Building a lightweight hunting rifle

[TRD1911]

I'm looking to build a lightweight hunting rifle and could use some knowledge and insight.

I will be hunting primarily deer and bear (but wouldn't mind being able to use it for elk in the future). I'm torn between long and short action, caliber and stock.

I thought that I had my mind made up on doing a short action build in either 6.5 or .308 (I have tons of components for loading each caliber already) but now a couple long action calibers have caught my eye (the 28 Nosler and 280 AI specifically). I know, I know...shot placement and all that...but, which action/caliber did you choose and why?

I currently have a new Remington 700 ADL 30.06 sitting in the safe that I could strip down for the build but I would likely need a magnum bolt for either of the previously mentioned long action calibers, Right?

As far as a stock. I REALLY like the Manners mini chassis
I have one on a precision rifle and it's great for repeatability in mounting and removing the action....weight...not so much.     Any advice (for or against) bedding the action instead of going the chassis route?

I'll be doing a Rem/Age build with a criterion barrel so if there is any advice on that end as well it would be appreciated.

Thanks for the input

[coop2424]

Your current 30-06 action will work for .280ai. No need for different bolt.  I had a .270 that I had built into a .280ai and couldn't be happier.  Not super lightweight but that wasn't my ultimate goal.  I think for going lightweight your best bet will be one of the carbon stocks from manners or McMillan or even stockys.  The remage process has always interested me so make sure to post that up when you do it.  Good luck with whatever you do.

[AWS]

I would never try and build a lightweight rifle when you could purchase a Kimber Hunter for less than the cost of just the stock and barrel, and you would be hardpressed to even come under 6#.

Kimber Hunter 280AI at 5.5 lbs for MSRP of $861.  I've built a number of rifles over the years and after handling my hunting partners Kimber Hunter 280AI I wouldn't even try and duplicate it, I'd just buy one of these.


http://www.kimberamerica.com/hunter

[TRD1911]

Thanks for the input guys. I've already headed down the rabbit hole and bout a barrel vise and action wrench. I've spent a little bit of money so I'm "committed" at this point, ha!

I would never try and build a lightweight rifle when you could purchase a Kimber Hunter for less than the cost of just the stock and barrel, and you would be hardpressed to even come under 6#.

Kimber Hunter 280AI at 5.5 lbs for MSRP of $861.  I've built a number of rifles over the years and after handling my hunting partners Kimber Hunter 280AI I wouldn't even try and duplicate it, I'd just buy one of these.


http://www.kimberamerica.com/hunter

I'm a big Kimber fan (actually named my pup Kimber) so I'll definetely keep an eye out for one of those. This is more about the process than it is about having a turn-key rifle though.

[CaNINE]

I went through the same decision process a few years back. I ended up with a Kimber Montana in 280AI for a quarter the cost it would have taken to build a custom rifle of comparable weight. It is one of the most accurate rifles I have consistently printing .5 to 0.75 MOA groups with just about any bullet I feed it. Loves 140AB's, 145 TTSX, 162 ELDX. Pick your poison and go hunting.