700 Long action just sitting around :'(

[broylz]

I plan on going with a bartlein m24 1:11 twist from bugholes.com. debating wether or not I want to put a brake on mine as well. looking at a APA fat bastard brake on a 24". will roughly be the same length as a 26" but my goal is long range primarily.

if you don't want to go as heavy, I really like the Varmint/Sendero contours I have had in the past with .308s.

I would say the choice depends on your use. if I hunted more, I would go with the Sendero and throw it in a manner EH-1 stock. with my target build, im still debating a HS Precision M24 stock or a Manners T2-A.

 

[GrantA]

M24 1:11 Rock 5R chambered w/ Serengeti reamer is what mine is getting, especially if you want 20-22" the weight should balance out pretty well

 

[maclowry]

I would go with a heavy varmint or maybe m24 in 1/10 twist. To take advantage of being able to use the high BC bullets. Good luck on your build.

I have a few R700 LA, and love the .30-06.
Cheese,
I just added one in the trade section in search of a SA. You had someone wanting to trade you?

 

[GhostFace]

Mine is a M24 1/10 Rock with .30-06 Obermyer chamber. Barrel is 22 inches from the lug and it sits in a AI 1.5 chassis. I don't know how long the brake is but from the looks of it it is about 2 inches. I'll know when I pick it up in the next couple of days. The chassis seemed to balance the weight of the barrel, it didn't feel heavy at all. I know that will change when I put the can on.


BTW good choic on the '06!

 

[BigCheese1]

I would go with a heavy varmint or maybe m24 in 1/10 twist. To take advantage of being able to use the high BC bullets. Good luck on your build.

I have a few R700 LA, and love the .30-06.
Cheese,
I just added one in the trade section in search of a SA. You had someone wanting to trade you?

There was a gentleman who was willing to trade if he came across a SA. I was about to go for it then my girlfriend said... "why would you limit yourself to a SA? Why not keep the LA and then you can go up if you ever wanted to!" I was like damn it woman go back to the kitchen!

My heart has been set on a 308 forever but the old Aught 6 just seems too bad ass, it just bothers me how so many guys knock it like theres something wrong with it!!

 

[BigCheese1]

Mine is a M24 1/10 Rock with .30-06 Obermyer chamber. Barrel is 22 inches from the lug and it sits in a AI 1.5 chassis. I don't know how long the brake is but from the looks of it it is about 2 inches. I'll know when I pick it up in the next couple of days. The chassis seemed to balance the weight of the barrel, it didn't feel heavy at all. I know that will change when I put the can on.


BTW good choic on the '06!

Could you put a picture up for me? I mainly want to see the barrel length with the brake!! Thanks!!

 

[Layton]

it just bothers me how so many guys knock it like theres something wrong with it!!

There is absolutely nothing wrong with a 30-06. Some folks are just hung up on short actions. As I've mentioned before, I agree with your girlfriend.

L

 

[BigCheese1]

There is absolutely nothing wrong with a 30-06. Some folks are just hung up on short actions. As I've mentioned before, I agree with your girlfriend.

L

I cannot fathom why there is anything wrong with it?
It has a long proud history.
It is a 30 Cal.
It is a little more power than a .308.
It can be loaded up to Win Mag levels, and down to 308 levels.
It's bad ass to say "Aught 6".
The ammo can be found everywhere, all the damn time.

In all my research... The biggest complaints I read of is the accuracy not being up to par in the '06. The only reasons that make sense to me is the power column not always being up against the bullet, giving a slightly less than ideal powder burn? And more case touching the bullet?

I never see any 1/4 to 1/2 MOA groups using an 06 and I wonder why this is. I really wonder why more guys are not building precision rifles based off this cartridge.

 

[RHunter]

I really wonder why more guys are not building precision rifles based off this cartridge

Because it isn't cool anymore. When the military changed, so did the opinion. But I see a lot more 30-06 match quality rifles today than I did 5 years ago. I think people are starting to realize it is a better cartridge because of the longer range performance. You just have to make the right choices when reloading it.

