$2000 - .300 Win Build - Rifle Only - How would you spend my money?!?!?

[dbowhunter]

Okay, here's everyone's chance to pretend the know what they are talking about, and those that actually do, to get washed up in the mix.

I'm looking to get my hands on a .300 Win Mag as my jump into the tactical market. I obviously want the most accuracy for the money, but I know how that goes.

How would you build it. Get as detailed as you like. If you are like me, an excuse to part shop the internet for someone else is a golden opportunity to waste an hour.

Spare no details.... Used action? Remington new action? trued by who? or not? custom build from who? Used rifle? what mods? what stock? aftermarket trigger or tune your own? Someone else tune it? who? what stock? bedded or chassis system not bedded?

My only real requests in this build is Rem 00 or clone, threaded and capped barrel and an adjustable cheek & LOP on the stock, my 6'6" lanky frame just needs fitting. This can be an aftermarket add-on or factory direct.

Heck, if I actually use someone's plan 90%, I'll have to find a way to make it up to you...and if I do, feel free to call me on it if/when I post pics and you say 'Hey, that was my idea!!!!'

That should get the ball rolling...I'll keep my early (and less experienced) opinions to myself until we have something to work on.

(PS - Thanks to those that posted in my other 300 win question to help me solidify my caliber choice)
(PPS - If you hate these types of posts, feel free not to respond, or do and prove everyone your setup is better)
(PPPS - Thanks!!!!)

 

[Don-n-Texas]

I would call Russell at Scout Supply. He is in LaGrange. He is also on this forum a lot. I bet you will be happy with his work.

 

[dbowhunter]

I would call Russell at Scout Supply. He is in LaGrange. He is also on this forum a lot. I bet you will be happy with his work.

Thanks Don, that's one of the reasons I new to hit the forums when I decided I wanted to make this purchase... I learned about so many new people and products on archery and backcountry hunting forums to know that there's so much out there to look at... I bookmark all my old posts like this, so Russel will be on my list.

 

[rcnpthfndr]

She was a bit more than 2k but here are the specs

the rifle was built by Karl Feldkamp of Kampfeld Custom.
It went from this

used factory receiver was trued, lugs lapped, bolt faced squared, bolt raceway bored, bolt sleeved and then turned down, oversized recoil lug which was double pinned, Sako Extractor, Badger Ord Bolt handle added, external bolt release added.

The trigger is a factory unit that was turned down to a very crisp 3.0lbs.

The barrel is Bartlein finishes out at 26.5 Inches. it is 1.3" at the receiver and is a straight taper to 1" at the muzzle. Karl did all the spiral fluting to the barrel and bolt with a recessed crown.

the stock is a McMillan A5 with all the bells and whistles and the Bottom metal is Badger Ordnance M4 version (LA) and has a 5rd DM.

the scope is a US Optics SN3 3.2x17x58. it has a 35mm tube, Gap Milling reticle which is also iluminated. the base is a US Optics 20 MOA, the rings are also made by US Optics.

To this

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y24/rcnpthfndr/IMG_4918bsll.jpg[img]
[img]http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y24/rcnpthfndr/IMG_4918bsll.jpg[img]


As for Russell, i would not hesitate to use him, he did fantastic work on two of my rifles and would like to use him again for a 260 or 6.5x47Lapua build

 

[zink14]

I would snag a Remington 700 300WM 5r, and a new stock....great shooting rifle should be under 2K buy

 

[guncrazy72]

Hunt for a older 700P in 300WM. I am running one with a AICS 1.5 and a APA FB break. If you shop around some its doable for your price range.

 

[turbo54]

If you like new stuff, I'd buy a 5R, drop it in a stock you like, and perhaps have it sent off for a muzzlebrake install.

Otherwise, I'd keep my eyes peeled in the classifieds. There's always nice stuff for sale in there. There will be several nice rifles that meet your needs/wants passing through that section in the next few weeks. There always are.

 

[insight3b]

I'd get a 700 5r and drop it in an AICS 1.5

 

[dbowhunter]

If you like new stuff, I'd buy a 5R, drop it in a stock you like, and perhaps have it sent off for a muzzlebrake install.

