Gunsmithing random thoughts on a 700 build

[mlh29]

Ok I have been saving a few parts here and there. I am not rich, and will be doing this once. I may sell some of my rifles/ optics/ firearms to get it done.
I want to build/ have built a remington 700 la into a hunting/ general purpose go to rifle for big game. This is to be a gift for a family member who has always been there for me.
Hart barrels is close by.. Hr or so away. But open to others as well.

Idea.. rem 700 LA in SS( no action or rifle yet)
30.06 or 300 win mag..( mainly PA big game hunting but will prob want to shoot longer range at times for fun as he always likes trying my 308s or 300.) Readily available ammo as He will not let me know when my hand loads are gone as He never wants to bother me.
22- 24 inch barrel. maybe a little heavier than rem mag contour/ but not a full sendero type. Will be a hunting rifle 9.5 lbs is ok but 15 isnt..

Have on hand:
Dakota la steel bottom metal, nightforce 20moa base and med 30 mm ultralight rings, leupold vari x 3 lr in either 4.5x14 or 3.5x10..
holland recoil lug
timney trigger. 3 lbs
harris bipod. good sling, all reloading items for either caliber.
Patience...

Thinking: trued 700 in ss with hart barrel, b and c medalist alaskan style stock or the newer m40 ish style( have devcon on hand will bed etc)( have one alsakan stock locally to trade for). enlarged bolt knob/ thinking a stubby from a vendor here ... Ceracoat/ duracoat all metal in matte black as have been wanting to learn how to do it. Prob send off stock for hydro dip in atacs.

Will be starting this venture upon return from oef this spring. Suggestions wanted.. Parts for trade etc..
Thanks

 

[glock24]

Re: random thoughts on a 700 build

Just my opinion, but I see a couple conversations points with your musings;

1. I'm not convinced you'll end up below 10 pounds without some serious reduction to both barrel profile and stock weight. From the general vision you've presented, my experience tells me to expect a rifle that weighs 12-13 pounds. If that's fine with you, then okay. Personally, that is a bit heavy IMO for a primary hunting rifle.

2. 22-24" barrels and magnum calibers don't necessarily go together. I would recommend you lean toward a non-magnum, although I'm not sure what you mean by "big game hunting".

30-'06 recoil is still a little stout for me, but I can say that a 284 Winchester, 280 Remington, or even 6.5-'06 and 6.5x55mm would make excellent thin-skinned game hunters as well as being a bit more comfortable for long-range target shooting. Or maybe just plan to thread the muzzle for an optional brake or suppressor.

What I've learned the hard way is that the hard-kicking "manly" hunting rifle is not the one that is taken to the range and enjoyed througout the year. I'm starting to lean more toward a softer-kicking caliber than can be enjoyed as a target rifle first, yet still kill effectively. In other words, a well practiced target shooter is a much more confidient hunter than the hunter who doesn't care to shoot much. Finding one rifle that does both can be tough. Caliber selection is absolutely critical.

Just some things to think about, as now is certainly the best time to do so.

 

[mlh29]

Re: random thoughts on a 700 build

points taken. I think with the alaskan stock( 30 oz, and a normal remington magnum contour style barrel/ slightly thicker , not wanting a mtn rifle contour.. I should be able to keep under 9.5 lbs not including bipod, I just know that 10lbs is prob about max for all total.
280 rem was also a consideration, but will prob stick with 30.06,
Big game in PA white tail deer, black bear. Shots under 350 yds are the norm, sometimes hunting from stands etc.
Will not get a brake or suppressor, no iron sights etc.
If I used a m40 b and c style stock would be re working the fore end to a slimmer design. Not sure on the weight o fthat stock though.
May end up going with other scope / base/ rings and save the nightforce stuff for a 338 edge pipe dream build..

 

[hero's machine]

Re: random thoughts on a 700 build

I would get the stocks in this persons hands and ask his/her preference. The stock is the most difficult to get "perfect" you can easily balance the rig from there.

 

[CaptLink]

Re: random thoughts on a 700 build

The stock is very important in a hunting rifle a slimmer stock with a more rounded profile is easy to sling.The 20 moa base he will not need and if you have the optics paid for use them.If you value his wallet stay with 30-06 you can buy it a wally-world on sale 300 mags are stiff.A 18-20" barrel will get all a 06 has to offer don't discount a good brake or having one EDMed into the muzzle some machine shops are very reasonable.Keep your eyes open this is the time of year for trades you may find a complete rifle that can be rebuilt for alot less than a custom build.

 

[Beef82]

Re: random thoughts on a 700 build

30-06, 22-24" should still be reasonably light, the 06 has allot of powder column and needs some barrel length, and length will lessen the muzzle blast. .300 Win Mag ammo is higher, and its just a powder burner for most applications, PA does have some huge black bears but the 06 can take them with the right bullet easy. I like B&C stocks, they are a little heavy, but I think you can make 9.5, might have to keep a sporter type barrel profile. For comparison my 26" varmint barreled .308 in a B&C A3 is right around 12 with two pounds of scope on it. I HATE muzzle brakes, especially on mild recoiling rifles like the 06. I don't often have plugs in when a hunting partner or I take a shot in the field and I prefer as much noise go forward as possible.

 

[VKC]

Re: random thoughts on a 700 build

Take a look at Mcmillian edge ultralight or Manners MCS-SL, that will help save a little weight and will be an improvement over B&C.

If you reload, consider 280AI since it works well from a 22-24" barrel and gives you velocities close to 7mmRM. The 7mms have better BC then most other calibers including 300/308 will less recoil.

 

[mlh29]

Re: random thoughts on a 700 build

Will be going with a b and c alsakan. ( price is key)
picked up a ss 700 in 30.06 last night via an ffl friend who took it on trade. Plain sps version with cheap black plastic stock.
Will play with it when I get home. May just have my friend true it, setback factory barrel and recut chamber and crown... if accuracy looks ok..
Really leaning towards a hart ss barrel with flutes about same contour as the rem cdl ss barrel.

280 rem is an option if rebarreling. Dont have dies etc for 280 ack and would be hard to go to wally world etc for ammo.

Will let everyone know what I come up with

 

[buffybuster]

Re: random thoughts on a 700 build

6.5x55mm Swede with 8-twist barrel gets my vote. Factory ammo available but still a bit unique. Very accurate, great bullets, excellent long range ballistics, mild recoil.