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How much better is custom?

Re: How much better is custom?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Morris1</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: KNIGHT11B4</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Why 308 or 338, why not something in the middle? Say 260? </div></div>
Not really familiar with a 260 (doesn't mean im not open to all options). I want to be able to take any animal from a <span style="color: #CC0000">coyote to an elk 1000yrds and under</span>. I would also like to shoot steel/paper out to 1500 yards. I would like the gun to be .5 MOA or better </div></div>

How does a .308 or any short action round meet this criteria?
 
Re: How much better is custom?

1) Without worrying about ballistics, as mentioned above, consider the weight of this rig and what you intend to do with it. If random hunting of local fields for yotes where you can drive and setup with minimal walking or mostly targets from prone or bench is the plan, go balls out. But if you have dreams of using a big gun (338) on an expensive elk hunt, you may be pissed after the first day of lugging that big boy around. So this scenario leaves you with an expensive toy and a ruined hunt.

And customs don't have to be heavy, but match/target rifles are typically much heavier than a hunting rifle. It really depends on what you want more. A high level target rifle or a practical hunting rifle.

2) Speaking of practicality, harvesting game at the ranges you are mentioning isn't as easy as some TV shows make it out. Maybe those guys really are that good, but I can't ethically see shooting beyond 600 yards at my current skill level. If I can't get closer, I'm doing something wrong. You probably are a much better shot than me, but without practicing repeatedly beyond 500 yards expecting "game accuracy" at 1000yds or less is setting the bar high. Custom or not, you have to place the bullet in the right spot, not the gun. You mentioned you currently shoot out to 500, how are you doing inside of that range with your groupings?

3) Cartridge- .308 and 338 are worlds apart. It's like going to Africa looking for an Eskimo. There's also about a 60$ difference per 20 shells. In one post you mentioned a .260. If you plan on using a guide service for elk, some outfitters require a minimum cartridge and .260 may fail to qualify. Just food for thought. For all that you're asking 1 gun to do, a .284 or 7mm mag/wsm may better suit your wants/wishes.

4) And you don't have to drop 2-3k on a scope. Weaver, Vortex, and bushnell can satisfy your needs for under a grand or you can pick up a used NF for around 1400$.

Before I went full custom or dropped some serious coin, I'd do more research and then more research just before doing more research. That's not meant to be rude, but based on the OP it sounds like this requires more thought prior to purchasing.
 
Re: How much better is custom?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Kimber7wsm</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I must be in a non vocal minority here. At 1,500 yards, an elk has enough time to completely walk out of the bullet path. Seriously? Shoot at an elk at 1,500 yards?

I guess I'm on the wrong forum... </div></div>

If you would have payed attention to what I typed you would know that I said I would not be shooting at any game more than 1k. When did I say i was going to go elk hunting at 1500 yards? if im not mistaken I said I want a cartridge that has the capability to kill one
 
Re: How much better is custom?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Morris1</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Kimber7wsm</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I must be in a non vocal minority here. At 1,500 yards, an elk has enough time to completely walk out of the bullet path. Seriously? Shoot at an elk at 1,500 yards?

I guess I'm on the wrong forum... </div></div>

If you would have payed attention to what I typed you would know that I said I would not be shooting at any game more than 1k. When did I say i was going to go elk hunting at 1500 yards? if im not mistaken I said I want a cartridge that has the capability to kill one </div></div>

If you would pay attention, you would realize that his point had nothing to with the cartridge being used. It has everything to do with the ethics of taking shots at 1500 yards on game.

Reading is fundamental.
 
Re: How much better is custom?

I think we've covered this

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: fdkay</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Morris1</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: KNIGHT11B4</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Why 308 or 338, why not something in the middle? Say 260? </div></div>
Not really familiar with a 260 (doesn't mean im not open to all options). I want to be able to take any animal from a <span style="color: #CC0000">coyote to an elk 1000yrds and under</span>. I would also like to shoot steel/paper out to 1500 yards. I would like the gun to be .5 MOA or better </div></div>

How does a .308 or any short action round meet this criteria?

</div></div>
 
Re: How much better is custom?

I have custom guns as well as a TRG. Knowing what I know now and if I was doing it all over again, I would buy a TRG 22 in .308 and a TRG42 in .300Win, top the both with identical Nightforce optics and call it good.

I really don't want to think about the $$ I have spent on gunsmithing 700 actions. These days, I don't even look at Remington first. Sako and Tikka have proven to be stellar out of the box performers for me in the last decade, so I tend to stick with them. I still have and shoot Remingtons, but they are not the first thing grabbed.

Like I said, I would buy a TRG and Nightforce and call it good.
 
