First Build

[Ranger Jim]

Hello all,
Building my first custom rifle, I'm using my Sako L61R in 300 Win Mag as the base, thinking of a 26" Brux sporter barrel in #2 contour w/a muzzle break. Since I'm going to use this as a long range hunting rifle I have a question about twist and number of grooves. I was thinking a 5 groove 1-9 twist, planning on shooting 165-180 grain bullets. I have a Bell and Carlson Carbelite stock for it already. I'm going to have it bedded, trigger adjusted to my liking. What recoil pad do you folks recommend ? Also looking for a good Smitty in my area of Northern California so if anyone can weigh in on that I would appreciate it. Looking forward to the wisdom of this group,

Ranger Jim

 

[winmag]

You shouldnt need any more than a 10 twist especially for the 165-180gr class bullets. If your gonna shoot Bergers wich are notoriously fragile, you wont want that fast of twist cause itll chew em up before they get out of the bbl. If your shooting a tougher like an Accubond bullet, a 9 twist is fine, but a 10 twist will stabilize even most 220gr bullets.
The only reason Id go with a 9 twist would be for super heavy and long bullets but Id go with a ratchet rifled barrel if I did it.
A 9 twist will work as long as the bullets arent too fragile.
Sounds like a fun build. Good luck

Recoil pads
Hands down best ever IMO is limbsaver. I use them and love them.

 

[Coyboy]

Jim, as winmag said a 9 is too fast, besides the fact wm pointed out you will also get more gun tourque with the fast twist. I would go with an 11Twist.

On Brux barrels, their 308 bores are 4 groove and they will not make a #2 out of Stainless but will out of Crome Moly.

If by long range you mean 300 yards by all means. If you want 500+ I would go with a #4 contour minimum. A little more gun weight makes the rifle a little more user friendly. The difference between the two contours is less than a pound. You can save weight in the scope, mounts and stock, if you want light weight.

 

[Camshaft]

Limbsaver recoil pads are the best imo. Also if building for long range, why not a. 300rum? I also would recommend a Holland or defensive edge type break, I use a Holland qd and love it.

 

[Derek M.]

I'm sure the problem has been corrected by now but Limbsaver had a serious melting problem with their recoil pads not so long ago. I prefer the Pachmyer decelerator myself. A proven recoil pad. If you are going to have a muzzle brake, the recoil pad is not quite as important.

I would NOT use a 9 twist unless you are going with a 240 weight bullet. Defintely stick with a 10 or 11 twist if keeping with 180 weight bullets or less. 11 twist is an excellent choice in 30 cal for 180 bullets.

I like fewer grooves personally. I like 5 or less. I love my Lilja 3 grooves. 4 grooves would be perfect. I've been very curious about the Brux barrels. I may have to try one sometime.

I would not use a #2 for a 300 Win mag. I would want at least a #3 or 4 depending on what the OD is at the muzzle at the length you want it. As to builders, just my opinion, but I wouldn't get hung up on picking one based on location. Choose a good one no matter location, who has a proven record and knows what they are doing. There are many on this site. Kirby built a rifle for me. I've not used anyone else here. I'd just factor in shipping and get it to a good one.

 

[Ranger Jim]

Thanks for all the replies, I sent a pm to Brux and they responded right away, you just have to like that. They also recommended a 10 twist, definatley sticking between 165-180 grain bullets for Blacktail and Mule Deer. As far as a Smitty goes, I like to keep my business local but if there is not a Smitty with a good rep close then i will send it out. I'm definitely not stuck on any one brand for the barrel or brake so I'll do some shopping around for those. Thanks again,

Ranger Jim

 

[trebark]

Hello all,
Building my first custom rifle, I'm using my Sako L61R in 300 Win Mag as the base, thinking of a 26" Brux sporter barrel in #2 contour w/a muzzle break. Since I'm going to use this as a long range hunting rifle I have a question about twist and number of grooves. I was thinking a 5 groove 1-9 twist, planning on shooting 165-180 grain bullets. I have a Bell and Carlson Carbelite stock for it already. I'm going to have it bedded, trigger adjusted to my liking. What recoil pad do you folks recommend ? Also looking for a good Smitty in my area of Northern California so if anyone can weigh in on that I would appreciate it. Looking forward to the wisdom of this group,

Ranger Jim

Barrel Length - with the 300mag, why not go 28" or even 30". That way you maximize the ballistic capability of the magnum cartridge.

