.30-06 rifle build, input appreciated

[sdom001]

Hey guys,
I was looking for some input. I am wanting to get into long range shooting and want to build a target/tactical rifle based on my Rem 700 .30-06 action. I'd like to know what barrels would be best for my application. I read somewhere that some manufacturers tend to specialize more to one application more than others( target, competition, tactical). I found Pacnor and like the #7 profile(straight taper 1.2 - .875). Not sure what type of crown to put on it or if I should go with a shorter barrel than that one which is 28" if available. The current rifle as is, is doing .75" @100yds with a swift 3x9x40 hunting scope, and shooting federal match 150gr store bought ammo. It also has the stock rem trigger. All I have done to it was a skim bed job done by me from instructions found on here. I have a Hawke 4.5x14x42 10x mildot scope on the way and plan on replacing the stock from the plastic Rem that came with the rifle.
Any input and guidance would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Huckleberry75]

Re: .30-06 rifle build, input appreciated

Most any of the solid barrel makers will be fine: PacNor, Bartlein, Kreiger, Shilen, Obermeyer, Rock Creek etc etc. All make quality tubes and have similar (but not necessarily exactly the same) barrel profiles. Tune the trigger, swap the stock. You can do as much to a rifle as you want it only is limited by budget and imagination.

 

[Graham]

Re: .30-06 rifle build, input appreciated

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: sdom001</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I am wanting to get into long range shooting and want to build a target/tactical rifle based on my Rem 700 .30-06 action....Any input and guidance would be greatly appreciated. </div></div>When you ask about barrel contour and length it helps to know either your stated purpose for the target/tactical rifle or what you consider to be a target/tactical rifle.

 

[Senderofan]

Re: .30-06 rifle build, input appreciated

I agree with Graham...What is your intended purpose and what is your definition of tactical / target. I mess around with some BR ( benchrest shooting ). While I can use my BR rifles for varmint hunting...they are too heavy and long barreled to ever consider them to be Tactical. And while you could use a purely tactical rig to shoot targets...even long range...the bench guns will do a better job. Guess it's the addage..."Different Tools for different jobs."

More input will probably get you a lot more help.

Good Luck,

Wayne

 

[tylerw02]

Re: .30-06 rifle build, input appreciated

I see no reason in the world to select a .30-06.

 

[oosickness]

Re: .30-06 rifle build, input appreciated

I have a PacNor #5 Supermatch in 30-06 1x11 Twist 5 groove and recessed target crown at 24" and it shoots better than i can for damn sure,

but if i could do it again i might go for a 7mm or 25-06

 

[sdom001]

Re: .30-06 rifle build, input appreciated

Thanx Huckleberry75 for the barrel Manuf list.
The intended use of the rifle will be mostly long range shooting for competitions but will still be used for hunting. To practice long range shots I will be shooting at Targets out to 1000 yds. The Tactical use will only be if I ever have to defend my home if our current way of life ever hits the fan.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: tylerw02</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I see no reason in the world to select a .30-06. </div></div>
Tylerw02-
I know there are a lot of people who prefer the .308 for everything but I am not one of them. I believe that the 30-06 is the best all around rifle and since I can only have one it is it, but that is a discussion for another thread and not what this one is for.

 

[ggmanning]

Re: .30-06 rifle build, input appreciated

I put a Krieger 1:10 on mine....the smallest one they would flute, 23" long. I prefer the 30/06 over .308 and having the ability to shoot 190-200+ bullets with resonable velocity without going to 300WM. It will kill anything I want to hunt very well and is a very good distance rig for steel. I hunt and target shoot with the gun so I see no reason not to shoot an /06. Perfect tweener in relation to .308 and 300WM.

 

[Gray]

Re: .30-06 rifle build, input appreciated

Save yourself about 6-8 months and buy my 30-06 Tactical Target rifle in the for sale section!!

 

[blr]

Re: .30-06 rifle build, input appreciated

About 10 years ago I had Darrell Holland work over my very first hi powered rifle - a Remington 700 BDL in 30-06. It sports a HS-P stock and a 24in Hart bbl and some other upgrades.

