Wanting to build a rifle, need help/advise

[Rheingold]

Hi guys, I'm new here. I hope my questions are not too stupid, but here it goes.

I am first and foremost a hunter. I would like to get into medium range target shooting. I have access to a 600yd range, that is going to be the maximum for now.

My favorite hunting round is 6.5x55 SE. I already have several hunting rifles in that caliber and I'm set up for reloading for it.

I want to stick with this caliber.

I would like to put a rifle together from scratch, beginning with a custom action, not starting with an off the shelf/used action that needs accurizing.

This rifle is intended primarily for target shooting, but it must be suitable for hunting as well, and that means hiking with the rifle. Weight is going to be an issue, I'd like to keep it (well) below 10lbs, if possible.

I just started to research all of this, and the choices and options are simply overwhelming. I am a technical minded person and I don't mind reading up on this stuff, but I really want to target shoot and hunt, not obsess about the gear.

So I'm hoping that the experienced shooters on here could recommend a few specific products (actions, barrels, stocks, trigger groups) for this project. I'll research it from there.

To sum up what I want:

-finished rifle minus optics < $2500

-cal. 6.5x55 SE

-must have magazine, no single shot rifles

-must weigh no more than 10lbs

-must be suitable for both target shooting out to 600yds and do double duty as a long range hunting rifle

-I like a pretty classic look, not into tacticool stuff.


Please tell me specifically what parts to look at.


Thanks in advance,

Rheingold

 

[Gunfighting Inc]

Re: Wanting to build a rifle, need help/advise

Contact any one of the reputable rifle builders who frequent this forum and ask their advice based on your goal and they will give you great guidance. That's what I would do if I was trying to do what you are.

 

[Captain Kirk]

Re: Wanting to build a rifle, need help/advise

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Rheingold</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> -must weigh no more than 10lbs</div></div>

That right there dictated everything about this build. Lightweight stock, McMillan A1 with light fill would be fairly "traditional" looking but fairly light and a good platform. Next, barrel, light Palma contour would keep weight down, lots a good barrel makers out there such as Obermyer, Broughton, Rock, Lilja, on and on. Actions, lots to choose from there as well, Surgeon, Pierce (they make a titanium action), Stiller, lots more. I'd start with the smith, talk it over and get on the same page instead of bringing them a pile of parts.

Pierce Titanium action

Kirk R

 

[Sonic Crack]

Re: Wanting to build a rifle, need help/advise

I dont know how easy its going to be to get into a custom rifle for $2500 bucks unless you sell yourself short on it.

custom action = around a $1000, + up to say $500 more depending on who's flavor

Barrel + chamber + crown = at least $700 we will say

BDM = $350

stock = Manners MCS-T $500
Bedding = $300
or
McRee chasse = $675

Cerakote = $250

Trigger $140-$350

Your going to have to do some research or get some quotes, Just my .02

 

[turbo54]

Re: Wanting to build a rifle, need help/advise

First: If you already have hunting rifles in 6.5x55, why do you need the next rifle to be huntable?

Second: Why does it need to be custom? $2500 is a tough price point to hit for an all-custom rifle.

Third: consider a Tikka T3 sporter. It's available in 6.5x55, and is a heavy hunting/light target rifle, well inside your price range. Fulfills all of your objectives, except being custom.

 

[Hawk45]

Re: Wanting to build a rifle, need help/advise

Target shooting and walking hunting rifle are pretty opposite ends of the spectrum. Sounds like you already have hunting rifles, so why not build a dedicated target rifle and do it right instead of a bastardised quasi hunting/target rig? There is a right tool for each job. Just my .02

 

[swampbuck]

Re: Wanting to build a rifle, need help/advise

I think that stiller will definately be your action given the price range. They make the best action for the money and can be had fairly light weight. Surgeon or Pierce Titanium will be out of the price range that you have and won't be necessary for your non tacticool goals.

Here is my breakdown for what it is worth.

Stiller Predator or Tac 30 action- Can be found for around 900 if you bide your time and wait for the right buying oppourtunity. Look at the for sale section daily. 950 shipping and FFlL transfer.

