Agonizing over new build

[CTK]

I am about to start ordering parts for a new build. I have been sticking to a plan of limiting myself to two CF hunting rifles. I have moved in and out of many rifles in search of a favorite. I shoot no varmints and will likely never shoot a Bear, Moose, or anything in Africa. Whitetail, Coyotes, Mule Deer, Elk, and Antelope will probably be it. I am no longer likely to do a hardcore mountain hunt. If I were ever to want to shoot in competition, I would buy a competition configuration rifle. I own a laser accurate, 7lb, 6.5x47. I just sold a fantastically accurate 280 Ackley hunting rifle for some overly picky reasons. The main reason I sold it was that the stock did not fit me as well as the McMillan Hunter on my 6.5x47. I am looking for a stable rifle for longer shots. I am not a fan of upright grips or "tactical" style stocks. I did not really like the slightly upright grip on a Manners EH stock. I would appreciate some input on a few spots where I am stuck.

Cartridge: 280AI, 284 Win., or 7mm SAUM.

24" Barrel Contour and Stock combination: 2b or #3 Bartlein contour with another McM Hunter w/Edge Tech. or 3b Bart./#5 Krieger contour and McM Remington Hunter w/Edge Tech.

Action: Bighorn SR3 (sort of controlled round feed), Bighorn SR2, or Defiance Hunting style action.

In essence deciding between a traditional 7 1/2 lb sporter rifle and a lighter version of a Sendero rifle. I am guessing the later would weigh a pound or so more. Would it be worth it to put 26" barrel on heavier rifle? I will listen to suggestions beyond what I have listed.

Thanks in advance.

 

[pburton]

Cartridge aside, I went through the exact same thing that you are. I had several semi customs built in a variety of cartridges, but was never fully happy. Earlier this year I had my 300wm built. It is a Stiller Predator action, #3 contour Bartlein barrel @ 26", and bedded in a McMillan Hunter stock. It weighs in at 8 lbs. So far I am extremely happy. It fits me perfect, shoots lights-out, and is the perfect weight to carry all day. This is right after I got it and have since went with a Leupold VX6 scope.

 

[CTK]

Cartridge aside, I went through the exact same thing that you are. I had several semi customs built in a variety of cartridges, but was never fully happy. Earlier this year I had my 300wm built. It is a Stiller Predator action, #3 contour Bartlein barrel @ 26", and bedded in a McMillan Hunter stock. It weighs in at 8 lbs. So far I am extremely happy. It fits me perfect, shoots lights-out, and is the perfect weight to carry all day. This is right after I got it and have since went with a Leupold VX6 scope. View attachment 86326

Cool rifle. That is the best picture that I have seen of a Bartlein #3 in a McMillan Hunter. Who built it? Is that barrel 26" with or without the brake?

 

[midnightmalloy]

Read your post and really like the specificity of what you like and don't like. I have a couple questions if that's ok to try to narrow down my suggestions:
-what type of hunting are you doing? You say no "hardcore mountain hunting" but does that mean only a 1-mile hike from the truck or just no 7 night backcountry trips?
-do you have a max distance you are looking to take game? And on this note, is the elk the largest animal you are looking to shoot at that distance?
-what budget do you have? Everyone has a max and this helps in the suggestions.
-you say you are looking for a "CF" rifle? Is that center feed, controlled feed or carbon fiber?
-stock wise, if the grip and cheek weld positions are similar/the same as the mcmillan hunter stock is that what you like or is it some other aspect of the stock?
This looks like it will be a fun one!

 

[CTK]

Read your post and really like the specificity of what you like and don't like. I have a couple questions if that's ok to try to narrow down my suggestions:
-what type of hunting are you doing? You say no "hardcore mountain hunting" but does that mean only a 1-mile hike from the truck or just no 7 night backcountry trips?
-do you have a max distance you are looking to take game? And on this note, is the elk the largest animal you are looking to shoot at that distance?
-what budget do you have? Everyone has a max and this helps in the suggestions.
-you say you are looking for a "CF" rifle? Is that center feed, controlled feed or carbon fiber?
-stock wise, if the grip and cheek weld positions are similar/the same as the mcmillan hunter stock is that what you like or is it some other aspect of the stock?
This looks like it will be a fun one!

