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custom rifle build - scenario 2 #7399232 01/08/19 09:41 PM
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Ok - wanted to start a new thread with new parameters, as I would like suggestions based on the following set up/scenario...

30-06 rifle - custom build
shoots sub 1/2 moa
scope: 6x20x50 or 6x24x50 or similar, maximum...great glass with 20x would be perfectly fine, too.
Budget $3k-4k
Max shot would be 400 yards

Background...I do have a 30-06 that I use regularly for Whitetail, hog, and coyotes. My rifle is 1 moa, and it is fairly heavy. I have a nikon monarch 5x20x44 BDC (I like the BDC) that is at least 5 years old on it. It's great for my all my TX hunts, in which my shots are generally 200 yards and under. I am very comfortable shooting at anything in that range. I dropped a hog at around 300 with it, but need more practice to build my confidence before I would go for a deer at that range (I'm close).

I want to go on an elk hunt at someone point in the next couple years, so I want to extend my effective shooting range out to 400. I think that might be where I would top out, for this new custom gun build.

So, in part, I'm looking to upgrade the quality of my rifle, so have it be more accurate (hence the sub 1/2 moa) and I want to up my glass game.


What would you suggest for a custom rifle/scope given my objective here?


PS - keeping the other thread open, to help me compare with a longer range rifle set up vs. this one...


Thanks for your responses and suggestions!! very helpful!

Last edited by George - w/ Map My Ranch; 01/08/19 09:44 PM.

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Re: custom rifle build - scenario 2 [Re: Son of a Blitch] #7399260 01/08/19 10:07 PM
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First I would ask why a custom 30.06 build as far as a caliber? For your budget there are much better calibers to work with. If you want knock down power and longer range consistency- why not something like 7mm mag or 300 win mag? I know that was not your choice as far as calibers but just wondering why a 30.06 as far as a custom?

Last edited by GLC; 01/08/19 10:11 PM.

Re: custom rifle build - scenario 2 [Re: GLC] #7399261 01/08/19 10:09 PM
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Originally Posted by GLC
First I would ask why a custom 30.06 build as far as a caliber?

For the described use, I would ask why not a 30-06.


It's hell eatin em live
Re: custom rifle build - scenario 2 [Re: Son of a Blitch] #7399268 01/08/19 10:12 PM
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Because he has one for Texas game. Build something with more power for bigger game



But what’s wrong with your current 30-06? It will work just fine on elk?

You can extend range with training not a new gun

Re: custom rifle build - scenario 2 [Re: redchevy] #7399273 01/08/19 10:15 PM
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Originally Posted by redchevy
Originally Posted by GLC
First I would ask why a custom 30.06 build as far as a caliber?

For the described use, I would ask why not a 30-06.

I respect the mans choice, just wondering why to spend 3000 to 4000 on a 200 to 400 yard shooting 30.06? At that range is a custom really needed? I mean, I have a 30.06 and it is fine at those yards. And since he already has one just wondering why he would want a custom in the same caliber. Since he has one, may try custom ammo and accomplish what he wants to.


Re: custom rifle build - scenario 2 [Re: Son of a Blitch] #7399340 01/08/19 11:28 PM
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Re: custom rifle build - scenario 2 [Re: Son of a Blitch] #7399351 01/08/19 11:39 PM
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I could be persuaded to move away from the 30-06....it’s what I have been very comfortable with, and don’t have a lot of experience with much above that. Don’t want a cannon that will hurt my shoulder, however.

Custom idea was to get a very very accurate rifle.


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Re: custom rifle build - scenario 2 [Re: Son of a Blitch] #7399389 01/09/19 12:16 AM
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Most rifles out there will shoot better than we will. Add in elevation and exertion on your elk hunt and the odds really start to tilt. Your personal choice of 30-06 is fine, as you said you already have one and are comfortable with that recoil level. My personal favorite is a Rem stainless synthetic 7 RM, shooting 160 gr Barnes. I have killed 27 elk now, in 40 years counting this years bull, and have used everything out there from bow to muzzy to 416 Ruger!

I would lean towards a good weatherproof Winchester or Savage rifle, Leupold 3.5x10 scope with CDC, and then spend a couple hundred bucks on every premium factory bullet out there , to see what your rifle likes. It won't be a beautiful custom, but it will work world-wide on more animals than you can imagine. The money you save will help pay for your SECOND elk hunt. smile

Re: custom rifle build - scenario 2 [Re: Son of a Blitch] #7399611 01/09/19 04:29 AM
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If you are looking for a new caliber, I would suggest shooting a few different ones at the range to see what you like and are comfortable with. I have never felt the recoil when I was shooting live game, but to be able to shoot good you have to do it at the range, and you won't get better with a caliber you hate.

As an example, I shoot a 7mm Rem Mag for moose hunting. I was heading out west to do a grizzly hunt and wanted to upgrade to something with more punch so tried a 300 Win Mag, 338 Win Mag, and 375 H&H at the range looking to shoot two boxes through each. I actually ended up choosing the 375 H&H, which I thought I would like the least before starting out. I couldn't even get through the second box on the 338 as I started to develop a flinch. Not what you want when you need to practice at the range with it.

