Build Recommendations?

[BobinNC]

I am in the process of obtaining a donor rifle/action for medium game hunting first, and LR Target shooting as a secondary activity. I'm interested in building, rather than just buying off the rack.

My requirements are:

Man portable: 10 lbs or less complete
Caliber: .284
Performance range: 160-162 grain bullets @ 2900-3000 FPS

My proposed donor rifle is a Remington 700 SS in 7mm Rem SAUM. So it's a short action with magnum bolt face. That fits my critieria, and I believe I will stay with the 7mm Rem SAUM, rather than the 7mm WSM.

I plan on ditching/trashing/selling the current barrel and stock, and keeping only the action.

Donor rifle:...................................... $400.
Less selling off the barrel and stock.............- $50.
Barrel: Hart #5.5 contour, 22", 1-9" twist,7mm Rem
SAUM installed, threaded, action squared...........$650.
Fluting by Hart 6 Flutes for weight reduction......$120.
McMillan HTG Stock, Forest Camo, complete install..$780.

Already On-Hand in the junk box:

Farrell 20 MOA bases Rem SA
Leupold QRW 30mm rings

Without scope I'm at $1900.

I've bought nothing yet, and I am still open to suggestions.

Can I do better? If so where? Can I go cheaper?

Any Thoughts or changes I could make?

Thanks,

Bob

 

[our gang]

Re: Build Recommendations?

An interesting plan. I have a 300 SAUM gas gun and it really drives tacks. That said, I would be concerned about the 7 SAUM becoming an orphan. Have you thought about a early 700 or an early Ruger 77 in 7mm Remmag? They would both already have medium heavy 24 or 26" barrels and be twisted for the 150-160 gr bullet which was "the load" back then. You can always load the big 7 down to even 7mm08 levels and still get sub MOA accuracy.
Although not generally used for it, the 7mm remmag is a far superior long range round to the 308 and with the right bullets, could probably shade the 300 winmag.
Good shooting!

 

[Criver600]

Re: Build Recommendations?

Get one of Stillers "Tac" actions and go first class. I have two builds on Remington 700 actions that Greg Tannel has worked his magic on but.............. I just got a Stiller.

 

[Buzzsaw]

Re: Build Recommendations?

+1 on the Stiller and bump to the WSM, I think what ever action you get will have to be opened up to handle the large base.

You will get a different answer from everyone as we all have opinions. I like your plan, I like the McMillan stock, don't know what the wait time is so Manners can be your second choice. Go to 6mmbr.com, look at the "guns of the week" week #64 is just what you're looking for. The same guy built my 7mmWSM below. It shoots way better than me!! Good luck, keep us posted.

Oh Yeah, spend another $1600 on your optics, don't go cheap.

 

[buckey]

Re: Build Recommendations?

Here is my custom hunting rig by Patriot Arms (now American Precision Arms):

Rem 700 action trued and squared = 30.06 caliber

Mike Rock Barrel= 24" long, #3 contour, 1-11.25" twist

Spiral fluted bolt

Patriot Arms oversized recoil lug and bolt knob

McMillan Sako Hunter stock = standard fill, woodland camo, pillar/skim bedded

Old style Rem 700 trigger tuned to 2.5#

Rem 700 Bottom metal

Badger flat base and 30 mm rings

All metal Cera-Koted matte black

Weighs in just over 8# scoped up & balances perfectly.

Cost me about $2500 (I used my "donor" 700 action)