Want to build new rifle. Help!

[Wanttohuntmore]

I was wanting to do the same thing, but in a 338 Ultra Mag, with a heavier rifle, in the 11lb range.  I was going to build on REM 700 action, a 28" Pac Nor, and shoot the 300 grain Sierra's out of it.  Then I decided I already had some accurate rifles, just needed to spend more on the load developments.  I'm finding the heavier guns shoot better more consistently, but are a pain to lug around.  That Tikka you have is plenty nice, I almost would want something in a diff caliber. It will be hard to see improved accuracy with hunting bullets compared to the Tikka. 

Are you wanting just accuracy, or also a nice finished gun as well?  Will it wear wood or carbon?  Stainless or blued?  What weight will this gun be?  These will easily pinpoint what gun is available.

Good luck hunting this year!

[300wsm]

Don't get me wrong, I love my Tikka and it has killed (2) moose, (3) caribou, a wolf and and a deer in just a few short years that I've had it.  I WANT another gun, I don't NEED another gun.  My brother-in-law doesn't have a gun so it would be nice to have an extra gun that was dependable.  As for the caliber, I would entertain a different caliber but don't want this thread to turn into "what's the best caliber thread", lord only knows where that would go! 
As for the weight, I would like to keep it around the 7lbs mark.  To do this I will be going synthetic.
A couple have mentioned accuracy, I am not trying to join the 1000 yard club.  I just want a gun that I know will make a consistant group out to 300 yards.  I want the 1/4 group at 100 yards.  With my hand loads I should be able to accomplish that with most of the rifles out there.
I checked out the rbros site and they do make a beautiful gun but I think for that money I would just buy the H&S.  I do like the idea that Blackridge has to buy a quality rifle then improving it.  I've got deer season coming up in a couple weeks that my Tikka will do just fine with.  Then I have a Teanaway Bull muzzy bull tag in December.  I'm sure my wife will look at me crazy when I ask her to get me a barrel for Christmas but my plan is to have something put together by next spring/summer so I can break it in correctly by next deer season.  Thanks again for all the ideas.  I know there are numerous options out there.

[AWS]

1/4" groups with a light weight 300WSM, I hope you have really DEEP pockets.

AWS

[Cascade_Sherpa]

Check out 6mmBR's website. besides having an exhaustive amount of info, forums, etc. there is "gun of the week" gallery thats is easy to navigate to.  They've featured a couple of long range hunting rifles with ABS's carbon wrapped barrels at 26", coupled Rem 700 actions, and either manners or mcmillan stocks.  The rifles are still under 9lbs with glass in 300 wsm!  The one I'm thinking of was so freaking sexy that it haunted my dreams for a month.  And I believe it shot like a laser beam, grouping under 3/8".

[300wsm]

AWS,    Do you have something to contribute or did you wake up on the wrong side of the bed?  I am fairly knowledgeable about shooting and guns but have never built a rifle before, so I am trying to learn about what I can build vs buying a completed rifle.  I have at times got the 1/4" groups with my Tikka but not consistently so upgrading a few components I figured I could get there.  Maybe I'm dreaming??

[300wsm]

Thanks Cascade Sherpa!  I will check that out.

[AWS]

No, got up on the same side of the bed as always, just trying to save you some money, frustration and headaches.  I've got a whole safe full of customized guns, used to own a gun shop and shot rifle competitively.  You asked about building a light weight, 1/4" 300WSM, 9# isn't light.  I suggested some beautiful light weight semi-custom rifles that won't break the bank (being helpful).  If you can find a gunsmith or custom maker that will guarantee a consistant 1/4" center to center 5 shot group out of a light weight 300WSM the whole world should know about him.

AWS

[Alan K]

I just put together a .300 WSM myself.  I bought it in the Sako 85 Greywolf, and mounted a Leupold VX-7 3.5-14x50 on it.  I can't be happier, and it looks sharp as well.  Sako guarantees a 5 shot sub MOA group before it left the factory, but if it won't shoot that tight you send it to the factory and they'll fix it.

I'm not sure of the weight of the rifle/scope combo. I also have a bi-pod mounted on mine. 

