Accurate but Lightweight LR-308?

[firestorm1284]

Hey guys, another question for the wise Hide members. I may be looking to get "the best of both worlds", and have my expectations too high, but I'll ask and see.

I'm looking to build an LR-308 that is both accurate, but relatively lightweight (9 pounds or so). Most of the target ones I've seen are 12 pounds empty. Most of the time it will be used as a target shooter out to about 300 yards, but this fall I will be taking a trip out to Wyoming for mule deer and antelope hunting where I may have 500-600 yard shots. The terrain is very hilly, and I'll have to hike miles in, so I don't want to lug a ridiculously heavy bench gun.

I've been looking at building my own, and it seems that most of the weight I can control is in the stock, the barrel and the free float tube/rail.

As for stocks, I know most guys use the PRS, but those things are heavy. How well does an ACS or CTR stock work for precision shooting? Does anyone know if the comb risers on the CTR will get in the way of the charging handle? If neither of these are good, any suggestions?

As for barrels, I think I'd like to go with a 16" QUALITY barrel. Most 16" barrels are lightweight, but I'd be willing to sacrifice a little weight here for accuracy. Suggestions on barrels under 350?

As for the free float tube/rail, I'd prefer a rail, but it's not completely necessary. A tube that has the ability to add picatinny rails where they are needed would be ideal. I have found several like this for the AR-15, but none for the LR-308.

I don't know if this type of build has been covered yet, I searched but couldn't find much. Any help would be appreciated.

 

[firestorm1284]

Re: Accurate but Lightweight LR-308?

I just re-read my post and I saw that I emphasized QUALITY on the barrel. I know I can't get a top grade barrel for 350, but that's my budget and I'm looking for the best that I can afford.

 

[RuLins05]

Re: Accurate but Lightweight LR-308?

For that price I would suggest Black Hole Weaponry, they carry 16-24" barrels in different profiles and in fact offers 16" in mid length for $285. I've done a few builds with their barrels and have been very impressed with their quality. If you added $45 more to you barrel budget you could get Rainer Ultra Match which is a Shilen blank but honestly and no disrespect to Rainer I think the BHW barrel will do you more than just fine.

 

[firestorm1284]

Re: Accurate but Lightweight LR-308?

RuLins - Thanks for the tip on the barrel. Another Hide member also mentioned them in a different thread. I have now called them 3 times on 3 different days and left messages with absolutely no response... I don't doubt that they make a great barrel, but that has me a bit worried!

I guess I'll give them another call tomorrow. That 16" for 285 you references, this is a precision barrel? I was on their site, and the 16" barrels don't say anything about the grade of barrel. Several of the 18" barrels for 295 specify they are match grade...

 

[jbgleason]

Re: Accurate but Lightweight LR-308?

I am working on a similar build and went with a PRI tube and added rail sections for the bipod. And sling attachment. I went with the PRS stock but am going to change it out to a different unit with a LaRue RISR.

 

[Oakland Tactical]

Re: Accurate but Lightweight LR-308?

I like the ACS for precision if you want an adjustable stock. It has good storage for batteries and it is a lot like the LMT SOPMOD stock, it is very comfortable, without the problem of hitting the lever and collapsing when prone on bags. I noticed the new KAC rifle that is being solicited to the military is using them, at least on their prototype.

As far as your barrel, I would go with the Noveske if your doing an Armalite pattern. I know it is 210.00 more but you will save most of that by buying a Armalite pattern lower and you will KNOW it will be accurate. If not I like Ranier ultra match barrel. You really cant skimp in this area and be happy.

I also like the PRI FF tubes they are light weight, comfortable and led the pack of late comers now using modular rails. They always align right on, some of the quad rails that are supposed to be top shelf have a slight bow between the upper and the rail due to the attachment methods.

I have built a few rifles and the good ones dont get shot often, if at all. The premiums get used every trip to the range. Just my 2 cents.

 

[BCP]

Re: Accurate but Lightweight LR-308?

Fulton barrels aren't bad and are in your price range. They have an 18" model that is lightweight and chrome lined, I've shot one and it was accurate enough for me. Certainly in the "more accurate than I am" category with hand loads and it didn't weigh a lot. Fulton also makes a free float tube handguard with removable rails. However the handguard I'd go with is troy, they make a lightweight tube handguard with a rail on top and I think mounting areas on the sides and bottom, doesn't cost a lot and the whole thing counting the nut weighs just under 12 ounces. Both of those handguards are under 200$ too I think so won't break the bank and they include a barrel nut.

