308 truck gun

[Burleyboy]

Thinking about putting together a lighter weight low budget 308 for just keeping in my hunting truck. I'm usually a 260 and 7-08 fan but I shoot a lot of bigger 30's and always have a lot of 30 cal bullets around. Plus I really like the way the 208 amaxs flew in my last 308 and I have 1000 LC m118 LR brass on hand.

So far I have a rem 700 action and a Rem Ti stock that came off of an older style Ti SAUM so it has the magnum barrel channel. I'm thinking of ordering another brux barrel because my last ones have been good. I'm thinking either a standard rem sporter contour or a rem mag contour in a 10 twist cut at 20" maybe a bit less. So a few questions:

1. Who would be a good smith to have put it together at a reasonable cost? I was thinking of trying RW Snyder because he only runs $250 to true the action and install the barrel.

2. What reamer specs would work well for everything from the 155 scenar to the 208 amax?

3. Should I get a wyatt's box installed while I'm at it?

4. Should I go standard sporter or mag contour? The ti stock is so light it'll be balanced forward either way.

5. Thinking barrel length between 21"-18". What's the magic number?

Yes I realize the 7-08 and 260 are better calibers but I already have a few of each of those.

Thanks,
Bb

 

[Walsh]

Re: 308 truck gun

Hmm sounds like a decent lw rifle, for the intended uses, I'd chop the barrel down to 18" or even 16.5", I dont see this as a 300+ yard rifle but more for 300 or less, which a 16.5" is plenty for.

Heavy sporter would suffice (but I'm a heavy barrel person). I would personally skip a dbm for this rifle, keep it a nice and sleek bdl.

And what are you using for your sights?

 

[BigNoise]

Re: 308 truck gun

If you think you might put a can on it, I'd go 16.5". If not, probably 20". Or just split the difference at 18".

I'd skip the Wyatt's.

 

[predatornut]

Re: 308 truck gun

If it was me I would go with a medium heavy barrel at 18". A detachable mag would be a plus on a truck gun, too.

 

[Raider Power]

Re: 308 truck gun

Given a choice, I'd probably pick a 16" barrel with a detachable magazine. I've got a bolt action .22-250 (24" barrel) and a 16" AR that split time as truck guns. The two features that make the AR easier to use in the truck are size and magazines. 5 rounds never seems to be quite enough if I catch a bunch of hogs in the open, even with the bolt action .22-250. When I rebarrel that rifle, I will be adding bottom metal that allows for a detachable magazine.

 

[chongoMT]

Re: 308 truck gun

I have used the Ruger Gunsite Scout inside a vehicle a little and have to admit that it is a nice setup. The action isn't the best the trigger is ok but, for a "truck gun" it fits the bill.

 

[chongoMT]

Re: 308 truck gun

I feel the need to make a prediction too. I wouldn't be surprised if Remington or Tikka made a scout version this year and announced it at SHOT. This is not based on any inside info just a trend. If that were the case, the Rem version would be an even better truck rifle.

 

[Smith44699]

Re: 308 truck gun

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: chongoMT</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I have used the Ruger Gunsite Scout inside a vehicle a little and have to admit that it is a nice setup. The action isn't the best the trigger is ok but, for a "truck gun" it fits the bill. </div></div>
+1 on the scout. I use mine with a YHM can and subs for nuisance beaver. Works good. Easy to get around with in the truck even with the can on. Detach mag a real plus to get unloaded easily Also.

 

[lazy21]

Re: 308 truck gun

fal sbr

 

[ToKeepAndBear]

Re: 308 truck gun

What about a lever action 30-30 or 45-70? Compact, handy, and fast follow-up shots. Less tacticool, but a 405gr piece of lead should solve any problems within a couple hundred yards.

SKS would also probably be a decent truck gun. I wouldn't want to keep a nice bolt gun, AR, or suppressor in my truck!

 

[DMann]

Re: 308 truck gun

Just a thought here, and no slight to RW Snyder or Brux barrels, but Pac-Nor has a barrel on its "Ready-to-ship" page, Item Number 373 http://www.pac-nor.com/readytoship/ that would just about fit your designs for this rifle, except the 1:12 twist. PacNor will also true the action and fit and chamber the barrel to your specs. Since it will be a general purpose truck gun, why not try one-stop shopping?

 

[darrenk75b]

Re: 308 truck gun

Here are my thoughts.

Balance with that stock will be screwy if you put a magnum contour barrel in there. You could flute it to save some weight, but those Ti stocks shine with lighter tubes. I would go no larger than a #2 contour (Rem sporter). I'm not sure if Brux makes a 30 cal barrel in a #2. If they do, they would be my choice in barrels. If not, consider a Lilja barrel - Lilja carries a #2 30 cal barrel in stock, so they are available without the wait.

COntinuing with the balance - a #2 in a Ti stock is going to be about perfect in the 20-21" length. Don't go longer or it will be too muzzle heavy. I would start with the barrel at this length, and if you determine down the road that you want it a bit shorter, then that's a simple alteration. You can't add barrel length down the road.

Does Wyatt make a long ADL box? I know they do for the BDL, but I'm not sure about the ADL thing.

As posted on the Fire, I was very pleased with the 223ai Robert built for me a couple years ago with a Brux barrel. Performance was excellent.

 

[redirt78]

Re: 308 truck gun

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ToKeepAndBear</div><div class="ubbcode-body">What about a lever action 30-30 or 45-70? Compact, handy, and fast follow-up shots. Less tacticool, but a 405gr piece of lead should solve any problems within a couple hundred yards.

SKS would also probably be a decent truck gun. <span style="font-weight: bold">I wouldn't want to keep a nice bolt gun, AR, or suppressor in my truck!</span>
</div></div>You should <span style="font-weight: bold">never</span> leave any weapon in your truck, <span style="font-weight: bold">especially</span> if you feel like someone might break into it.