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Re: custom rifle build - scenario 2 [Re: redchevy] #7399650 01/09/19 05:48 AM
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Originally Posted by redchevy
Originally Posted by GLC
First I would ask why a custom 30.06 build as far as a caliber?

For the described use, I would ask why not a 30-06.


Of course you would lol


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Re: custom rifle build - scenario 2 [Re: Son of a Blitch] #7399717 01/09/19 01:00 PM
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I suggest considering a new or rebarrel to 7mm08. A real pleasure to shoot and very capable of killing elk of any size.

A great all around caliber for Texas and the western states.


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Re: custom rifle build - scenario 2 [Re: Son of a Blitch] #7399871 01/09/19 03:40 PM
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maybe just do some upgrades to your current 30-06 as it has done well for you. just a thought.

Re: custom rifle build - scenario 2 [Re: Top Jimmy] #7400065 01/09/19 07:08 PM
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Originally Posted by Top Jimmy
If you are looking for a new caliber, I would suggest shooting a few different ones at the range to see what you like and are comfortable with. I have never felt the recoil when I was shooting live game, but to be able to shoot good you have to do it at the range, and you won't get better with a caliber you hate.

As an example, I shoot a 7mm Rem Mag for moose hunting. I was heading out west to do a grizzly hunt and wanted to upgrade to something with more punch so tried a 300 Win Mag, 338 Win Mag, and 375 H&H at the range looking to shoot two boxes through each. I actually ended up choosing the 375 H&H, which I thought I would like the least before starting out. I couldn't even get through the second box on the 338 as I started to develop a flinch. Not what you want when you need to practice at the range with it.

-TJ
^True,I have a 300 Win Mag without a brake that I don't like to shoot off the bench, a 338 Win Mag, no brake, that I prefer over the 300 and a 30-378 Weatherby Mag with a brake. Of the 3 I definitely prefer to shoot the weatherby off of the bench, has way better ballistics but the price of the ammo hurts.

Re: custom rifle build - scenario 2 [Re: bronco71] #7400067 01/09/19 07:12 PM
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Originally Posted by bronco71
Originally Posted by Top Jimmy
If you are looking for a new caliber, I would suggest shooting a few different ones at the range to see what you like and are comfortable with. I have never felt the recoil when I was shooting live game, but to be able to shoot good you have to do it at the range, and you won't get better with a caliber you hate.

As an example, I shoot a 7mm Rem Mag for moose hunting. I was heading out west to do a grizzly hunt and wanted to upgrade to something with more punch so tried a 300 Win Mag, 338 Win Mag, and 375 H&H at the range looking to shoot two boxes through each. I actually ended up choosing the 375 H&H, which I thought I would like the least before starting out. I couldn't even get through the second box on the 338 as I started to develop a flinch. Not what you want when you need to practice at the range with it.

-TJ
^True,I have a 300 Win Mag without a brake that I don't like to shoot off the bench, a 338 Win Mag, no brake, that I prefer over the 300 and a 30-378 Weatherby Mag with a brake. Of the 3 I definitely prefer to shoot the weatherby off of the bench, has way better ballistics but the price of the ammo hurts.


300RUM is another option with performance very close to the 30-378


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Re: custom rifle build - scenario 2 [Re: Son of a Blitch] #7400166 01/09/19 09:15 PM
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Given your baseline requirements and the fact that you already have other viable rifles, seems like cool factor/uniqueness is of some value here. I like doing, if it were me...

A custom built rifle by you sounds like a great idea. I have recently acquired some basic tools (namely a torque wrench, barrel vise and Savage barrel nut wrench, etc) so the thought of doing my own pre-fit Savage, Remington 700 or Tikka just sounds so appealing. You get to customize every part of it. So the next logical conclusion for me is to do a more unique/cool caliber, something like 280ai. Make no mistake, I'd be far more proud and show off more my hand built, less than razor's edge accurate rifle versus something custom i had built.
But then again, I'm a tinkering kind of guy.

There are several options in terms of the exact tooling combo you'll need and tips on where to save some dollars in the process too that I'd be glad share with you.


I'm a dude who likes long barrels!
Re: custom rifle build - scenario 2 [Re: Korean Redneck] #7400173 01/09/19 09:23 PM
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Originally Posted by Korean Redneck

But then again, I'm a tinkering kind of guy.



cheers me too

Many calibers will provide the performance you would need. My list would be 280 Ai, 7mm wby, and I might consider a few more. Why 7mm wby? Because I like how it looks.


