Sure, the McMillan TAC-338 may not have the same effective range as the CheyTac M200 Intervention, but few if any other rifles do.
The TAC-338 offers a lot of value all its own, and to be frank, in some ways, it’s better than some other extreme long-range rifles, like the M200 Intervention and others that are chambered in even more serious rounds, like .50 BMG.
That’s a serious charge, though, so let’s back it up with two significant factors that make the TAC-338 what we might call the ultimate long-distance rifle.
Practicality
The McMillan TAC-338 is, as the name implies, chambered in the .338 Lapua Magnum, one of the new long-range rifle cartridges on the block, especially when compared to an old standard like the venerable .50 Browning Machine Gun.
When it comes to muzzle energy, there’s no contest between the .50 BMG and .338 Lapua. The former has the latter beat, hands down.
One might even say the .375 CT and .408 CT of the M200 Intervention rifle have the edge over the TAC-338’s Lapua. There’s an argument to be made here, since the M200 offers half-MOA performance (or better) and fires rounds loaded with solid-copper CNC-machined bullets.
Of course, we could also make the flatly defensible claim that the M200 Intervention has an effective range of basically 2500 yards.
This is true. But with an effective range of 1900 yards, the .338 Lapua, and by extension the TAC-338, are no joke and should not be dismissed.
Granted, the two other cartridges mentioned here do technically have greater effective ranges. But let’s qualify this a little.
First, the .50 BMG was designed as an anti-materiel round. Yes, it has been used as a sniper round on living targets (and to great effect, .50 BMG basically goes right through whatever you point it at) but it’s designed to incapacitate vehicles. You put .50 BMG in an engine block and that thing is cooked.
For one thing, this is overkill for most recreational shooters. If you’re shooting at steel targets a mile away, it doesn’t matter so much what happens to the target as it does that you hit the target, or not.
And that, frankly, puts a measly little thing like .223 on similar footing as .50 BMG, notwithstanding that the .50 BMG probably bucks the wind better.
As for .375 and .408 CT, the fact that they’re loaded with solid-copper, CNC-machined bullets has serious implications with respect to accuracy. Strictly speaking we might say that the M200 Intervention rifle is more accurate than the TAC-338, but for sporting purposes, the TAC-338 has an edge.
Here’s the thing. The .338 Lapua Magnum has been hailed as an excellent cartridge for big game hunting for some time now, and is capable of taking effectively anything that breathes in North America.
The M200 will hit the target, but you shouldn’t need us to tell you that ballistically, solid-copper bullets will not perform as well as soft points. And since you can get .338 Lapua cartridges loaded with bullets for hunting, that makes it a better rifle.
Now, it’s also the case that the .338 Lapua is a more affordable, and more available cartridge than .375 CT, .408 CT, and .50 BMG. This is just one more factor that makes the TAC-338 appealing.
As you can see, there are situations in which other rifles are better for long-range shooting, but if we’re talking about practical sporting applications paired with the availability of ammo, then we’ve made a very strong case for the McMillan TAC-338.
Price
Not to appeal to you on the basis of price here, but that’s exactly what we’re going to do.
If you actually intend to bring this rifle into the field, then the TAC-338 is one of the best out there. It’s basically half the price of a CheyTac M200 Intervention, which, as we’ve already stated, may not be a solid choice for hunting.
Can you bring an M200 into the field? Sure. but the TAC-338 is looking like a better deal. Especially when you consider that it is significantly more affordable than the CheyTac.
Now, on top of that, ammo for the TAC-338 will be more affordable, too.
And, adding to that, here at B&B Firearms, we offer an interest-free payment plan like no other. You put 20% down, then make the balance of the payments over the course of a few months, with no interest charged. It’s basically free financing.
And that’s a deal you probably won’t get anywhere else.
Have Questions About the McMillan TAC-338?
Want to learn more about the McMillan TAC-338 before you pull the proverbial trigger (no pun intended)? Or do you have questions about any of the other extreme long-range rifles that we sell? Get in touch with us at 484-616-0403 or at Brandyn@BnBFirearms.com and we will be happy to help.