Rebarrel or Rechamber?

[Abbotm2]

Long time reader, first time poster

I have a Rem700 in .308 that I traded for a couple years ago. It is a custom rifle that the guy didn’t know much about. 24in fluted bull barrel on a Caldwell stock, Jewell trigger, weighs about 20lbs. I plan on using this gun to hunt deer out of box stands and shoot on the range occasionally out to 500.

I have not had much luck with accuracy though I am very new to the precision bench shooting but not new to shooting. I did order some cleaning supplies to see if that helps but It might be too far gone. I’m getting 2-3 MOA (factory 178 ELD hunter and me doing half my part)

My question is should I rechamber to the 178eld or rebarrel to 6.5CM?

I was about to buy a Ruger American Hunter in 6.5 but a custom barrel would cost apt the same and be better…OR… stay with .308 since all I doing is hunting and shooting medium distance and will that help my accuracy?

If I rechamber should I get the reamer myself and have the shop do the work? to avoid a dull shop reamer. I do have a competent custom shop near by.

 

[cattleman99]

What is that stock made of to make that rifle weigh even close to 20 pounds? Also, it takes quite a bit of shooting to shoot out a .308. If you aren't happy with how it's shooting you could try different ammo or reload. Rebarreling would be fine, I wouldn't mess with getting it set back though.

Also, the gunsmith you choose should definitely have a .308 or 6.5 creed reamer, you shouldn't have to buy one yourself. If you plan on having numerous barrels cut, then you may consider buying the reamer.

 

[Abbotm2]

Id rather not reload for this 308. I do reload some (subsonic blockout, 6.8 SPCII, 10mm) but I don't have the time to work up loads right now. I was planning on selling this rifle and get a 6.5 but have to much invested in it and can't get it out. I guess id be taking a hit either way by putting more $ into it.

 

[Steel head]

I’d do some investigation first to se if it’s something easy to fix like a rail or stock issue Then I’d re barrel it.

 

[FUNCTIONAL]

Try federal gold medal match in 168 or 175 and/or some black hills in 168 or 175. Id be suprised if it wont shoot any of them.

Nothing personal against hornady but only their black box 223 has shot well in any cal/rifle I've tried.

EDIT: just noticed you said hunting. Id still try some of those above factory options to see if it shoots first. If it does then try different company offerings (nosler, federal, etc.). Like all of us some guns like different food...but everyone love tacos (federal/blackhills 168/175).

 

[fdkay]

The first hing I would check is the scope base, followed by the scope rings, followed by the scope.
I would also check the torque values on the bottom metal, make sure the barrel is free floated and check the crown.

Once you eliminate those, consider the barrel.
I'm not familiar with any rifle stock made by caldwell, though I could be mistaken.
Good luck, that is a good looking rifle.

 

[Abbotm2]

The first hing I would check is the scope base, followed by the scope rings, followed by the scope.
I would also check the torque values on the bottom metal, make sure the barrel is free floated and check the crown.

Once you eliminate those, consider the barrel.
I'm not familiar with any rifle stock made by caldwell, though I could be mistaken.
Good luck, that is a good looking rifle.

I didn't know Caldwell make stocks either but that was labeled on the inside of the stock.

I just ordered a Steiner P4 and plan on having the pros slap it on and will see if they notice anything out of wack with the gun.

 

[Abbotm2]

What is that stock made of to make that rifle weigh even close to 20 pounds? Also, it takes quite a bit of shooting to shoot out a .308. If you aren't happy with how it's shooting you could try different ammo or reload. Rebarreling would be fine, I wouldn't mess with getting it set back though.

Also, the gunsmith you choose should definitely have a .308 or 6.5 creed reamer, you shouldn't have to buy one yourself. If you plan on having numerous barrels cut, then you may consider buying the reamer.

Ok its only 13lbs with a scope... Im used to 5lb AR15s and hunting rifles.

 

[ilmonster]

Same advice as the others. Verify that screws for rail, rings and action screws are torqued to proper values. A little blue Loctite doesn't hurt either. Give the barrel a good scrubbing with cleaner of your choice that will remove the copper. Use a good rest to stabilize the rifle when shooting. Certainly try some other brands of cartridges and weights of bullets. I can't imagine you won't get that rifle to shoot with bullets between 150gr. and 178gr.'s.

 

[Another Casual]

In addition to checking all the screws, consider trying a different scope that is known to function well.