Need advice with first bolt gun build

[BigNog]

Building my first bolt gun, haven't had one since my 700 when I was in high school. Debating between 308 and 338, either edge or lapua. (I shoot my gas 308's out to 800 regularly otherwise I wouldn't be considering a jump right into 338) and also had questions about a few other things.
First : action, is a 700 police fine or do I really need to invest in a custom like a surgeon or defiance?
Second : barrel, is it ok to just stick with the factory 338 barrel until I shoot it out or am I going to be unhappy with the accuracy I get out of it?
Third : stocks, I was originally going to go either manners t4a or aics ax, but then I came across these and thought they might be worth a look: http://masterclassstocks.com/stocks.html.

I already have my glass, I ordered a schmidt and bender 5-25 PMII with P4F reticle and CCW DT turrets mil/mil.

After the glass I have $2500 left for the build this month, and I plan to sock away another $1500 out of next months paycheck. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

[The Surgeon]

338 Edge, I take it you are going to reload if you are going this route.

Good questions.

Give me a bit and let me do some research.

What is the barrel chambered for now?

Is the action a LA? Stupid question but you never know.

[BigNog]

Haven't bought anything yet, just was planning to go R700 style for the low cost and ease of improvement, but if you have other suggestions I am definitely open to them!

[mikeith]

Already having a good amount of experience with a .308 at 800 in a gas gun I would suggest going to 300wm or either of the .338's already mentioned.

Although since you already have a 308 I might be more inclined to tell you to go ahead and go 338 as long as you have plenty of room to stretch its legs and get the most out of the caliber. Otherwise you're spending 3-5x the cost on ammo at ranges something like a 300wm would be just as effective at.

I'm about to start a build myself(don't have near what you do to spend) so I'm going to get a Lawton barreled action(at least that's what I'm leaning towards right now) and the ax stock unless Remington FINALLY releases the RACS/xm2010 chassis to the public by then.

[The Surgeon]

It took me a bit to get the info.

The 338 Edge and the 338 Lapua can use a standard Remington 700 Long Action. But, the bolt will need to be reworked. The bolt face is not the same.

Now, the draw back to the 338 Edge. No one is currently producing the brass for this round, nor is anyone producing the ammo. There are a few custom loaders out there that are in development stages for having a sellable round for the Edge. For now, you will have to cut and form your own brass and hand load all ammunition for the 338 Edge.

You have such a huge difference in caliber choices. How much do you know about the two 338's?

[BigNog]

A lot about Lapua, less about edge although I have read some good things, I've never had a chance to shoot it. Either way I'm going to have to be reloading due to the cost of lapua factory ammo, although it would save me a step in forming the brass. I'm actually thinking about a TRG-42 now, just trying to make my final decision before next weekend when I plan to order something.

[The Surgeon]

I hope the info helped/

The TRG's are great platforms.

[The Surgeon]

I know BigNog has made his decision. But I wanted to post my final findings on his original question so that others can read and maybe help them. This information comes from a good friend of mine. This guy is one of the best smiths out there.

So, the following is his information. I take no credit for this knowledge.

You can run the Lapua in a 700. Remington offers factory rifles chambered in 338Lapua.

The bolt face would need to be openened and an m16 extractor installed. An extended magazine box and opening the ejection port are also recomended. The factory 338 Lapuas are limited to running 250 grain bullets seated deeply in the case.

I would suggest the 338Norma. The case was designed to fit in the 700. The Norma is 1/4" shorter than the Lapua. I personally like the Norma better.

As for rechambering, I would do a varmint or heavy contour. The sporter contours can be done. But, they become obnoxious to shoot.

Hope this helps those who may have the same or similar question.

Thank you,

The Surgeon

[BigNog]

Appreciate the info brother, reason I'm going with the TRG was after I figured out the costs associated with rebarreling with a hart or a braughton, truing the action, purchasing an aics or aics ax, having the barrel threaded, purchasing a muzzle brake, getting the jewel trigger, I would actually be in for more money than the Sako, which is supposedly of a similar quality to the AIAW according to the guys on snipers hide.

[ICANHITHIMMAN]

Appreciate the info brother, reason I'm going with the TRG was after I figured out the costs associated with rebarreling with a hart or a braughton, truing the action, purchasing an aics or aics ax, having the barrel threaded, purchasing a muzzle brake, getting the jewel trigger, I would actually be in for more money than the Sako, which is supposedly of a similar quality to the AIAW according to the guys on snipers hide.

I like everything about the way you came to your decsion very informed choice. Except the SH stuff alot of ass clowns there be warned.