He essentially built up a close copy of a M24 in 30-06AI. As much as I love the -06AI, the ONLY thing I regret is having it in the AI version and not the std -06.

The -06 is a grossly under rated choice for long range shooting. It's easy on barrels, every bit as accurate as the 308/300WM, and is a joy to shoot. I'd say go for it.

Cheers!

 

[pistolpacknpete]

Re: .30-06 rifle build, input appreciated

i agree with tylerw02 i would go with a 308. you dont want to develope a flinch if u are just starting out. that will go plenty far. its cheap and easy to come by that ammo. a lot more options too

 

[Flatbush Harry]

Re: .30-06 rifle build, input appreciated

and per my previous new thread, pretty accurate as well (100 yard target yesterday).

FH

 

[Senderofan]

Re: .30-06 rifle build, input appreciated

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ggmanning</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I put a Krieger 1:10 on mine....the smallest one they would flute, 23" long. I prefer the 30/06 over .308 and having the ability to shoot 190-200+ bullets with resonable velocity without going to 300WM. It will kill anything I want to hunt very well and is a very good distance rig for steel. I hunt and target shoot with the gun so I see no reason not to shoot an /06. Perfect tweener in relation to .308 and 300WM. </div></div>

Well...my BR .308 spits out 185 gr. Berger VLD bullets at 2876 ft/sec ( Avg). and it could be pushed faster..but that's my accuracy node. That's right at .30-06 velocity...so the little .308 isn't too shabby. Mine is also a 1:10" twist. I'm sure I could use heavier bullets also...but not necessary.

The -06 has been around for a reason...it's a good choice. The tough decision will be what barrel length. If tactical enters in....26" or less for sure.

 

[RingingSteel]

Re: .30-06 rifle build, input appreciated

30'06 is an excellent round but if I were going to use that length cartridge I think I would consider a 280 Rem or 280 AI. BC is much higher for long range shoots.

 

[Senderofan]

Re: .30-06 rifle build, input appreciated

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: RingingSteel</div><div class="ubbcode-body">30'06 is an excellent round but if I were going to use that length cartridge I think I would consider a 280 Rem or 280 AI. BC is much higher for long range shoots. </div></div>

There you go!! There has been more and more buzz about the .280 Improved...I believe there are more ammo manufacturers making ammo for this round. Nearly 7 mag with less recoil and powder..very interesting round.

 

[HANDYMAN]

Re: .30-06 rifle build, input appreciated

I have a Remington 721 action with a 27" Hart barrel In 30-06AI and it's the most accurate rifle I own. The longer barrel allows you to use the slower burn powders and get that extra 100fps or so.

 

[ggmanning]

Re: .30-06 rifle build, input appreciated

Senderofan that is indeed fast but you are shooting a 308BR and the efficiency/design of that case vs a 308 Winchester allows faster burn rates with lower pressures. It gives potentially higher velocity than attainable with the 308 Winchester because it can use high burn rate powder with lower pressures. I am referring to a 308 Winchester when I say 308 as that is commonly accepted. The 308BR has always been the odd man out in that family of cases but they sure tore up the BR scores a few years back shooting light bullets. Cool case and certainly capable of great accuracy.

 

[Tx_Flyboy]

Re: .30-06 rifle build, input appreciated

sdom001,

I'm on the fence about a build myself.

Right now, i'm vascillating between a 30-06 tube gun or a long barrel 308 in an AR platform.

The objective is something for F-class, 600yard & 1,000yard matches.

I'd like to go 30-06 because its the best kept secreat in long range shooting...the ability to launch high BC 30 cal projectiles at 90% of 300WM factory velocities without the blast, extra recoil, and crappy barrel life.

I am however, recoil sensitive. My 308AR feels like it has no recoil...I have fired 200+ rounds in a sitting without being fatigued.

With the exception of the M1 garand, the other 30-06 rifles i've fired were regular light hunting rifles...the recoil is very unpleasant and i cant fire more than 5-8 rounds of 180grain bullets without flinching.

Question is how much harder will a competition (heavy) 30-06 shooting say 208AmAX at 2800ft/s and with no muzzle brake kick compared to a 308AR?

Sorry for the thread hijack.

