advise on new < $1,500 build for paper to 1,000yd

G

gater

Private
Minuteman
Nov 21, 2010
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0
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#1
To start off, I reload. And I may not even buy one box of factory stuff for this new rifle.

As it's a "build", I figure caliber's whatever I want. But I don't want the newest wildcat, either. And for my purposes, I don't believe I'd need it.

I figure the rifle to end up 10 lbs or less, sans scope. And while I can handle a fair amount of recoil, for this rifle, I'd just as soon, not.

I know the .308's are popular. But I've pretty well already decided, this'll be a 7mm. The availability of .6+ B.C. bullets, vs. almost anything else in the 150gr - 200gr range, has me sold. I know I can get a heavy .308 up there ... but with the weight of the rifle fairly light, I'd just as soon keep it under 180gr vs. over 200gr. From there, I'll take the good with the bad.

As for the case, I'd like a decent load-density ... don't have to be 99% ... but I'd like to keep velocity comfortably under 3,000fps ... so I'd guess anything like a RUM would be too big. I guess I'm thinking 7mm WSM. It seems like everyone's stopped making rifles in it ... but as this is a build, I'm otherwise not concerned. I think the brass'll be there a lotta years. At that, I'd be willing to go .284 Win., as well. Anyone actually making the brass anymore? ... or is it all 6.5-284, now?

I'm not looking to compete. I'm not saying I never will. I have, with pistols. And if I thought I was gonna stop, anytime soon, I'd guess I'd be more likely to compete with a rifle. But there's simply no time left. But I still like to shoot my rifles, when I can. I'd just like to do it a little better.

I have a 1,000yd range within 50mi. I think I could get a membership. Otherwise, if I have to, I'll show up to matches, and hopefully my equipment won't disqualify me. Otherwise, I won't worry too much about any kinda score.

I have a 6-20x Zeiss Conquest. Not awesome ... but it's what I have. And I'm unlikely to buy another $1,000 scope for this project. I don't know that this matters, but I figured I'd get it outta the way, regardless.

I wouldn't be opposed to putting a bipod on it. I've only ever used Harris. So if I'm otherwise unaware of something significantly better, I'd like to hear about it.

I'm partial to Winchester "classic" actions. I've actually got a 7mm Rem. Mag. from the early '90's that's very nice. I've adjusted the trigger myself ... and it's very nice. Maybe not compared to what a lotta you guys got ... but I like it. I know ... someone's gonna say, just use that. I really don't like the 7mm Rem. Mag. case. Flame if ya want ... but it's just not gonna happen. It's not outta the question, that I'd actually use the action from this particular rifle. But I'd rather leave it as is ... personal reasons. I know guys will say I should use a Rem. 700 action ... but if it's at all possible, I'd like to go with a Winchester "classic" action. I'm thinking maybe a Montana.

One concern I have, if I got with a short-action case, is if I get a short-action action, is there a high B.C. 7mm bullet that I wouldn't be able to use in a short-action magazine? I figure 162gr is ok. I'm not up on all the 7mm bullets available. Even if someone were to introduce something, I don't wanna box myself in. Would I be significantly handicapping myself if I were to use a long-action, with a short-action cartridge?

I imagine the bbl would just be a nice, fairly heavy 22in - 24in. Douglas? I don't wanna spend too much. I don't plan on hot-rodding the case ... if I can get nice performance with 2,700fps, I won't push it. But, if the bbl won't last, I'm fine with replacing it ... so long as it's not a fortune, every time I do.

My big concern here is, I'm probably gonna be low on velocity ... I understand the bullet-length is the critical factor for rifling twist. But I'm guessing velocity's still a factor. I'd like a bbl manufacturer who knows about all this to the nth degree, and will get me the bbl that's right, for me.

I don't know about a muzzle-brake. For what I've got going so far, I don't believe it'd be necessary. And I'm guessing they're not the greatest, for accuracy. But, if someone can convince me there's no penalty in accuracy, I'd be interested to hear more about it. It's conceivable I could to to a .338 ... but I'm guessing, if I start down that path, my shooting dollar's gonna get ate up, quick?

For the stock, I'm thinking along the lines of a nice Bell & Carlson synthetic. I really like the one they make for the Vanguard sub-MOA. Any other makers I should be looking at?