Otherwise, I'd keep my eyes peeled in the classifieds. There's always nice stuff for sale in there. There will be several nice rifles that meet your needs/wants passing through that section in the next few weeks. There always are.

Thanks, I'm obviously new to this forum so I was just going off of what I saw there, and it wasn't a whole lot. We'll keep our eyes peeled... I have a note out to the folks at scout supply as well... seems promising, and they are local for me.

Dave

 

[cruzie27]

I have a 700 5r in .300WM,. find one of them then get the brake & stock of your choice. or even a 700P to save a few bucks more.

 

[Graham]

I'd get a 700 5r and drop it in an AICS 1.5

I would snag a Remington 700 300WM 5r, and a new stock....great shooting rifle should be under 2K buy

If you like new stuff, I'd buy a 5R, drop it in a stock you like, and perhaps have it sent off for a muzzlebrake install.

I have a 700 5r in .300WM,. find one of them then get the brake & stock of your choice. or even a 700P to save a few bucks more.

I disagree. I wouldn't get a 300WM that isn't headspaced at the shoulder.

 

[Speedgoat]

Well here's what I'm in the process of doing, only in 30-06. Looks like my stock's going to be about 5 months out though...

Win Model 70 SS 30-06, $700 + shipping and FFL transfer, bought for action, hope to recoup some $ selling stock and barrel
Douglas Air Gauged #7 in SS .30 cal 1:10 twist $320 + shipping
McMillan A5 with adjustable cheekpiece in Desert Camo, fully inletted, should be about $680 or so
CDI Precision DBM Setup for Model 70 LA, $209 for bottom metal
10 round mag's $140, 5 round mag's $90, take your pick
Eventually I'll probably end up with a Timmey trigger for around $130 or so, but for now I like their MOA Trigger just fine

Topping it off with a Nightforce 5.5-22x56, Nightforce bases and rings as well to the tune of about $2000

All this doesn't include the smithing work, I'm more or less in the gathering parts stage now, and have yet to make arrangments for that end of it, but my rifle only - gunsmithing adds up to $2049, not including the optics.

Could be done alot cheaper on a Remington yes I know, but I want a Winchester.

 

[cruzie27]

Well here's what I'm in the process of doing, only in 30-06. Looks like my stock's going to be about 5 months out though...

Win Model 70 SS 30-06, $700 + shipping and FFL transfer, bought for action, hope to recoup some $ selling stock and barrel
Douglas Air Gauged #7 in SS .30 cal 1:10 twist $320 + shipping
McMillan A5 with adjustable cheekpiece in Desert Camo, fully inletted, should be about $680 or so
CDI Precision DBM Setup for Model 70 LA, $209 for bottom metal
10 round mag's $140, 5 round mag's $90, take your pick
Eventually I'll probably end up with a Timmey trigger for around $130 or so, but for now I like their MOA Trigger just fine

Topping it off with a Nightforce 5.5-22x56, Nightforce bases and rings as well to the tune of about $2000

All this doesn't include the smithing work, I'm more or less in the gathering parts stage now, and have yet to make arrangments for that end of it, but my rifle only - gunsmithing adds up to $2049, not including the optics.

Could be done alot cheaper on a Remington yes I know, but I want a Winchester.

how old is that Model 70?
I've had a old Model 70 in .300WM on my wish list for a few years,. seems all I could ever find for sale was the '65 and newer ones.

not that it matters now I'm putting my .300WM in a Cadex chassis when I get back stateside.

 

[Speedgoat]

It's one of the new FNH manufactured ones so within a year or two. It came new.

 

[[email protected]]

I'm getting close to sell my new 300WM in mcmillan stock with rock creek barrel. It's a cross of a hunting rifle with a rem varm barrel, going to be around $2600

 

[TheChad-->]

I used to own a 300 wm that I spent under 2k to build and it shot great! Pick up a 700 PSS in 300wm and replace trigger with a timney 510, and install a muzzle brake. It comes with a HS precision stock that is block bedded and free floated barrel. great rifle!