 

[clmayfield]

Re: .30-06 rifle build, input appreciated

.280 Rem or .284 Win are both nice options in a long action with that bolt face.

 

[bohem]

Re: .30-06 rifle build, input appreciated

The 30-06 is an excellent round and you can't really go wrong with a well built -06.

The 280 Rem or 280 AI is a higher performing round and the high BC bullet selection is great in 7mm. I had a 280 for a barrel and it shot very well. Finding properly headstamped brass can be a PITA but it's not hard to fireform from 270 brass and Winchester makes good 270 brass.

The -06 case has been necked up, down, blown out, held short, etc. etc.


It is very flexible and there are a lot of components available to the reloader as well as match ammo available from Federal and smaller custom loading shops.

The 210gr bullets with H4831sc in a #5 Shilen gives enough material at 26" to still mount a suppressor, recoil isn't unmanageable, there's lots of room in the factory long action magazines out there to shoot it to the lands for a long time.

 

[cypriss32]

Re: .30-06 rifle build, input appreciated

I thought about building a 308 bolt gun, but I have a AR10 so no thanks. I have had a 30-06 bolt gun (SHOULD HAVE NEVER SOLD IT!!!!) I will be building another one soon. Mine will be Rem Varmint deep Fluted Rock barrel 1-10tw, manners MCT, BDL bottom metal, seekens base and rings.....
I can allways down load it to 308 velocities, or upload it almost 300win factory velocities.... My old load was a 190gr SMKS, 60Gr RL22 with win brass at 2925 FPS.

 

[MontanaMarine]

Re: .30-06 rifle build, input appreciated

30-06 is a good balance of performance, barrel life, shootability. Anytime you can launch projectiles with BC of .648 at speeds in the 2700-2800 fps range, you have a recipe for good LR performance. Doing it with a 208gr bullet delivers a lot of energy as well.

Mine started with a 26" Douglas #7 bbl, 1/10 twist. It made 2800 fps with 210 Berger, and 208 AMax.

I had it cut to 22.5" and braked, to let me spot better through the scope. It still does 2700+ fps with the 208s.

When you get to choosing stock, scope, mounts, etc, there are a lot of quality choices, and it comes down to personal preferences.

 

[MontanaMarine]

Re: .30-06 rifle build, input appreciated

I went with these parts,

McM A2
Douglas #7 bbl
Badger Ord brake, floorplate, knob, lug, base, rings
Leup MK4 16X

 

[ranger1183]

Re: .30-06 rifle build, input appreciated

The .30-06 is a tried and true cartridge. Fired in a modern action with a fast twist barrel, Hybrid/VLD bullets and custom loads, you can have a solid long range shooter.

I have both a .30-06 and a 6.5-280 Ackley Improved. But I've found that for the long range shooting I like to do, I'd rather have something in between these to.

Like a 7mm shooting the heavy Berger Hybrids. 280 Ackley Improved shooting the berger 180's (or the new 7mm 195 grain hybrids when they come out) have very impressive long range capabilities.

So you might want to consider the 7mm's before you positively commit to the .30-06 bandwagon.

 

[MontanaMarine]

Re: .30-06 rifle build, input appreciated

It's pretty hard to make a case against a 7mm. A 280 or 280AI would be just as easy as building a 30-06.

 

[Greg Langelius *]

Re: .30-06 rifle build, input appreciated

Shooting under 1MOA at 100yd with Fed GMM 150gr SMK loads is pretty good as is.

For match shooting, what's as important is how well that accuracy will hold up over 20 or more rounds of sustained fire.

One suggestion is kinda pricey, but deals with the accuracy and sustained fire barrel heating especially well. It's the Lothar-Walther Ultra-Lightweight Barrel which is specially constructed to shed heat and hold its zero under sustained fire.

As far as length goes, I'd want at least a 24" barrel for the .30-'06 if I were going to use it at the kind of distances you're talking about. My preference would be for a 26" barrel, and I'd like to go with a 1:10" twist just to be on the safe side if you're considering using bullet weights greater than 180gr.