Thanks, in advance!
 
#2
Re: advise on new < $1,500 build for paper to 1,000yd

well you sound like you know what you want.

I'd get a FN SPR action from CDNN, your flavor of barrel/stock.

It'll be a better action from the get go, than a donor 700 action
 
#3
Re: advise on new < $1,500 build for paper to 1,000yd

Douglass barrel, no. Your Conquest won't have enough elevation to reach 1000y with a 100y zero either.

If your stuck on 7mm, I'd do a 7-08. As for less than $1500, it can be done, but will be tough unless you got some hook ups, or buying all used stuff and find a barrel already chambered in such.
 
#4
Re: advise on new < $1,500 build for paper to 1,000yd

I just got my 7mm variant in last week. Its a 7/300 wsm. So far I'm really liking it. It's just a 300 wsm necked down to a 7mm bullet. With the brake on it there are no issues with recoil. I shot approx. 20-25 rnds yesterday just sighting it in and getting a feel for the old girl. I think I could have shot it all day long and never got tired.

If your leaning toward a 7mm wsm I think it would work for your build. But the 180 berger VLD's may not like the short action as much based on that some people say that the bergers don't like to be jumped as much. Although seekins makes a wsm bottom system that will let you load out to 3.140 if I recall correctly from their website.

My rifle was built off of a 700 long action and with the bergers I'm seating them at 3.150-3.175". Its not a WInchester action but you can check mine out on here under "My new stick" in the bolt actions rifles. Hope this helps out.


Also I have less than $1500 in my setup.
 
#5
Re: advise on new < $1,500 build for paper to 1,000yd

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Greene</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> But the 180 berger VLD's wont like the short action as much. </div></div>GAP's 7 builds are short actiosn and no one will argue about how they shoot.

Buy something that's already built and be ahead of the game.
 
#7
Re: advise on new < $1,500 build for paper to 1,000yd

Short action go with the 7/08, in a long action the 284, 280, 7mm WSM or rsaum. You could do some of those in a short action but your OAL may be confined.
 
#8
Re: advise on new < $1,500 build for paper to 1,000yd

I agree with you Hill billy. I hear GAP makes great systems and would love to own one some day. I was just trying to say that some people say the 180 Bergers don't like the jump to the lands thats all. You are far more experienced than me and I respect your info and have edited the post to hopefully clearify this.

I was just going of my rifle with the custom reamed barrel for the 180's. With a short land jump my C.O.A.L. is 3.150-3.175" I'm still developing loads for it.

Also I'm not trying to push on the long action either. Just trying to provide info to help with the build.

Greene
 
#11
Re: advise on new < $1,500 build for paper to 1,000yd

since you only need 2700fps i would opt for either 7mm-08,7mm-08ai, or 284 on fn spr action from cdnn, manners msc-t stock. i use benchmark barrels and really like them plus they are 565 installed for ss up to 27" you choose contour.

My 9 twist i just built is pushing the 162 amax 2750 with 24" barrel in 7mm-08 with 47.8gr H4350 which is below max load but not by much. i verified the chrono velocity by shooting to 1000yds and it really is 2750.

hope this helps

or you could get a 700 pss in 308 and just have it rebarreled.
 
#12
Re: advise on new < $1,500 build for paper to 1,000yd

I'm not opposed to std-action ... but I'd prefer what's typically known as a short-action cartridge.

In researching brass, I'm wondering if I shouldn't go with .284 Winchester.
 
#13
Re: advise on new < $1,500 build for paper to 1,000yd

Just buy my Tikka and go shooting the day it arrives.
laugh.gif
 
#14
Re: advise on new < $1,500 build for paper to 1,000yd

The 7mm WSM is good round, but is high pressure (60K psi) and known to be hard on throats. It's not a show stopper for everyone but something to be aware of especially if you do start to compete in local matches.

I think the 284 or 284AI would meet your requirements for a dedicated bench gun. You may want to do some reading over on 6mmbr.com or benchrestcentral.com, dedicated benchrest is there thing.

you might also consider setting up with a Savage target action. The actions are good single shot actions and you can change barrels yourself if you ever decide to change calibers.

Action with trigger: ~500.00

Brux/Shilen barrel: ~400.00

SSS or Stockade stock: ~400.00

TAC
 
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