Look at all the projectile choices we have now compared to 10 years ago! It is so easy to squeeze every ounce of potential performance out of a 30-06 and this was not possible when we did not have all the high BC bullets and designer propellants we have today. The 30-06 was plagued with loads designed originally for Garands 75 years ago, now that that era has all but passed, what you see now are high performance loads that are pushing velocities found in a 300 WM. Try to get that out of a .308.

The biggest complaints I read of is the accuracy not being up to par in the '06. The only reasons that make sense to me is the power column not always being up against the bullet, giving a slightly less than ideal powder burn? And more case touching the bullet?

Like I said, There are some good powders for this cartridge that allow you to load it to max capacity unlike the old Garand loads that sound like a half empty salt shaker when you rattle them next to your ear. Some manufactures are still very conservative when loading 30-06 because they do not know what they will be shot in. There are a lot of old 30-06's still being used that can not handle the high pressures modern firearms can.

I get the same accuracy out of a 30-06 as I do a .308 and 20% more effective range. My 308's are now limited to AR's, my LR 30 caliber bolt guns are exclusively 30-06 and I would never, ever, go back to a SA .308 in a bolt gun knowing what I know about reloading 30-06 today.

 

[BigCheese1]

I get the same accuracy out of a 30-06 as I do a .308 and 20% more effective range. My 308's are now limited to AR's, my LR 30 caliber bolt guns are exclusively 30-06 and I would never, ever, go back to a SA .308 in a bolt gun knowing what I know about reloading 30-06 today.

I currently have NOTHING to reload with yet. I will be buying all my ammo. I am sure I can scrape together some $$$ after this build is finished to reload... But suppose I NEVER can. Will I still be able to get the tack driving accuracy I desire with my first precision build, using the 06? I do not know what else I would go with? If I cannot be convinced of over the shelf ammo with the 06, I may just be better trading my Long Action for a Shorty and going with a .308 or 6.5whatever to get that accuracy I want. Nothing is more frustrating that groups that are not at least MOA. If I am limited to only store bought ammo, do you think I would still be fine with the 06?

 

[RHunter]

For the cost of 4 boxes of good 30-06 you can buy everything you need to reload them with. You can get a good set of dies and a single stage press for less than a hundred bucks. Then all you need is a pound of powder, a sleeve of primers and a box of bullets and you are set to load at least 100 rounds...

 

[BigCheese1]

For the cost of 4 boxes of good 30-06 you can buy everything you need to reload them with. You can get a good set of dies and a single stage press for less than a hundred bucks. Then all you need is a pound of powder, a sleeve of primers and a box of bullets and you are set to load at least 100 rounds...

Thats it? I apologize for my ignorance!! I have not even bothered getting into reloading yet. I have been so caught up in building my AR and this current build. I will follow that advice when I finish this rifle for sure! But really... how is the store bought ammo going to treat me? Is 1/4 MOA a realistic expectation with quality bought 06? I plan on doing this build right, so the quality of the barrel and all other components will be top notch.

 

[Layton]

I never see any 1/4 to 1/2 MOA groups using an 06 and I wonder why this is. I really wonder why more guys are not building precision rifles based off this cartridge.

Here's a 10 shot 30-06 group for ya. Was sighting in one of my rifles after changing scopes so it took 3 to dial in and then 7 more into basically a nickel. Hand loads, factory 700 sporter barrel. Shot the group is about 5 minutes. Tight enough for a hot factory 700. '06s can be made to shoot just like everything else. They're just not 'cool' anymore as RHunter said.

BTW, you can still put a 308 in that LA and you'd be fine.

 

[BoilerUP]

Is 1/4 MOA a realistic expectation with quality bought 06?

IMO, no.