Stocks I usually go with either A2 stocks or get a spring, buffer, buffer tube and a 60$ CTR. I don't find myself having cheek weld or length of pull problems so I've never bothered to spend for a stock that offers that functionality.

edit: use an armalite AR-10 buffer spring and a slash heavy buffer if you can afford it, they are worth it.

 

[Redmanss]

Re: Accurate but Lightweight LR-308?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: firestorm1284</div><div class="ubbcode-body">RuLins - Thanks for the tip on the barrel. Another Hide member also mentioned them in a different thread. I have now called them 3 times on 3 different days and left messages with absolutely no response... I don't doubt that they make a great barrel, but that has me a bit worried!

I guess I'll give them another call tomorrow. That 16" for 285 you references, this is a precision barrel? I was on their site, and the 16" barrels don't say anything about the grade of barrel. Several of the 18" barrels for 295 specify they are match grade...</div></div> Easter weekend and they're a small business. They may have been away for a few days.

 

[346ci]

Re: Accurate but Lightweight LR-308?

ARP is working on a pretty bad A light weight .308. I don't know how long you can wait for one but he is pretty busy with 6.8 stuff. It would be worth giving him a call.

 

[firestorm1284]

Re: Accurate but Lightweight LR-308?

Thanks for all the input guys. I think I will try the ACS or CTR and see how that works out. If I don't like them, I have an AR with a plain jane collapsible I could throw it on.

As far as the barrels, I can definitely understand why a business would be busy around Easter. However, it is now the end of Wednesday and I have still not gotten a call back. I left a message on Friday and again on Monday. Regardless, they seem to be highly recommended, so it must just be a communication error.

346ci - What/Who is ARP? Is that a company or a Hide member? I can wait.. for the right product. I'd rather buy what I really want than buy something, be unhappy, and turn around and sell it.

 

[firestorm1284]

Re: Accurate but Lightweight LR-308?

I looked at those Troy handguards as well. I didn't see one I'd want for UNDER 200, but I did see one for 210 that sure looked awesome. I'd imagine that's the one I'll go with! Thanks for the tip BCP.

 

[346ci]

Re: Accurate but Lightweight LR-308?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: firestorm1284</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
346ci - What/Who is ARP? Is that a company or a Hide member? I can wait.. for the right product. I'd rather buy what I really want than buy something, be unhappy, and turn around and sell it. </div></div>

He might be a member here but is well known for some of the best 6.8 AR type builds. AR Performance is the company name, him and his wife run it. If you are a member on 68Forums, here is a link to that build: http://68forums.com/forums/showthread.php?17204-lightweight-308-ITS-12-in-2011

 

[firestorm1284]

Re: Accurate but Lightweight LR-308?

346 - Thanks for the info. I went to that thread, and then found his site. I called him up, but I guess you were correct. He's too busy with 6.8 stuff right now to do any work on anything else. Thanks for the lead anyway!

 

[MLC]

Re: Accurate but Lightweight LR-308?

Have you considered using a caliber smaller than 308 for your rifle?
A 6mmAR with a modest contoured 24" barrel on a standard AR platform would give you good ballistics for target and hunting purposes and a lighter weight on your back.

 

[trilogymac]

Re: Accurate but Lightweight LR-308?

MLC has a good suggestion.

I have what I consider a LW 6mmAR that I hunt with. Weight is
8lbs 13oz all up. It has a 3-12x42 S&B Classic, LMT collapsable , fluted 19" Rock, and JP HG. Shoots between .625 and .750, 90 percent of the time with Varget and 105 AMAX. When we head to the farm, it is always with me.

Althought not as accurate as my HB 6mmAR, it is excellent for carrying and killing.

Hope this helps.
Trilogymac

 

[MLC]

Re: Accurate but Lightweight LR-308?

My suggestion for the longer barrel was simply for velocity/trajectory. A 20" 6mm AR will still shoot flatter than a 308, but with the longer barrel there is no competition.

 

[fairdebtlawyer]

Re: Accurate but Lightweight LR-308?

I have a 16" fluted barrel on my LR-308 and that mofo is GTG. Haven't shot it a lot but I have easily hit steel at 500yd with 150FMJ. Handloads with 155 Lapua Scenars chrono fast enough to stay supersonic at 1000. When I zeroed it about 18 months ago, I could hold under 1.5MOA at 200 with Rem factory match ammo. Didn't shoot it again until last December when it dropped a hog at about 250 with one shot.

