You can get a pretty fair substitute by starting with a surplus Pattern 14 Enfield action. My first .338 LM had a barrel rechambered from a .338 Winchester and cost me less than $100 for the action and another $100 for the barrel.
Stocks were a problem, as I broke three before finally going with a fiberglass synthetic. Recoil is sporty, about twice that of a .30-06 or 8x57mm Mauser, but with a properly designed stock, is reasonable.
I expect to be back in bear country in another year or so, and a .30-06 with the right ammo will suit me fine, until I can poick up or put together another .338. At that point, I'll be less concerned about what ammo's in the rifle.
That’s interesting, but I probably wouldn’t know enough to put one together.
Recoil being twice a .30-06 is pretty stout. I own a Garand and that kicks enough forf me. Neat stuff though!
Looks like .338 Lapua Magnum factory ammo runs between $85 - $95 per box of 20. I think I’ll stick with what I got. A 20 round box of .300 Win. Mag starts at about $18.