  • Recoil Management: I’ve heard mixed reviews about the .338 Lapua’s recoil. How manageable is it with these specific rifles?

Seeking Recommendations

If you have experience with any of the following models, I’d love to hear your thoughts:

  • Modern Precision Rifle
  • Mesa Long Range Rifle

Additionally, if there are any particular accessories or ammunition you’d recommend, I’m all ears. Does anyone have insights on optimal scopes or other gear that pairs well with these rifles?

Conclusion

Thanks in advance for your help! This community always has great insights, and I’m looking forward to preparing for a successful hunting season. Any wisdom you can share about the Christensen Arms .338 Lapua or long-range hunting in general would be greatly appreciated!

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I’ve been using the Christensen Arms .338 Lapua for a couple of seasons now. The accuracy is fantastic, often holding sub-MOA groups at long distances. It has truly impressed me!

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That’s great to hear! How do you find the recoil management? I’ve heard it can be a bit hefty for some.

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The recoil is definitely noticeable, but the lightweight design of the Christensen helps a lot. Using a good muzzle brake makes a big difference too!

5

Absolutely! I recently added a custom brake which significantly reduced the kick. It’s like shooting a different rifle now!

6

The effective range is impressive; I’ve taken shots out to 1,200 yards comfortably. Balancing the ammo also really helps with consistency at those distances.

7

Wow! Do you have any particular ammo brands you prefer for that kind of distance?

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I’ve had great results with Hornady ELD-X. They seem to fly true, even with wind. Just be sure to do your load development for best results!

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Good tip! I need to adjust my load. I’ve been using some cheaper brands and it shows. Lesson learned!

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For anyone considering the investment, the weight to performance ratio on this rifle is excellent. Perfect for long-range pursuits.

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Definitely true! It feels like a premium firearm. Would love to hear about any mods people have done for it.

12

I swapped out the trigger for a Timney, and it made all the difference for my shooting experience. Crisp and responsive, highly recommended!

4 Likes
13

Nice! I’m considering that too. How was the installation process? Did you do it yourself?

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Super easy! Just a few screws and you’re set. Watch a couple of YouTube videos first, and you’ll be fine. It’s totally worth it!

15

I recently tried the Hornady ELD Match ammunition in .338 Lapua. The performance was stellar at long distances—tight groupings and excellent ballistics. I’d recommend it for hunting!

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I’ve heard great things about Hornady! Have you tried any other brands? I’m curious about how they stack up against Federal or Nosler options for big game.

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Nosler has some impressive offerings as well. Their AccuBond LR bullets are designed for long-range performance and penetration on large game. I trust them for hunting.

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That’s good to know! But are they worth the price? Sometimes the more premium brands can be a bit pricey for extended shooting sessions.

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Definitely an investment. However, quality ammunition pays off, especially in reliability and consistency. Plus, for ethical hunting, you want a clean kill.

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I find the reliability of the loaded ammo from Lapua itself is hard to beat. The Scenar bullets are exceptionally accurate and consistently well-made.

5 Likes