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30-06 Build

tlfeathers

Private
Full Member
Minuteman
Nov 30, 2012
28
0
65
Powell, Wyoming
I am considering building a 30-06 on a Rem 700 left hand action for long range shooting. In essence I want to be able to take the cartridge to the edge of its effective range on both paper and game. What recommendations would you have regarding barrel selection, length, rifling, should I compensate it, stock, optics, etc? As I proceed are there any other issues I should consider or keep in mind? I'd like to keep it under $2,000.
 
Re: 30-06 Build

That is dueable but not likley from my experance 30-06 is a great hunting round but not popular for tactical shooting
 
Re: 30-06 Build

I'm also a Lefty and so is my Son, i'm working on 2 30-06 LA LH. We will be useing them for all kinds of shooting from long range to rock busting. I think it's just a good all around round. Hope to have them by Spring
 
Re: 30-06 Build

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: xp100man</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I'm also a Lefty and so is my Son, i'm working on 2 30-06 LA LH. We will be useing them for all kinds of shooting from long range to rock busting. I think it's just a good all around round. Hope to have them by Spring</div></div>

What are the specs on them? I'm just trying to get ideas. I've done some general research but searching out issues specific to the cartridge and application.
 
Re: 30-06 Build

Here's my build from Mark at short action customs

SAC alpha 11 long action
26" Brux MTU 4 groove 1-10 twist
Manners t5a with mini chassis bedded
ARC m10 rings defiance 30moa rail
Vortex razor hd 5-20
Atlas bipod

Shooting hornady 208 amax at 2660 fps. I can push it a lot faster but this load is stupid accurate and very stable. I won't sacrifice accuracy for velocity. Even at this velocity ill still be super sonic just past 1300 yards at sea level.

Your intended purpose will dictate what your build details should look like. How heavy a contour on your barrel or the length will depend on how heavy and Manuverable you need to be. Brakes are great but they are loud. Suppressors are better IMHO but expensive and will add weight unless you go with titanium which will be even more costly.

Stock choices are plenty, find one that you feel comfortable with and meets your price range.

Optics is a whole thread in and of itself...

Best advice is to call up a reputable smith and talk to them. They will have a good idea on how to achieve your goal. There are quite a few on the hide that will be more than able to help you figure out what you need.

Just my .02

The search function works great... You'll find a few 30-06 shooters here on the hide.
00f24228.jpg


 
Re: 30-06 Build

I've had many different calibers, a built a few 30-06 rifles for others. I danced around one for my self for about two years before building my own. I finally did it, and couldn't be happier. I only have access to 1000 yards, and works better than I thought it would. I'll post pics tomorrow if I can.
 
Re: 30-06 Build

Nice rifle Frogman. I love 30-06. My favorite cartridge. Very versatile and can be made very accurate easily.

L
 
Re: 30-06 Build

Thanks. Mark did a fantastic job on this. It's a solid performer for sure.
 
Re: 30-06 Build

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: tlf1</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I am considering building a 30-06 on a Rem 700 left hand action for long range shooting. In essence I want to be able to take the cartridge to the edge of its effective range on both paper and game. What recommendations would you have regarding barrel selection, length, rifling, should I compensate it, stock, optics, etc? As I proceed are there any other issues I should consider or keep in mind? I'd like to keep it under $2,000.</div></div>

Finding the long action LH receiver with the 308 bolt face will be challenging. If you already have one, or know where to source one, you're ahead of the game. Here is what I would do once I had the receiver:

- A 1/10 twist, 24" or longer with heavy (bull) sporter barrel or Rem Varmint/Sendero contour since you plan to use the rifle for target shooting as well as hunting. Bartlein, Rock Creek, Brux, and Krieger are all good choices.
- Timney trigger, or tuned remington trigger at ~ 2-2.5 lbs
- Long action BDL floor plate
- Perhaps an oversize, teardrop bolt knob and oversize recoil lug (~ 0.25")
- A hunter style stock with a high cheek comb. B&C, Manners, and McMillan all make them. To stay under $2K, I would look at B&C from stockystocks.

For optics, I would go with a Vortex 2.5-10 PST, a Zeiss 3-9, or a Nikon Monarch w/ BDC. TPS rings are good, so are Vortex.
 
Re: 30-06 Build

Here's a few pics of mine. I bought the Rem LA, and HTG stock from different members on SH. I had the Bartlein barrel, which I paired with APA Little Bastard brake. The BM is a Badger M4, and the trigger is my favorite, Timney 510. I was just going to go all black on the metal, but since it's mine, and I can live with it if messed up, I messed around a little with some yard weeds. The scope is Leupold I pulled from a rifle that was not being used. The rings were another item sitting in a drawer.

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Re: 30-06 Build

I found 2 .270 BDL LH in very nice shape one in town and one on GunBroker. Barrels are Shilin Select Match SS 1-10 #5 light varmint 26" .700 muzzle, might go 24" with Ross brake. Stocks are Rem LSS cuz i love the look of them, each one is different. Going to stay with the BDL bottom, don't need a mag. Scopes are Leupold 4.5x14x40 LR 30mm cuz i have them. Brass is unfired LC (1000) that i found a year ago very cheap and 800 Federal. I just have to get off my butt and fire up the Lathe and finish them.
 
