Nosler m48 Patriot or custom build

[NattyBumppo]

Hey guys

So i was pretty set on building a custom rifle based on a stiller predator action and chambered in 30-06 for my do it all go to hunting rifle. However as i was looking around my local gun store yesterday i had the chance to handle Nosler's patriot rifle in 30-06. It felt okay in my hands and at 7 pounds it is right around what I'm looking for in do it all rifle.
As I am trying to watch my expenditure i thought this might be a good alternative to the cost of a full custom build. But i really know nothing about this rifle and all ive seen online are reviews of the new nosler cartridge and not of their new rifle. i would like a rifle to be close to 1/2 MOA.

So i would like to know your opinion, should i save up for a custom build or is the Nosler patriot up to the task of giving me the accuracy i want in a lighter hunting rifle? any first hand experience's with a Nosler Patriot would also be appreciated.

thanks

 

[bruce_ventura]

Ean,

Welcome to LRH. Lots of good resources on this forum.

The reviews of Nosler rifles that I've seen have been good, but I don't recall seeing 1/2 MOA from factory ammo. If I liked them the rifle, I would not hesitate to buy one. As with every rifle I buy, I would plan to tinker with the rifle and handloads until I got it shooting the way I wanted. A custom rifle will not require tinkering, but you still may need to handload ammo to realize the full accuracy potential of a lightweight rifle.

Good luck.

 

[NattyBumppo]

Bruce,

Thanks for the reply and i cant wait to learn from all the members on this board.

Unfortunately time restraints have kept me from hand loading yet but i hope to start soon. I have had good luck with FGGM in my 308 which is hovering right around the 1/2 MOA area. That rifle is just a Remington that i had bedded into a B&C stock. I'm hoping that this next rifle will provide similar results as i plan on spending much more on this than i have on rifles in the past.

I'm glad that you have seen positive results with nosler rifles. It's making me think that this may be a better option as it would be more economical.

Anymore opinions would still be greatly appreciated

Thanks guys