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Re: custom rifle build - scenario 2 [Re: Son of a Blitch] #7400281 01/09/19 11:25 PM
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I used to work with an old Marine sniper from the end of the Korean conflict into the Vietnam, he moved into training Marine snipers & competition long range (.308 open site 1000 meters) ... When I was looking for my first elk gun, he quizzed me on what I already had and what might get passed down to me from my father. After I told him i would get my dad's 30-06, he said then you don't really need another one of those and highly recommended a 7mm Rem Mag. I went and bought a Remington 700 Classic 7mm Rem Mag in the fall of 1979, had my wife's uncle (gunsmith) work on the trigger, free floated & glass bedded the stock ... and it has been my go too gun for almost 40 years. The past year or two, I have reverted back to a 25-06 & 22-250 for reduced recoil on does and hogs, but when I am hunting trophy class WT and into the mountains for large game, the 7mm comes back into play. I don't really notice the recoil when I am in the field, just shooting off a bench to insure it's still spot on. A little over 3 years ago, I upgraded the scope to a VX3 4.5-14x50mm with 30mm tube and wouldn't hesitate to make shot up to 500 yards on MD or elk. If doing it again, I would likely got with a higher magnification (6.5-20)

with that said, I lean towards why would you want another 30-06 if you already have one that is an MOA shooting rifle? If I were building one, it would be something for elk, I would go with a little more umph and better ballistics ... 7mm Rem Mag, 7mm WSM, 300 Win Mag, 7mm RUM (plus a few others) and also put a silencer or brake on it to reduce the recoil ... but that's me


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Re: custom rifle build - scenario 2 [Re: Son of a Blitch] #7400733 01/10/19 02:39 PM
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If you want a 30/06, go with a 30/06! For 300-400 yards it will do anything you want. The range of bullets weights is great, load up or down, or buy the bullet you want/need for the size of your game. The old 30/06 doesn't have the glitz or glamor of today's modern calibers, but it will kill whatever you want. You asked about 30/06 and if that's what you want, stick with it!!!!! Just my 2 cents for what it's worth.

Re: custom rifle build - scenario 2 [Re: Son of a Blitch] #7400744 01/10/19 02:46 PM
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What brand/ model do you have now?

Re: custom rifle build - scenario 2 [Re: Son of a Blitch] #7400825 01/10/19 03:51 PM
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Good responses...thanks everyone! I enjoy getting other people's feedback on things like this...

My current 30-06 set up is a mid 70's Sako, with a Nikon Monarch (5+ years Old) that is 5x20x44.

Although I have not entirely abandoned the idea of a newer, lighter, and slightly more accurate 30-06, I have started to research other calibers.

I did have a 7mm WBY Mag for a while, but it packed a big punch, and I want something with less recoil.

With the new build, I would definitely be on board for a brake, and in the future, perhaps a suppressor.

Got a lead on a customized 280 A.I. and also toying with the idea of a custom rifle from Alamo Precision Rifles (carbon fiber barrel and carbon fiber stock - ultra light hunter). I think I have also put the 300 win mag in my list of possibilities. Still researching and considering other caliber choices. I want as straight a shooter as possible, that will pack a big punch downrange, without punching my shoulder too much.





Last edited by George - w/ Map My Ranch; 01/10/19 04:18 PM.

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Re: custom rifle build - scenario 2 [Re: Son of a Blitch] #7400841 01/10/19 04:11 PM
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Bullet weight for bullet weight, the 300 Win Mag will kick about like the 7 Wby does. If you run the heavier .308" bullets it will kick more. So if reduced recoil from the 7 Wby is the goal, the 300 Win Mag will increase the recoil.

7 Mag is a good round. Hotter than all your typical "aught six" case designs, but slightly less magnum than your bigger magnums, like the 300 WM and such. If you have a good rifle in 30-06 rifle already, that's plenty of horse power for most any critters in N. America. You can improve performance of the 30-06 with a premium bullet choice and some match ammo. If you just want a new caliber, I get it. The 7 Mag is a great round for that.

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Re: custom rifle build - scenario 2 [Re: ChadTRG42] #7400846 01/10/19 04:18 PM
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Originally Posted by ChadTRG42
Bullet weight for bullet weight, the 300 Win Mag will kick about like the 7 Wby does. If you run the heavier .308" bullets it will kick more. So if reduced recoil from the 7 Wby is the goal, the 300 Win Mag will increase the recoil.


Good to know. And just like that....300 win mag is off the list! LOL!


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Re: custom rifle build - scenario 2 [Re: Son of a Blitch] #7400858 01/10/19 04:27 PM
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Originally Posted by George - w/ Map My Ranch
Originally Posted by ChadTRG42
Bullet weight for bullet weight, the 300 Win Mag will kick about like the 7 Wby does. If you run the heavier .308" bullets it will kick more. So if reduced recoil from the 7 Wby is the goal, the 300 Win Mag will increase the recoil.


Good to know. And just like that....300 win mag is off the list! LOL!


Just FYI, if you do not mind adding a brake to it, 300 win mag is not an issue. I have a brake on mine and it feels like my 7mm08 that has no brake. Now the win mag is also a heavier gun so that may be one of the reasons it feels like less recoil. I have literally shot 70 to 80 rounds at a time without a sore shoulder and I am 62.

Last edited by GLC; 01/10/19 04:28 PM.

Re: custom rifle build - scenario 2 [Re: Son of a Blitch] #7400872 01/10/19 04:47 PM
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Good to know. I figured a brake and than a future suppressor may be down the road...so might have to keep that in the cards


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Re: custom rifle build - scenario 2 [Re: Son of a Blitch] #7400879 01/10/19 04:56 PM
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Just FYI, the brake I used was a "Little Bastard"


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