Alright I have been shooting bolt guns my entire life and I have decided to build a general purpose precision rifle for all my needs. This rifle will be used for a little target shooting maybe twice a month and hunting. I live in NC so game here is not large but I want the rifle to be capable of killing elk size game without much trouble if I relocate to another state because there is a good chance I will in the future. Recoil is not a concern I can use a muzzle brake and reloading cost is not a huge deal either but barrel life does concern me I don't want a barrel burner because this rifle needs to last. What cartridge would be ideal for my needs I am going to be dropping a huge chunk of money on this rifle the final build will be around 7000 dollars with scope I am putting a S&B on it. I can't afford to do this over again and I would rather have quality not quantity as this gun will last the rest of my life. I was considering a tac ops rifle because I hear great things but I almost want to buy a surgeon action because of how well built they are. I am thinking a .300 wsm would be a good round for me to go to but I hear so many mixed reviews with some people saying they burn barrels. Any advice or opinions are welcome thank you.
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Building a do it all rifle.
- Thread starter rhino02
- Start date
Re: Building a do it all rifle.
6.5x55
Run it mild for normal use, load it up a bit for long shots on elk.
6.5x55
Run it mild for normal use, load it up a bit for long shots on elk.
Re: Building a do it all rifle.
Ok. The elk hunting requirement drives the minimum energy you need, but the barrel life requirement pretty much rules out the magnums in my view of good barrel life. You need to specify how many rounds you need minimum.
With what little specifics you have in your post, I would initially recommend the .30-06. No, its not the latest and greatest fad chambering, but it is probably the most versatile round out there. You can down load it with lighter loads. You can push it hard with heavier bullets for elk. You can shoot looong range with it with heavies like the 208Amax, or load up some fast varmint bullets. It is not the master of any category except maybe versatility. Ammo is available in every town in America large or small, with more bullet options than you can shake a stick at. Barrel life in the thousands of rounds, since you can load it like a 308 Winchester, with the option to load it like a mag.
Will it have the ballistics of a fast 7mm? No. Will it have the energy of a 300WinMag? No. Recoil of a 243? No. But, if you want a do it all rifle you have to compromise in exchange for being able to do many things well.
So I would say .30-06 based on what little you gave to go on. If you had more specific requirements, like a "X" amount of energy to "X" yards or "at least 4000 rounds barrel life" etc then we might be able to give a better suggestion.
Ok. The elk hunting requirement drives the minimum energy you need, but the barrel life requirement pretty much rules out the magnums in my view of good barrel life. You need to specify how many rounds you need minimum.
With what little specifics you have in your post, I would initially recommend the .30-06. No, its not the latest and greatest fad chambering, but it is probably the most versatile round out there. You can down load it with lighter loads. You can push it hard with heavier bullets for elk. You can shoot looong range with it with heavies like the 208Amax, or load up some fast varmint bullets. It is not the master of any category except maybe versatility. Ammo is available in every town in America large or small, with more bullet options than you can shake a stick at. Barrel life in the thousands of rounds, since you can load it like a 308 Winchester, with the option to load it like a mag.
Will it have the ballistics of a fast 7mm? No. Will it have the energy of a 300WinMag? No. Recoil of a 243? No. But, if you want a do it all rifle you have to compromise in exchange for being able to do many things well.
So I would say .30-06 based on what little you gave to go on. If you had more specific requirements, like a "X" amount of energy to "X" yards or "at least 4000 rounds barrel life" etc then we might be able to give a better suggestion.
Re: Building a do it all rifle.
Ok sorry for not being more specific. I would like for this gun to be able to take down elk out to 400 yards and for the barrel life to be around 2000 rounds a little less is fine. I don't want a barrel burner such as a .264 mag.
Ok sorry for not being more specific. I would like for this gun to be able to take down elk out to 400 yards and for the barrel life to be around 2000 rounds a little less is fine. I don't want a barrel burner such as a .264 mag.