[robescc]

You should really check out Benchmark Barrels.  I have had them build me 3 rifles and all shoot great.  My 300 win mag weighs in at 11lbs and shoots the lights out.  I just gt my 7wsm all set up and am in the process of breaking in the barrel and it is shooting 1/2moa at 100 yards and that is with a generic load. I can't say enough about them.  PM me if you need more info.

[yorketransport]

How about NULA? Not cheap, but they certainly qualify as light.

Andrew

[Wanttohuntmore]

If trying to go light, I'd almost look at a Kimber Montana, 308.... 5 1/4 lbs....  At least that's on my mind right now.....  Daydreaming at the moment.  Good luck 300WSM.  You can build it or buy it, either way, about the same price.  Those Tikka's are sure nice for the $$$ though, eh?

[haugenna]

Get another Tikka in 300 WSM.

The action on them is stiff.  Much stiffer than a 700 action.  The accuracy of a rifle starts with ignition and action stiffness.  

Pick up a match grade barrel, Hart, Benchmark, kreiger, etc etc.  Have the smith blue print the action install the barrel.  Put in a timney trigger in it and send it off to Lone Wolf for a glass bed job in one of their stocks and you have a dang nice ultralight gun for around 2200-2500 bucks.  Probably 1/3 MOA if you do your part.  A light gun can make a good shooter pull a couple.  I think 1/4 MOA is unrealistic.  

With all that being said.  I read that you want consistant groups at 300 yards.  You have that with the Tikka now.  Just work on some load development.  YOu mentioned your not a 1000 yard shooter.  I shoot quite often with my Tikka at paper out to 1000 and I wouldn't want to be standing out there.

Bullet selection, Nosler accubonds are a hunting bullet and are not know for extreme consistant accuracy.  Switch over to a Berger if you want accuracy.  Don't get me wrong Nosler Accubonds are great bullets just not "target style" bullets.  

Get serious about your reloading.  Start sorting brass, checking runout on loaded rounds and brass, turning necks, annealing necks, weighing bullets, weighing brass, measuring the bullets from ogive to base, work on seating depth and buy powder in large quantities for consitancy.    

The gun is one of many factors in accuracy.  Good luck with your quest and keep us all posted.  

Check out these 300 WSM's
http://www.mcwhorterrifles.com/GunRackPages/30Caliber/300wsm.html

watch their 550 video.

[high country]

  Sako guarantees a 5 shot sub MOA group before it left the factory, but if it won't shoot that tight you send it to the factory and they'll fix it.

only if you are the original owner who bought it from an authorized dealer within the last 2 years........otherwise they will tell you to send it to bolsa, who will tell you that they will look at it and then send you a bill for $100 to see your gun again. I know, I lived that nightmare once.

[Hyde]

Being a lefty, I have always been limited to what I could shoot.  I wanted a 338 Win Mag and finally scrounged up the dough to have one built.  In that case, there was no other option.  I could have bought a 340 Weatherby, but I didn't want that.  I wanted a 338 WM, (I think Browning made it in lefty back then, but I don't care for the action)  In my case, price wasn't a consideration.  Years later, I wanted a 375H&H.  I had a few options for an off the shelf lefty (Winchester, Browning) but I have always shot Remington 700's and so I had one built by Dan Cowen in Renton.  I could have bought 2 off the shelf Winchesters for what I paid to have that rifle built.  Then I wanted a classic 7x57 to take to Africa.  Custom rifle number 3, and another 2k in Dan's pocket.  If I were right handed, I would take a good look at the Kimber rifles.  BTW, I highly recommend Dan Cowen in Renton if you are looking to have a rifle built.  That's all he does.  And if you want to spring for a dandy English Walnut stock, he's the man.  There's another guy out in Covington that I hear is awesome too (someone will know his name). 

Here's one thought... what if you take an off the shelf model that you like (in your 300 WSM of course) and then have it restocked with a McMillen, or whatever, and have it blueprinted, etc.  That would probably get you as close to your goal for the least amount.  Of course... it won't be as fun.

[AWS]

haugenna


That link was great, I was suprised at how light they were, good find, that should help 300WSM out.

AWS