kadillackountry

These just got me super stoked for my late rifle hunt in the unit. One week is going to go by so flippin slow!!

That is the going price in PHX. Unfortunately, I know.

Inspired to post after watching lancetkenyon build his 6.5. This is my first fully custom build, and after long debate with azgutpile, I've decided on a .300 WSM. Assembling all the pieces and will have Phoenix Custom Rifles do the build. Several of the custom parts have 5-6 month lead time right now, so there is too much patience involved in this process. Here are the specs: Defiance Machine Deviant Hunter Long Action - Magnum Bolt - Tear Drop bolt knob - and extra deep fluting on the bolt. McMillan HTG Stock with a 50 Olive 35 Tan 15 Black blend and clamp bar cheekpiece Bartein Barrel 1:10 5R, sendero taper, finished at 26" and fluted to 24" Timney 510 trigger, set to 2# pull (only component I have on hand so far!!) Badger Thruster break I'm debating between keeping the stainless look on the metal or going with a matte black cerakote on all metal. Harris Bipod Seekins Scope Rings (still debating) Nightforce SHV 5x20-56 scope Hollands scope level azgutpile has already started working up some dummy rounds, and I've got my eye out for brass. Going to work a 215gr load. Pieces will be coming in over the next few months...already getting antsy.

@WampusCat -- I like the look and function of the Seekins bottom metal, but I would never purchase a thing from Seekins in the future. The only people in the entire process that were dishonest and not pleasant to work with. Thought about posting the full email conversation, but I'm taking the high road.

Got it on paper with a bunch of different loads. She likes it hot. Didn't find my best group until the very last shot at 62.5gr of H3831sc. Shooting right about 2700 fps (it was wet and cloudy on Sunday so the chrono was being finicky). Would like to work on seating depth and perhaps some smaller primers, but wont mess with it until after the hunt. Will easily be able to reach out to 500 yards. We'll work on getting this thing dialed out to 1000 when we get back. Heading out to practice at 500 this weekend to make sure my drop calculations are spot on for the hunt. Really happy with how this came out.

Here piggy piggy piggy. Gobble Gobble. Going for both Javelina with a buddy and Turkey by my lonesome.

I'm with Lance, been talking about putting together an OTC trip with some buddies, but not sure how practical that idea is.

5.11 is what I rock with my owb kydex holster.

I've got a pair of the First Lite kanab pants and they have been great in the field. I wear them for everything from Quail hunting to winter hunts. Just have to layer underneath when its cold. Don't have any snags yet...knock on wood.

Here are the final pics.

Ok, this got me to thinking and I found a really good calculator on Scope Ring Heights. http://www.mil-rad.com/scope_ring_calculator Then I called Steve at Triad Tactical, and we went through my numbers. We bumped the rings up to the Highs (1.125") to make sure I could get the scope cover on there. He said it would be a close fit with the mediums, but probably better safe than sorry. Caught him before he got the order out this morning.

Yes. Had the low Seekins rings (0.82" to center) and ordered the Badger mediums (0.885" to center). My calculations with the bell and the barrel were right on, but just slightly touching so I don't want to risk damaging the scope. That 0.065" (1.65mm) should set me up perfectly. Not sure if I'll sell the rings or use at a later date. Tried everything last night on positioning. Don't have much wiggle room on placement because there is only one rear placement spot on the rail of this defiance action...

Here is the pic of the scope as well. Just barely touching, and I don't want to risk it. Changing from Seekins rings to Badger rings as well.

Well, my measurements were slightly off (i'm talking less than 1mm) on my rings, so I had to order another set last night. Pics will be up at the end of the week. Here are a few that I took last night, but not final quality. And yes, I put the bipod on backwards. Wasn't paying attention.

@lancetkenyon thanks for that. I want to try out the RE 22 as well as the IMR 7828scc and Norma MRP. (Unless of course I'm dialed and extremely happy with the loads I develop with the H4831SC, which is a good possibility from what I have read).

Looks like according to Berger, I can get a slightly higher mussle velocity at max capacity. Might give it a try, but going to stick with what I have until after this hunt when I'll really get it dialed in.

Going to get it out this weekend for sure. Going to break in the barrel with 215 Berger Hybrids, using H3831SC powder. Lowest charge per Berger specs. Then I'll probably just try to focus on which charge is most effective to get me dialed as much as possible that following weekend.

Some sneak picks from Phoenix Custom yesterday. I'll post some nice finished photos when I get the scope on tonight.

Got a text from PCR today with an update photo. All the machining is done. Bed w/ pillars tomorrow and then off to paint.

Looking at about two more weeks until this bad daddy is done. Twiddling my thumbs and antsy with anticipation. Can't wait to post some pictures of the finished product.

I personally like to layer when in cold weather. That way when it warms up for the day, I'm not stuck carrying a jacket and moving down to something lighter. I've got some wool base layers in differing weights, a puff jacket that can stuff like crazy and then a shell that I put over everything (or nothing). I can mix and match depending on the weather.

I love my Vortex 10x42s, but many people will tell you to go with the SLC. I've been known to drop things, so spending the money on the swaro's with only a limited warranty was a concern for me. I love the Vortex warranty (haven't had to use it yet).

I do have an alternate rifle if need be, hopefully I don't have to use it. I dropped a majority of the components off about a month ago and we talked through a plan if I received the bottom metal from Seekins or if I didn't... Basically saved my spot in line a month ago with their ability to do all the work (bottom metal being the last needed component of the build).

Got the last component in for the build last night. It's heading to PCR to finish up. Looking forward to getting this back, and being able to finally shoot it. Only took 29 weeks for delivery on the last part...

I just got a nightforce SHV for a build that I am working on. Haven't shot with it, but I like the looks of it so far.