Hi yall I am a Complete Newbie to LRS, I Hand reload for my Hunting Rifle (BAR 7MMRM) so very familar with that aspect, now i just need a good solid Bolt action Rifle, and optics, I am Dead set on the 7mm-08 caliber, but open to any suggestions on rifles under $500. ahe scope i want is the the millet LRS-1. I would like to start out as cheap as possible due to the Budget.so if anyone knows of a better scope for the money im all ears. any and all info and suggestions are much appreciated.
Precision Build on a Budget
- Thread starter bray_bar 7mm
- Start date
Re: Precision Build on a Budget
Since this is a Budget build I would look at the Savage or Stevens Rifle. A used Stevens can be had for around $300 you could rebarrel it yourself to the 7-08 caliber. And upgrade as money allows. That how I built my .308 and I loved every second of it.
As far as optics I'm not sure what the TRS-1 costs but I would look into the Vortex Viper HS 5-15x from MidwayUSA. They sometimes have them on sale for $400. I have one and love it great scope for the money. Might also check out the Super Sniper Mil/Mil line. Hope this helps, if you need any more info on the Savage/Stevens rifles let me know or there are plenty more knowledgeable members than me that will hopefully chime in.
Since this is a Budget build I would look at the Savage or Stevens Rifle. A used Stevens can be had for around $300 you could rebarrel it yourself to the 7-08 caliber. And upgrade as money allows. That how I built my .308 and I loved every second of it.
As far as optics I'm not sure what the TRS-1 costs but I would look into the Vortex Viper HS 5-15x from MidwayUSA. They sometimes have them on sale for $400. I have one and love it great scope for the money. Might also check out the Super Sniper Mil/Mil line. Hope this helps, if you need any more info on the Savage/Stevens rifles let me know or there are plenty more knowledgeable members than me that will hopefully chime in.
Re: Precision Build on a Budget
BenY: How accurate is your stevens, and by rebarrel you mean, buy new 7mm-08 barrel that is compatible with the stevens and start from there?
BenY: How accurate is your stevens, and by rebarrel you mean, buy new 7mm-08 barrel that is compatible with the stevens and start from there?
Re: Precision Build on a Budget
Savage/Stevens has a barrel nut. Buy the appropriate tools and you can rebarrel the rifle yourself. Quite many more options for stocks and triggers than there once were as well.
Savage/Stevens has a barrel nut. Buy the appropriate tools and you can rebarrel the rifle yourself. Quite many more options for stocks and triggers than there once were as well.
Re: Precision Build on a Budget
For a new barrel contact Jim Briggs at Northland Shooters Supply (763) 682-4296. He can hook you up with a Criterion barrel for your budget build. I believe you can get a new barrel for under $300.
Criterion Barrels
308
For a new barrel contact Jim Briggs at Northland Shooters Supply (763) 682-4296. He can hook you up with a Criterion barrel for your budget build. I believe you can get a new barrel for under $300.
Criterion Barrels
308
Re: Precision Build on a Budget
ok if i get a cheap savage and have it rebarreled can i get any short action savage, or do i have to get either a .308 or 7mm-08, and is there any way i can just buy the stock and action w/ receiver by itself with no barrel and just have jim briggs make me a custom one.
ok if i get a cheap savage and have it rebarreled can i get any short action savage, or do i have to get either a .308 or 7mm-08, and is there any way i can just buy the stock and action w/ receiver by itself with no barrel and just have jim briggs make me a custom one.
Re: Precision Build on a Budget
I've done several Savage and Stevens builds. I would recommend getting Savage/Stevens in the caliber you want (7mm-08) and shoot it. They are very accurate and no need to ditch a good barrel from the get go. The pencil barrels on those guns are good and accurate as they are from the factory. The only problem you may see if with extended firing sessions as the thinner barrel will heat up faster. That being said, it's pretty easy to heat up a varmint barrel too. If you are shooting for groups, you'll want to let your barrel cool between groups anyway. If you are shooting steel or min-of-man targets, then no worries.
