Input on a Hybrid build

[kskevin]

I'm wanting to do my first custom build. Have shot/hunted for over 30yrs but really wanting to get into doing a lot more paper punching but still have a great rifle for long range (600-700yd) hunting (mainly muleys, whitetail, pronghorn, elk, caribou). I currently have a Rem 700 Mountain rifle in 280 with a Jewell trigger that I'm going to use to start from. Several major decisions for me come down to a dilemma between trying to keep it manageable for hunting (downrange lethality, keep weight down to ~8.5# (ex scope/base/rings)) while making some choices that enable good range shooting performance (heavier barrel, tactical stock, recoil management)

Here's my current thinking and questions. Would appreciate input and perspective.

GA Precision build
Rem 700 long action (trued)
Jewell trigger
Manners T2 stock
Bartlein 23" barrel, 1 in 9 twist, #3 contour (would like to get it fluted but not sure what is the minimum contour they will flute).
280 Rem chambering
Vais muzzle brake
Pillar bedded
Cerakote
side bolt release
tactical bolt knob
fluted bolt

<span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="font-size: 11pt">Question Areas:</span></span>
<span style="font-weight: bold">Chambering:</span> I like the 280 Rem but was thinking about going to 7mm Rem Mag for more down range energy for long-range hunting. Not so sure I want to have a belted cartridge though. 280 Rem can carry as much as 1175 ft-lbs at 700yd with the right bullet/load (thinking this will be enough for all but long-range elk).
<span style="font-weight: bold">Stock:</span> Visited Manners shop a month ago and thought I liked the T3 until I tried the T2. Love the way it fits my hand and face. Is this going to start adding too much weight? T2 stated weight is 2.6lb (wonder how low it would go with carbon fiber shell). Other option is going with the MCS-T version (2.1# carbon fiber) but I'm sacrificing fit, narrower foreend, poorer fit for me with cheek weld.
<span style="font-weight: bold">Barrel:</span> Not wanting to get extremely heavy as I want to be able to hunt. This is where I get torn on the barrel contour as I'd like to go heavier but still keep overall weight manageable. Torn between #3 and #4 contour. Thinking #4 contour at 23" but fluted could still get me there. Believe this will be ~0.5# heavier than a non-fluted #3 contour. Could I do a 23" #3 with some fluting (~3 - 3.2#)? Is 23" sufficient, can i go shorter, should I go longer? 1/9 twist is what I was thinking to support shooting anywhere from 140 - 165g.

Welcome the input & criticism on the plan so I can make it better.

 

[toddconley]

Re: Input on a Hybrid build

I think you should do a 280 ai. 8.7 twist. 162s amaxes for deer 168-180s bergers for elk. Or just use all bergers.

 

[Cegorach]

Re: Input on a Hybrid build

+1 on .280 AI, it puts you very near 7mm mag with less powder, no belt, and using the same bolt face

 

[kskevin]

Re: Input on a Hybrid build

I'm going to do some more research/digging on the 280AI. Have read some really good things about that cartridge previously but failed to consider it when I was thinking about this build. Definitely like the ballistics as it carrys a bit more punch than the 280 Rem.

Thanks for the input.... keep it coming guys. Much appreciated.

 

[kskevin]

Re: Input on a Hybrid build

Any input on the barrel contour and length if I chamber in 280 Rem or 280 AI? How much MV difference will I see in a 23" vs 24/26" barrel?

Anyone with experience using the Manners T2 for a hunting rig?

 

[18Echo]

Re: Input on a Hybrid build

Go with a 26" Krieger #5 contour fluted which would make it about 3.5 lbs, thats what I did for my 338-06, but it's going to be 24".

 

[Kells81]

Re: Input on a Hybrid build

I have the 280AI and some 7mm Mags, I MUCH prefer the 280AI these days. I had one built for a hunting rifle and liked it so much I had another built for LR shooting. I had the chance to stretch out my LR one to 1k the weekend before I left and was very please. The Ackley thread here has allot of nice 280AI builds in it. Brass can be purchased formed from nosler or you can fire form 280 brass. I did nosler with my hunting rifle and fire formed the brass on my LR rig. Dies while not as cheap as common calibers are avail IE Redding 2 die set for like $60 or so bucks. I went with the Krieger Rem Var contour with 12 flutes 28" long. Sitting in a McM Adj HTG stock for now but will be changing it out to an A5 as soon as the A5 gets there.

 

[Greg Langelius *]

Re: Input on a Hybrid build

My work with the .280 is still early, but I concur in your choice. It has a lot of pros and a minimum of cons.

As for 7Mag, only if factory ammo availability demands it.

As for weight and barrel contour, I would suggest that anything under 7lb overall is maybe too light and maybe a bit pricey to accomplish.

Barrel length-wise, take your best guess, then add 2", that's my basic.

On the whole, when in doubt, simpler is better (probaby for a lot of reasons).

Not a baby, the recoil should be better managed with a stock line that is straighter, less drop at the heel.

For Hunting, anything up to 140gr would be plenty adequate, heavier than that should be reserved for target work at extreme distances.

I am very pleased with Hornady Custom 139gr SST factory loads. My barrels are 22" sporter, and 24" varmint, 1:9" twist. I will be aiming for a 28" 1:9" L-W Varmint Weight when the funds free up.

Greg

 

[kskevin]

Re: Input on a Hybrid build

Greg,

I currently shoot the Hornady 139g SST factory loads and these shoot very well in my factory 280 Rem as well. How much MV difference do you see in the 22" sporter vs 24" varmint when shooting the same load? Are we talking just 20-30 fps difference or is much more than that?

Based on the input I've gotten thus far and some additional research, I'm definitely going to go with the 280AI.

I also talked to Bartlein barrels Friday and they did say they could flute a #3 contour but would just do a slightly shallower fluting. Total barrel weight at 23" would be just over 3lbs (a #4 fluted at same length would run about 4lbs so I think I'll avoid this extra 1# of weight).

In total, excluding optics, I think the build should end up being just over 8lbs (currently 6.5# factory Rem, add 0.5# for T2 in carbon fiber, add 1.2# for barrel vs current Mtn rifle featherweight sporter).

 

[Greg Langelius *]

Re: Input on a Hybrid build

Not clocked, but accuracy is very comparable out of both barrels.

 

[kskevin]

Re: Input on a Hybrid build

Just dropped off my action and trigger at GAP.... now the 6mo wait for the finished product (ughhh)