Re: 30-06 Build

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: xp100man</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I found 2 .270 BDL LH in very nice shape one in town and one on GunBroker. Barrels are Shilin Select Match SS 1-10 #5 light varmint 26" .700 muzzle, might go 24" with Ross brake. Stocks are Rem LSS cuz i love the look of them, each one is different. Going to stay with the BDL bottom, don't need a mag. Scopes are Leupold 4.5x14x40 LR 30mm cuz i have them. Brass is unfired LC (1000) that i found a year ago very cheap and 800 Federal. I just have to get off my butt and fire up the Lathe and finish them. </div></div>

Mine was a .270 also. Gun broker has tons of LA Remingtons in 30-06 and .270. Most are Right handed, but you can find LH if you look a little. Most run around $400.00, and are the older (better built) actions. I fit a PTG bolt in mine, plus a Tubbs lug. The action plus parts came to around $600.00.

BTW, if you go for this style stock, don't use a rail for the scope mounting unless the stock has an adjustable cheek rest. I would have preferred to use a smaller bell scope, and bring it down more, but it's what I had.

All in all, I have about $1500.00 in parts for the rifle only.
 
Re: 30-06 Build

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: STR</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Here's a few pics of mine. I bought the Rem LA, and HTG stock from different members on SH. I had the Bartlein barrel, which I paired with APA Little Bastard brake. The BM is a Badger M4, and the trigger is my favorite, Timney 510. I was just going to go all black on the metal, but since it's mine, and I can live with it if messed up, I messed around a little with some yard weeds. The scope is Leupold I pulled from a rifle that was not being used. The rings were another item sitting in a drawer.</div></div>

Very nice! Makes me want to build another rifle!
 
Re: 30-06 Build

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: LCDR JGB</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: STR</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Here's a few pics of mine. I bought the Rem LA, and HTG stock from different members on SH. I had the Bartlein barrel, which I paired with APA Little Bastard brake. The BM is a Badger M4, and the trigger is my favorite, Timney 510. I was just going to go all black on the metal, but since it's mine, and I can live with it if messed up, I messed around a little with some yard weeds. The scope is Leupold I pulled from a rifle that was not being used. The rings were another item sitting in a drawer.</div></div>

Very nice! Makes me want to build another rifle! </div></div>

Do it man!! You can never have too many rifles. Thanks
 
Re: 30-06 Build

Thank you all for your responses, this is exactly the kind of information I was looking for. It helps me further my research and make comparisons. Feel free to keep it coming!
 
Re: 30-06 Build

Here is my build:
http://www.snipershide.com/forum/ubbthre...671#Post2755671

There have been some changes in my load since I started that thread. I now use 190SMK's with 55.5gr of H4350 and get 2880fps as calculated from actual dope.

Edit:
The reamer is the Serengetti dimensions made famous by German Salazaar. It is in my opinion a superior design for the 30-06. Some guys are using special throats to accommodate the bigger 200+ heavies, it isn't needed. The 190SMK will make a mile just fine.
 
Re: 30-06 Build

To the op, look up Montana Marine. He shoots a 30-06 very long range. I've been thinking of the same build myself for a while.
 
Re: 30-06 Build

An easy source for an action is a Rem 700 SPS sporter in 270 or 30-06. Most gunshops probably don't have one in stock, but I've ordered one locally and had it in hand in less than a week.


I went 26" #7 contour Douglas barrel. 208s and 210s at 2800 fps is pretty much the norm there, with RL22 powder.

Eventually cut mine to 22.5" and added a brake. still gets 2720 fps with the 208s, and 2620 fps with the newer Hornady 225gr BTHP.

26" is a good place to start if you are not sure. you can alsways cut it later if you decide you want to. Heck, I wouldn't be afraid of going 30" if I though I wouldn't walk around with it too much.

In decent conditions I've taken mine to a mile+.

I'm using a Leupold MK4 16X scope on a 45 moa Badger Ordnance base. With a 100 yard zero, I can dial past 2000 yards. Never gone that far, but the scope isn't holding me back.

Details:
Rem 700 LH long
Douglas #7 1/10 twist
McMillan A2
Badger Ord brake, lug, floorplate, base, rings, knob.
Leupold MK4 16X
Harris 9-13 swivel notched w/podloc
 
Re: 30-06 Build

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: MontanaMarine</div><div class="ubbcode-body">

26" is a good place to start if you are not sure. you can alsways cut it later if you decide you want to. Heck, I wouldn't be afraid of going 30" if I though I wouldn't walk around with it too much.


</div></div>

I plan on this being my primary elk hunting rifle so I will be walking distances with it, but I used to do this with an M1 Garand so I can pack a heavy rifle. I want to shoot it a lot, so I want to put a brake on it. What would you recommend? I really like the looks of your rifle, thanks for the photos.
 
Re: 30-06 Build

There are lots of good brakes out there, I like the Badger Ordnance 'Thruster", but that is the only one I have used, so it doesn't really mean a whole lot.

