New to forum, long time lurker. I have been handloadsing several years now only 308 and 243 for my 700, and have done some mild to long range shooting for a while now just recreationally and hunting. Anyways.
Part 1
Debating a build or factory rifle for long range hunting(elk, deer mainly) or target shooting for fun. I was looking at 6.5 PRC or 280ai but I have recently ruled out the PRC, then figured if I get/build a long action 280ai why not step up to 28 Nosler. I'm in the middle of these two cartridges, I know they are in different fields but I like what I read about both. ( Keep in mind that I reload but will also get factory box ammo as well). My concern is how the 28 nosler will shoot lighter stuff for deer or medium size game.
Part2
I like the idea of a factory rifle but isn't much I see that I like except the Nosler m48 long range or carbon but seems for that price I could build something similar or better.
My must haves in rifle. 1/2 moa or less
Carbon stock, (manners, stockys, or Mesa)
Timney or similar trigger.
Hinge floor plate
Would like custom action but I think it will push me out of budget. So maybe a ptg action or blueprinted rem action from them
Would love to have proof carbon but might also be pushing it If not any match grade steel barrel no real preference.
My big debate is the m48 long range is everything I want minus a carbon barrel but I've read you can't fit some ammo in the box not sure if this true or not and could have better accuracy from a build. If I do go route of build I will have to have smith cut barrel and mount barrel etc.
If I build I'm unsure which route for action, I could swing a custom action but would have to scratch carbon barrel or visa versa. I really want light weight though.
I priced this last night
444$ Stockys carbon
136$+ 69$ stockys rem hinge floor plate kit
150$ timney
679$ ptg magnum long action
729$ proof carbon/or 350ish for another barrel open to options
Smithing fees unsure what they are, only need barrel mounted I can bed it myself and should be inletted already I think.
Wanted to stay around 2k ish before optics as you can see it same price range as the m48 long range which is 2500 I think
Thoughts and opinions please. Not positive on cartridge or rifle need some help. Thabks again
Part 1
Debating a build or factory rifle for long range hunting(elk, deer mainly) or target shooting for fun. I was looking at 6.5 PRC or 280ai but I have recently ruled out the PRC, then figured if I get/build a long action 280ai why not step up to 28 Nosler. I'm in the middle of these two cartridges, I know they are in different fields but I like what I read about both. ( Keep in mind that I reload but will also get factory box ammo as well). My concern is how the 28 nosler will shoot lighter stuff for deer or medium size game.
Part2
I like the idea of a factory rifle but isn't much I see that I like except the Nosler m48 long range or carbon but seems for that price I could build something similar or better.
My must haves in rifle. 1/2 moa or less
Carbon stock, (manners, stockys, or Mesa)
Timney or similar trigger.
Hinge floor plate
Would like custom action but I think it will push me out of budget. So maybe a ptg action or blueprinted rem action from them
Would love to have proof carbon but might also be pushing it If not any match grade steel barrel no real preference.
My big debate is the m48 long range is everything I want minus a carbon barrel but I've read you can't fit some ammo in the box not sure if this true or not and could have better accuracy from a build. If I do go route of build I will have to have smith cut barrel and mount barrel etc.
If I build I'm unsure which route for action, I could swing a custom action but would have to scratch carbon barrel or visa versa. I really want light weight though.
I priced this last night
444$ Stockys carbon
136$+ 69$ stockys rem hinge floor plate kit
150$ timney
679$ ptg magnum long action
729$ proof carbon/or 350ish for another barrel open to options
Smithing fees unsure what they are, only need barrel mounted I can bed it myself and should be inletted already I think.
Wanted to stay around 2k ish before optics as you can see it same price range as the m48 long range which is 2500 I think
Thoughts and opinions please. Not positive on cartridge or rifle need some help. Thabks again