I started "long range" about a year ago, and have learned a lot from reading on this site and all of the great advice. I keep coming across these awesome looking and performing rifle builds, and now I really want something more custom. Right now I am shooting a Rem 700 American Wilderness in 7 RM. Its a good factory rifle, and I can get sub MOA with my handloads when I'm doing everything right (smallest 0.35" so far, but mostly just under 1"). What I want is something with a little more punch for moose/elk, more accuracy potential, while still keeping the rifle only weight around 8 lbs for mountain hunting. Some of my initial questions (sorry I have quite a few!) for those that have gone this route:
Caliber - really interested in Sherman wildcats (338 SS?), but open to others too?
Action - Not really ready for a custom action yet, thinking about Tikka, Savage or Trued 700?
Barrel - Prefit or not? I would like to do prefit to save some time and $$, but not if it will significantly sacrifice accuracy. Want to stay around 24" without loosing too much velocity. Sporter contour or something slightly heavier? Definitely threaded for brake. Favorite barrel makers?
Stock - Stockys Classic Sporter 26 oz Carbon Fiber, B&C Alaskan/Medalist, Manners EH-3/4, others?
Trying to keep the cost down as its my first semi-custom rifle, but definitely want to take a step up from my factory 700. Any guidance would be helpful. Thanks everyone!
Caliber - really interested in Sherman wildcats (338 SS?), but open to others too?
Action - Not really ready for a custom action yet, thinking about Tikka, Savage or Trued 700?
Barrel - Prefit or not? I would like to do prefit to save some time and $$, but not if it will significantly sacrifice accuracy. Want to stay around 24" without loosing too much velocity. Sporter contour or something slightly heavier? Definitely threaded for brake. Favorite barrel makers?
Stock - Stockys Classic Sporter 26 oz Carbon Fiber, B&C Alaskan/Medalist, Manners EH-3/4, others?
Trying to keep the cost down as its my first semi-custom rifle, but definitely want to take a step up from my factory 700. Any guidance would be helpful. Thanks everyone!