 

[bohem]

For 2k, including labor costs from a custom builder it's going to be tough for a full build.

1) Premier grade barrel, doesn't reaaaaally matter if it's cut or button, just get a good one from Broughton (button), Benchmark (button), Bartlein (cut), Krieger (cut), Hawk Hill (cut), Brux (cut), etc.
2) Remington action either 700 or an old 721, neither matters but the 721's need the extractors upgraded pretty much always
3) Stock from say, Manners, without too many bells and whistles
4) DBM setup from APA, Badger, PTG, Surgeon, Defiance/BlackOps, etc
5) Scope Rail & Rings
6) Bipod

Appx costs would be:

1) $330-350
2) $400-450
3) $550-650
4) $300-400 (with 1 magazine)
5) $225-400
6) $70-525 (yes, you can get a killer bipod for $500+ but that's another story)

So, out of that you can quickly see where you've got a pile of parts and no budget left for a builder to assemble them into the tack driver you're looking for.

Or, as was previously mentioned above, the Rem 300WM 5R or perhaps a Rem 700P 300WM or a Sendero 300WM

How about this instead:

1) Sendero, 700P or 5R model in 300WM --> ~$1200
2) Premium barrel in something similar to a Sendero Contour, cut to 26" and threaded during installation --> ~$550-650 total cost with barrel and install work
3) Have the gunsmith completely bed the whole action in the factory stock and skip out putting a DBM in it for now, just run factory setup.
4) Either get the trigger tuned up or replace it with a Timney.

Sell the factory barrrel (new it's worth about $125 shipped CONUS) and if you replace the trigger, sell the factory trigger (again, probably $40-50)

The rifle will shoot bugholes, you can put a stock pack and some foam under it to raise the cheekpiece, and while it's not as sexy as a full build, you're under the 2k budget and you will have a supremely repeatable rifle that will do targets, hunting, etc.

The hiccup with trying to stay under 2k is that the labor cost is going to be the better part of a grand alone for a full up build, that takes a huge chunk out of the 2k budget.

 

[dbowhunter]

Good info sir, i might just take that to heart... I've also been looking at going 308 instead of the mag to save a bit in shooting later to free up some cash on the front end. The mag probably isn't necessary for me anyways, i just always wanted one...

Either way, the advice is helpful, thanks.

Sent from my DROID BIONIC using Tapatalk 2

 

[bohem]

There's a thread in the Bolt Action Rifles section stickied to the top, "Caliber Choices and Comparison", something like that. I started it a few years ago and it's been growing.

I know what you mean about the 300WM, it's a heckuva round, there are others you can shoot to compete with it but the 300 is a favorable round and nobody is going to give you reasonable guff about owning one.

The 308 is much more an "all around" caliber. It doesn't excel at anything but 1 thing, it does everything reasonably well. It's accurate, recoil is low, easy to reload, (other than now) easy to get ammo, kills game effectively, etc.

As a first LR build the 308 has a lot more options in the Cost of Ownership and Ease of Use categories. It takes more skill to run a magnum rifle well on a match CoF than it does to run a smaller caliber well, shooter fatigue is a huge factor even with the ever popular muzzle brakes that suck so much to shoot nearby.

Soapbox aside though, for a first rifle the 308 is a much better (IMO of course) choice than the 300WM.

 

[user]

5r with a manners mini chassis and a Timmney and a brake.

Cerrakote it and glass it.

