3rd custom grocery list

[STWdude]

I've completed the menu for my 3rd custom rifle build, and would like some feedback on my selections. Any critiques will be taken into consideration.
I'm open minded to better suggestion.
This rifle will mainly be used for coyote busting and paper punching to 500 yds.

Stock - Bobby Hart laminted LRT AccuBlock (skim bedded)
Action - Stiller Predator SA
Barrel - Broughton or Krieger, 26" Sendaro contour, 1:9 twist, cut rifling
Trigger - Timney w/safety (2 lbs)
Bottom metal - PTG (steel in the white)
Recoil lug - ?? a good one
Mounts - Warren steel rail with TPS steel tac rings
Scope - Nightforce NXS 5.5-22 x 50mm, NP-1 reticle, 3" shade & BC flip-ups
Finish - Cerekote - armor black H-190 (barrel, bolt, bolt handle, might leave action factory stainless)
Caliber - .243 AI
Ammo - 95 gr hunting VLD'd / Lapua brass

I've tried to cut corners on costs where possible, ie - a Jewel trigger & Nightforce mounts might be better to most people.

 

[cowboy]

I've tried to cut corners on costs where possible, ie - a Jewel trigger & Nightforce mounts might be better to most people.

I'd say you've done a pretty good job - any changes that could be made on your list in my opinion would just be personal preference at this point.

After seeing your specs - I'd say your corner cutting sure isn't going to be too sharp - should be one heck of a rifle.

Over the winter I started with a standard Savage .243 that I had some things done to - wanted to use it for the same thing as you. Been worth every penny and have 1/4 the amount in it if I'd went full custom. Out to 600 yds. on paper and metal gong it's a real pleasure to shoot and not get beat up. You can shoot it all day long - little more touchy on the wind than the bigger bores. Been out on prairie dog towns twice this spring and have kicked myself both times for not taking it along.

You'll enjoy it. What do you figure you'll have into it when all things are said and done?

 

[midwesthunter]

Not trying to talk you out of a custom build. But I think you could achive what you want with a Savage Model 10 predator in 243. But if your set on a custom then you have a good list. But don't hate me when I say you could do just fine with a scope that cost 1000 less. I have a predator action on my 338 and it's sweet along with a nightforce. But on my coyote gun savage 223 predator with a nikon scope works great. It shoots 3/8 groups with factory ammo

 

[270 lefty]

I like the jewel trigger better but the timney is a great trigger the scope could cut a lot more cost than the trigger but if you can afford it looks like a great set up.

 

[trebark]

I've completed the menu for my 3rd custom rifle build, and would like some feedback on my selections. Any critiques will be taken into consideration.
I'm open minded to better suggestion.
This rifle will mainly be used for coyote busting and paper punching to 500 yds.

Stock - Bobby Hart laminted LRT AccuBlock (skim bedded)
Action - Stiller Predator SA
Barrel - Broughton or Krieger, 26" Sendaro contour, 1:9 twist, cut rifling
Trigger - Timney w/safety (2 lbs)
Bottom metal - PTG (steel in the white)
Recoil lug - ?? a good one
Mounts - Warren steel rail with TPS steel tac rings
Scope - Nightforce NXS 5.5-22 x 50mm, NP-1 reticle, 3" shade & BC flip-ups
Finish - Cerekote - armor black H-190 (barrel, bolt, bolt handle, might leave action factory stainless)
Caliber - .243 AI
Ammo - 95 gr hunting VLD'd / Lapua brass

I've tried to cut corners on costs where possible, ie - a Jewel trigger & Nightforce mounts might be better to most people.

Here's my input....

Stock - be sure to add an adjustable cheekpiece or get a stock that has one.

Action - if you are budget minded, is a Rem700 action less expensive? Whichever way you go, remember to get an oversize bolt knob of some sort.

Barrel - if you're potentially going with Broughton, why not a 5C? That is their 'best' barrel. Also consider going with 1:8 or 1:7 so that you can shoot the heavier bullets. You make some substantial gains in BC by going with the 100+ grain bullets

Trigger - go with 1.5lbs rather than 2

Recoil Lug - get a Holland

Scope - great choice! do not economize here.

Mounts - to economize even further, go with Burris Signature Rings and bases. they are much less expensive and rock solid. They are all I use on my rifles. http://www.longrangehunting.com/forums/f53/my-260-mcr-59628/ | http://www.longrangehunting.com/forums/f53/my-300rum-mcr-70809/#post494570 | http://www.longrangehunting.com/forums/f53/my-308-1k-rifle-evolution-continues-43510/ | http://www.longrangehunting.com/forums/f53/nephews-transformed-rifle-53634/

Caliber - rather than 243AI where you have to fireform brass, how about 6x284? You can still get Lapua brass (6.5x284) and all you have to do is neck size it down.

Just my 2cents

 

[STWdude]

Yeah, it's just a wish list right now. An expensive one at that. Since the scope will be the last purchase of the project, I may be busted by that time, and have to cut a big corner there.
I thought about a .224 TTH and a standard .243 as well, but Im intrigued with the Ackley.

Thanks for the input. Not sure if I'll get it done this year. Better start collecting beer cans for cash I guess.

