Hunting Washington Forum

Equipment & Gear => Guns and Ammo => Topic started by: BrandonWatts on March 05, 2017, 03:20:55 PM

Title: Rifle build started
Post by: BrandonWatts on March 05, 2017, 03:20:55 PM: Pretty excited right now. Just dropped off my old Remington 700 DPS at the gun smith. Soon it will be a 300 win mag. Here's a parts list so far.
Remington 700 trued and blueprinted.
Bartlein #4 Lt bullet sport finished at 26 inches.
Hawkins precision muzzle brake
Grayboe renagade stock bedded to action
Ptg recoil lug pined to action.
Magpul Magnum bottom metal.
Cerakote ba in tungsten.
Will be sending the bolt off to have tac 8 fluteing done by boltfluteing.com out of Haines Oregon. Guy does a killer job.
Optics for now vortex viper HS 4-16x50, will be changing later.
Now just the wait for it to be done.
Title: Re: Rifle build started
Post by: coop2424 on March 05, 2017, 03:24:17 PM: That should make a heck of a rifle. I am currently waiting for my build to get back from the smith now. The worse part is the wait for it to get done.
Title: Re: Rifle build started
Post by: Bill W on March 05, 2017, 04:01:29 PM: Anything special being done to the chamber?
Title: Re: Rifle build started
Post by: Jonathan_S on March 05, 2017, 04:46:38 PM: Sounds like an absolutely devastating weapon!
Title: Re: Rifle build started
Post by: Magnum_Willys on March 05, 2017, 04:53:52 PM: Really like the looks of that Renegade stock. :tup:
Title: Re: Rifle build started
Post by: BULLBLASTER on March 05, 2017, 05:48:22 PM: :tup: I've got a 300 win in the works also. What twist is your barrel?
Title: Re: Rifle build started
Post by: Crunchy on March 05, 2017, 06:53:13 PM: Quote from: Magnum_Willys on March 05, 2017, 04:53:52 PM
Really like the looks of that Renegade stock. :tup:

Aluminum blocks/pillars? Their website didn't list or show the internal well at all. Looks interesting for the price point.
Title: Re: Rifle build started
Post by: coop2424 on March 05, 2017, 07:02:03 PM: Quote from: Magnum_Willys on March 05, 2017, 04:53:52 PM
Really like the looks of that Renegade stock. :tup:

I really like the stock also the only thing that has kept me from buying it is the weight.. OP by any chance you weigh the stock to see if it differs from what they state?
Title: Re: Rifle build started
Post by: Fl0und3rz on March 05, 2017, 07:09:00 PM: Whereabouts are you located, and who are you getting to build.
Title: Re: Rifle build started
Post by: BrandonWatts on March 05, 2017, 08:56:50 PM: The twist is 1-10. Nothing special being done to the chamber. Going to shoot 212 Hornady eld out of it with a stiff load of h1000 or reloader 26. Going to seat to mag length.
The renagade stock doesn't have an aluminum bedding block. It does have pillars install and I will have my smith bed the action. The stock is a little in the heavy side but I really like the way it feels.
I am located in Raymond the Smiths name is Brad Page.
Title: Re: Rifle build started
Post by: Bill W on March 06, 2017, 09:11:28 AM: interesting that nothing special is being considered for the chamber. Usually the BR crowd, and I understand this is not a BR gun, tends towards minimum dimension chambers and potentially a tight neck, or a no turn neck.

Did the gunsmith say what his previous rifles have done on targets?

What brand brass have you selected? I've found Lapua to be excellent for consistency. I would also think Norma or Nosler to also bee good.
Title: Re: Rifle build started
Post by: BrandonWatts on March 06, 2017, 10:05:44 AM: He did just finish a build for another guy with a proof research barrel with a match reamer. I pretty sure it will be the same reamer used on my barrel. He did show me test groups when the rifle was done and it was pretty impressive.
As far as brads I would run Lapua but I can't find it for the 300 win mag. I have a ton of new Hornady brass right now.
Title: Re: Rifle build started
Post by: BULLBLASTER on March 06, 2017, 10:15:28 AM: Quote from: BrandonWatts on March 06, 2017, 10:05:44 AM
He did just finish a build for another guy with a proof research barrel with a match reamer. I pretty sure it will be the same reamer used on my barrel. He did show me test groups when the rifle was done and it was pretty impressive.
As far as brads I would run Lapua but I can't find it for the 300 win mag. I have a ton of new Hornady brass right now.
Lapua doesn't make any belted magnum cases. They had a different brand made them some and stamp it Lapua but that has been years.