Re: How much better is custom?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Morris1</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Kimber7wsm</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I must be in a non vocal minority here. At 1,500 yards, an elk has enough time to completely walk out of the bullet path. Seriously? Shoot at an elk at 1,500 yards?

I guess I'm on the wrong forum... </div></div>

If you would have payed attention to what I typed you would know that I said I would not be shooting at any game more than 1k. When did I say i was going to go elk hunting at 1500 yards? if im not mistaken I said I want a cartridge that has the capability to kill one</div></div>

Morris1,

Sorry, I read a post after your OP and it mentioned shooting at 1,500 yards. Understand that you typed 1,000 yards for hunting, and 1,500 for paper and targets. Still, at 3,000 fps, it takes a full second for a bullet to travel 1,000 yards. An elk, or any game animal, can do quite a bit of moving in that amount of time.
Have a good one!
 
Re: How much better is custom?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Kimber7wsm</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Morris1</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Kimber7wsm</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I must be in a non vocal minority here. At 1,500 yards, an elk has enough time to completely walk out of the bullet path. Seriously? Shoot at an elk at 1,500 yards?

I guess I'm on the wrong forum... </div></div>

If you would have payed attention to what I typed you would know that I said I would not be shooting at any game more than 1k. When did I say i was going to go elk hunting at 1500 yards? if im not mistaken I said I want a cartridge that has the capability to kill one</div></div>

Morris1,

Sorry, I read a post after your OP and it mentioned shooting at 1,500 yards. Understand that you typed 1,000 yards for hunting, and 1,500 for paper and targets. Still, at 3,000 fps, it takes a full second for a bullet to travel 1,000 yards. An elk, or any game animal, can do quite a bit of moving in that amount of time.
Have a good one! </div></div>

It's cool...and your right 1 second is a long time, but the chances of me being that situation are slim to none. It would just be nice to know that as long as my skill set will allow me to shoot at something from that distance (1 in 10000000 chance that it ever will) I would like to be confident that my rifle is full capable of the task at hand including myself.
 
Re: How much better is custom?

.308 hunting loads running 3000 fps? You guys need to wake up and check back into reality. Even IF that where possible and IF the animal stood stone cold still, at 1K the bullets enery would be way below what you need to effectivly take large game. Equals wounded animal taking hours if not days to die.

okie
 
Re: How much better is custom?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: okiefired</div><div class="ubbcode-body">.308 hunting loads running 3000 fps? You guys need to wake up and check back into reality. Even IF that where possible and IF the animal stood stone cold still, at 1K the bullets enery would be way below what you need to effectivly take large game. Equals wounded animal taking hours if not days to die.

okie </div></div>

Agreed.
 
Re: How much better is custom?

It was an easier illustration to use 3,000 fps at 1,000 yards.

If I used 2,800 fps, it would take 1.07 seconds.
 
Re: How much better is custom?

My point was: 175 gr bullet @ 2700 fps = 638 ft/lbs energy @ 1k yrds = not near enough. Hell, the 1300+ ft/lbs it would have at 500 isnt enough.

okie
 
Re: How much better is custom?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: okiefired</div><div class="ubbcode-body">My point was: 175 gr bullet @ 2700 fps = 638 ft/lbs energy @ 1k yrds = not near enough. Hell, the 1300+ ft/lbs it would have at 500 isnt enough.

okie </div></div>

This I have to take issue with. I have shot, and witness whitetails being shot with a 308 that passed clean through both shoulders at over 600 yards. All were DRT.
 
Re: How much better is custom?

+1 on the .308 at 600. I may not condone it for most hunters, but a good shot can get it done.

OP,

I understand wanting the magic "do-all" rifle. Been there. Thing is, it doesn't exist. I suggest getting a good .308 and target shoot until your skill allows you to reach to your desired capability. Last week I was spotting for my buddy using his Remmy .308 at 1400 while he spotted for me and my 5.56 at 1100. It's about building the foundation. Once you understand your capabilities, look at calibers that match those. The practice required (lots) gets expensive and the .308 is hard to beat on price and performance. The 6.5creed may be a bit better for target, but the .308 is excellent for learning wind and taking game.


As for custom v. everything else....how good are you? Will you be able to say what shot was you and what was the gun?

That's my thoughts. Worth as much as you paid.
 
Re: How much better is custom?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: LRJammer</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: okiefired</div><div class="ubbcode-body">My point was: 175 gr bullet @ 2700 fps = 638 ft/lbs energy @ 1k yrds = not near enough. Hell, the 1300+ ft/lbs it would have at 500 isnt enough.

okie </div></div>

This I have to take issue with. I have shot, and witness whitetails being shot with a 308 that passed clean through both shoulders at over 600 yards. All were DRT. </div></div>

There's been more whitetail killed with a 22 lr than any other cartrage in this country, dosnt make it the right thing to use or even ethical. There's also been more whitetails wounded and lost with 22 lr's than any other cartrage. The OP was talking about killing elk at extended range. If you dont know how much more difficult it is to kill an elk than a whitetail....well, not much more for me to say. I've put a lot of .308's down range between 500 and 1k at a lot of different targets. IMO, they are not adiquit for consistant, humane kills on large game past 600.

okie
 
Re: How much better is custom?