Spend the money you would have spent on the immediate barrel purchase and get better optics and possibly a Timmny trigger to replace the factory (if you get the Stevens).
See how it shoots and then you can order a barrel of your needs down the road. Pac-Nor makes great pre-fits custom order.. but it does take a few months.
Tikka's are nice too for a little more $$
I've done several Savage and Stevens builds. I would recommend getting Savage/Stevens in the caliber you want (7mm-08) and shoot it. They are very accurate and no need to ditch a good barrel from the get go. The pencil barrels on those guns are good and accurate as they are from the factory. The only problem you may see if with extended firing sessions as the thinner barrel will heat up faster. That being said, it's pretty easy to heat up a varmint barrel too. If you are shooting for groups, you'll want to let your barrel cool between groups anyway. If you are shooting steel or min-of-man targets, then no worries.
Spend the money you would have spent on the immediate barrel purchase and get better optics and possibly a Timmny trigger to replace the factory (if you get the Stevens).
See how it shoots and then you can order a barrel of your needs down the road. Pac-Nor makes great pre-fits custom order.. but it does take a few months.
Tikka's are nice too for a little more $$
Re: Precision Build on a Budget
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Bray B.</div><div class="ubbcode-body">BenY: How accurate is your stevens, and by rebarrel you mean, buy new 7mm-08 barrel that is compatible with the stevens and start from there? </div></div>
My Stevens is a sub moa gun if I do my part.
Specs: Stevens 200 Short action.
E.R. Shaw 24" Varmint Contour barrel (soon to be 20")
Choate Tactical Stock
Rifle Basix Sav-1
Weaver 20MOA base
TPS Low Rings
Vortex Viper HS 5-15x
Both the .308 and 7mm08 are short action guns. If you could find an action cheap then I would do that. However they are hard to find unless you buy the target action which is considerably more. The Stevens 200 have a pencil thin barrel and crappy stock to begin with. But it can all be upgraded in time as money allows.
When I first started I wanted to go as cheap as possible. I stayed pretty low on the budget however precision generally isn't cheap. You'll always find something to spend money on
Good luck with the build!
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Bray B.</div><div class="ubbcode-body">BenY: How accurate is your stevens, and by rebarrel you mean, buy new 7mm-08 barrel that is compatible with the stevens and start from there? </div></div>
My Stevens is a sub moa gun if I do my part.
Specs: Stevens 200 Short action.
E.R. Shaw 24" Varmint Contour barrel (soon to be 20")
Choate Tactical Stock
Rifle Basix Sav-1
Weaver 20MOA base
TPS Low Rings
Vortex Viper HS 5-15x
Both the .308 and 7mm08 are short action guns. If you could find an action cheap then I would do that. However they are hard to find unless you buy the target action which is considerably more. The Stevens 200 have a pencil thin barrel and crappy stock to begin with. But it can all be upgraded in time as money allows.
When I first started I wanted to go as cheap as possible. I stayed pretty low on the budget however precision generally isn't cheap. You'll always find something to spend money on
Re: Precision Build on a Budget
7-08 is an excellent choice.
You are NOT going to gt there for 500 bucks.
Let's be realistic here. Can you find a 7-08 for less than 500?
Yes.
Will it be suitable for what you want to do?
No.
Can you build a stevens into a fine shooting 7-08?
yes.
Can you do it for 500?
No.
Save your pennies and buy this:
http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/products_id/77248/Remington+7OO+SPS+VAR+7MM08
It costs 51 dollars more than your limit.
Close enough, you will have an out of the box rifle ready to go.
Yes, it will need a new stock, that can come later.
Add a weaver extended multi-slot rail for about 40, a set of burris XTR rings for 59 and a Bushnell elite fixed 10x for 219.
That is about as cheap as you can go and get a good, solid set up.