I was wanting to go with Norma for mine but ended up finding a whole bunch of nosler for dirt cheap so went that route. Hopefully it works well enough
Title: Re: Rifle build started
Post by: BrandonWatts on March 06, 2017, 10:41:00 AM: That's what I had thought. I will see how well the Hornady holds up. If it's not up to par I will have to look into getting some nosler brass.
Title: Re: Rifle build started
Post by: BULLBLASTER on March 06, 2017, 12:46:13 PM: Coop4242 both have magpul bottom metal on our 243 rifles. I think it's a solid option. Works great for what I wanted it to do and will also accept ai pattern magazines.
Title: Re: Rifle build started
Post by: Bill W on March 06, 2017, 12:47:28 PM: It's not how the brass holds out but how uniform it is for best accuracy. Ordinary brass needs to be weighed and measured for uniformity. The better brass for the most part doesn't need it.

I weighed 200 pieces of Remington one year looking for 100 that were uniform. I found out the bulk brass I was evaluation had a weight range of 6 grains. I bought 200 pieces of Lapua and weighed all. Found out 188 pieces had a range of +\- 0.6 grains and the remaining 12 pieces expanded that to +\- 1.0 grains. I then miked the necks to see how out of round they were. Brass was less than .001 out of round so I quit and just shot them.

In theory brass having a different internal volume can cause powder to burn at a different pressure level. Things like this affect accuracy so that's why some of us chase "nits".

Hope it shoots well for you when you get it.
Title: Re: Rifle build started
Post by: BrandonWatts on March 06, 2017, 04:33:25 PM: I will weight sort the Hornady to see if it is consistent. Of I run into a problem with it I will a higher quality brass.
Title: Re: Rifle build started
Post by: rudysts on March 14, 2017, 12:07:08 PM: Quote from: BrandonWatts on March 05, 2017, 03:20:55 PM
Pretty excited right now. Just dropped off my old Remington 700 DPS at the gun smith. Soon it will be a 300 win mag. Here's a parts list so far.
Remington 700 trued and blueprinted.
Bartlein #4 Lt bullet sport finished at 26 inches.
Hawkins precision muzzle brake
Grayboe renagade stock bedded to action
Ptg recoil lug pined to action.
Magpul Magnum bottom metal.
Cerakote ba in tungsten.
Will be sending the bolt off to have tac 8 fluteing done by boltfluteing.com out of Haines Oregon. Guy does a killer job.
Optics for now vortex viper HS 4-16x50, will be changing later.
Now just the wait for it to be done.
Good luck with your new build. I also just sent my smith my 7 Rem mag barelled action to install a new barrel.

Blue printed LA magnum
Brux 28" #5 contour 300 win mag no turn neck throated for 210 bergers I may try the 215s.
Mcmillan A3 ultralight edge technology. I also have a HS precision from a 5R 300 win. I may use if i decide to sell to fund another custom Borden Timberline.
Fluted bolt with Sako extractor.
Jewell trigger
Vortex PST Gen ll 5-25-50 (on order not released yet)

It has been a while since I played with a 30 caliber been shooting 7mm for a while now.
7Rem mag, 280 Rem., 280 Ackley, 284 Shehane

As far as brass goes I plan on using Nosler I have had good results with them minimal brass prep and they hold up well. I have had over 15 firings on them with my 7 Rem mag pushing a 180 Berger 3025 FPS and 280 Ackley. 180 Berger 2850 Fps. pricey but they hold up well and are consistent.

