First Custom Rifle Concerns

I am looking to build my first custom rifle. I didn't know this would be so hard deciding on what I want and what would best suit my needs.

I want a long range cartridge that provides the least amount of recoil and that will have good performance in a short barrel (suppressed).

I was originally thinking a 7 saum to shoot 180 gr Berger Hybrids. Then I hear that a short action is too short to seat them properly and get performance. I then thought, hey the 7 SS would work. I am not crazy about the Hornady dies (no real reason though). Then I thought, the 7 SST has nice Forster dies, but will I get the performance? Then I thought, I'll do a long action 7 saum, but that seems like a waste and XM actions/stocks are super hard to get.

What should I do?

Looking at the following parts list:
Kelby Atlas Tactical
Rock Creek Carbon Barrel
AG Composite Alpine Hunter (maybe adjustable)
Trigger Tech Primary

Please help guide me!
Steve

Per your specifications, you want two rifles or compromise. Be more specific as to what you consider long range and also as far as suppressed, does this mean you want to go subsonic?

1 rifle. Deer to 1000 yards and elk to 700 yards. In regards to suppressed, I will be shooting the rifle with a TBAC Ultra 7 Gen 2 is all.

7sst or 7ss would be very nice in a short action.

Make it easy 6.5 PRC. Should do what you want. Just don't go over board and get the 6.5 creedmore that may be to much for deer at 1k and waste a ton of meat.

@twister do you have experience with either? Which one would you suggest?

Thanks

@snox801 the 6.5 PRC struggles with the same issue as the 7 saum if shooting high bc bullets such as the 156 EOL. Not to mention the die/chamber issues.

Thanks

BoomFlop said:

@twister do you have experience with either? Which one would you suggest?

Thanks

Click to expand...

I have a 6.5ss and a 338ss both have been great. I was thinking of trying a 7 when I need a new barrel.

I'd vote for the 7SAUM in a XM action out of your choices, especially for elk. A suppressor will reduce recoil as well. The Berger 175 EOL is also a great choice.

If it's your 1st custom, then get exactly what you want but you may have to wait for it unless you're just trying to find in stock to have it ASAP?

It's kind of like taxidermy is how I see it, it may take a year or more (been my experiences). and actions/stocks probably will have to me made to order.

Hey Steve, how short of a barrel are you thinking?

@LVJ76 I'm thinking 20-22" would be short enough, yet not to short I'm thinking. I could do 23-24" if it made a great difference.

Thanks all

I've got to ask: Out to what distances have you regularly practiced shooting?

Do you have regular, easy access to a 1,000 yard range?

How often do you forsee being able to use that range and how many rounds do you forsee firing per practice session?

This may have some bearing on your choice.

What makes the most sense is a rig that you will USE.

7mm SAUM, 1-8, 22".

My 2 cents worth.

I ask because from 20 to 24" will make a difference. Yes it might not be much but those 4" might shorten your range by 100 to 150 yds depending on the load.

I second @squeeeeze on the Deviant Tactical XM action.