Yes, you can buy the weaver two piece mounts at wally world for 9 bucks and a set of quad lock 1" rings with the large screw for about 14. They WILL work and you can replace them later. Just check tightness before you shoot (every time)
Save some more money and buy aB&C light tactical or M40 style stock for 240 bucks later.
7-08 is an excellent choice.
You are NOT going to gt there for 500 bucks.
Let's be realistic here. Can you find a 7-08 for less than 500?
Yes.
Will it be suitable for what you want to do?
No.
Can you build a stevens into a fine shooting 7-08?
yes.
Can you do it for 500?
No.
Save your pennies and buy this:
http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/products_id/77248/Remington+7OO+SPS+VAR+7MM08
It costs 51 dollars more than your limit.
Close enough, you will have an out of the box rifle ready to go.
Yes, it will need a new stock, that can come later.
Add a weaver extended multi-slot rail for about 40, a set of burris XTR rings for 59 and a Bushnell elite fixed 10x for 219.
That is about as cheap as you can go and get a good, solid set up.
Yes, you can buy the weaver two piece mounts at wally world for 9 bucks and a set of quad lock 1" rings with the large screw for about 14. They WILL work and you can replace them later. Just check tightness before you shoot (every time)
Save some more money and buy aB&C light tactical or M40 style stock for 240 bucks later.
Re: Precision Build on a Budget
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: fdkay</div><div class="ubbcode-body">7-08 is an excellent choice.
You are NOT going to gt there for 500 bucks.
Let's be realistic here. Can you find a 7-08 for less than 500?
Yes.
U
Will it be suitable for what you want to do?
No.
Can you build a stevens into a fine shooting 7-08?
yes.
Can you do it for 500?
No.
Save your pennies and buy this:
http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/products_id/77248/Remington+7OO+SPS+VAR+7MM08
It costs 51 dollars more than your limit.
Close enough, you will have an out of the box rifle ready to go.
Yes, it will need a new stock, that can come later.
Add a weaver extended multi-slot rail for about 40, a set of burris XTR rings for 59 and a Bushnell elite fixed 10x for 219.
That is about as cheap as you can go and get a good, solid set up.
Yes, you can buy the weaver two piece mounts at wally world for 9 bucks and a set of quad lock 1" rings with the large screw for about 14. They WILL work and you can replace them later. Just check tightness before you shoot (every time)
Save some more money and buy aB&C light tactical or M40 style stock for 240
bucks later. </div></div>
This.
Okie.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: fdkay</div><div class="ubbcode-body">7-08 is an excellent choice.
You are NOT going to gt there for 500 bucks.
Let's be realistic here. Can you find a 7-08 for less than 500?
Yes.
U
Will it be suitable for what you want to do?
No.
Can you build a stevens into a fine shooting 7-08?
yes.
Can you do it for 500?
No.
Save your pennies and buy this:
http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/products_id/77248/Remington+7OO+SPS+VAR+7MM08
It costs 51 dollars more than your limit.
Close enough, you will have an out of the box rifle ready to go.
Yes, it will need a new stock, that can come later.
Add a weaver extended multi-slot rail for about 40, a set of burris XTR rings for 59 and a Bushnell elite fixed 10x for 219.
That is about as cheap as you can go and get a good, solid set up.
Yes, you can buy the weaver two piece mounts at wally world for 9 bucks and a set of quad lock 1" rings with the large screw for about 14. They WILL work and you can replace them later. Just check tightness before you shoot (every time)
Save some more money and buy aB&C light tactical or M40 style stock for 240
bucks later. </div></div>
This.
Okie.