I hope it shoots well when it was a 7 Rem it was lights out. it was a (Benchmark barrel) I am sure it will the smith is out of Texas and is from the benchrest world. But you never know if you get a bad barrel been there before but the barrel company stood behind it and made it right.

You did good choosing a Bartlein top notch barrel good luck again.
Title: Re: Rifle build started
Post by: Karl Blanchard on March 14, 2017, 12:19:33 PM: Congrats om the new build! Custom rifles are darn addicting!

I have a pile of mixed brand brass. Anneal, size, trim, and shoot. Guys seem to geek out way more than they need to on the brass thing. My 300wsm Hell's Canyon Armory Carbon shoots in the .3's all day long. Maybe if I was more anal about my brass it would shoot better but I think .3 is acceptable for a deer gun :chuckle:
Title: Re: Rifle build started
Post by: rudysts on March 14, 2017, 12:47:41 PM: Hell yeah .3 is damn good for a deer gun. with any custom or semi custom .5 is is what you want minimum with .25 being the expectation. That's why I prefer custom actions to maximize accuracy potential. all my rifles will shoot .25 @ 100 yards if I am having a good day .1 5 shot groups. but if they can hold half moa out past 600 yards or sub moa in tough conditions I'm a happy shooter.
Title: Re: Rifle build started
Post by: BrandonWatts on March 16, 2017, 06:39:01 AM: I will be happy with .5 but hoping to see smaller with good load development. Just dropped the muzzle break off for the rifle took longer to get for some reason.
I have decide I won't by another factory rifle. I will buy actions from now on and have rifles built. I think it's money well spent going that route. I have had to many guns I have bought and not been happy with the factory stuff so I change out everything. Finally realized I was wasting my money.
Custom or semi custom is the way to go from now on for me. Might take longer to get a rifle but I know I'm getting what I want.
Title: Re: Rifle build started
Post by: BrandonWatts on March 29, 2017, 01:35:58 PM: Well been a month and a half. Going to stop off at the gun Smiths this weekend to see the progress. Getting antsy to get the gun up and shooting. Still trying to decide on a scope for it but haven't made up my mind.
Title: Re: Rifle build started
Post by: Magnum_Willys on March 29, 2017, 02:09:44 PM: Quote from: BrandonWatts on March 29, 2017, 01:35:58 PM
Well been a month and a half. Going to stop off at the gun Smiths this weekend to see the progress. Getting antsy to get the gun up and shooting. Still trying to decide on a scope for it but haven't made up my mind.

