Hello all, lurker here finally taking the time to post since I need to hash out a caliber choice. I'd like to build a custom sporter (likely off a rem clone action), something like a #4 contour ~24" barrel (contour adjusted based on the specific barrel manufacturer), likely a aluminum block fiberglass stock (B&C medalist, HS Precision pro series, etc.), timney/jewel trigger, probably PTG aluminum hinged floor plate bottom metal. Thinking Sightron Big Sky 4-16x42 for optics (decent glass and lower in weight than other options).
I'm thinking the above would clock in around 8.5lb or so. With that in mind, I'd ideally want to keep recoil energy at ~20ft-lb or less (for comfortable shooting) and no muzzle brake. Purpose is to have an accurate midweight rifle that will let me stretch my distance shooting out as my skill level grows while balancing out the caliber chosen and stability of the platform (not a heavier weight dedicated long range rig). Assuming I can do my part in developing the skill I'd like this to be suitable out to 500-600yd. Initial calibers bouncing in my head is just good old 30-06, the idea of a 280rem (or 280ai) also has appeal, 7mm reg mag also seems to meet the recoil level according to the calculators. The concept of the Sherman wildcat (from what I've been able to dig up on here) in either 280 or 300 also has some intrigue (getting a bit more out of a standard long action case).
I do reload. I hunt antelope thru elk (moose in a decade or so when I have enough points to pull a tag
).
For a light carry gun I already run a 7mm-08 Tikka T3 SS (with sightron big sky 3.5-10x42, weighs about 7.25lb) my plinking load is a 139gr hornday BTSP @ 2830fps that tends to shoot just under 1" @ 100 (5shot). I'm currently working up what I hope to be my hunting load with this gun using the 145gr LRX hopefully in the 2750-2775 turf based on preliminary development (need to get out there SOON!). After about 350yds though it would be dropping under the recommended 1600ftlb elk number and also although the LRX is reported to open down to 1600fps, I'd like to keep impact velocity above 2200fps to get a full expansion. So although this gun is sticking around I'd like to have something with more punch in the arsenal (also this would likely be one handed off to my kids when they hit hunting age).
I also have a 70s Rem 700 BDL 30-06 that I also hunt with. It's a family handed down gun so it makes me hesitant to want to change it much thus I'm thinking leave it as is. However as is I'm not satisfied with the heavy factory trigger, its slightly heavy, and I'm partial to switching over to stainless since mountain hunting isn't nearly as kind on guns. So this will stick around but it won't be a primary hunter. It also shoots 5 shot 165gr sierra @ 2850fps to about 1"-1.25" at 100yds.
I also have a Browning BBR 30-06 collecting dust that will be sold off to free up space and partial funds towards this build. This gun is over 10lb and if I'm carrying that much weight I'd rather have much more barrel dia.
So I could build a 30-06 to take the place of those it's superseding but the idea of running something in 7mm has some appeal for flatter trajectory. 280rem doesn't seem like it'd give me all that much improvement over 7mm-08 so that one is of lower interest, however the 280AI (or even the 280sherman idea) seem like they'd offer some solid improvements (and similar energy to a 30-06). 7mm Rem Mag obviously would be an improvement but that comes with more powder, belted cases, and likely probably needing a 26" barrel?
Generally speaking only the 30-06 and 7mm rem mag fit the "can likely find ammo at a ma-pa store" if we're factoring that in. It seems a very minor consideration to me and nothing says this couldn't be a gun I pick up a second barrel for in the future (either specifically torqued shoulder mounted barrel or setup with barrel nut) if it became a bigger factor to me.
Anyways those are my ramblings, what do you all think?
I'm thinking the above would clock in around 8.5lb or so. With that in mind, I'd ideally want to keep recoil energy at ~20ft-lb or less (for comfortable shooting) and no muzzle brake. Purpose is to have an accurate midweight rifle that will let me stretch my distance shooting out as my skill level grows while balancing out the caliber chosen and stability of the platform (not a heavier weight dedicated long range rig). Assuming I can do my part in developing the skill I'd like this to be suitable out to 500-600yd. Initial calibers bouncing in my head is just good old 30-06, the idea of a 280rem (or 280ai) also has appeal, 7mm reg mag also seems to meet the recoil level according to the calculators. The concept of the Sherman wildcat (from what I've been able to dig up on here) in either 280 or 300 also has some intrigue (getting a bit more out of a standard long action case).
I do reload. I hunt antelope thru elk (moose in a decade or so when I have enough points to pull a tag
). For a light carry gun I already run a 7mm-08 Tikka T3 SS (with sightron big sky 3.5-10x42, weighs about 7.25lb) my plinking load is a 139gr hornday BTSP @ 2830fps that tends to shoot just under 1" @ 100 (5shot). I'm currently working up what I hope to be my hunting load with this gun using the 145gr LRX hopefully in the 2750-2775 turf based on preliminary development (need to get out there SOON!). After about 350yds though it would be dropping under the recommended 1600ftlb elk number and also although the LRX is reported to open down to 1600fps, I'd like to keep impact velocity above 2200fps to get a full expansion. So although this gun is sticking around I'd like to have something with more punch in the arsenal (also this would likely be one handed off to my kids when they hit hunting age).
I also have a 70s Rem 700 BDL 30-06 that I also hunt with. It's a family handed down gun so it makes me hesitant to want to change it much thus I'm thinking leave it as is. However as is I'm not satisfied with the heavy factory trigger, its slightly heavy, and I'm partial to switching over to stainless since mountain hunting isn't nearly as kind on guns. So this will stick around but it won't be a primary hunter. It also shoots 5 shot 165gr sierra @ 2850fps to about 1"-1.25" at 100yds.
I also have a Browning BBR 30-06 collecting dust that will be sold off to free up space and partial funds towards this build. This gun is over 10lb and if I'm carrying that much weight I'd rather have much more barrel dia.
So I could build a 30-06 to take the place of those it's superseding but the idea of running something in 7mm has some appeal for flatter trajectory. 280rem doesn't seem like it'd give me all that much improvement over 7mm-08 so that one is of lower interest, however the 280AI (or even the 280sherman idea) seem like they'd offer some solid improvements (and similar energy to a 30-06). 7mm Rem Mag obviously would be an improvement but that comes with more powder, belted cases, and likely probably needing a 26" barrel?
Generally speaking only the 30-06 and 7mm rem mag fit the "can likely find ammo at a ma-pa store" if we're factoring that in. It seems a very minor consideration to me and nothing says this couldn't be a gun I pick up a second barrel for in the future (either specifically torqued shoulder mounted barrel or setup with barrel nut) if it became a bigger factor to me.
Anyways those are my ramblings, what do you all think?
