Looking at a Browning Hell's Canyon speed in 6.5 at about $1000.00. For the average guy that hunts and occasionally goes to the range, what is the benefit of building a custom rifle over something like the Browning and spending the extra couple of thousand dollars? Will the difference be noticeable for the occasional shooter?

Nothing.

Your money is better spent on great ammo. Either build it yourself, or buy truly match ammo from Chad. The old saying goes; "they don't build em like they used to". That's right, now days mass produced rifles are better than ever. Most mass produced rifles will make just about anyone more than pleased, as long as you give them great ammo to run. A very good rifle, with poor ammo, will most likely shoot poorly. A very good rifle, with very good ammo, will most likely shoot very good.

And use the money you save by buying off the shelf to get some top notch glass.

True words on ammo. I have a friend that shoots three Brownings in different calibers. He's developed his own loads and shoots some amazing groups with these hunting rifles. I'm looking forward to seeing what my new $569.00 Tikka in 6.5 Creedmoor will do with good ammo.

JG is right. We see on here every week where somebody bought XX rifle and how good it shoots. I’m sure a custom will shoot better, but I, just like most of y’all, are the limiting factor in that.

I guess if you are super picky or want a caliber not offered in factory rifles then a custom is the way to go.

This

Spend your money on a good quality optic

Thanks for the input, that is what i was hoping to hear. I am planning on good glass but not sure of what yet. Want to keep that budget under $1000.00.

I recommend the SWFA 3-15 ffp. Very good all around scope.

Cleaner glass can be had for $1k. It may be a used scope, but with the excellent warranty so many companies are offering, used doesn't matter.

I'm not opposed to buying used if it's good and with warranty. Where's the best place to look for used optics?

Sniper'sHide.com

Optics for sale section.

look for a used nightforce SHV. easy to find around $900. 24 hourcampfire.com longrange.com accurateshooter.com

So I have the gun now and am working on the optics. What is a good grain to start with for whitetail and pigs? I am shooting 140 grain on my 7mm-08 so maybe looking for something a bit lighter?

120gr is enough for deer and pigs in 6.5mm.

143 gr Hornady ELD-X

(I shoot 162's out of 7mm-08)

This is what I shoot out of a tikka 6.5 that Chad re-barreled and it shoots so well that I decided not to work up a load for it.

you prefer 162's over the 150's?

Hornady Premium Hunter?

Not exactly used, but Midway USA currently has a good supply of Leupold Factory refurbished. These have full, like new Leupold lifetime warranty. I just got a great deal on one.

Absolutely! They are devastating out of 7mm-08 and 7mm-08 A.I. Get em going 2600 fps or more and they are awesome!

Great, thanks for the responses.

Wow you just saved me $225 I owe you a cold one or ten..

What did you get? I got a vx-3i, 3.5-10 x40 CDS

VX 5hd 2x10x42 mat fire dot. Thanks again

you oughta like that, I have it in 3-15, with a CDS dial, no fire dot.