Custom Rifle Build

[BML]

So I am thinking about getting a new rifle and am toying with the idea of doing something semi custom. When I say semi I really mean just a nice rifle that I can do some long range shooting with. I am still in the research/planning process, but think I have decided on the .300RUM. I already have a Leupold VXIII 6.5x20 scope sitting in the safe. My tentative plans are to send that back to Leupold and have them add the turrets for me .

 

So really as of now I am just looking for some advice on what to do and what not to do. Since I know there are several other hunters here that have custom builds and lots more that enjoy shooting long range I figured this is the best place to start for advice!!

 

Thanks in advance and I am sure many more thanks to come.

 

Blake

 

 

 

[WHT_MTNMAN]

Well my advice is to get a gun and have a smith do some minor work, like true up action and bolt, then shoot it. Some factory guns will out shoot a custom.

I started with an Rem sps and it shot under an inch with Rem core lokt

[GameHauler]

Blake, I would suggest sending the scope back for turrets now so it is payed for before you start on the rifle because stuff starts adding up quick and as you said you are in research mode now.

 

Other option is to have Kenton Industries build you custom turrets

when you have a good load worked up.

Just send them the test results of the load and you will have turrets with yardage

marked on them rather than having to refer to a chart and count clicks.

 

For the money it is hard to beat a Remington 700 action for a platform.

You could pick up a used 700 at a good price and even if the barrel is shot out

you should still have a good action.

Custom stuff is very easy to find and at good prices for them.

 

For your information, I have a brand new 300WSM barrel in my safe I wanted to do a build with

and may still may but may also be willing to let it go.

I will have to look up what I payed for it which I felt was a good price and would let it go for it.

 

I guess maybe I will add if you don't mind I have my eyes open for a good 700 short action.

 

Best of luck with your build and you are in for a fun and learning project.

 

I will be sending you a PM for a site you will want to check out if you haven't.

[.270]

if you're stuck on .30 caliber, i'd go with a .300 win mag, weatherby, or maybe even a .300 ultra or .30/.378. the short mag is a little flatter than an '06 but the bigger cases have a lot more potential. a lotta guys will argue against me, but well, you all know it, i'm the smartest guy in the world. the short mags are, or were, interesting. and i really like the .270 wsm, because it is a llot faster than a .270. but the .300 wsm just sorta runs outta gas. if you want to shoot 1000 yards, then a little more velocity is your friend. all guns really drop after 400-500 yards. i mean really drop. the farther you can stretch that is a big help. i have a .300 mag, well actually several, but one i really like. in fact i shot the barrel out on it and had a new schnieder installed. full 26 inch with a muzzlebrake. sorta spendy, but man it shoots. even a shaky ol' guy with a phony shoulder joint like me can make mickey mouse heads all day long with it. when i found out the barrel was gone i probably would have tried to go to a bigger cartridge but my kids bought me a high dollar leupold vari x 3 with a custom reticle and turret set up for my handloads. the short mag is ok, but i think you'd be better off with something that holds more powder. speed kills. my .300 is a model 70. the new "pre-64" style. they ain't a real pre 64, but they ain't bad. i've had it for about 14 years. the gunsmith trued the bolt and action and some other stuff. i haven't even bedded it yet. but it dang sure shoots. from what i've read, schnieder barrels are the best there is. tubb uses em and so do the marine and army snipers. but dang, they cost a lot. i'd use either a remington or winchester action. i think the remingtons are noted as being a tad more accurate. personally i like the mauser extractor. and i like winchester triggers. but they make some great dropins, like jewel or timney triggers that really improve over the piece o' crap stock remington. you can guy great drop in stocks with alluminum bedding blocks for a reasonable price. another thing i don't like are big fat heavy barrels. they are great at the range but miserable to pack around. and don't make one bit of difference in hunting accuracy. skinny barrels are just as accurate as a fat one, until they get hot, but when you're hunting, you shouldn't have to worry about shooting one enough to get it hot. but i like long ones. anyway, you axed. Lark.

[DesertBull]

If you are on a budget, the Savage is the way to go. With a few simple tools, you can change the barrel / caliber yourself. They come with a fully adjustable trigger.

 

You can pick up an action for $200-$300. Add a B&C medalist or Sharp Shooters stock for another $200, and put on a custom barrel in the caliber, profile and length of your choice for another $300-$400.

 

Because you are putting the barrel on yourself, you can fine tune the headspace with the same brass that you are shooting in the gun, for an almost perfect match.

[Red Rabbit]

Blake,

 

What is your budget?

How far is LR to you?

Intended quarry?

Factory or wildcat chambering?

Do you reload?

How heavy a rifle will you carry?