If you're not totally married to the .30-'06; I'd suggest the .280 Rem with a 1:9" barrel at least 26" long. I consider it to be a well balanced commercial chambering that gets the best performance out of the .30-'06's case capacity. On paper, such a barrel could drive a 150gr Nosler Ballistic Tip to 1Kyd supersonic, and the 1:9" twist can handle bullets of up to 168gr with acceptable stability.

Greg

 

[sdom001]

Re: .30-06 rifle build, input appreciated

thank You for all the information guys. I appreciate evryones time in answering.
I am married to the 30-06. I have always been a fan and believe, like others it is severly underated and most of the time overlooked.
I'll be checking out all the barrel Manufac's and I'll let you guys know what ones I narrow it down to.

 

[Tx_Flyboy]

Re: .30-06 rifle build, input appreciated

sdom001,

What is the felt recoil onthe 30-06 like compared to a 308 AR?

 

[herr.baer]

Re: .30-06 rifle build, input appreciated

Here is my .06 build,

Remington 700 action
Broughton Barrel, 26" Max Heavy Varmint Contour, 1:10 twist
McRee Stock
IOR 3-18

 

[Greg Langelius *]

Re: .30-06 rifle build, input appreciated

My .30-'06's consist of a Garand and a lighter weight Win Mod 70 Hunter.

The Mod 70 wears a Limbsaver slip-on recoil pad, mainly to increase LOP. Recoil is firm, but not stout.

I don't use it for anything beyond 300yd, but I did take a 3rd with it in a state sniper rifle championship back in the '90's using 168gr FGMM. The barrel does not take the POI for a walk, and the sporter weight barrel seems to shed the heat quickly enough. As far as I can tell, it's a factory sporter in a glassbedded vintage B&C sporter stock.

The Garand is so much fun to shoot, who's paying attention to recoil? I'm grinning too hard to notice; takes up all my attention.

Greg

 

[sdom001]

Re: .30-06 rifle build, input appreciated

Imho it's not that much more. My best freind has an ar-10 .308 and it feels pretty close to the same to me. What has made a big difference to me is the recoil pad. I originally had the stock hard rubber one and my shoulder would start to hurt after 10 rounds or so. I just recently put on the Rem Super cell recoil pad and after a range session of 35 rounds, I still didn't feel anything in my shoulder. Not even the next day.

 

[ranger1183]

Re: .30-06 rifle build, input appreciated

There's nothing like a solid steel butt plate to make your vintage rifle an unforgetable shooting experience. "Limbsavers" is a very accurate name especially when firing the heavy bullets with hot loads.

 

[sdom001]

revive

Hey guys,
Just to keep you guys updated, I know its been a while but I decided to go with a Krieger Barrel 1-11 twist #17 HV (1.250" x .900") at 28" total length. I am trying to decided now on what muzzle brake to use. Does anyone have any suggestions?

 

[MontanaMarine]

There are a lot of good brakes out there.

Main thing, pick one with side discharge ports.

Omnidirectional ports can really kick up a lot of dirt.

 

[1braveman]

I shoot ELR in heavy magnum calibers,....BEST muzzle breaks I have found are made by BAT Machine Co., Rathdrum Idaho. (208) 687-0341 I have purchased a total of 4 now. They also make world famous rifle actions.

 

[cattle buyer]

If you like to read check out this Mans websight.
The Rifleman's Journal
Ain't nothing can't be fixed with 700dollars and a 30-06..... I collect and shoot many centerfires, hornet and bee thru 300 win mag. The 30-06 will do it all, my favorite is a mod 70 target in a sporter stock, vintage 56' still punching clover leafs... very best on your build

 

[Sniper Uncle]

Please update us on the accuracy etc as you progress. I have a Rem 700 in 30.06 which I am planning to rebuild too. I am looking at longer barrels 30" or so, and want to be sure my twist rate will handle the 200-220 grainers as well as the 168 or 178's. I am willing to drop the 168's if necessary. From what I have read, a properly set up 30.06 can do Most everything a 300 Win mag can do.
May I ask why you chose the 1-11 twist? What size bullets should that stabilize?
Good luck with the build.

