Need recommendations on custom 300 lightweight rifle

Most of the rifles we build are lightweight hunter style. Mostly with a variety of Manners carbon shell stocks. But also a good amount of Foundation. Less frequently, MDT HNT26 as that chassis is on the higher priced side. We bed any stock that doesn't come with a mini chassis except Foundation. At customer request, we can bed chassis and Foundations.

Mainly Falkor actions. But also a good amount Bighorn and Mack Bros.

We are priced about the same as most anyone in the industry. $3-$5k depending. The easiest way for a quote if you'd like is to email us [email protected] with what you're looking to do with the rifle and any specific components you'd like. You can also send a PM, but the email will get a quicker response.

We also offer load development or generic "factory" loads. Our ammo is made with the best components and equipment available.

Thanks for looking.

Rio Precision Gunworks said:

Most of the rifles we build are lightweight hunter style. Mostly with a variety of Manners carbon shell stocks. But also a good amount of Foundation. Less frequently, MDT HNT26 as that chassis is on the higher priced side. We bed any stock that doesn't come with a mini chassis except Foundation. At customer request, we can bed chassis and Foundations.

Click to expand...

Those are some good looking rifles! Looks like real clean bedding work too, that's nice to see.

What are those dies with the large stainless bodies in your Zero press?

Yondering said:

Those are some good looking rifles! Looks like real clean bedding work too, that's nice to see.

What are those dies with the large stainless bodies in your Zero press?

Click to expand...

Thanks!

Those are Area419 M dies. Jury still out how I feel about them. They use a pull through mandrel to set neck ID, but it's a little stiff pulling through, even with lube. Hopefully it's just a wear in period with the mandrels.

They are ridiculously priced like a lot of things in this industry.

You can spend $4K + building one on a custom action and HNT 26 with Proof barrel or you can buy a Havak Element for less money that's just as high quality, will shoot the same, and probably weight less too.

redneckbmxer24 said:

You can spend $4K + building one on a custom action and HNT 26 with Proof barrel or you can buy a Havak Element for less money that's just as high quality, will shoot the same, and probably weight less too.

Click to expand...

Second vote for a Havak Element. Took one out west this fall and it got the job done. Only complaint is the carbon fiber magazine on reloads: if you don't shuck the round with sufficient force, you'll need to back it off in order to properly chamber. This didn't warrant energy for a full-blown technical investigation, but such is life with production rifles. It didn't come with a second mag to see if this resolved the issue.

Note: within your stated chambering requirement, this is only offered in 300PRC, and you'll need to align your use-case for the barrel length to get the full measure out of this round. Additionally, if you're thinking of adding a suppressor - this can become ungainly on a 26" barrel, for example.

Seekins also does not provide an accuracy guarantee. This is discussed extensively on Seekins' website, so do your research on the front-end.

Good luck on your search. Those Rio's look like damn nice shooters.

EDIT: consider moving this to the bolt action rifles forum.

Lazlo said:

Second vote for a Havak Element. Took one out west this fall and it got the job done. Only complaint is the carbon fiber magazine on reloads: if you don't shuck the round with sufficient force, you'll need to back it off in order to properly chamber. This didn't warrant energy for a full-blown technical investigation, but such is life with production rifles. It didn't come with a second mag to see if this resolved the issue.

Note: within your stated chambering requirement, this is only offered in 300PRC, and you'll need to align your use-case for the barrel length to get the full measure out of this round. Additionally, if you're thinking of adding a suppressor - this can become ungainly on a 26" barrel, for example.

Seekins also does not provide an accuracy guarantee. This is discussed extensively on Seekins' website, so do your research on the front-end.

Good luck on your search. Those Rio's look like damn nice shooters.

EDIT: consider moving this to the bolt action rifles forum.

View attachment 8336671

Click to expand...

I thought the magnum chambered Elements were all 22”?

Also how does the rifle balance the way it’s setup?

Yes, it only comes in a 22" for 300WM and 300PRC.

This is why I'm encouraging you to analyze your specific use-case and make the right decision.

Some factors to consider:
- What maximum range will this be used?
- Will it be a dual purpose long-range rifle on LR/Hunting? The Havak is in my opinion a dedicated hunting rifle due to the weight and barrel profile.
- Will you add a suppressor? If so, keep in mind suppressor manufacturer's requirements for min barrel length for magnums. For example only: TBAC requires a longer barrel on a 300NM versus a 300WM.
- Would a short(er) barrel mitigate the differences in round performance? Would these differences overcome factors such as ammo availability and/or price?

I'm asking surface level questions to determine your level of research at present. If any of these require beard-scratching on your part, I'd recommend getting in contact with any of the many reputable smiths here and finding something that works based on your intended use, budget, etc.

As far as my use, the rifle does the job want it to perform. Balance is subjective to the shooter, but if I could make any changes, I'd add some weight on the barrel and remove it from the scope. The scope pictured is heavy as shit (kitted rifle is 10.5lbs), but that's what I decided to use based on a number of factors that aren't germane to this discussion.

Final thought, a production gun is exactly that. There will be compromises you'll need to make for details such as fluted/non-fluted barrel, flush cup position, full-length pic rail, etc that will need to be factored in. If you want something special, that market is wide open.