Average build time is 6 months......
Title: Re: Rifle build started
Post by: BrandonWatts on March 29, 2017, 03:09:59 PM: Yeah I know. Just going to stop in to say hi. I have know him for a long time.
Title: Re: Rifle build started
Post by: BrandonWatts on July 12, 2017, 08:23:11 AM: Been a while so figured I would update. Barrel is in the lathe and getting chambered and threaded. Not sure what has been done in the stock yet. Decided to not use the magpul bottom metal and just go with the standard bdl. If I decide to go with a dbm I will look into a wyatt. He said it going to be around the end of august.
Still need to send the bolt off to be fluted and bolt knob installed. Then it will be off to get the cerakote done by northwest hydro print.
Gun should be good to go for deer season. Just have to figure out what scope it going to run.
Title: Re: Rifle build started
Post by: Magnum_Willys on July 12, 2017, 08:44:56 AM: I'd go with something 26 oz or less with turrets at least 18 power as you may want to reach out to 700 yards.
Title: Re: Rifle build started
Post by: BrandonWatts on July 12, 2017, 08:58:00 AM: Yeah I have been looking at the pst gen ii, Burris xtr ii and athlon ares. I will be shooting steel a lot farther then 700 yards. Going to shot the 212 eld as long as I can get them to shoot with h1000. Might have to try some reloader 26 also. Herd you get little extra velocity with it. She
Title: Re: Rifle build started
Post by: Magnum_Willys on July 12, 2017, 09:00:55 AM: For steel I'd check out the Cronus - its mils - ffp - 29x . Little heavy but a lotta scope for $1599.
Title: Re: Rifle build started
Post by: BrandonWatts on July 12, 2017, 09:08:40 AM: I really like the Cronus. Really nice scope for the money. I am trying to stay under 1000 for a scope. That's why I was looking at the ares 6-24. Really like the feature just waiting to hear some more reviews once more of them get out.
Title: Re: Rifle build started
Post by: Magnum_Willys on July 12, 2017, 10:08:05 AM: That new Ares 4.5-27 at only 27 oz and $850 looks like a very interesting scope. Might have to try that on one of mine.
Title: Re: Rifle build started
Post by: BrandonWatts on July 12, 2017, 10:30:28 AM: Yeah the 4.5-27. Didn't have the specs in front of me. I do like that it's a ffp with a true zero stop and also has 24 mils of adjustment. With a 20 Mia base should get me out quit a ways with the 300 win mag. Really like the Christmas tree style reticle also.
Title: Re: Rifle build started
Post by: BrandonWatts on July 12, 2017, 10:40:30 AM: The helos 6-24 was another one I was looking at. I like the locking turrets. Reminds me of the bushnell ers tactical I had. Still has ffp but no zero stop. I guess that's not a deal breaker. I guess wish I could find a local place that has them in stock so I could go and look at one and mess with the turrets and look through it.
You guys know any dealer sealing them in the PNW?
Title: Re: Rifle build started
Post by: Magnum_Willys on July 12, 2017, 10:58:39 AM: Quote from: BrandonWatts on July 12, 2017, 10:40:30 AM
The helos 6-24 was another one I was looking at. I like the locking turrets. Reminds me of the bushnell ers tactical I had. Still has ffp but no zero stop. I guess that's not a deal breaker. I guess wish I could find a local place that has them in stock so I could go and look at one and mess with the turrets and look through it.
You guys know any dealer sealing them in the PNW?
I don't think the zero stop is that big of deal with a 20 moa base since zero is probably close to bottomed vs reg base where zero might be a couple turns up.
Title: Re: Rifle build started
Post by: BrandonWatts on July 12, 2017, 03:41:36 PM: Yeah that is true.
Crap that reminds me. I need to start looking for rings and base also.
Title: Re: Rifle build started
Post by: Magnum_Willys on July 12, 2017, 03:54:38 PM: Quote from: BrandonWatts on July 12, 2017, 03:41:36 PM
Yeah that is true.
Crap that reminds me. I need to start looking for rings and base also.
Going with a rail system ? I used to think scope swapping was ridiculous but now with a couple scopes that cost 4 times what some of my rifles are worth maybe swapping on rails is in my future. Supposedly you are within a click or so when swapping so one shot or two and you are good to go versus buying another $1-$2k scope.
Title: Re: Rifle build started
Post by: BrandonWatts on July 12, 2017, 08:01:38 PM: Yeah I will go with a rail. I have used nightforce in the past and probably use them again. I have been really happy with there rails. As for rings I have only ran seekins rings. Have nothing to complain about the quality of those rings either other then maybe a little heavy for a hunting rifle.
I have been looking at Hawkins precision rings. The mount is built in with a 25 Moa can't. Extremely tough and very light weight. Only 3.5 ounces for the pair. Also have built in bubble level which is nice. Just hard to find them in stock.
Title: Re: Rifle build started
Post by: Magnum_Willys on July 12, 2017, 09:16:22 PM: Was looking at nightforce titanium rings with bubble but have been using a flip out bubble and that works nice I can see it while looking through scope and don't think thats possible with the ring levels ?
Title: Re: Rifle build started
Post by: carpsniperg2 on July 12, 2017, 09:21:51 PM: I've bee running with one with my MK4 rings on some of my LR guns. Been super happy with it.

https://flatlineops.com/products/levels/mark4-leupold
Title: Re: Rifle build started
Post by: Magnum_Willys on July 12, 2017, 09:44:26 PM: Quote from: carpsniperg2 on July 12, 2017, 09:21:51 PM
I've bee running with one with my MK4 rings on some of my LR guns. Been super happy with it.

https://flatlineops.com/products/levels/mark4-leupold

Yea that one flips out looks good - hadn't seen it before.