Awesome stick

 

[nimrod12]

I would buy a used Remington 700 BDL long action(should find one for $400-$450) Order a PTG bolt with mag face and Sako Extractor($225-$300 depending on flavor). Then hop over to bugholes.com. he has a 10 twist Krieger Remington varmint barrel for $315. If you want a Mcmillan stock, head over to tacticalliquidators.com and buy one of their in stock stocks....you could also order a Manners T2 for about $580 or go to stockysstocks.com and see what in stock stocks you like. Get all those parts together, and ship them to Young's Guns in sand coulee MT. They do TOP notch work at VERY comparable prices, and crazy good turn around times. long story short, get the metal parts together, order the stock and have it shipped right to Young's, and you'll be pretty close to $2k. It will resemble mine. Remmy action, PTG bolt, Rock Creek group buy barrel, Manners stock bedded by young's....I promise you it will shoot LIGHTS OUT.
Nimrod12

 

[pawprint2]

If buying used, plan on new tube, I know you can find those that say, "fired less than 20 rounds, 1/4MOA, best gun I ever owned, but need the money because my great aunt is sick and needs an operation etc.",and I'm sure if they sell it here on the "hide" it will be 100% the truth, but with that said- plan on a new tube. 300Wins are great, but they are hard on tubes, forget "setting back", you pay for the smith twice. Regarding barrels, you'll wear a 300WM, out in a thousand rounds or less(tactical shooting) I know guys will post how they shoot 1000 yard matches with the same tube for 10 years, always win and have 5000 rounds down her, and she still holds 1/4MOA, again I'm sure they are telling the truth, but you won't be that lucky. For this reason, you'll need a custom action or a trued 700 action, if not to start with, soon enough, as many smiths won't fit a new tube on a "sloppy" action. You are going to find yourself, buying now, what you plan on improving ($$) later, for example if you were to buy a 700SPS, aftermarket trigger (timney for example) and bolted the action to an AW stock, you could keep the starter at around $2000 or less., later when your first tube is gone, you could opt for truing the action along with the new tube, and adding a break while your at it.

 

[billetman]

Just buy a Savage 110 BA in 300 WM and save all the headaches mine shoots under 1\2 moa, can be bought under 2000.00.

 

[nimrod12]

This is my 300 win mag. cost in the gun was about $2250, but then sold my old parts bringing it real close to $2k. I had a 25-06 built out of a tikka 695 action with a Mcmillan stock and a Shilen select match barrel. it was about 1500-1600. Randy's custom guns did the smithing, and I got it back in 19 days. It's a 1/4" gun too.

 

[SOTA]

So I'm guessing you have glass already? Or is it $2000 for glass and boom stick

 

[dbowhunter]

So I'm guessing you have glass already? Or is it $2000 for glass and boom stick

Correct, it was boom stick only...

That being said, although the 'cool' factor isn't there for me as much, I think I'm going to switch from the manhood compensating 300WM to a 308... And in 308 I'm thinking my best bet will be to roam the classifieds here and elsewhere (if I knew where else to look.)

There are a couple good ones I am watching now, just trying to clear out a TC Encore that sits in the safe and I might pull the trigger on one that's up if it's still available. If not, I'll watch for the next one that feeds my fancy.

Great help everyone.

 

[dbowhunter]

If buying used, plan on new tube, I know you can find those that say, "fired less than 20 rounds, 1/4MOA, best gun I ever owned, but need the money because my great aunt is sick and needs an operation etc.",and I'm sure if they sell it here on the "hide" it will be 100% the truth, but with that said- plan on a new tube. 300Wins are great, but they are hard on tubes, forget "setting back", you pay for the smith twice. Regarding barrels, you'll wear a 300WM, out in a thousand rounds or less(tactical shooting) I know guys will post how they shoot 1000 yard matches with the same tube for 10 years, always win and have 5000 rounds down her, and she still holds 1/4MOA, again I'm sure they are telling the truth, but you won't be that lucky. For this reason, you'll need a custom action or a trued 700 action, if not to start with, soon enough, as many smiths won't fit a new tube on a "sloppy" action. You are going to find yourself, buying now, what you plan on improving ($$) later, for example if you were to buy a 700SPS, aftermarket trigger (timney for example) and bolted the action to an AW stock, you could keep the starter at around $2000 or less., later when your first tube is gone, you could opt for truing the action along with the new tube, and adding a break while your at it.

Good advice Sir, Thanks

 

[dbowhunter]

There's a thread in the Bolt Action Rifles section stickied to the top, "Caliber Choices and Comparison", something like that. I started it a few years ago and it's been growing.

