I wasn't talking bad about the 338LM - it's a great round. For anti-personnel 338LM is one of the best at ELR. The 338 Norma Mag is slightly more accurate but I think the components for the LM are more available so I'd stick with it. Barrett's look cool but IMO there's just a lot better out there.
Out of the box accuracy - I think the Sako TRG-42 with the 1-10" twist barrel. My only gripe about the Sako is the magazines and accessories are expensive. But isn't everything?...
Actions:
Surgeon is my pick, Lawton are good, I've heard good things about Stiller. The Remington action isn't sturdy enough for the 338 but I'm not sure about their 338 MLR.
Barrels:
Krieger and get the custom rifling 1-9.75" twist. The 1.350 outside diameter at the base. As far as contour - is more your choice but something heavy then fluted, the Palma contour is nice.
Shilen is good and I had a friend who just spent a day in Spencer Barrel's shop and had good things to say about them.
Muzzle Brake -
Surefire even without the can is a great one. I've also used the Vais and it's nice.
Stocks -
Manners or McMillan you can't go wrong. I'd like to try the
Tac Mod from Surgeon but $1400 is pretty steep for a stock..
Terry Cross is also coming out with a stock similar to the Tacmod.
Optics - Nightforce are great, S&B are top of the line. Lots of US Optics seems to break....:uhh: Leupold are good but are starting to have some quality problems. I'd go for with the NF.