Using this $30 wheeler one seems to work well.

https://ads.midwayusa.com/product/283571/wheeler-engineering-anti-cant-indicator-hinged-matte?cm_mmc=pf_ci_google-_-Optics%20-%20Scope%20Rings%2C%20Bases%2C%20Mounting%20%26%20Accessories-_-Wheeler%20Engineering-_-283571&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI1fy33LmF1QIVG57ACh2ddAEwEAQYAiABEgJ9QvD_BwE (https://ads.midwayusa.com/product/283571/wheeler-engineering-anti-cant-indicator-hinged-matte?cm_mmc=pf_ci_google-_-Optics%20-%20Scope%20Rings%2C%20Bases%2C%20Mounting%20%26%20Accessories-_-Wheeler%20Engineering-_-283571&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI1fy33LmF1QIVG57ACh2ddAEwEAQYAiABEgJ9QvD_BwE)
Title: Re: Rifle build started
Post by: carpsniperg2 on July 12, 2017, 09:54:58 PM: I run a few Holland levels as well but they are hard to see when locked into the scope. That flat line is built like a tank.

I looked at the wheeler as I like there stuff but when I played with one at sportsmans it seemed to have some fair amount on play in it. However it was not locked down a scope. So glad you have been having good luck with it.
Title: Re: Rifle build started
Post by: BrandonWatts on July 20, 2017, 07:32:01 AM: Another little update. Gunsmith called me yesterday. Just has to blend the muzzle brake to the barrel and then install on the action. He said gun should be done by Tuesday. Getting pretty excited. Still have to send out for cerakote, bolt fluting and bolt knob install. Can't wait to see it. I will get pics up when I go pic it up.
Title: Re: Rifle build started
Post by: Magnum_Willys on July 20, 2017, 08:33:44 AM: Alright! I've got one down to last couple weeks I think too.
Title: Re: Rifle build started
Post by: BrandonWatts on July 20, 2017, 09:56:43 AM: Also decided on scope. Going to go with the nightforce shv 5-20x56 moar retical with the exposed elevation turret. Really like the scope out of all the other ones I had looked at. With 80 moa of travel and installing the 20 moa base, after sighting in I should have plenty of travel to get out to some distance.
Title: Re: Rifle build started
Post by: Magnum_Willys on July 20, 2017, 01:20:56 PM: I ordered that 4-27 ares ffp scope. Sight unseen be interesting test. Need it for my other gun anyway. $850 should se it next few days.
Title: Re: Rifle build started
Post by: BrandonWatts on July 21, 2017, 05:48:35 AM: Nice! I think they are going to be a great scope. Where did you order it from?
Title: Re: Rifle build started
Post by: Magnum_Willys on July 21, 2017, 07:41:31 AM: Amazon. Easy return if I dont like it. Shipped today.
Title: Re: Rifle build started
Post by: BrandonWatts on July 29, 2017, 11:11:16 AM: Talk to the smith today. He has been busy with transfers. Got the muzzle brake contoured to the barrel. Putting the action in and glass bedding it tomorrow. Just has to let it set up over night and clean it up. He said it should be done next week. Went out this morning and check my other 300 win mag so it will be ready to go for bear season.
Hey Magnum, how is the athlon treating you so far?
Title: Re: Rifle build started
Post by: Magnum_Willys on July 29, 2017, 12:48:12 PM: Just got back from dunefest - opened it yesterday. Looks solid, nice feel. Great packaging. Will take it to range and check the glass 2moro. Won't have a chance to shoot with it for a bit but look forward to comparing it to a couple Leupolds tomorrow at 500 yards.