Argh. The long range hunting thing again. I can't speak for where you live or for white tail hunting. I have however spent a good deal of my life pursuing elk. I have also enjoyed some success in that field. Most of the elk I have killed have been within 100 yards. I have rarely enocountered a situation where it was not possible to get within 300 yards. I would go so far as to say you'll have to work pretty hard to find a situation where you can shoot farther than 500 yards.

I love the idea of being able to shoot accurately to 1000 yards or even farther. I also love the idea of being able to deliver enough energy at that range to kill big game animals. This is more about shooting than hunting. Hunting is different.

I love "hunting" elk. For me it is more about getting to the country they live in and putting myself in the postion to kill one than how far I can set up to shoot at one. When it comes to the killing I have no tolerance for error.

The long range shooting game is all about doing battle with all the small things that can make a big difference way out there. In my opinion hunting and long range shooting should not be intertwined.
 
Re: How much better is custom?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: sr15match</div><div class="ubbcode-body">The TRG in 260 is a very attractive option. </div></div>

I wouldn't mind having one of those but haven't seen them available in a .260 in a while. The few that are in the classifieds bring good money.
 
Re: How much better is custom?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: rem300wm</div><div class="ubbcode-body">The long range shooting game is all about doing battle with all the small things that can make a big difference way out there. In my opinion hunting and long range shooting should not be intertwined. </div></div>

I very much agree.

okie
 
Re: How much better is custom?

A custom is "worth it" if you want a specific caliber and options or parts, and have the money. That's what it boils down to.

I did a review on DTA SRS if your are interested:
http://www.snipershide.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=3510430

For hunting up to elk at 1000 yards and target shooting out to 1500 yards, I would suggest looking at a 7mm WSM with 180gr Berger hunting bullets. Whether it is ethical, the shooter is capable, or whatever else is a different question.

If you reload, a 7wsm costs much less to shoot than a 338lm with similar ballistics out to 1000 yards. A 7WSM also has less recoil than a 300 win mag, making practicing and extended shooting sessions more enjoyable. A 300win mag just can't push a heavy 30caliber high BC bullet fast enough to keep up with a 7wsm...a 300 norma mag though is a different story, but again more recoil.

I don't think a 260rem or 6.5cm is as good of a caliber as a 7wsm for extended distance hunting or target shooting at those ranges. Can it do it, yes, but it is at it's limit rather than having some room to spare.
 
Re: How much better is custom?

As a newcomer to the Precision Rifle discipline, all my shooting buddies recommended the 6.5CM/x47/.260 family—and they were right. Those are objectively calibers with better exterior and terminal ballistics than the .308. I bought a DTA SRS with the .308 barrel not because I disagreed with their sensible advice, but because I knew I had to develop an LR/XLR skill set (Is that the wind or is that me?) and that I could do that with .308— Ammo galore at relatively inexpensive prices (except for the factory Lapua that, at twice the price, blows away the competition). I get to use my free time practicing (not that it is doing me any good) rather than reloading (for now). I also know that no matter which jackass becomes puppet for the banksters, I will always be able to feed that .308 barrel.

New calibers cost me "only" $1-$1.3k—no additional $4k optics, no additional $4k custom build, and no 3-12 month wait for the build or re-barreling.

If I had planned on buying a rifle that didn't allow me to swap barrels with 60 seconds and a torque wrench, I would probably have started with one of the 6.5's, but buying the DTA SRS opened up a world of options, including the 6's, 6.5s, 7WSM, .300WM, .338LM, et al.

Worth considering: http://www.deserttacticalarms.com/guns/precision-rifles.html
http://www.snipershide.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=1597047&page=53
 
Re: How much better is custom?

hey like i said in my first post choose a round and by the way it sound you dont have any expirience with large bore rifles, you could build a 338 and try to learn how to shoot it, nothing wrong except you would be way better off with something like a 308, and learning not to anticipate recoil and with the 308 you need to know wind and other factors to shoot long range, not try and learn everything at once with with a 338 and a large overpressure in your face and a decent amount of recoil to absorb. if you can shoot a 308 accurate at long range it will be much easier to move up to a 338 later on once you have solid fundimentals. the transition will be much easier, trust me i have a 338 a 308 and many different rifles, once your good with a 308 or something like it the transition is much much easier and more fun plus you wont get as frustrated.