Winter time - Cabin Fever.. what to do

[Ralt71]

Hunting season is off and rifle is right around the corner for us. The snow has already started flying and I know once hunting season ends... that cabin fever is going to set in.

I want to try a rifle build on an odd ball caliber this year. Problem is, I'm going to be limited on mating the action to the barrel and I'm limited in knowledge.

I want to build something that I pick all aspects.. the stock, action, trigger, barrel, break, optic mounts and the optic. I want to do as much of it on my own as I possibly can.

I'm not 100% dialed in on the purpose yet. Maybe another hunting rifle, or maybe a combination hunting and target. I'm looking for distance on this one 300-600 yard area. Once I get better I may try further or build something else. I have a heavy bench gun with a heavy stock and bull barrel in 338 RUM built by 10X. It may be called to service in this endeavor for long range shooting too.

My interactions with those on this forum have all been positive and it seems there is a lot of knowledge here. So I have some questions.. What's the groups thoughts here;

Good stock manufactures.. I like Peak 44's Bastion stock. I've bought some MDT's in the past and some Boyd's. I'm after something different this time. Doesn't have to be carbon, but I do like it

Barrel Options.. I really like what Proof Research has done, I also like BSF barrels. Again, doesn't have to be carbon but I'm really liking these.

Action.. this is a big one. I understand if I go with a Rem 700 I'll need a gunsmith to set the barrel (this may be best for me right now anyway). I'm also considering a Savage action, a tikka, or maybe a Weatherby.. let me know thoughts here

Lastly, Caliber.. I really like the .284 or .308 line ups with .284 really near to my heart. I have been considering 7 STW, 28 Nosler, 280 AI, or 7 Wby Mag, 7mm Ultra
In the .308 line up I've thought about 300 Norma, 308 Norma, 30-378 Wby mag,

My brain is all over the place on this. Just looking at ideas right now and maybe having my horizons broadened in this space to something I haven't thought of or about something I'm looking at that I should know.. haha I know far and wide on responses with this.

 

[JD338]

A new build is fun and very rewarding. I think the first step is to clearly be fine the purpose of the rifle. From there caliber, action, barrel contour and length, and then the stock. Keeping in mind the total weight.

JD338

 

[RL338]

I have a build out for work right now , so I know the excitement.
As for an action I like the Howa/Vanguard for a semi custom. A Stiller Tac338 is being used on the current build.
For a barrel , Krieger is my top pick. Most barrel manufactures offer really good barrels now.
Stock options are endless. I have many Bell&Carlson stocks. HS Precision another one I would use again. For a chassis MPA all the way.
Caliber is wide open. If I was building a .284 or .308 I would be doing on a 338 Lapua case.
When it’s all said and done build something you really want.

 

[Slimfinn]

A new build is fun and very rewarding. I think the first step is to clearly be fine the purpose of the rifle. From there caliber, action, barrel contour and length, and then the stock. Keeping in mind the total weight.

JD338

+1 on this

There are alot of barrel manufacturers that make a prefit for certain actions. Sure everyone does the 700, but there are alot of options for the Tikka which would probably be my choice if i were choose an action from a donor rifle.

 

[Ralt71]

I appreciate the input from all of you guys. I agree, I probably need to dial in on it all. I just got a Browning X bolt in 28 Nosler and considered using it as a donor, but it's new and I haven't done anything with it yet. I also have a 300 Win Mag XCR_II that has some ties to my heart. I never shoot this gun anymore and it needs some reviving, but I really don't know if I want to tear it down or run a 700 action. I'm after something away from cookie cutter. I go round and round with what to use it for also.. the only thing I know for sure is I want to build something.. haha

 

[remingtonman_25_06]

My vote is a fast twist 223. Cheap to shoot, accurate, long barrel life, and a good training rifle. Also could double up as a nice coyote rifle too.

 

[RL338]

There are alot of barrel manufacturers that make a prefit for certain actions.

This sure makes things a lot easier than waiting on a smith to chamber a barrel.

 

[Chuck R]

My vote is a fast twist 223. Cheap to shoot, accurate, long barrel life, and a good training rifle. Also could double up as a nice coyote rifle too.

It's the route I'm taking. I use the crap out of my .223 bolt guns, probably shoot them 2-3xs more than my other rifles just due to cost and lack of recoil.

I've also got a new one in the works, a .223AI on an Impact Precision 737R action. Barrel is a Bartlein Sendero MOD B barrel, finished length will be 24". Plan is to build a varmint/practice rig. Since my backyard range goes out to 840 yds, a heavy .223 will cover most of my targets and keep the yotes at bay.

I dropped the barrel and action off at GA Precision last Friday and swung by Manners to order a MCS-LRH-SC (Sport Comp) stock. Was quoted 3 months for the barreled action and 4 months on the stock, but you know how that goes. There are prefits made for the 737R, but I already had the barrel in hand after waiting 9 months on it.

Now I'm just cruising sales for bottom metal, mounts and a scope. Already have 500rds of Lapua .223 waiting to get loaded and fireformed.

 

[FNWhelen]

Building a fast twist 223 must be the thing to do. I am just finishing up one with a 24 inch barrel on a 700 action. I should say my friend/smith did the metal work and I am doing the rest. It will be a range toy just something to play with. Our range goes out to 1600 so it will be fun to see how far I can hit something.