Barrel Contour - as others have said, #2 is too small. Consider at least #4 or larger. If you intend to use the gun as carry-rifle weight might be an issue. If it's not really a carry rifle, go heavier. My 260 weighs 13.5lbs and with an Outlaw sling, i will carry it pretty far the barrel on it is .875" at the muzzle.

Twist - 9 is too fast. Go with 10 or 11. Generally speaking, I have found that most folks use 11 as it will stabilize the 220grain bullets. My next build will be a 300rum. Haven't decided yet whether 28 or 30" but almost definitely 11 twist.

Recoil Pad - with a good muzzle brake, recoil pad won't really matter.

Gunsmith - Kevin Cram at Montour County Rifles.... Montour County Rifles

 

[Moman]

RJ, lots of good advice so far. I pretty much did this same project last year on a 700 action. I went with a Broughton 4.1 contour, 11 twist, 25" with the 5-C rifling and couldn't be happier. Weight was a big factor with this one. The gun alone, with a McMillan Edge Rem Sporter stock comes in just under 7 lbs if I remember correctly. The Talley ring/bases and VX-3 4.5x14x40 BC doesn't add too much weight either. 25" bbl was sort of a compromise for me so I could keep weight low and still maintain decent velocity, and I think having the 5-C bbl helps. I shoot 180 AB's at 3040 fps with H-1000 and accuracy is unbelievable. I had it built with a muzzle brake but never really use it. As far as picking a smith, I would just say phone and talk to a bunch of them to get a feel for them and see if they understand what you want in a rifle. Don't be afraid to send it off if you need to. I also went with Kevin at Montour and he really did an outstanding job. Hope this helps.

 

[Ranger Jim]

I'd like to thank all who replied to my post, after reading what others have wrote and talking to a couple folks I've come down to this, some of the basics but not all that will be done to it.

Action: SAKO L61R LA 300 Win Mag (because I already have it)
Barrel: 28" BRUX,11 twist Stainless, contour ? (Smitty wil decide) fluted for weight (Hunting Rifle)
Brake: Muscle Brake from Jim See @ Center Shot Rifles
Stock: Bell & Carlson Carbalite w/ a Limbsaver recoil pad
Trigger: Jewel
Optics: Nikon Monarch 4-16x50 SF BDC

I'll be sending the rifle off to Jim See at Center Shot rifles in November to work his magic and look forward to having a custom long range rifle.

Ranger Jim

 

[Derek M.]

Well, good for you on your decision. Please post pics of the finished product when the time comes. I'm very interested in your success with the Brux bbl.

 

[Ranger Jim]

Well it's been awhile since I posted on this but my rifle is done and on it's way home. Just wanted to give a heads-up to you guys and will post some pics for sure. Now comes the fun part of working up a load for deer season as in California it is just around the corner.

Ranger Jim

 

[Ranger Jim]

Well I have my L61R Sako in 300 Win Mag back from Jim See of Center Shot Rifles.
I am really pleased at how the rifle turned out. I still have to come up with some scope mounts for it but I do have a Bushnell 10x 3200 Elite already to mount. Any suggestions on mounts would be greatly appreciated, I was going to use the ones that were on it but the forward one has an integrated peep sight on it and I m selling the old barrel and adding the rings w/ peep sight into the package.
Here is the specs on the rifle in a nutshell''

Sako L61R Action: Jim skin cut the receiver face and lapped the lugs
Trigger Adjusted to 3.2 lbs. from 4.3lbs.
Barrel is a Brux #4 in 11T SS at a 26" finished length w/ 3/4" CSR Muzzle Break
Barreled action was Pillar/Epoxy Bed
Stock is a Bell and Carlson Carbo-Lite in Green w/ Black webbing

Enjoy the pics

Ranger Jim

 

[Moman]

Looks great Jim. Should be a shooter. Thanks for posting the update.

 

[WyoElk2Hunt]

Nice gun. Bet you can't wait to shoot it.