I don't see any reason to mess with a barrel longer than 16", not if you're going to be walking through woods. It hits what it needs to and kills what it hits. I don't know how much my rig weighs with its 10x Bushnell, but I can easily carry it for hours with a Blue Force Gear Vickers sling just like it were an M4. Might want to get the version with the broader shoulder strap, though.

 

[xanderzuk]

Re: Accurate but Lightweight LR-308?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: fairdebtlawyer</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I have a 16" fluted barrel on my LR-308 and that mofo is GTG. Haven't shot it a lot but I have easily hit steel at 500yd with 150FMJ. Handloads with 155 Lapua Scenars chrono fast enough to stay supersonic at 1000. When I zeroed it about 18 months ago, I could hold under 1.5MOA at 200 with Rem factory match ammo. Didn't shoot it again until last December when it dropped a hog at about 250 with one shot.

I don't see any reason to mess with a barrel longer than 16", not if you're going to be walking through woods. It hits what it needs to and kills what it hits. I don't know how much my rig weighs with its 10x Bushnell, but I can easily carry it for hours with a Blue Force Gear Vickers sling just like it were an M4. Might want to get the version with the broader shoulder strap, though. </div></div>

What kind of barrel are you running?

 

[Tx_Flyboy]

Re: Accurate but Lightweight LR-308?

Firestorm,

Your answer is the DPMS LR308L. The gun weighs 7.9lbs empty, comes with a 2-stage trigger, and a compensator. It is priced around $1100-$1250.

Hope this helps.

Regards,

 

[wfjames22]

Re: Accurate but Lightweight LR-308?

Check out these foreams if you havent yet. They make ones for LR308's in 4 different lengths and they are pretty light. You can also use rails where you want/need them. I think this is what I am going to use on my LR308 soon.

 

[firestorm1284]

Re: Accurate but Lightweight LR-308?

Thanks everyone for the responses. I did think about a 6mm, more precisely 6.5 Creedmoor or .260 Rem. I decided against those because I reload, and already have the whole setup for .308. In addition, I have a couple thousand .308 brass. In the past I have dealt with some wildcats, and I have formed my own, but to be honest it's a pain. Buying factory ammo is just to expensive!

I looked at that DPMS LR308L, and DPMS had exactly my ideas in mind, however I think that their buttstock is UGLY, and I don't think I'd have the option to add picatinny rails with their FF tube. Maybe I can buy the barrel somewhere?

I also checked out those JP tubes, they look very nice, almost exactly what I want. I like having the functionality of rails, but only want them where I actually need them to reduce weight.

I agree, I think a 16" barrel is a great compromise here. I know I'll be losing some valuable velocity, but I think it will be just enough to have reasonable hits out to 600 yards or so.

 

[Tx_Flyboy]

Re: Accurate but Lightweight LR-308?

Firestorm,

The FF tubes and buttstocks are easy to customize.

Remember, your subject line reads "accurate but lightweight". with ur talk of rails and such, the weight of your rifle is already on the uptick.

You can buy the LR308L barrel from DPMS directly. Its $300.

 

[firestorm1284]

Re: Accurate but Lightweight LR-308?

Flyboy, thanks for the info on the barrel. I do realize that rails add weight, but that is why I like those JP handguards, where you can add them only where you need them. I think a lot of times, people get the rails strictly for the "cool" factor. Which I will admit, is ALWAYS a factor in any rifle I build. However, not at the cost of the intended purpose. I do need some rails to mount my front BUIS sight and I'd like to get one of those magpul angled forends if they don't weight too much.

 

[fairdebtlawyer]

Re: Accurate but Lightweight LR-308?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: XanderZuk</div><div class="ubbcode-body">What kind of barrel are you running? </div></div>
uhhhhh ... dang, somebody had to ask that.

Really don't know, it looks kind of medium-weight, fluted forward of the gas block, and was just the one that was on the rifle when I got it. AFAIK it's the factory barrel. I traded my Rem LTR with Bushnell 10x and Harris bipod straight-up for this rifle, including iron sights and a 10-round and a 19-round mag, a couple years ago. That was with WICKEDFISH here on the Hide and it was definitely a win-win. Last I heard, he shoots that LTR much better than I ever did, and I have an outstanding gas gun that's now the last rifle I'd ever give up, especially now that I have a Geissele trigger in it.