New build, 7mm rem mag?

[bowhunterjae]

Hay all,
Looking for a little insight from the forum.
My gunsmith is going to build me a custom 7mm rem mag.
It will be my primary hunting rifle. Looking for light weight, ergonomic, accurate rifle.
I have three stock 7mm rem mags that have been good to me but just want something that feels perfect. Or close to it.
My best accuracy load in all 3 guns is relatively close to the same. 20-55 off lands depending on rifle, 70 grains H1000, 160g Accubonds, Federal 215. They all run +/- 3000fps.
All 3 guns are 9" and 9.5" twist. 2 24" barrels and 1 26" barrel.
Now that I can choose twist and length it opens up the fact that I could shoot a heavy bullet, shorten barrel, longer barrel, muzzle break, can, whatever. I am just looking for input.
In reality I probably would not be looking at shooting over 500 yards at any game animal and definitely do not want to get into that debate. LOL.
I will be hunting Deer, Elk, Moose and Antelope with this rifle. Many have been killed shooting the 160 g Accubonds but I am open to other bullets and weights if there is a benefit.

Trying not to make any unnecessary mistakes on having my first custom rifle done.

We ordered a Valhalla Long action.

Thinking,
Shilen #3 in 8" "can shoot heavy bullets if needed. Just not sure if it's needed."?
McMillan, Game warden?
Bottom plate?
Timney trigger

Any input is appreciated!

Thank you,
John

 

[HandgunHTR]

If you are set on using a Shilen, then yes 1:8" is the twist I would go with. If you go with another, you could go up to 1:8.7 (Bartlein) and be fine shooting the heavy bullets.
For the stock, I would recommend a vertical (or close) grip and something with a negative comb.
Bottom metal for a hunter should either be a flush DBM (Hawkins Hunter) or a BDL style. If you want to shoot heavies with a BDL, use a Wyatts box and follower.
I would go with a Trigger Tech Special over a Timney, but that is just me.

 

[john k]

If weight is an issue or not,a 2B barrel (I have a Bartlein) in 24" length is sufficient and is easier to handle in the field. Agree with HandgunHTR in regards to twist. Looks like you have an impressive build coming together in a great cartridge. Keep us posted

 

[southpa]

Big fan of heavy per caliber bullets here! I think H1k, a 180 berger and a 7RM is a darn good combo. If you're set on 160AB then stick with them but I say build something different than the 3 you have.

If it were me I'd do a 24" 8t, throat it for 180s and i think you'll be tickled. McM game warden looks like a nice stock. Could also look at AG Alpines or Manners EH1 if you like that style.

 

[bowhunterjae]

Big fan of heavy per caliber bullets here! I think H1k, a 180 berger and a 7RM is a darn good combo. If you're set on 160AB then stick with them but I say build something different than the 3 you have.

If it were me I'd do a 24" 8t, throat it for 180s and i think you'll be tickled. McM game warden looks like a nice stock. Could also look at AG Alpines or Manners EH1 if you like that style.

Thank you for your input. I am kind of leaning towards the 180g. I will look at the stocks mentioned also if the smith has any in the shop. I was looking at that Manners and it is very comfortable.

 

[bowhunterjae]

If you are set on using a Shilen, then yes 1:8" is the twist I would go with. If you go with another, you could go up to 1:8.7 (Bartlein) and be fine shooting the heavy bullets.
For the stock, I would recommend a vertical (or close) grip and something with a negative comb.
Bottom metal for a hunter should either be a flush DBM (Hawkins Hunter) or a BDL style. If you want to shoot heavies with a BDL, use a Wyatts box and follower.
I would go with a Trigger Tech Special over a Timney, but that is just me.

Well, I am leaning towards a heavier bullet. I am going to mention the Wyatt's box. Like I said. I have no custom rifles so I am going to have to look up "vertical (or close) grip and something with a negative comb" LOL I DONT KNOW ****. Thank you for your input!

 

[bowhunterjae]

If weight is an issue or not,a 2B barrel (I have a Bartlein) in 24" length is sufficient and is easier to handle in the field. Agree with HandgunHTR in regards to twist. Looks like you have an impressive build coming together in a great cartridge. Keep us posted

The smith mentioned the Shilen barrel in #3 but I am open to anything. I will be talking to him again once I compile information.

 

[bowhunterjae]

Thank you all for the input. I have to say I am incredibly excited to have my custom rifle built. I spend a small fortune Hunting multiple states and shooting rats every year and have never had a custom rifle. I retired from the construction industry and always worked with the top of the line tools for the job. It's time to improve my rifle.
Thank you!
John

 

[crazymonkey]

The only problem with building a custom rifle is everything else just doesn't compare and then you'll be building another and another . I'm on my 3 and already looking at the 4th. Sounds like a good setup . If weight is a concern I'd go carbon fiber barrel and stock . It got my 26 inch barrel rifle down to 7lbs 4oz bare so I'll be as close to 9lbs all in .

 

[Aussie Hunter Steve]

You have a great cartridge and ideal bullet for what you're doing. I've had both 24" & 26" barrels and prefer the 26" tube. 1 in 9" will be just fine, unless you want to go heavy or mono. Currently I'm on rifles number 6 and 7 in 7mm Rem Mag.

 

[highfinblue]

I would definitely go with Triggertech on the trigger. I made the switch a few years ago, and ended up putting them in every rifle I could, amazing triggers.

 

[JarHeadTim]

Hi, man I'm sitting here licking my chops and debating where or not to type this so I'll say it this way. IF IT WERE ME I would build a .280 Ackley. We shoot the 175 ABLR's and they hit like a Mack truck and we get tremendous dynamic performance on whitetails & mule deer with the 150's. Phenomenal cartridge, pleasant to shoot, super accurate, very impressive A Nodes and easier to build a little lighter rifle without making sacrifices. Bartlein 5R anything, TriggerTech, Peterson brass and I think you'd be tickled pink.

Feel free to DM me to discuss load dev.

S/F

Tim

 

[Texas Hill Country]

The smith mentioned the Shilen barrel in #3 but I am open to anything. I will be talking to him again once I compile information.

I bought a barrel from PAC-NOR last year and am very satisfied with accuracy and cost. The only thing I would do differently is trying to estimate weight before deciding on a contour; my rifle turned out heavier than I'd like.

 

[coloradocelt]

160 grain accubond with 67 grains of imr 7828, 3168 fps. Have had great luck. If you have the dollars, think about a high end walnut stock as well. Am able to switch back and forth with mine because both bedded and action screws always torqued. When hunting i have even used walnut stock depending on terrain and myself.