Plain non fluted premium barrel blank- 330 shipped. #4 or 5 contour.

I would go with a Pacific tool and Guage steel BDL floorplate and regular remington spring and follower. put you around 200. Repeater action. can always upgrade to DBM later. I prefer hinged plate for hunting rig anyway.

Timmney trigger 135 plus install say 175 total.

Stock. Gonna be a challange but I would probably go with Bell and Carlson or HS Precision. 300 +150 Bedding job. = 450.

Holland Recoil lug =$40

No paint for now. I would probably bead blast to matte finish lets say $50

Chamber and crown 300

Alright so lets see where we are at.

Stiller action 950 not sure if it comes with lug.
Holland Recoil lug 40
Hart barrel 315 cant go wrong with a Hart.
Chamber and crown 300
Matte finish bead blast 50
Timmney Trigger with install 175
Stock and bedding 450
Floorplate, spring, follower 200

=2480. You would have a great sub 1/2 inch rig to be proud of. As accurate aa any outthere. You can always cerakote later. The bead blast will help the cerakote anyway.

 

[Rheingold]

Re: Wanting to build a rifle, need help/advise

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: turbo54</div><div class="ubbcode-body">First: If you already have hunting rifles in 6.5x55, why do you need the next rifle to be huntable?

</div></div>


Well, where I live, long shots are not always necessary.

On top of that, I have a bit of a Mannlicher fetish when it comes to hunting rifles. All of mine are full stock. A CZ550 FS, a Sako Finnbear FS, an old converted Swede.

All of these will knock down game inside of 200 yards, and have, reliably.

This new rifle is intended mainly to extend the range while shooting at targets for fun. If I get a chance to go out into long range hunting country, I'd like to be able to take it.

Don't want to own too many different guns with singular applications, if that makes sense.

 

[Goatman007]

Re: Wanting to build a rifle, need help/advise

Yeah, what they all said. LOL, It all depends on what you want to do and how you want to do it. Based on what you want, Swampbuck seems to have it nailed for you.

 

[Ammo dog 2311]

Re: Wanting to build a rifle, need help/advise

I am in the middle of a build right now. I am way over on your $ 2,500 budget. If your going to spend a lot then you do it right. Things start to add up real quick.
If this is your first time then you need to answer a few questions.
What stock and will it need to be bedded ?
What bottom metal ?
What trigger and set at what weight ?
What action, does it come with a bolt ?
If you need a bolt don't forget you have to coat it ?
What barrel and what contour and how long ?
Special chamber size instructions ?
Muzzle brake ?
Top rail or tapped?
Lap the rings and boar site ?
What coating and color ?
Shipping charges ?
My gunsmith helped me out with the whole process. Andy was very easy to talk to and was a big help with his input. AD arms but he's got to finish mine FIRST.
The rifle that fits the bill is a tactical sniper rifle. It's a combo of a hunting rifle and a target rifle, sort of...

 

[swampbuck]

Re: Wanting to build a rifle, need help/advise

Ammo Dog has a point.

Here are my recommendations to those questions.

Do yourself a favor for your first custom rig.

no special chambers
Muzzle brake can always be added. I wouldn't bother for this caliber
2-2.5 lb trigger. Nothing less would be suitable for hunting
Never heard of an action not comming with a bolt. You can buy an after market bolt for a Remington 700 but not necessary especially not for a custom action.
If you go over #5 contour your getting out a your ideal weight.
Not sure why people pay for bore sighting.
Shipping charges are to be considered.
Stillers usually come with top rail. I would specify 20 MOA elevation. Make sure to clarify before buying.
Lapping rings is nice but good rings rarely need it.
Go with your gunsmiths recommendation on length and twist.
And above all else don't let someone on this forum dictate what you want.

I don't recommend a tactical heavy ass hybrid. These guys who say they hike 10 miles a day with a 16 or 18 lb rig and don't mind are full of shit. 4-5 is plenty stiff for your needs. Only in heavy sustained competition or firefight would you lose accuarcy. You might have to take a few more barrel cooling breaks at the range.