Gunsmithing New Gradous project

ZLBubba

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Jan 15, 2009
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I just finished booking my tickets to head back down to Robert's shop and build a new rifle, one I've been thinking about since I finished my build with him last year.

I've always wanted a truck gun and figured that if I'm going to build one, I wanted to build the Ford Raptor of truck guns. I've also decided that since this truck gun is going to be a handy little rifle built on a Surgeon 591 repeater, I might as well chamber another barrel for some woods hunting. Granted, I think the truck gun will do just fine in that application, but I've been hankering for a 260 anyway. Without further ado, here are the components:

1. Surgeon 591 SA repeater, .473 boltface
2. Manners MCS-T with mini-chassis
3. Timney trigger (will require some machining to fit)
4. Bartlein #3 .308 5R 1:10" barrel blank, to be finished at 16.5", threaded 5/8x24
5. Bartlein #3 .260 5R 1:8" barrel blank, to be finished at 22"
6. Atlas 3" rail for QD Atlas bipod
7. PH 3-15 Gen II reticle

2efutmo.jpg


Those materials will turn into something closer to this:

igwa6a.jpg


What's great is that the 308 barrel won't extend much farther than it does in the picture. Very handle little package, and with the 155 scenars, should really be a kickass rig. Having the 260 switchbarrel flexibility will make this rifle a complete winner for me. If the project turns out the way I hope, the For Sale section may see a number of my other rigs get posted since they won't get much attention at the range in the future.

Depending on time and connectivity, I may post progression pics while I'm down with Robert if people are interested. I can't wait to head down to Georgia and get to work.
 
Re: New Gradous project

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: jsthntn247</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Congratulations, you have the most expensive truck gun on the planet. </div></div>

I tried this with a Stevens and it wilted when I put the Bartlein on it. Alas...
 
Re: New Gradous project

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: jsthntn247</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Congratulations, you have the most expensive, <span style="color: #FF0000"><span style="font-weight: bold">badass, sumbitchin accurate</span></span> truck <span style="text-decoration: line-through">gun</span> <span style="color: #FF0000"><span style="font-weight: bold">laser</span></span> on the planet. </div></div>

Fixed it for you....
 
Re: New Gradous project

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: BigJoe</div><div class="ubbcode-body">That is exactly what I am probably going to build next. Stock, action, everything lol damn u
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</div></div>

Hey BigJoe, if you make it out to Maryland and want to test drive this rig before you build one, let me know. You and KY338 both have great taste in rigs; I appreciate the votes of confidence.

Robert and I built my 7 WSM on the Manners mini-chassis (in a T2) and had no issues with it. It shoots right around .2-.3 if I'm going my part. I'm always the weakest link in the chain, but I'd much rather have issues with my form and mechanics than my rig. These issues I can fix and work toward. Since I'll have a 22" 260REM barrel for rifle as well, I feel like the mini-chassis is ideal. That said, we'll see once we get it built and shooting. I'll be sure to post pics and range reports, pros/cons, etc.
 
Re: New Gradous project

i like nice stuff and i like seeing what the fuss is all about with just about anything. I have never heard a single bad word about anything robert has built. I am goin to have to hit him up someday and say hi. So many good smiths on here and you can only shoot one at a time
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Re: New Gradous project

ZL, you've got the makings of a badass stick there. I'm really looking forward to seeing how it turns out. My .260 that Robert built is nothing short of incredible, as was the entire experience... but I'm not telling you anything you don't already know.

Regarding the .260 setup of your rifle... may I offer a few load suggestions that all shoot very well with Robert's chambering out of my 24" 8-twist Rock barrel.

130 gr Berger HVLD
44.5 H4350
CCI 200 Primers
Lapua Brass
2.202" Base-to-Ogive
0.01" jump

140 gr Berger HVLD
42.2 gr H4350
CCI 200's
Lapua brass
2.175" BTO
0.06" jump

140 gr Hornady Amax
42.5 gr H4350
CCI 200's
Lapua brass
2.188" BTO
0.04" jump
 
Re: New Gradous project

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: boudin</div><div class="ubbcode-body">ZL, you've got the makings of a badass stick there. I'm really looking forward to seeing how it turns out. My .260 that Robert built is nothing short of incredible, as was the entire experience... but I'm not telling you anything you don't already know.

Regarding the .260 setup of your rifle... may I offer a few load suggestions that all shoot very well with Robert's chambering out of my 24" 8-twist Rock barrel.

130 gr Berger HVLD
44.5 H4350
CCI 200 Primers
Lapua Brass
2.202" Base-to-Ogive
0.01" jump

<span style="font-weight: bold">140 gr Berger HVLD
42.2 gr H4350
CCI 200's
Lapua brass
2.175" BTO
0.06" jump</span>

140 gr Hornady Amax
42.5 gr H4350
CCI 200's
Lapua brass
2.188" BTO
0.04" jump </div></div>

Boudin, thanks for the load data you have. I'm planning on doing the 260 with the 140VLDs and having one load setup for banging steel and slaying bucks. What speed are those 140VLD going?

LW, I will be threading the 308 barrel for my Thunderbeast 30P-1. The #3 Bartlein at 16.25" should have enough diameter left to reasonably hang a can. I'm still unsure about threading the 260 barrel. I don't know if there'll be enough steel to hang a can on the 260 barrel at 22". We'll see once we get the barrel cut down and measured. I've got about 10 days or so until I head down to Hephzibah. Completely stoked.
 
Re: New Gradous project

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ZLBubba</div><div class="ubbcode-body">What speed are those 140VLD?</div></div>
I don't have a chronograph so I'm not sure. I haven't done much with the 140 HVLDs... Robert just handed me a dozen or so when we finished the rifle and suggested the load listed above. Sure enough, they shot 1/4 MOA. The 130 HVLDs are my go-tos and based on my dope out to 960 yds, they're going about 3000 fps.