I believe the only factory match 30-06 ammo is FGMM, though maybe you'll get lucky with 180gr Core Lokts shooting that well...but probably not. I think asking 1/4MOA from factory ammo, even in a custom rifle, is a pretty tall stretch.

If you wanna run the '06 to its potential, you will need to reload. If you want to run ANY caliber to its potential, you're going to need to reload. And if reloading isn't in the cards due to money/space/time/whatever, stay with the 308 or 6.5 Creedmoor.

 

[BigCheese1]

Here's a 10 shot 30-06 group for ya. Was sighting in one of my rifles after changing scopes so it took 3 to dial in and then 7 more into basically a nickel. Hand loads, factory 700 sporter barrel. Shot the group is about 5 minutes. Tight enough for a hot factory 700. '06s can be made to shoot just like everything else. They're just not 'cool' anymore as RHunter said.

BTW, you can still put a 308 in that LA and you'd be fine.

Thanks man! Your help has been really appreciated. Excellent info!

 

[BigCheese1]

IMHO, the single most significant thing that made the 308 accurate and the 06 a dog is the internet.

More people have been spent money, time and energy on the 308 then the 06 in recent years. I think German Salazar has proven that the 06 shouldn't be immediatly discounted when considering a 1000yd rifle. Horses for courses, when considering other factors such as recoil, rifle weight, bullet preferences, there are other options, but if you are interested in hitting targets at 1000yds the 06 is a solid choice.

I am interested in taking this rifle near the desert to whack some coyotes, go to Colorado mountains for elk, shoot deer and pigs everywhere in between, bang some steel as far as the eye can see, or go to the 100 yard in door range and get penny sized groups with a badass looking gun. My debate is really 308 vs 3006. I want a 30 cal bullet and I believe either choice will do me well. I definitely agree on the fads on the internet having a huge part in this

 

[Fjr86]

I am a small build and run 30-06 fine on my rig. 5'5" 130 lbs. I run with a Med Palma Bartlein 24" 1:10 with an AAC brake. Recoil is very manageable and just a little more than my braked .308 AR. I chose 30-06 as I can squeeze out a little more velocity or run heavier bullets like the 208 Amax.

I've heard with modern powders and such, the .308 can obtain 30-06 velocities. If this is true, then the 30-06 when reloaded with modern components, should achieve even higher velocities than previously tested. Which is where I am seeing people saying that the 30-06 can obtain velocities similar to light 300WM loads. That is why I chose 30-06. I am currently shooting factory match ammo until I can start collecting equipment to start reloading.

 

[STR]

The 30-06 will do everything the 308 will, and a little more. Ammo is equally available for both. Recoil is about the same. Both will shoot as good as the work done to the rifle. My 30-06 has shot a few 1/4 MOA groups with 1/2 MOA being the norm. I do hand load, but if I didn't, there's good ammo for hunting, and target shooting available. Not taking away from any of the other recommendations, but I like the 30-06 in a long action better than a 308 in a long action.

Kind of like lifting a truck 8 inches to run 32 inch tall tires.

 

[BigCheese1]

The 30-06 will do everything the 308 will, and a little more. Ammo is equally available for both. Recoil is about the same. Both will shoot as good as the work done to the rifle. My 30-06 has shot a few 1/4 MOA groups with 1/2 MOA being the norm. I do hand load, but if I didn't, there's good ammo for hunting, and target shooting available. Not taking away from any of the other recommendations, but I like the 30-06 in a long action better than a 308 in a long action.

Kind of like lifting a truck 8 inches to run 32 inch tall tires.

Running a short action caliber in a long action has probably been my biggest concern. It has felt like somewhat of a waste. Thank you for the input!

 

[STR]

Mine is a little heavy, but unless you're going on a long hike, it works just fine. I've posted pics of this one before, but here it is again.

 

[The Lawn Ranger]

Another vote for 6.5x55 Swede.

Low recoil and great bullet selection.

