7mm Dakota by MCR

[Kevin Cram]

Well I just finished putting the final pieces together on another 7mm Dakota build. The customer wanted a lighter weight hammer for deer and elk. I think this should fit the bill. Weighing in at 10 lbs even the way you see it. Here's the specs, I hope you enjoy.

Stiller Predator Action
20 moa Pinned Rail
Burris 30mm Zee Rings
Huskemaw 5-20 LR
Brux Barrel / 7mm / 1-8 twist / #4 contour / finished at 25" / fluted
Bead Blast Finish
Chambered 7mm Dakota and throated for 180 Bergers
Mini Muscle Brake
PTG BDL Bottom Metal
Wyatts MBE3 Mag Box
Manners MCS-SL
Pillar Bedded
Jewel Trigger at 1lbs.











I did the initial barrel break in and have been load testing today. I'll post some target photos when I'm done.

[Kevin Cram]

After a couple different loads of Retumbo and the 180 Berger bullets I think I found a load worth testing long range. The group closest to center is at 100 yards. The low shot was from a clean cold bore, then 4 more packed in a sub 1/2 moa group. Through the chronograph I was running 3030 fps with an SD of 006 through the Oehler 35P. I then moved the target back to 200 yards and fired 5 more, they are the group lower right of center. Still Sub 1/2 moa. Velocity averaged 3034 with an SD of 003 this time. Next test is tomorrow at some longer distances.

Rocks beware !!

[cornchuck]

Awesome, Kevin. Let us know what you find at a longer range.

Jason

[phorwath]

I like the looks of that rifle for a back-packable weight rifle. I like it even better when I see those tiny bullet groupings. Thanks for sharing another rifle build project with us.

[jmason]

Wait a minute!! How many times did you miss that dime??

Fantastic rifle!! That owner will be proud!!

[Kevin Cram]

I had Kaleb holding the dime to the paper but every time the gun went off he'd move his hand. Damn kids

[Capt Academy]

Looks like you have a great new hunting rifle! Very nice!