I'd only suggest getting a brake with side discharge ports, rather than omnidirectional ports, which can kick up a lot of dirt.

My rifle weighs 16 lbs with sling, bipod, stock pack.
 
Re: 30-06 Build

I've got my first 30-06 build in the works right now. Here's my spec list:

R700 (from an older rifle & will be trued/blueprinted)
26" SS Brux M24 1:10 twist (threaded for a can)
Badger M4 bottom metal
Badger 20 MOA base and rings
NSX 32-56mm NP-R1 (may need to trade out for a 50mm)
Timney 510 trigger
McMillan non-adjustable A5 - Forrest Camo
All metal will be Ceracoated Graphite Black

I gave my smith the greenlight 3 weeks ago, so at least anther 4 months before the first round goes downrange.
 
Re: 30-06 Build

as for barrel length i don't see why you wouldn't be able to do a 20 inch barrel if you really wanted to. there are more than a few really accurate 300 win mags out there with 20-22 inch barrels so i see no reason why you couldn't do a shorty 30-06 if you wanted one. I'm sure you would still be able to get it out to 1000 yards if you wanted too as long as it was put together properly and you did your part.
 
Re: 30-06 Build

I'm getting 2700+ with 22.5" bbl, and 208 AMax.

I would expect a 20" should make 2650 fps with the 208/210s, no problem.

That would make it way past 1000 yards supersonic, even down by the sea.
 
Re: 30-06 Build

I also started a thread in the reloading section on loads for this rifle and member gunsnjeeps posted this link:
http://riflemansjournal.blogspot.com/2012/05/cartridges-accuracy-secrets-of-30-06.html

I found the reading helpful. Of course the author's application is strictly prone long range matches so he isn't carrying his rifle, but he said 28" was optimum barrel length for wringing max performance from the cartridge. I want to get enough velocity to still have sufficient terminal performance to take game in the 800 yard range. So I'm thinking 24" or 26" with a brake, leaning toward 24". Will this make the overall barrel length to unmanageable? As far as brakes go, what is everyone's thoughts on the Black River Tactical brake. It was intended for 30 cal ARs but would it work, any downside?

http://www.blackrivertactical.com/store.html#!/~/product/category=1799361&id=8341834

Any other in line compensators like this that might be more effective or aesthetically pleasing?
 
Re: 30-06 Build


.30-06
Remington model 700 Long Action ADL
Holland lug
Broughton 5C 7.4LV contour 1/12 28"
McMillan A3 fully adjustable
Jewel trigger
Bolt knob designed & made by rifle builder
All metal coated in Brownells Aluma-Hyde II OD Green
Seekins rings
Badger 20 moa base
Leupold VXIII 6.5-20x50 LRT fine duplex

Load Data,

Win Brass
Fed LR match primer
H4350 @ 56 grs
175 gr SMK
2,921 fps


CCWsGreenGiant30-06March202011-05.jpg


CCWsGreenGiant30-06March202011-02.jpg
 
Re: 30-06 Build

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: firesniper27</div><div class="ubbcode-body">That is dueable but not likley from my experance 30-06 is a great hunting round but not popular for tactical shooting </div></div>

Carlos Hathcock would disagree :)
 
Re: 30-06 Build

I got a 30-06 hunting rilfe build in the works now, just waiting on the action and stock.

Here's the specs:

*Surgeon 1086 action

*Krieger stainless barrel = #5 contour, 1-11 twist, 24" long

*McMillan Rem Hunter stock = Molded-in Forest camo w/ red Delerator pad, 13.5" LOP

*Badger M4 bottom metal, Rem mag box, spring, & milled steel follower

*Jewell trigger

*All metal will be cera-koted graphite black

Once all the parts finally get here, its heading to Jon Beanland for him to do his magic.
 
Re: 30-06 Build

Is there magazine conversion for 30-06? I did it to both of my 308 Remingtons but have never seen bottom loaded 06 rifles.
 
Re: 30-06 Build

Aics mags work fine.. Might need to adjust the magazine lips a little but they work.
 
Re: 30-06 Build

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: JesseBB</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Is there magazine conversion for 30-06? I did it to both of my 308 Remingtons but have never seen bottom loaded 06 rifles. </div></div>


There's also the Wyatt bottom metal, which I'd like to try one of these days.
 
Re: 30-06 Build

I've been told .300 win mag AICS mags with tweaked feed lips. Never tried it though.
 
Re: 30-06 Build

That's what Scott at McRees told me about me useing my LA stock when i ask him about doing the 3006 thing, that the 300WM was the way to go.
 
Re: 30-06 Build

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: LOBO</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I've been told .300 win mag AICS mags with tweaked feed lips. Never tried it though. </div></div>

This how I'm running my rifle currently..
 
Re: 30-06 Build

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Frogman77</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: LOBO</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I've been told .300 win mag AICS mags with tweaked feed lips. Never tried it though. </div></div>

This how I'm running my rifle currently.. </div></div>

How much tweaking did the mags take to get them working correctly?
 
Re: 30-06 Build

I think Scott said it was like .405 to .410 between them, not much and a little at a time should do it. My AICS 308 is .403