Building a 30-06

[bluehunter30-06]

I am in the process of building a custom 30-06. Going to use it for hunting, long range, and whatever else I can figure. I already have the Remington 700 action and planning on using the stock trigger (adjustable trigger from an XHR.) I also decided on a Burris Fullfield 2 4.5-14 x 42. I am also planning on a McMillan A-5.

Now here comes the issue. I am having a hard time deciding on a couple things.

1. Is the Thumb wheel adjustable cheek rest worth the money? Or are the adjustable cheek rests worth the money at all?
2. I am looking at a 26" Hart barrel, is this a good company? Does anyone have any experience with them?
3. Once I have all the parts collected, should I have McMillan bed and build the rife? Or does anyone know of a shop in the Ventura, CA area that does quality work?

Like I said, I plan on using this rifle for just about everything, and would love to have some input from some more experienced hands. Thanks in advance for any replies.

 

[Yeticowboy]

Re: Building a 30-06

An adjustable cheek rest is a must if you have a high mounted scope on a rifle without a lot of comb height to it. Really annoying trying to shoot with the bottom of your jaw on top of the stock. I used one of these http://www.desertwarriorproducts.com/M1A-M14CheekRest.html

on my last build which was a 30.06. I just used an old wooden stock I had, not a McMillan or anything like that. But I think some of the A5's have a similar piece on them. I've heard Hart barrels are pretty good but never had one so I can't tell you from experience. If the cost difference isn't too much I would let McMillan bed it for you unless you wan't to try it yourself. There are some really good DIY guides here on the hide and there's nothing like building your own.

 

[bohem]

Re: Building a 30-06

1) Yes, they're worth it.
2) Yes, a 26" Hart is a good company and a good length for the 30-06. For long range work you want a 1:10-11" twist barrel for the heavier bullets
3) HateCA (Randy @ RD Precision) is a member here who is in California who has a top notch reputation as a great rifle builder.

Now, some other things to think about:

Buying a pre-chambered blank isn't always a good idea and most top level gunsmiths have a tendency to refuse working on them. You don't necessarily need a 'smith in your local area, some of the best gunsmiths in the country take work from all over. You need to find a gunsmith that can address your order in a timeframe that you will be satisfied by, communicates with you and puts together a package that you're happy with the specs before building starts.

The best guys out there will have only 1 issue and that's going to be if you're happy with the lead time that they quote you. Nothing that either of you can do about it, but they're highly sought after for good reason.

Other people on this site to contact in absolutely no particular order:

Mike Bush @ Underground Skunkworks
Mark Gordon @ Short Action Customs
William Roscoe @ LA Precision
Robert Gradous @ Gradous Rifles
Randy @ R&D Precision
George Gardner @ GA Precision

The list goes on but that should get you started. Contacting any or all of them will net you some top level advice on your goals for a high quality rifle.

 

[Texar2]

Re: Building a 30-06

check out the 30-06 208a-max link here on the hide. If you want to shoot heavies then call dave kiff at pacific tool and guage.com and he will build you the correct reamer.

 

[Bob Roach]

Re: Building a 30-06

We built my little brother, TAC06 a 3006 Tactical rifle years ago. We used a Left Hand Remington 700 Long Action from his 30-06 BDL deer rifle. For a Barrel we used a Douglas Premium finished at 26" with a 1 in 10 twist. We put it in an H&S Precision Pro Tactical Stock, with no adj cheek piece. With a proper set up I do not think it needs one. Just get the scope height right.
We Trued the Action and Lapped the bolt in. We glassed the scock. We reused the factory Remington Trigger from around 1980. We used Leupold MK IV Rings and Bases. For a Scope we installed a Premier Reticle Leupold with GEN II Mil Dots, M1 Knobs, in 8.5 - 25 w/50mm objective. For a finish we had it parkerized.

We installed a Badger Bolt Knob and JP Muzzle Brake a few years later.
It has digested several 190 grain Sierra Match Kings over the years. It is a very good shooting rifle. I have shot it enough to know it will kick tail on my 308 with me shooting both rifles in a Tactical Match out to 800 yards. At 100 or even 200 yards they both shoot about the same. Start adding yards and some wind blowing from 3 directions, and the 30-06 starts to pull ahead. The further out you go the more it pulls ahead.
You will like a 30-06.

 

[bluehunter30-06]

Re: Building a 30-06

Thanks guys, That was exactly what I need to hear. That will help thing out greatly.