Re: Precision Build on a Budget
$500 rifles are going to be horribly compromised in the quality of everything. Get something with good resale value or which can use as a hunting rifle later. I might look at the TC Icon at least it seems to be designed with a lot of features from higher end rifles like integrated bases, an aluminum bedding block, bolt release, detachable magazine. Buying a cheap rifle and trashing everything except the action is retarded expectantly when you consider that the action sucks needs to be blue printed. You would be better of buying a good used rifle then a trashy new one. If you look around $750 - $1500 can buy you a lot of rifle if your not so picky about the round.
$500 rifles are going to be horribly compromised in the quality of everything. Get something with good resale value or which can use as a hunting rifle later. I might look at the TC Icon at least it seems to be designed with a lot of features from higher end rifles like integrated bases, an aluminum bedding block, bolt release, detachable magazine. Buying a cheap rifle and trashing everything except the action is retarded expectantly when you consider that the action sucks needs to be blue printed. You would be better of buying a good used rifle then a trashy new one. If you look around $750 - $1500 can buy you a lot of rifle if your not so picky about the round.
Re: Precision Build on a Budget
I don't understand why you are "dead set" on 7mm-08. 260 Rem and 6.5 CM have better ballistics and nearly as much terminal energy and barrel life. You reload, so finding factory ammo isn't an issue for these chamberings. Another advantage is that you are not nearly as limited in bullet choices on the heavy end of the spectrum. You get to use Lapua brass if you go the 260 Rem route. If your gun doesn't care for 162 AMAXs, you're kinda screwed for 7mm-08.
All in all though, I think the performance differences are rather miniscule for many people. The real advantage of 6.5 and 260 is that you can buy a factory savage model 12 LRP rifle chambered in these calibers, and you'll have a quality shooter right out of the box for ~ $900. In my opinion, that is a hell of a deal.
http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/products_id/71098
http://www.savagearms.com/firearms/model/12LRP
I understand that you said you're on a budget, but you need to realize that most aspects of this hobby tend towards the expensive side. Don't low ball yourself now; you'll regret it later.
I don't understand why you are "dead set" on 7mm-08. 260 Rem and 6.5 CM have better ballistics and nearly as much terminal energy and barrel life. You reload, so finding factory ammo isn't an issue for these chamberings. Another advantage is that you are not nearly as limited in bullet choices on the heavy end of the spectrum. You get to use Lapua brass if you go the 260 Rem route. If your gun doesn't care for 162 AMAXs, you're kinda screwed for 7mm-08.
All in all though, I think the performance differences are rather miniscule for many people. The real advantage of 6.5 and 260 is that you can buy a factory savage model 12 LRP rifle chambered in these calibers, and you'll have a quality shooter right out of the box for ~ $900. In my opinion, that is a hell of a deal.
http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/products_id/71098
http://www.savagearms.com/firearms/model/12LRP
I understand that you said you're on a budget, but you need to realize that most aspects of this hobby tend towards the expensive side. Don't low ball yourself now; you'll regret it later.
Re: Precision Build on a Budget
Really?
So he should just discount the following:
168 SMK
150 SMK
145 Speer Match
162 Amax
162 Hornady HPBT match
162 SST
154 SST
168 Berger
There are plenty more.
I am sure that since he is on a budget, he wants to limit different components.
He already loads for the 7mm Mag, so the 7-08 is an attractive option.
It is a good, accurate cartridge that is superior to the .308. He likes the caliber, as do I.
To the OP, I have found that H4350 works well in both the 7mmRM, 7x57, .243 and 22-250.
It is not the optimum powder for all, but covers the spread nicely. It is a versatile powder that allows you to get good velocities from both the magnum and short action rounds.
Don't be to enamored with speed, good consistent velocities are what you are looking for.
If you already have the Millet LRS, it will work.
You would probably be better served with the 4-16 or a Falcon Menace 4-14.
Really?
So he should just discount the following:
168 SMK
150 SMK
145 Speer Match
162 Amax
162 Hornady HPBT match
162 SST
154 SST
168 Berger
There are plenty more.
I am sure that since he is on a budget, he wants to limit different components.