Hoping for similar news from my builder - he was moving about the time mine was coming together, need it soon to get it dialed in for Sept hunt.
Title: Re: Rifle build started
Post by: Magnum_Willys on July 30, 2017, 11:33:17 AM: Got a chance to start testing the Athlon 4.5-27 today: http://hunting-washington.com/smf/index.php/topic,216363.0.html (http://hunting-washington.com/smf/index.php/topic,216363.0.html)

Now just need a rifle to stick it on. Hope my carbon barrel wrap is done soon !
Title: Re: Rifle build started
Post by: Magnum_Willys on August 01, 2017, 04:14:03 PM: Just stopped by NW Hydrodip. 6 week leadtimes now. My carbon barrel is gonna be about 6 weeks overdue so im gonna be about 9 months from start to finish it appears. Patience is a virtue they say. :tup:
Title: Re: Rifle build started
Post by: BrandonWatts on August 03, 2017, 03:39:24 PM: Ouch 6 weeks out at hydro dip. I am sending my bolt off to be fluted and bolt knob install next week.
I had thought about going with duracoat and doing it myself. I will talk to my smith tonight about what he can do also.
Had a little hiccup with the muzzle brake. Unfortunately he had to order me a new one on his dime. Kinda frustrating but everyone makes mistakes.
Title: Re: Rifle build started
Post by: Magnum_Willys on August 13, 2017, 06:31:00 AM: Switched Brakes to The Beast from Muzzle Brakes N More at Smiths recommendation for lil more brake action. 5 port - here's the 4 port.

Ordered a Terminator T3B for son's 338-378. Has great ratings but very pricey. Be a good comparison.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=haFUYdpl36M (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=haFUYdpl36M)
Title: Re: Rifle build started
Post by: BrandonWatts on August 14, 2017, 07:05:30 AM: I have been wanting to try that beast muzzle brake. Herd good things about it and I have called and talk to the guy that makes them.
If this brake doesn't work out i will try an apa fat *censored*.
I have seen the videos on the t-3 pretty impressive brake one the big calibers.
Title: Re: Rifle build started
Post by: BrandonWatts on August 18, 2017, 11:40:00 AM: Picking the rifle up today. Cerakote will be done once I get it up to the guy to do it. Ended up with a leupold mark 4 8.5-25 for a scope. I will be sitting right at 11.5 pounds with rings base and scope.
Title: Re: Rifle build started
Post by: BrandonWatts on August 18, 2017, 12:15:54 PM: <a href='http://i.imgur.com/Os559EA' title=''><img src='http://i.imgur.com/Os559EA.jpg' alt='' title='Hosted by imgur.com' />[/url]
Title: Re: Rifle build started
Post by: Magnum_Willys on August 18, 2017, 12:18:54 PM: Looks good ! My scope arrived yday. Leupold vx6 7-wth !
Title: Re: Rifle build started
Post by: BrandonWatts on August 18, 2017, 12:26:40 PM: I thought really hard about the vx 6. Really nice scope.
Title: Re: Rifle build started
Post by: Magnum_Willys on August 18, 2017, 12:44:36 PM: I do like the Mark IV turrets best tho. Just got Son's kenton Mark IV military style turret yday. Yards to 1050 plus moa below. Can quickly turn to yards and fine tine with clicks if conditions change from turret conditions.
Title: Re: Rifle build started
Post by: BrandonWatts on August 18, 2017, 02:09:25 PM: Did the Kenton turrets have a zero stop built into them? I like the mark 4 but hate the mildot retical moa turrets. Perfer them to match. I may send it in have have a tmoa put in it.
Title: Re: Rifle build started
Post by: Magnum_Willys on August 18, 2017, 06:08:46 PM: Quote from: BrandonWatts on August 18, 2017, 02:09:25 PM
Did the Kenton turrets have a zero stop built into them? I like the mark 4 but hate the mildot retical moa turrets. Perfer them to match. I may send it in have have a tmoa put in it.
no zero stop. The zero stop with leupold limits you to 2 turns. Get a 20 degree base and zero is close to all the way down anyway so shouldn't matter. Its easy to see the turn you are on with the kentons.
Title: Re: Rifle build started
Post by: BrandonWatts on August 18, 2017, 10:04:06 PM: Ok I was just wondering. I know there is a company I believe it is Peters zero stop by iron horn outfitting that makes an actual zero stop for them. The kit is around 80 bucks. I am going to run either a nightforce 20 moa or the Hawkins precision rings with the built in 25 moa.