In the world of extreme-long range, precision shooting, there are a few invincible rifle models; take the CheyTac M200 Intervention and the AR-50A1, for instance, both of which deliver exceptional performance in excess of 1000 yards.
Another is the McMillan TAC-338. Consider this your primer. Here’s just about everything you wanted to know.
It’s Built on the McMillan A-5 Stock
One of the most highly lauded tactical rifle stocks out there, the McMillan TAC-338 is built on the McMillan A-5 stock.
Consistently regarded for fit and finish, many shooters have remarked on the precision inletting that McMillan has performed with this rifle action/barrel and stock combo.
But on top of that, the A-5 tactical stock is both practical and comfortable, which traits are products of its adjustability.
It offers considerable adjustability for both comb height and length of pull, so that shooters can get a custom-like fit and eye relief that is necessary to deliver pinpoint accuracy at extended ranges.
The stock follows the contours of the action and barrel, and moreover, the action and barrel ride low to keep the center of gravity as low as possible, improving stability.
It also sports a wider, flatter, rounded beavertail forend that works well with shooting rests, bags and bipods. It also sports an ergonomic pistol grip to diminish shooter fatigue and improve control.
It’s Cerakoted to Match the Stock (Several Finishes Are Available)
The action and barrel of the McMillan TAC-338 are Cerakoted to match the stock, and several finishes are available, including FDE, OD green and black.
Extremely hard and wear-resistant, Cerakote significantly improves the corrosion-resistance of the steel underneath, as well, by insulating it.
Also, if you don’t currently have any Cerakoted parts in your arsenal, it has considerable permanent dry lubricity, which further reduces wear as well as the amount of liquid lubricant needed. It also streamlines cleaning.
It Comes with a Muzzle Brake
The TAC-338 is chambered in .338 Lapua Magnum (more on that below) which is a beast of a long-range cartridge. Muzzle energy will depend on the load data including the bullet weight, but let’s just say this cartridge can produce muzzle energy close to 5000 ft-lbs.
That is quite a lot of muzzle energy and a considerable amount of it results in felt recoil. However, the TAC-338 is a 13 lb rifle and it comes with a muzzle brake, which significantly reduces felt recoil.
You’ll be pleasantly surprised by how manageable recoil is, given the power of the rifle.
It Sports a Medium-Heavy Barrel with a 1:9.35 Twist Rate
With a medium-heavy stainless steel barrel, the TAC-338 is stable - not whippy in any way, which as you can imagine makes it ideal for long-range shooting.
The match-grade barrel also sports a 1:9.35 twist rate. Longer, heavier bullets require slightly more aggressive twist rates, as do fast-burning powders. This is why muzzleloaders shooting patched balls can get away with twist rates so lackadaisical the projectile won’t even complete one full revolution before exiting the barrel.
That is not the case here; the .338 Lapua Magnum shoots long, heavy bullets that can leave the barrel at 3000 FPS and weigh as much as 300 grains. The slightly faster twist rate is needed here, and optimized for the cartridge.
.338 Lapua Magnum Is One of the Best Long-Range Cartridges of All
There are lots of things that make the .338 Lapua Magnum a great cartridge for long-range shooting. It has a relatively high ballistic coefficient, so it experiences minimal drop and drift, and retains energy well at long ranges, making it suitable for competition; for this reason it is also highly popular as a sporting cartridge for pursuing big game. Just as a benchmark, a 285 grain bullet that leaves the muzzle at 2700 FPS will drop only 2.71” at 500 yards and drift only .63” with a 10mph crosswind. (Fun fact, the parent case of the .338 Lapua Magnum is the .416 Rigby, which has been a popular big-game cartridge since time immemorial.)
Additional Information
There’s more to love about the McMillan TAC-338. It comes with an adjustable trigger that’s factory set at 3 lbs, as well as a 5-round detachable box mag made by AI (Accuracy International). Plus, if you love the platform but not the cartridge, there are additional calibers available on request.
Want a McMillan TAC-338 of Your Own? Payment Plans Are Available
Parting thoughts: this is an excellent long-range rifle that can be used for competition and hunting, and if you’re put off by the sticker price, we offer payment plans.
You put 20% down and pay the balance offer in 6 interest-free installments every 30 days. If you have any questions about the rifle, other long-range models, or payment, get in touch with us at CS@BnBFirearms.com and we will be happy to help.