I am trying to decide what to do with the spare action I have, I already had the bolt fluted and bolt knob installed so that's out of the way. I have a Manners T2 stock that I'm going to have inletted for an M5 bottom metal and MTU contour barrel for this build as well. I have been kicking around a 16" .308 build with a Badger FTE on the end, figured that would make for a nice truck gun. The other idea I have considered is a 26" 22-250AI, I was thinking that would make a nice rifle to take out with a few guys that head out west every year prairie dog hunting. I'm up for other ideas so let's hear them.
- Thread starter Bradu
- Start date
16" MTU is going to be one thick stick!
Here's a 18.5" M24 machined down a few thousandths to fit under the EFR.
Mini FTE (1.000" OD)
Here's a 18.5" M24 machined down a few thousandths to fit under the EFR.
Mini FTE (1.000" OD)
I don't hunt...
But, PDogs with a .308?
How about .243?
Or wouldn't a bolt change to enable something along the lines of a 22-250 be more suitable?
But, PDogs with a .308?
How about .243?
Or wouldn't a bolt change to enable something along the lines of a 22-250 be more suitable?
308,243 and 22-250 all use the same bolt face.
If your considering a 22-250 you may want to look at a 22x47 lapua as well. I built one last year for coyotes with a 1-8 twist barrel. I was able to shoot the 80 grain vld comfortably in the 3400 fps range, accuracy was excellent. Forming was simply running the 6.5x47 to 6, then to 22. I have since switched to a 6x47 but if your looking an accurate high speed .224 i would seriously look at the 22x47 lapua.
I'd do a 16" mid weight barreled, in 358win .. to go with my 358 savage 99
and my A10 in 358win. (yep I like 358win's)
and my A10 in 358win. (yep I like 358win's)
22-250 - "limited" to .22cal, stuck with .22 just in case you want to go for something bigger (deer), not too bad on the coyotes. if your dedicating to critters, this is a nice cartridge.
243 - wide selection of loads for multiple uses, probably your most adaptable. know barrel burner, if you shoot alot, replace a barrel every now and then.
.260 - sweethart of a cartridge, though not as readily available as the others ammo wise. "interesting" caliber should give your rifle some "gucci-ness" going down the road less traveled
7mm-08 - might as well go .308 at this point
.308 - what can be said that hasn't been already about .308, from prairie dogs to black bear, usually ammo is easily found, plenty of loads to choose from.
if you reload and don't plan on using it for deer, none of this really matters as you can customize your load for what your going for. out of all of them, dedicated prairie dog getter .22-250 or .243 seems the best choice, lower recoil too, easier to get on your next dog. for what i think you have in mind as a finished rifle .308 seems a bit more "natural", but if you already have one in that caliber, .22-250 or .243
2 cents
243 - wide selection of loads for multiple uses, probably your most adaptable. know barrel burner, if you shoot alot, replace a barrel every now and then.
.260 - sweethart of a cartridge, though not as readily available as the others ammo wise. "interesting" caliber should give your rifle some "gucci-ness" going down the road less traveled
7mm-08 - might as well go .308 at this point
.308 - what can be said that hasn't been already about .308, from prairie dogs to black bear, usually ammo is easily found, plenty of loads to choose from.
if you reload and don't plan on using it for deer, none of this really matters as you can customize your load for what your going for. out of all of them, dedicated prairie dog getter .22-250 or .243 seems the best choice, lower recoil too, easier to get on your next dog. for what i think you have in mind as a finished rifle .308 seems a bit more "natural", but if you already have one in that caliber, .22-250 or .243
2 cents
With modern bullets, the .22-250 is a great round. It will take deer reliably with the better bullets. Consider doing the IMP round...the sloping neck on the standard round limits case life. The imp takes it out for a lot more reloads. Not much improvement on velocity, but at the cost of cases now-days the imp is to be considered seriously. JMHO
I have been lusting after something in a 7mm lately so a 7-08 gets my vote. Seems like 7mm projectiles are always on the shelf in my area.
I'd build a 6.5 creed if it was up to me. I've seen more 6.5 creed on the shelf locally than 260 or 7mm-08 if that's a selling point to you. I wouldn't go 16" though, instead 24". If you're dead set on a 16" no other round is going to perform better with that bolt face size and a short barrel than 308. 16" is way too short for the other rounds IMO.
6.5 of some kind with a light Palma contour 18 inch and a good brake.
Boom
Boom
My bad...don't know why I thought the .250 was small bolt face. Thanks for the correction.
Fast Twist 22-250 set up to shoot 77grain Sierra Match Kings.
8 twist will do perfect. Light Palma contour.
Lapua makes excellent 22-250 brass.
That will make a serious toy that can whack prairie dogs, coyotes, or deer with ease, way, way out there.
8 twist will do perfect. Light Palma contour.
Lapua makes excellent 22-250 brass.
That will make a serious toy that can whack prairie dogs, coyotes, or deer with ease, way, way out there.
Sell it and buy more Beer??
I have decided to go with the 16 1/2" .308. Partially because I have plenty of components on hand along with dies, plus I think that short of a rifle will be easier through the brush. I don't mind the weight so much as having the barrel getting caught on tree limbs when on a sling. Now to decide what twist barrel for 155 scenars.
338 Federal. Great mid range and brush caliber. Puts the smack down on stuff!