Thanks for responding. CF=Centerfire.
Mile or so from the truck. Not 13000 feet.
Like the cheek weld and grip of the McMillan Hunter.
Mostly will hunt open fields with this rifle for whitetail. Spot and stalk Mule Deer also. Want a stable gun for 4-500y possible shots.
Considered 300 win mag but not a fan of brakes.
Budget is whatever it costs. Know it will be in the 3500-4K range.
I have all reloading components for the 280ai.
Jon Beanland will likely build. He has treated me well in the past.

 

[L.Sherm]

My vote is 280AI you have the reloading components and give RL23 a try if you go that route.

 

[just country]

morning, 6.5 WSM. GBOT TUM

 

[lancetkenyon]

#3 Bartlein or #3B fluted @ 24-26".
Don't forget about the Manners EH6, EH8 or SL. More traditional style grip that you are after.
.280AI pushing a 175 Berger Elite Hunter w. RL23 will get you 2900+, mine runs 2975 with a stiff charge from a 26" barrel. Plenty for elk a long way out.

 

[Bravo 4]

Why didn't you just re-stock the .280 AI? Sounds like what you want, just a different feel.

 

[WeiserBucks]

I also vote 280 AI due to the fact that your already set up to load for it and it will handle deer and elk perfectly at the ranges you intend to shoot . If you get a stock that doesn't fit well , swap it out . No need to sell an otherwise great rifle due to the stock.

 

[FEENIX]

I am about to start ordering parts for a new build. I have been sticking to a plan of limiting myself to two CF hunting rifles. I have moved in and out of many rifles in search of a favorite. I shoot no varmints and will likely never shoot a Bear, Moose, or anything in Africa. Whitetail, Coyotes, Mule Deer, Elk, and Antelope will probably be it. I am no longer likely to do a hardcore mountain hunt. If I were ever to want to shoot in competition, I would buy a competition configuration rifle. I own a laser accurate, 7lb, 6.5x47. I just sold a fantastically accurate 280 Ackley hunting rifle for some overly picky reasons. The main reason I sold it was that the stock did not fit me as well as the McMillan Hunter on my 6.5x47. I am looking for a stable rifle for longer shots. I am not a fan of upright grips or "tactical" style stocks. I did not really like the slightly upright grip on a Manners EH stock. I would appreciate some input on a few spots where I am stuck.

Cartridge: 280AI, 284 Win., or 7mm SAUM.

24" Barrel Contour and Stock combination: 2b or #3 Bartlein contour with another McM Hunter w/Edge Tech. or 3b Bart./#5 Krieger contour and McM Remington Hunter w/Edge Tech.

Action: Bighorn SR3 (sort of controlled round feed), Bighorn SR2, or Defiance Hunting style action.

In essence deciding between a traditional 7 1/2 lb sporter rifle and a lighter version of a Sendero rifle. I am guessing the later would weigh a pound or so more. Would it be worth it to put 26" barrel on heavier rifle? I will listen to suggestions beyond what I have listed.

Thanks in advance.

Your chambering choices a very close to each other but IIWY, I'd go with 7MM SAUM, 280 AI, and .284 if brass is not an issue. Barrel wise, I'd go faster than 1:9" ... but that's me.

The BHA actions are awesome, I have the SR2 LA in my .30 LARA and loved it. I think you will do the same.

Good luck!

 

[pburton]

Cool rifle. That is the best picture that I have seen of a Bartlein #3 in a McMillan Hunter. Who built it? Is that barrel 26" with or without the brake?

This was built by Kevin Cram. The barrel is 26" plus the brake.

 

[BEEMAN]

For deer at 4-500 yds you already have the perfect gun. The 6.5x47 will be perfect at these ranges. Mine with a 130 Berger carries enough velocity and energy out to 700 yds on deer size game.

 

[trueblue]

For deer at 4-500 yds you already have the perfect gun. The 6.5x47 will be perfect at these ranges. Mine with a 130 Berger carries enough velocity and energy out to 700 yds on deer size game.

Exactly!!