Re: Building a do it all rifle.
i have a reasonable priced all around rifle i am about to sell
23" 6.5 creedmoor rem varmint contour threaded 5/8x24 on a 700 ltr stock/action, tuned trigger at 1.5lbs. also comes with the factory 308 barrel. rifle weighs just over 8lbs with creedmoor and 7.5lbs with factory barrel.
this rifle is light enough to hunt
factory ammo available and cheap
suppressor/brake ready
heavy enough to shoot matches with
its 700 action so if you need dbm just buy chassis of your liking and you will be ready to rock.
even if you don't want mine think about some of those details for your build. i think apa has a rifle called the "do it all" that is similar
i have a reasonable priced all around rifle i am about to sell
23" 6.5 creedmoor rem varmint contour threaded 5/8x24 on a 700 ltr stock/action, tuned trigger at 1.5lbs. also comes with the factory 308 barrel. rifle weighs just over 8lbs with creedmoor and 7.5lbs with factory barrel.
this rifle is light enough to hunt
factory ammo available and cheap
suppressor/brake ready
heavy enough to shoot matches with
its 700 action so if you need dbm just buy chassis of your liking and you will be ready to rock.
even if you don't want mine think about some of those details for your build. i think apa has a rifle called the "do it all" that is similar
Re: Building a do it all rifle.
7 rem mag is going to go around 1500 rounds or so. Otherwise it would be a great choice. If you want good ballistics+barrel life and a cartridge substantial enough to easily take elk sized critters out to 400 ish I'd recommend looking at a 280rem. I have a 280 and run 168 bergers through it. It's a highly underrated cartridge and will get you around 4500 rounds per barrel. Good luck with your selection.
7 rem mag is going to go around 1500 rounds or so. Otherwise it would be a great choice. If you want good ballistics+barrel life and a cartridge substantial enough to easily take elk sized critters out to 400 ish I'd recommend looking at a 280rem. I have a 280 and run 168 bergers through it. It's a highly underrated cartridge and will get you around 4500 rounds per barrel. Good luck with your selection.
Re: Building a do it all rifle.
Perfect rifle for your needs, and built by one of the best smiths around.
http://www.snipershide.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=3714078#Post3714078
Perfect rifle for your needs, and built by one of the best smiths around.
http://www.snipershide.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=3714078#Post3714078
Re: Building a do it all rifle.
For a do-it-all, I would go either with a 30-06 or a 280. Your barrel life is in the right range, both calibers have the ability to take elk out to a good distance in excess of 400 yards, and both could be uploaded or downloaded to make mission specific rounds. I frequently run my '06 and what experience I have had with the 280 has been almost entirely positive, as long as reloading components aren't a concern. Other calibers to consider would be 6.5x55, 270, 300 wsm (although it has a tendancy to smoke barrels quickly), 7mm-08, and the ever present 308.
For a do-it-all, I would go either with a 30-06 or a 280. Your barrel life is in the right range, both calibers have the ability to take elk out to a good distance in excess of 400 yards, and both could be uploaded or downloaded to make mission specific rounds. I frequently run my '06 and what experience I have had with the 280 has been almost entirely positive, as long as reloading components aren't a concern. Other calibers to consider would be 6.5x55, 270, 300 wsm (although it has a tendancy to smoke barrels quickly), 7mm-08, and the ever present 308.
Re: Building a do it all rifle.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ykrvak</div><div class="ubbcode-body">.....If you want good ballistics+barrel life and a cartridge substantial enough to easily take elk sized critters out to 400 ish I'd recommend looking at a 280rem. .....</div></div>
+1 on the 280 REM. Or maybe the 284 or 284 Shehane.
The Shehane seems very interesting to me. SA but with +/- 3gr more than a standard 284. Lots of good 7mm bullets for target or hunting...
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ykrvak</div><div class="ubbcode-body">.....If you want good ballistics+barrel life and a cartridge substantial enough to easily take elk sized critters out to 400 ish I'd recommend looking at a 280rem. .....</div></div>
+1 on the 280 REM. Or maybe the 284 or 284 Shehane.
The Shehane seems very interesting to me. SA but with +/- 3gr more than a standard 284. Lots of good 7mm bullets for target or hunting...
Re: Building a do it all rifle.
Well this is a hard decision I never thought I would get so many suggestions. The .280 Remington sounds like a good round what are the advantages over a 30-06 I know it's a flatter round but will it hit as hard at long range. The .280 AI sounds like a good round too what are the advantages of it over a standard .280 Remington. The .260 Remington has always interested me but I think it is much more of a target round than a hunting round just not enough power on larger game such as elk but as always shot placement is key. Thanks for the help guys.