 

[JGorski]

My H-S stocked Model 70 shoots like this out to 200 & 300yds, but since my Classic stocked 700 in 308 can do anything my 06 can do with less powder id choose the 308 over my 06 any day. That being said, if I ever get a hold of some 208 HPs id like to compare the two.

 

[asbestosglove]

Getting mine next week.
R700 LA
Badger M4 bottom
22" Brux 1/10 MTU contour threaded
McM A5 in woodland
Black graphite cero.
All work by PRT in Mebane, NC
Can't wait! AG in NC

 

[Jig Stick]

I see no reason in the world to select a .30-06.

Then you arent looking hard enough.

 

[STR]

There's nothing wrong with the 30-06 caliber. pleanty of ammo options, and reloading components if you hand load. It shoots just fine to 1K, and a bit beyond if the shooter has the skill. Yes, there are better calibers, but a lot of them have their issues. The 30-06 has been around a very long time, and dispite all these great other calibers, it manages to hold it's own all around. I recently asked the membership what they thought about a build on a long action with a 308 bolt face. I got alot of good advice, and after some weighing the pros and cons, I went with the 30-06. Boy, I don't know why I waited so long to build it. I had it out to 1K the first time out, and it did great. For those that never shot at Manatee Range, I can tell you that the unpredictable wind is a bitch, and still, it very well. Here are a couple of pics of my 30-06.
One thing to note on mine is that I used Talley one piece rings to keep the ocular lens in line with my eye. On the HTG without adjustable comb, this is necessary.

 

[Ken1941]

M1903 Match, 28" barrel, 30-06, none of those telescope sights, just good old iron sights. It is amazing looking through the iron sights at a 36" bull at 1000 yards. It really takes young eyes to make it all work!

 

[Sniper Uncle]

28" barrel, 30-06, none of those telescope sights, just good old iron sights. It is amazing looking through the iron sights at a 36" bull at 1000 yards. It really takes young eyes to make it all work!
View attachment 4237

View attachment 4239

Thanks for sharing Ken, that is one beautiful piece. What is it? I wouldn't mind having one like it.

You too, SRT. I hope mine looks as cool as yours when I get it done. I am still working to figure out barrel length---I'm going to use some calculations based on powder types and OBT to get the length number figured. But, I am going to keep it as a 30.06 for sure.

 

[MontanaMarine]

STR,

NICE rifle!

Shane

 

[MontanaMarine]

Sniper Uncle,

That's a really neat rifle.

The 30-06 has been doing it for a good while.

 

[Ken1941]

M1903 Match, After looking at the barrel crown area, it was not rust, but dirt and old oil.

 

[Sniper Uncle]

Sniper Uncle,

That's a really neat rifle.

The 30-06 has been doing it for a good while.

Yeah it is. I wish it was mine. I was quoting Ken in the previous post, and lamenting that I didn't have one like it.

 

[STR]

M1903 Match, 28" barrel, 30-06, none of those telescope sights, just good old iron sights. It is amazing looking through the iron sights at a 36" bull at 1000 yards. It really takes young eyes to make it all work!
View attachment 4237

View attachment 4239

That is really nice!!! Thank you guys. I built that on what I would call the cheap. The only brand new parts were the barrel, and APA brake.

 

[Muskox]

I shot my F-Class rifle as a 30-06 as it was built for a long time. Tikka T3 Varmint stainless synthetic. Put it in a manners and shot almost 1400 rounds out of it. Still have the barrel and I'll throw it in another rifle later on, as it was a 3/8ths of inch rifle.

 

[SPAK]

Hey guys,
Just to keep you guys updated, I know its been a while but I decided to go with a Krieger Barrel 1-11 twist #17 HV (1.250" x .900") at 28" total length. I am trying to decided now on what muzzle brake to use. Does anyone have any suggestions?

Depending on your stock and optics, a #17 barrel at 28" is going to be pretty heavy. My '06 with a 26" mtu, defiance action, manners t5a, topped with a razor, weighs in at about 17lbs. Pushing the 208 amax with no muzzle brake or supressor I actually find pretty comfortable....

I shoot suppressed as much as I can, but I when practice without the can, I don't find the recoil very much different.

I'd thread your barrel and try without the brake. If you find the recoil too much put a brake or a suppressor on...