Help w/Rifle Buy/Build

Hey all,

I't been a while since I looked at the market really closely, but I'm daydreaming about another rig. I've settled on 300 Win Mag to keep ammo costs down and availability up. I'd like to find something in the 8lb range with AICS mags, a good vertical grip stock (traditional or chassis). , and of course MOA or better accuracy. I've looked at the $2k-ish price range and see the Seekins Havak and the Christensen MPR, or maybe a Bergara in a lighter stock. Are there any other factory rifles I should be looking at? Would I be better to build? If the latter, what components and rough pricing should I anticipate?

Thanks for any leads!
For $1500-$2500, check out the classifieds. There are quite a few nice rifles in that range.

My most accurate rifle is a used benchrest 6PPC I picked up. I don't think it could shoot a 0.5" group!
 
For $1500-$2500, check out the classifieds. There are quite a few nice rifles in that range.

My most accurate rifle is a used benchrest 6PPC I picked up. I don't think it could shoot a 0.5" group!
I'm totally OK with used or piecing together a Savage build. Seems like this might be the way to go given my spec-sheet!
 
I'd go seekins or bolt together a build on an Origin long action.

$975 action
$500 prefit
$150 trigger
----------------
$1,625 for the barreled action, then drop it into the chassis or stock of your choosing. Can likely borrow tools or have a local gunsmith screw the barrel on. Some prefit makers will screw it together for a reasonable fee.

+/- cost of trigger
+/- if you decide to get a savage prefit or a shouldered. New or used.
 
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I'd go seekins or bolt together a build on an Origin long action.

$975 action
$500 prefit
$150 trigger
----------------
$1,625 for the barreled action, then drop it into the chassis or stock of your choosing. Can likely borrow tools or have a local gunsmith screw the barrel on. Some prefit makers will screw it together for a reasonable fee.
A Kelbly would offer the same also. I just finished this. You can do shouldered prefits for these now as the tolerances are so perfect between every action. I got my barrel from Preferred Barrel Blanks. Action and Trigger from Bullet central. $1550 for the barreled action. Stocks you have numerous options. The stock and bottom metal here ran about 600 during the Grayboe July 4th sale. This is a 308 I just finished. $2150, I still need to bed it. I like to build my stuff as I know exactly what I've got.



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A Kelbly would offer the same also. I just finished this. You can do shouldered prefits for these now as the tolerances are so perfect between every action. I got my barrel from Preferred Barrel Blanks. Action and Trigger from Bullet central. $1550 for the barreled action. Stocks you have numerous options. The stock and bottom metal here ran about 600 during the Grayboe July 4th sale. This is a 308 I just finished. $2150, I still need to bed it. I like to build my stuff as I know exactly what I've got.



pics removed. . . . .
Very interesting option here. Did they mean to put the bolt on the wrong side?
 
If you want a lightweight chassis style 300wm, build it. The factory chassis rigs are all heavy aluminum, but if you go custom you are looking at a $5500 rifle. If you have the ability and the tools, you can build the same custom rifle for just shy of $3k.

I had mesa precision do a 300wm build this year for me, the rifle is as follows:
26" proof sendero lite barrel
summit ti long action
xlr element 3.0 magnesium chassis: https://xlrindustries.com/products/element_4-0_magnesium_chassis
hawkins precision rings

Total weight is 8.3lbs with scope/rings, bipod, sling, and five rounds in the mag. Without bullets, bipod, sling or scope/rings it weights about 6.1lbs.

Unless you move to an ultralight stock or a shorter barrel (defeats the purpose of a magnum), this setup will be hard to beat. However, the price of the components is hard on the wallet. If you can find a good deal on a barreled action you like, and are willing to wait for a backorder xlr element, it is worth it though.

quick edit on this... I literally bought mine seven months ago, and I cannot believe how the prices have gone up. This one might cost you closer to the low 3k range. Sorry about that.
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