He already loads for the 7mm Mag, so the 7-08 is an attractive option.
It is a good, accurate cartridge that is superior to the .308. He likes the caliber, as do I.
To the OP, I have found that H4350 works well in both the 7mmRM, 7x57, .243 and 22-250.
It is not the optimum powder for all, but covers the spread nicely. It is a versatile powder that allows you to get good velocities from both the magnum and short action rounds.
Don't be to enamored with speed, good consistent velocities are what you are looking for.
If you already have the Millet LRS, it will work.
You would probably be better served with the 4-16 or a Falcon Menace 4-14.
Re: Precision Build on a Budget
follow fdkay's advice!
Perfect outline to get you on the right path.
follow fdkay's advice!
Perfect outline to get you on the right path.
Re: Precision Build on a Budget
thanks everyone for the info and suggestions, they are all very helpful!Fdkay: i really liked the idea of the remington sps varmit. i have considered buying that particular gun used if i can find it, and considering on the condiction weather or not i should upgrade barrel or stock. (LCDBR JGB): i am sold on the 7mm-08 because i already have a new england single shot breakdown along with all the reloading suppiles and brass and powder all need. but my new england jams every shot. it wont eject a fired round at all anymore. i sent it off to get it fixed and came back doing the same thing. plus my little brother has one also, that is a H&R that never jams. plus the fact that i love the 7mm balistics and termianl performance on game. i hunt with a 7mm rem mag BAR and love the caliber but i WANT a little less gun since i will be shooting alot espically to be as good as alota folks on this forum. I agree 100% with you FDkay, there are plenty of great 7mm projectiles with alot better ballistic than the 6.5mm and .30 cal bullets.
thanks everyone for the info and suggestions, they are all very helpful!Fdkay: i really liked the idea of the remington sps varmit. i have considered buying that particular gun used if i can find it, and considering on the condiction weather or not i should upgrade barrel or stock. (LCDBR JGB): i am sold on the 7mm-08 because i already have a new england single shot breakdown along with all the reloading suppiles and brass and powder all need. but my new england jams every shot. it wont eject a fired round at all anymore. i sent it off to get it fixed and came back doing the same thing. plus my little brother has one also, that is a H&R that never jams. plus the fact that i love the 7mm balistics and termianl performance on game. i hunt with a 7mm rem mag BAR and love the caliber but i WANT a little less gun since i will be shooting alot espically to be as good as alota folks on this forum. I agree 100% with you FDkay, there are plenty of great 7mm projectiles with alot better ballistic than the 6.5mm and .30 cal bullets.
Re: Precision Build on a Budget
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: fdkay</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Really?
So he should just discount the following:
168 SMK
150 SMK
145 Speer Match
162 Amax
162 Hornady HPBT match
162 SST
154 SST
168 Berger
</div></div>
I consider SSTs hunting bullets. I consider the BTHP match's the same as AMAX. That means that if the AMAXs/BTHPs don't work, you're limited to the 168 SMK/Berger, which are the same grain. IMO, that's not alot of options for the very heavy bullets of this caliber when compared against 6.5mm.
Also, how would loading 7mmRem Mag suddenly mean you don't need extra reloading gear if you go 7mm-08? Magnums burn slower powder, require magnum primers, different brass, and different dies. Only difference is different bullets, but you use different bullets for hunting and target shooting.
6.5mm has better ballistics than 7mm unless you get past 1000 yds. Why do you think 6.5mm chamberings are the current darlings on this forum?
OP, go for the SPS in 7mm-08 and throw on upgrades as you can afford them: manners stock, seekins rings, oversize bolt knob, timney trigger, DBM system, etc... Have fun and enjoy!
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: fdkay</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Really?