 

[trebark]

Yeah, it's just a wish list right now. An expensive one at that. Since the scope will be the last purchase of the project, I may be busted by that time, and have to cut a big corner there.
I thought about a .224 TTH and a standard .243 as well, but Im intrigued with the Ackley.

Thanks for the input. Not sure if I'll get it done this year. Better start collecting beer cans for cash I guess.

If you're willing to economize on optics, be sure to look at the Sightron S3's. They are great glass, reliable and repeatable.

In terms of the AI, remember that the brass will need to be fireformed and unless you have another rifle in 243AI, you have the potential to reduce your barrel life by having to fireform in your rifle.

 

[STWdude]

Here's my input....

Stock - be sure to add an adjustable cheekpiece or get a stock that has one.

Action - if you are budget minded, is a Rem700 action less expensive? Whichever way you go, remember to get an oversize bolt knob of some sort.

Barrel - if you're potentially going with Broughton, why not a 5C? That is their 'best' barrel. Also consider going with 1:8 or 1:7 so that you can shoot the heavier bullets. You make some substantial gains in BC by going with the 100+ grain bullets

Trigger - go with 1.5lbs rather than 2

Recoil Lug - get a Holland

Scope - great choice! do not economize here.

Mounts - to economize even further, go with Burris Signature Rings and bases. they are much less expensive and rock solid. They are all I use on my rifles. http://www.longrangehunting.com/forums/f53/my-260-mcr-59628/ | http://www.longrangehunting.com/forums/f53/my-300rum-mcr-70809/#post494570 | http://www.longrangehunting.com/forums/f53/my-308-1k-rifle-evolution-continues-43510/ | http://www.longrangehunting.com/forums/f53/nephews-transformed-rifle-53634/

Caliber - rather than 243AI where you have to fireform brass, how about 6x284? You can still get Lapua brass (6.5x284) and all you have to do is neck size it down.

Just my 2cents

Great feedback trebark. I'm going to consider some of your opinions on this build.
The adj cheek piece isn't an option with this stock.
1.5 on the trigger sounds good.
Bolt knob may be the picture.
I have the base & rings I mentioned on two other customs. Pretty happy with them.
I love my trued Rem actions. The Stiller will be something different, plus my smith said by the time I bought a new Rem, and he blueprinted it, the money is in the same ballpark ($750).
Now the 6x284 is something to think about. I'm going to do a some research there.
I considered a faster barrel for 105's and maybe 115 DTAC's, but I know they shine at ultra-long range, and I figured a slightly lighter, faster bullet would be the hot ticket on yotes at around the 500 mark and in.

I really like the Manners T5, but the BH laminate is less than 1/2 the price.

 

[trebark]

Great feedback trebark. I'm going to consider some of your opinions on this build.
The adj cheek piece isn't an option with this stock.
1.5 on the trigger sounds good.
Bolt knob may be the picture.
I have the base & rings I mentioned on two other customs. Pretty happy with them.
I love my trued Rem actions. The Stiller will be something different, plus my smith said by the time I bought a new Rem, and he blueprinted it, the money is in the same ballpark ($750).
Now the 6x284 is something to think about. I'm going to do a some research there.
I considered a faster barrel for 105's and maybe 115 DTAC's, but I know they shine at ultra-long range, and I figured a slightly lighter, faster bullet would be the hot ticket on yotes at around the 500 mark and in.

I really like the Manners T5, but the BH laminate is less than 1/2 the price.

I am aware that the BH stock does not come with an adjustable cheekpiece. You can add one though... Defensive Edge Products

You're right, that at 500 and in, the lighter bullet will serve you well. I just don't want you to see something waaaaaaay over there beyond 500 and not be able to reach it. Even if you go with 1:8 or 1:7 you can still shoot the 95grainers.

Buddy of mine had a 6x284. It was badass.

http://www.longrangehunting.com/forums/f25/montour-county-rifles-russo-laminate-6mm-x-284-a-46443/

 

[270 lefty]

If you're willing to economize on optics, be sure to look at the Sightron S3's. They are great glass, reliable and repeatable.

In terms of the AI, remember that the brass will need to be fireformed and unless you have another rifle in 243AI, you have the potential to reduce your barrel life by having to fireform in your rifle.

Have you tried fireforming with a fast burning shotgun powder like red dot with no bullet? hold up in the air so the powder doesnt spill and fire you have to play with the charge to get it just right but it worked on my custom I just cooled it between shots it worked fine

 

[angus-5024]

My only changes would be the stock and the twist rate.
i think that the BH laminates are way overpriced. They up the bill by qiute a bit for an aluminum bedding block when... do you really need one? I would go to a B&C stock before the bobby hart, but to each his own.
I had a .243 with a 1:10 and I hated that I couldnt stabilize heavier bullets. I would really consider something that can handle the heavier stuff.

 

[Camshaft]

My only changes would be the stock and the twist rate.
i think that the BH laminates are way overpriced. They up the bill by qiute a bit for an aluminum bedding block when... do you really need one? I would go to a B&C stock before the bobby hart, but to each his own.
I had a .243 with a 1:10 and I hated that I couldnt stabilize heavier bullets. I would really consider something that can handle the heavier stuff.

Haye you seen one of the hart LRT stocks in person? Because the one i have on my savage 300wsm is outstanding quality. I absolutely love it and will be ordering another for my m700 300rum here shortly. I might bit on the heavy side though.