 

[RHunter]

I chose 30-06 as I can squeeze out a little more velocity or run heavier bullets like the 208 Amax.

I love reading common sense posts. I cringe every time I read a post where someone touts a 308 for shooting pills this heavy. This is one of the BEST things about a 30-06, a whole different class of weights that you can't lift properly in a 308.

208 grain Amax and IMR4350 is such a sweet LR combination in an 06'- 1400 fps and 1000 lbs of energy crossing the 1000 yard finish line = Happy happy.

 

[BoilerUP]

What kind of realistic, real-world velocity can a 26" '06 achieve with a 208/210?

 

[Layton]

Looking at the reloading manuals I have they don't list the 208g for the '06 but for just about every other weight there is a 300-400fps difference between a 308 and a 30-06. Even if you cut that difference in half it's still significant when you get to 1000y+. That's a couple of hundred yards more without going subsonic. You can either fight with a 308 to get it to shoot like a 30-06 or just build a 30-06. That's they way I look at it anyways. If the military hadn't adopted the 308 we wouldn't even be having this conversation.
L

edt: the 30-06 is just like the 6.5x55. There are different animals today than they were a 100 years ago.

 

[Deadshot2]

Damn it I know!? I guess I could... but when the additional length and vibrations of my long action gives me a 4" group at 100 I'm blaming you, rem700targetactical!!! Then you'll buy me a short action as an apology...

To help out a long action, mount it in a stock with a full aluminum action block. That will stiffen it up a lot to begin with. If you want to "finish" the job then mount your picatinney rail "semi-permanently" by leaving out the parting agent when you bed it to the action. Make sure both rail and action are free of any grease/oil in the contact area and bond rather than bed. I just mount the rail without any bedding first and mask off the areas I don't want any stuff sticking. Degrease using q-tips and any quick evaporating de-greaser (so the tape isn't loosened). Upgrade the mounting screws to #8-40 (Brownell's has a nice kit). This will stiffen the top of the action much like the integral rail that Surgeon actions have (as well as others). If you ever do want or need to remove the rail, some heat and a good smack with a cowhide mallet does the trick.

 

[6xcKY]

This is what I would do if I had your money to play with...

Keep the LA, chamber in .300WM, I know its a mule, but it will lay a deer down before it knows what hit it, or where from.
Go with a Light Varmint contour, it wont weight as much as a Heavy or MTU, but it wont be as light as a sporter either so it will be easy to pack and with a threaded muzzle brake you wont have a rifle that kills on both ends.
Also, you need a lightweight stock. You're paying for a nicely built rifle, so dont go cheap on the stock.
McMillan Hunting Stocks, McMillan Fiberglass Stocks, Synthetic Stocks, Hunting & Sport Stocks

Posted on this before... need some fresh ideas FAST! hunting season not far off. Here goes it...

I desperately want a .308. However, I have a former .270 Remington 700 LONG ACTION.. Action stripped, sitting by itself waiting to be built up. My ideal gun is a trued short action .308. I would just use my long action for the 308 but I don't want to waste the capacity to use something bigger! (6.5, 30-06, maybe 270 again)

Should I just true it up and use it as a .308? or Will someone trade me so I can get started with a short action build?

Intended use is hunting/ some punching paper and looong range just for kicks. Want to be able to shoot rabbits heads off at a good distance and take out coyotes at the longest practical range, and be able to truck it into deer and elk country. 308 is so accurate and readily available.. I feel the need for it but don't like the idea of the extra length, weight, and so called "flex" of the long action... Will accept nothing less than 3/4 to .5 MOA. Research indicates that .308 meets my needs! If only i could trade my Long action for a short action!?!

I just want to build something. Bad. .308 is my ideal round... If anyone can shed some light on using it in a long action that would be great. ( I am aware that our snipers have or still do use this combo) Simply prefer not wasting weight and length when not needed!