So he should just discount the following:
168 SMK
150 SMK
145 Speer Match
162 Amax
162 Hornady HPBT match
162 SST
154 SST
168 Berger
</div></div>
I consider SSTs hunting bullets. I consider the BTHP match's the same as AMAX. That means that if the AMAXs/BTHPs don't work, you're limited to the 168 SMK/Berger, which are the same grain. IMO, that's not alot of options for the very heavy bullets of this caliber when compared against 6.5mm.
Also, how would loading 7mmRem Mag suddenly mean you don't need extra reloading gear if you go 7mm-08? Magnums burn slower powder, require magnum primers, different brass, and different dies. Only difference is different bullets, but you use different bullets for hunting and target shooting.
6.5mm has better ballistics than 7mm unless you get past 1000 yds. Why do you think 6.5mm chamberings are the current darlings on this forum?
OP, go for the SPS in 7mm-08 and throw on upgrades as you can afford them: manners stock, seekins rings, oversize bolt knob, timney trigger, DBM system, etc... Have fun and enjoy!
Re: Precision Build on a Budget
The SST's are very accurate bullets, if a bullet is capable of .5moa, who cares if it says "match"
You said SPECIFICALLY 162 grain AMAX, you did not say 162 grain class bullets.
I gave an example of a powder useful for both cartridges, that eliminates one thing.
He can use the same bullets for both cartridges, magnum primers are not REQUIRED for all powder selections in the 7mmRM, only for the slowest powders.
So that eliminates the multiple primers.
Besides, he ALREADY loads for the 7-08.
The SST's are very accurate bullets, if a bullet is capable of .5moa, who cares if it says "match"
You said SPECIFICALLY 162 grain AMAX, you did not say 162 grain class bullets.
I gave an example of a powder useful for both cartridges, that eliminates one thing.
He can use the same bullets for both cartridges, magnum primers are not REQUIRED for all powder selections in the 7mmRM, only for the slowest powders.
So that eliminates the multiple primers.
Besides, he ALREADY loads for the 7-08.
Re: Precision Build on a Budget
How about a Remington 700? Something like:
http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/manufacturers_id/3/products_id/72795
John
How about a Remington 700? Something like:
http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/manufacturers_id/3/products_id/72795
John
Re: Precision Build on a Budget
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: fdkay</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Really?
So he should just discount the following:
168 SMK
150 SMK
145 Speer Match
162 Amax
162 Hornady HPBT match
162 SST
154 SST
168 Berger
There are plenty more.
I am sure that since he is on a budget, he wants to limit different components.
He already loads for the 7mm Mag, so the 7-08 is an attractive option.
It is a good, accurate cartridge that is superior to the .308. He likes the caliber, as do I.
To the OP, I have found that H4350 works well in both the 7mmRM, 7x57, .243 and 22-250.
It is not the optimum powder for all, but covers the spread nicely. It is a versatile powder that allows you to get good velocities from both the magnum and short action rounds.
Don't be to enamored with speed, good consistent velocities are what you are looking for.
If you already have the Millet LRS, it will work.
You would probably be better served with the 4-16 or a Falcon Menace 4-14. </div></div>
Once again......THIS!!! Good advice from fdk.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: fdkay</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Really?
So he should just discount the following:
168 SMK
150 SMK
145 Speer Match
162 Amax
162 Hornady HPBT match
162 SST
154 SST
168 Berger
There are plenty more.
I am sure that since he is on a budget, he wants to limit different components.
He already loads for the 7mm Mag, so the 7-08 is an attractive option.
It is a good, accurate cartridge that is superior to the .308. He likes the caliber, as do I.
To the OP, I have found that H4350 works well in both the 7mmRM, 7x57, .243 and 22-250.
It is not the optimum powder for all, but covers the spread nicely. It is a versatile powder that allows you to get good velocities from both the magnum and short action rounds.
Don't be to enamored with speed, good consistent velocities are what you are looking for.
If you already have the Millet LRS, it will work.
You would probably be better served with the 4-16 or a Falcon Menace 4-14. </div></div>
Once again......THIS!!! Good advice from fdk.
