Lightweight 721 build input wanted

[blackdog]

Currently shooting a .260 and a .338 Edge with an old Remington 721 in .30-06 sitting in the closet, begging to be rebuilt. Both current guns are in the 14+ pound range so I'm thinking of more of a carry deer/elk/sheep (hopefully!!) type gun. I don't want to go extremely lightweight as I'd still like to stay competent in the 600-800 yard range.

With that in mind, I'm leaning towards .280AI for a caliber but looking for input on components. Barrel, stock, scope, etc. Would love to do this as economical as possible, but also tend to believe in the 'cry once, buy once' theme.

 

[Elkmen]

I have two rebuilt 700/ 721's, I believe the 280 AI would be an excellent choice. Mine sport an H-S precision and a Chet Brown, I prefer the HS because of the aluminum bedding throughout. One sports a ER Shaw barrel and the other a Lilja. I have not done a lot work with ER barrel, but its a 1 1/4 inch barrel. I have only had the Lilja a couple of months and have only spent two weeks in load development. Best three shots at a 100 yards as been .162. It seems to like most anything given the right AOL for the bullet being used. I have a rail from Midway on one, and Talley on the other. I think with mounts shop quality and what best meets your needs. I have mostly 3.5 X 40 X 40 Leupolds but recently bought a Nikon. My postage to Leupold for repairs was mounting up. Hope this helps.

 

[TOM H]

Currently shooting a .260 and a .338 Edge with an old Remington 721 in .30-06 sitting in the closet, begging to be rebuilt. Both current guns are in the 14+ pound range so I'm thinking of more of a carry deer/elk/sheep (hopefully!!) type gun. I don't want to go extremely lightweight as I'd still like to stay competent in the 600-800 yard range.

With that in mind, I'm leaning towards .280AI for a caliber but looking for input on components. Barrel, stock, scope, etc. Would love to do this as economical as possible, but also tend to believe in the 'cry once, buy once' theme.

I don't own a model 721 but have the model 722 and I'm sure action is the same just different lengths.

Model 721 doesn't have the notch cut that the model 700 has for the safety. If your going to upgrade trigger your going to spend extra for that or do little on the stock for that 722 safety which isn't big deal.

You have to click on this it's picture of my 280AI use Lilja barrel.

http://mail.aol.com/37288-111/aol-6...ent.aspx?uid=29047424&folder=OldMail&partId=7

It weight just under 10lbs as you see it great balance easy to carry and I like long barrels. I had one build just under 9lbs great carry rifle just felt little too light when I went to shoot it so now I try to say 9 1/4 to 9 3/4 lbs scoped.

Here is picture of 300WSM had build it weight 9 1/2lbs on Win WSM action,McMillan stock, 26.5" long Kreiger 1/11.25 5r twist barrel.

http://mail.aol.com/37288-111/aol-6...ent.aspx?uid=29047424&folder=OldMail&partId=3

My latest build is 270Wby use 700 action,Holland stock,Mike Rock fluted barrel. I kind of spread my barrels/stocks out.

I tend to stay away from bedding block stocks in my hunting rifles vs pillar bedding because of the weight and barrel may use.

Well good luck