 

[GhostFace]

Could you put a picture up for me? I mainly want to see the barrel length with the brake!! Thanks!!

I picked the rifle up today but when I grabbed the camera the battery was dead. I will plug it in when I get off work in the morning. She is a heavy beast, 12 + pounds with an empty mag and no scope or can when we weighed it. Looks good though....

 

[BigCheese1]

I picked the rifle up today but when I grabbed the camera the battery was dead. I will plug it in when I get off work in the morning. She is a heavy beast, 12 + pounds with an empty mag and no scope or can when we weighed it. Looks good though....

Awesome.. cannot wait

 

[RHunter]

Keep the LA, chamber in .300WM, I know its a mule, but it will lay a deer down before it knows what hit it, or where from.

300 WM is a waste of good powder.

If you are into pain then you may as well scream in agony shooting a 7MM RUM, it has a better ballistic profile.

I own a 300WM, mainly because the gun I wanted only comes in that cartridge, But I would never buy a rifle in a 300 WM BS belted case when I can get a non-belted 7mm RUM that will dam near hit you on the south side when you are shooting north. Only really bad thing about 7mm RUM is you get about 600 rounds out of the barrel before it is toast. Well two things are really bad, the recoil in MURDER!

 

[Mackay Sagebrush]

The whole "short action versus long action" thing has been hyped up so much and parrotted by so many who had little to no experience behind bolt guns it is crazy. Same thing with every pistol malfunction being diagnosed by internet experts as being caused by the shooter "limp twisting" the weapon.

99% of shooters getting behind SA or LA guns in the dark and operating them would not notice one bit of difference. I ran an issued M24 with zero problems. Don't get hung up on long versus short actions, it matters not.

Now that I have vented a bit and have stepped off the soap box. , I will just say that I am a fan (and owner of multiple examples) of both the .308,as well as the awesome 30-06. The 06 does not get much press these days, but it will get any job you need done, done, and it will do it well.

Personally I run 185 grain Lapua Scenars as my "go-to" load and .5 moa is no problem out of the older Tikka I recently acquired. Currently it is wearing a US Optics 10x and it is a fun old gun. I think old Gunny Hathcock would approve.

 

[Deadshot2]

But before you go... Mr. Know it Alls, what barrel contour would you recommend for this build?

The MTU profile. That way when you're tight on ammo or components you can use it as a "barbell" in your weight room )

 

[GhostFace]

Crappy iPhone pic, digi is acting up....

 

[kmose73]

6.5x55 would be good

 

[mallrat]

Parts ordered?

 

[GhostFace]

Parts ordered?

If you are talking to me it's (If not sorry):

R700 fully blue printed by Ray Saltzman
Saltzman 2 port brake threaded for my can
22.5 inch M24/M40 Rock 1/10 5R
AICS 1.5
Weaver Tactical 20 MOA base
Leupold tactical rings
PST 6-24 MOA
a Badger Ord copy bolt Knob
my very own home made 1..5 quick adjust sling


I did some load developement yesterday started using Winny virgin brass & magnum primers, 190 Nosler CCs and RL22. I started at 57 grains and worked up 60 but stopped at 59.6 because I ran out of time. 58.4 produced the best groups, several 1/4 MOA five shot groups. I just loaded more of these up and plan on testing them at 300 yards to see how they group. I was getting around 2770 FPS on average with the 58.4 load.All the other loads above this charge opened up. The temp was 63 degrees and I am right at 750 ASL. I didn't notice much of a change in velocity as I worked up to justify using more powder with a loss of accuracy. The 59.6 was producing an average 2825 FPS and the groups opened up to right at 1 MOA from 59 on up. I cleaned the barrel today and not one single blue patch, I hope she tightens up with a wider range of charges as the barrel breaks in....

 

[mallrat]

Actually I was talking to Bigcheese, but I do like to see a parts list. Kinda points me in the right direction when I'm looking for a specific component.