I know what you mean about the 300WM, it's a heckuva round, there are others you can shoot to compete with it but the 300 is a favorable round and nobody is going to give you reasonable guff about owning one.

The 308 is much more an "all around" caliber. It doesn't excel at anything but 1 thing, it does everything reasonably well. It's accurate, recoil is low, easy to reload, (other than now) easy to get ammo, kills game effectively, etc.

As a first LR build the 308 has a lot more options in the Cost of Ownership and Ease of Use categories. It takes more skill to run a magnum rifle well on a match CoF than it does to run a smaller caliber well, shooter fatigue is a huge factor even with the ever popular muzzle brakes that suck so much to shoot nearby.

Soapbox aside though, for a first rifle the 308 is a much better (IMO of course) choice than the 300WM.

I appreciate it, and I think I'll heed the advice and look for a 308 in the classifieds when the $$ are all in one place. I didn't have plans to shoot comeptitively, although it does sound fun. I'd have to find some more experienced local shooters to take me under there wing a bit... (hint hint if you are in South Texas)

 

[clemens]

Another good place to look for rifles set up ready to go is longrangehunting.com there classified section has great choices in .308. Just a thought have fun putting this together

 

[acts238]

I know you said rem 700 or clone only
but you also said most accuracy for the money
few years ago I went on the same search- spent way too much money & time
get a Savage FCP 300WM for 1000.00- that leaves a 1000.00 towards an optic, stock ,ammo or whatever
mine shot .5 moa right out of the box-
many others have also- theres a thread on here exclusivly about this rifle
http://www.snipershide.com/shooting...rand-new-savage-rifle-fcp-hs-300-win-mag.html

comes with a decent stock - H&S-
whitch you could sell for 350.00 or so towards your adjustable cheek & LOP stock
( these L/A ones are made of unobtainium ) -no one lists them for sale not even H&S
the S/A can be had for 350.00ish
the FCP is a LE model -LE models come with a lighter pull
mine came set at 1 lb
it can be adusted from 1-3 lbs as it comes from factory
I have adjusted mine to 10 oz
this is the best trigger design I've ever used & I've tryed all the high $ triggers before I discovered ACCU TRIGGERS
its 2 stage so even though its set light -you can still "feel" the trigger
easy to adjust to your desired pull weight -SAFELY-because of the design

if you shoot a lot a rebarrel is less than 500.00 including the price of the tools needed
with these tools -you can swith barrels and or calibers in about 15 minutes
with a 300.00 barrel , a 65.00 bolt head & a 14.00 mag box 380.00 ish total
you could run a 300wm & a 308 or any other caliber of your choice 223-458
I was able to mod my mag box to hold 3.850 coal rounds for about 100.00
whitch allowed me to run the long vld's from the mag- to touch the lands
Savage FCP is the most ( ACCURACY for the $) IMHO
I have had several rifles that cost 3-4 times more that did not perform 1/2 as well
no I'm not affilated with Savage in any way
just a regular Joe who wants - & needs to get the most for my hard earned $

here is a ( quote) regarding team Savage
They recently added the 2010 F T/R National Championship to that list by taking the team competition in grand fashion. The won both the 600 and 1,000 yard events, establishing an new 1,000-yard record of 778-21X.

Darrell Buell of Damascus, OR; John Weil of Welches, OR; Monte Milanuk of Wenatchee WA and Stan Pate of Milwaukie, OR made the trip to Sacramento, CA to represent Savage Arms. The competition featured some of the best talent and most expensive custom rifles from around the Country. But, once again, those expensive custom guns were no match for four skilled marksmen armed with STOCK Savage Model 12 rifles.

"We continue to be thrilled with the winning results from Team Savage. It says a lot about them and it says a lot about the rifles," Savage VP of Sales & Marketing Brian Herrick said. "We're not trying to tell anybody that they can just buy a Savage and shoot like Darrell, John, Monte and Stan, but it should be fairly obvious by now that shooting stock Savage rifles isn't holding these guys back at all."



[/URL

 

[VKC]

Why not talk to one of the many reputable gunsmiths on this forum, and ask them?