 

lots of good info on LRH

http://www.longrangehunting.com/forums/

 

Interesting article on 30 calilber

http://www.appliedballisticsllc.com/index_...fullVersion.pdf

 

http://www.appliedballisticsllc.com/index_files/Articles.htm

[BML]

OK I am quickly discovering that I have no idea what I am doing!! Looks like I have a ton of reading to do before I decide on how to go about this.

 

I am going to try to stay on a budget with this, but don't yet know what that's going to be either. I am in no rush.

 

Thanks for all the tips and suggestions so far. I appreciate it.

 

Doug,

 

It was nice talking to you this morning. I appreciate the phone call and thanks for the info.

[azelkhunter2]

Hey Blake it's Dave Bruns..Long time no talk...I have had 4 custom rifles built and can give you a great deal of info...If you want give me a call..602/228-1719 Dave

[TAM]

PM sent... call me.

[scottk]

Great post Blake,

 

I have been considering doing much the same as I have 7mm RUM which I really like. But I want to build a .300 RUM as a custom. I would sure appreciate it if you share your info on your build here.

 

Another question. Does anyone know if a .300 win mag action in a remington 700 is buildable into a .300 RUM? I havent even begun to look into what all is involved in a build like this so any info that can be passed on by some of you more experienced rifle builders would sure be appreciated.

 

Thanks,

 

Scott

[Horsefor4]

I have had two rifles bulit by Hillcountry rifles they both shoot sub moa to 600 yards that is farthest i have shot them.sometimes the rifle you have just needs a little help.Talk to Matt Hillcountry.

[BML]

It's been a slow process but I am getting closer. After some more reading and research (Thanks Tim!) I am starting to lean towards the 6.5-284. I like the idea of having little recoil while still having the higher BC needed for longer shots. Also, I don't need to shoot 200g+ bullets like I would with the .300 RUM. Only downfall of the caliber is the tendency to eat up barrels, but as a hunting rifle, I don't think that will be an issue for me. I just can't see shooting that much.

 

So, for now that's where I am at. Still have a LONG way to go, but I have plenty of time. I will try to keep the this thread updated as I learn more and as I get more tips from others.

 

 

 

[mason a]

It's been a slow process but I am getting closer. After some more reading and research (Thanks Tim!) I am starting to lean towards the 6.5-284. I like the idea of having little recoil while still having the higher BC needed for longer shots. Also, I don't need to shoot 200g+ bullets like I would with the .300 RUM. Only downfall of the caliber is the tendency to eat up barrels, but as a hunting rifle, I don't think that will be an issue for me. I just can't see shooting that much.

 

So, for now that's where I am at. Still have a LONG way to go, but I have plenty of time. I will try to keep the this thread updated as I learn more and as I get more tips from others.

 

I did the same thing you are planning on doing , Build a long range gun on a budget. I ended up using my browning a- bolt 30-06 , but more importantly i chose the best scope i could afford(ziess conquest 6.5-20x50 clearanced at sportsman warehouse 599$) worked up some berger 168 grains then ordered my kenton turret.

Everyone kept telling me I was crazy to use a crappy ,slow, outdated cartridge like a 30-06 to use as a long range gun . I started to doubt it myself until my son shot his first elk at 580 yards and dropped it dead in its tracks with one shot , and 8 days later dropped his first coues at 537 yards . you can see the little story on the youth hunt section.

 

But my main reason for the reply is about your question on what caliber to go with. After i was close to finishing my gun , Not convinced that my 30-06 was the best choice , I continually would ask my brother (who knows tons about guns and especially long range hunting) If i could start over what calliber should i go with and his answer was always 6.5-284. And everytime i would say but what about a 300 rum or a 30-378 . He said there fine but you asked ,what would i choose .

 

By the way the scope you are using is awesome, I also agree with one of the other posts about going with the kenton turret.

 

 

[DesertBull]

It's been a slow process but I am getting closer. After some more reading and research (Thanks Tim!) I am starting to lean towards the 6.5-284. I like the idea of having little recoil while still having the higher BC needed for longer shots. Also, I don't need to shoot 200g+ bullets like I would with the .300 RUM. Only downfall of the caliber is the tendency to eat up barrels, but as a hunting rifle, I don't think that will be an issue for me. I just can't see shooting that much.

 

So, for now that's where I am at. Still have a LONG way to go, but I have plenty of time. I will try to keep the this thread updated as I learn more and as I get more tips from others.

 

There is now a factory rifle chambered in 6.5-284.

It has a fluted barrel, removable brake, adjustable trigger, stock with full aluminum block bedding and MSRP is less than $700

 

Norma also loads factory ammo for this round.

 

[HUNTMUP]

If you do not mind sharing, who is the rifle manufacturer that is chambering the 6.5-284??