Well this is a hard decision I never thought I would get so many suggestions. The .280 Remington sounds like a good round what are the advantages over a 30-06 I know it's a flatter round but will it hit as hard at long range. The .280 AI sounds like a good round too what are the advantages of it over a standard .280 Remington. The .260 Remington has always interested me but I think it is much more of a target round than a hunting round just not enough power on larger game such as elk but as always shot placement is key. Thanks for the help guys.
Re: Building a do it all rifle.
The 30/06 is hard to beat. Plenty of downrange energy but not overly abusive recoil or muzzle blast if using a brake. Not the flatest shooting or sexiest round out there, but still kills them dead and you can get ammo or reloading components pretty readily
The 30/06 is hard to beat. Plenty of downrange energy but not overly abusive recoil or muzzle blast if using a brake. Not the flatest shooting or sexiest round out there, but still kills them dead and you can get ammo or reloading components pretty readily
Re: Building a do it all rifle.
The 280 will have better ballistics with similar weight bullets therefore will actually have greater energy with the same weight bullets at the same range. It's not going to be THAT big of a difference though. The 260 is a fantastic round, your just going to be limited in bullets weights when you after bigger critters. Will a 260 work for elk? Absolutely. It won't have the same energy at 400 yards as the 280 or similar cartridge will have. There are lots of good SA 7mm choices that others mentioned that have basically the same ballistics as the 280. All the AI version is going to get you is a slight increase in performance but at the cost of barrel life. If you're going 280AI I'd almost consider going with a 7mag.
The 280 will have better ballistics with similar weight bullets therefore will actually have greater energy with the same weight bullets at the same range. It's not going to be THAT big of a difference though. The 260 is a fantastic round, your just going to be limited in bullets weights when you after bigger critters. Will a 260 work for elk? Absolutely. It won't have the same energy at 400 yards as the 280 or similar cartridge will have. There are lots of good SA 7mm choices that others mentioned that have basically the same ballistics as the 280. All the AI version is going to get you is a slight increase in performance but at the cost of barrel life. If you're going 280AI I'd almost consider going with a 7mag.
Re: Building a do it all rifle.
Any difference between the 30-06 and the 280 with similar weight bullets is really just getting academic and really isn't worth getting wrapped around the axle about. Shot placement is going to be VASTLY more important than any energy difference between the two.
Any difference between the 30-06 and the 280 with similar weight bullets is really just getting academic and really isn't worth getting wrapped around the axle about. Shot placement is going to be VASTLY more important than any energy difference between the two.
Re: Building a do it all rifle.
Alrighty I know magnum rounds are pretty notorius for burning barrels but what is the life expectancy of a .300 win mag vs 7mm rem mag I have googled it a bunch and I keep getting mixed answers. I will take care of my barrel but I would like to be able to get around 2000 rounds and I am wondering if the .300 will do that. I hunted with a 25-06 for years and it is a awesome round but not really meant for larger game than deer.
Alrighty I know magnum rounds are pretty notorius for burning barrels but what is the life expectancy of a .300 win mag vs 7mm rem mag I have googled it a bunch and I keep getting mixed answers. I will take care of my barrel but I would like to be able to get around 2000 rounds and I am wondering if the .300 will do that. I hunted with a 25-06 for years and it is a awesome round but not really meant for larger game than deer.
Re: Building a do it all rifle.
you should be able to get 2K-2500 rounds out of a 300 without too much trouble. Depends on how hot you load it. It's certainly better than the 7 mag.
you should be able to get 2K-2500 rounds out of a 300 without too much trouble. Depends on how hot you load it. It's certainly better than the 7 mag.
Re: Building a do it all rifle.
Ok thank you for the help. The .300 win mag is looking better and better to me. Would the .300 WSM have shorter barrel life than the .300 win mag? I know ballistically they are very similar with the .300 WSM having a little less powder. I hear recoil is also slightly less than the .300 win mag but I have read conflicting things about barrel life between the two.
Ok thank you for the help. The .300 win mag is looking better and better to me. Would the .300 WSM have shorter barrel life than the .300 win mag? I know ballistically they are very similar with the .300 WSM having a little less powder. I hear recoil is also slightly less than the .300 win mag but I have read conflicting things about barrel life between the two.
Re: Building a do it all rifle.
the difference between the wsm and the win mag in terms of barrel life I wouldn't imagine is'nt worth worrying about. The win mag is going to do better with the heavier bullets than the wsm.
the difference between the wsm and the win mag in terms of barrel life I wouldn't imagine is'nt worth worrying about. The win mag is going to do better with the heavier bullets than the wsm.
Re: Building a do it all rifle.
Another vote for the .284 Win. Will do everything you need without the belted case and the recoil of a .300 WM. IMHO.
Regards,
Paul
Another vote for the .284 Win. Will do everything you need without the belted case and the recoil of a .300 WM. IMHO.
Regards,
Paul
Re: Building a do it all rifle.
The 300WM is going to be a lot of rifle for what you want to do. It's obviously up to you, but a 30 cal magnum wouldn't be my first choice I think the 7mm SA or LA non magnum cartridges will fit the bill perfectly. Of course the venerable 30-06 would also do everything you're wanting it to with out any issues.
The 300WM is going to be a lot of rifle for what you want to do. It's obviously up to you, but a 30 cal magnum wouldn't be my first choice I think the 7mm SA or LA non magnum cartridges will fit the bill perfectly. Of course the venerable 30-06 would also do everything you're wanting it to with out any issues.
Re: Building a do it all rifle.
I see that you registered today (27 November) and have not filled out anything in your profile. You should. It can be very general if you feel the need.
Your asking for the impossible. You will compromise to no end and end up with a gun that does nothing well. If there was one do it all rifle, we would all have it.
As others have mentioned 30-06 fits your bill pretty well. In reality, (like you actually hunt and kill animals) you can kill an elk with a .308 @ 400 meters without a doubt. Last time I was in NC, I didn't see any elk. I understand you could move out West, but you could also purchase a rifle/optic to kill elk for under 1000-1500. The deer I saw in NC where pretty sorry in comparison to the deer you will see in the West. You can kill deer in the West with a .243, dead. If you want to lose meat shoot them with magnums.
.300 WM is a barrel burner. 7mmRM is a burner. Any overbore type of cartridge is. You can load .300 WM down or load it hot, but you will deal with the belt no matter what. The short and fat version is less versatile, in my very little experience with it.
If your concerned with barrel life, stay away from anything that says magnum on it.
You didn't really say what this thing was for, except everything. I would find a lighter scope (some model NF variable 10x power comes to mind) and pair it with a semi light gun in a non-magnum caliber. If you really want a WM, buy two or three barrels and have them all threaded and chambered so you can switch them out.
I hunt out West, in WA and MT. I want the lightest gun I can handle in the mountains. I just spent a couple of days running around Western MT, looking for predators, and my 18'' AR got heavy (about 12 lbs). I was wishing for my T3 after day one.
Going back to the beginning. I have a comp gun that's almost 18lbs and a .308. You can shoot it all day and look like a hero. I have a hunting rifle, a tikka T3 (about 7 1/2lbs, 30-06), and it's almost as accurate, but won't put 10 rounds into the same hole as fast as you can do it. It will walk around once it's hot. It will also make your shoulder sore. It's the type of gun you want to blast animals with. I've hunted with my .308 and shot lot's of targets with my 30-06. Both will do the job, but you will enjoy it more with the gun built for the job. And, that's what it's all about isn't it?
I see that you registered today (27 November) and have not filled out anything in your profile. You should. It can be very general if you feel the need.
Your asking for the impossible. You will compromise to no end and end up with a gun that does nothing well. If there was one do it all rifle, we would all have it.
As others have mentioned 30-06 fits your bill pretty well. In reality, (like you actually hunt and kill animals) you can kill an elk with a .308 @ 400 meters without a doubt. Last time I was in NC, I didn't see any elk. I understand you could move out West, but you could also purchase a rifle/optic to kill elk for under 1000-1500. The deer I saw in NC where pretty sorry in comparison to the deer you will see in the West. You can kill deer in the West with a .243, dead. If you want to lose meat shoot them with magnums.
.300 WM is a barrel burner. 7mmRM is a burner. Any overbore type of cartridge is. You can load .300 WM down or load it hot, but you will deal with the belt no matter what. The short and fat version is less versatile, in my very little experience with it.
If your concerned with barrel life, stay away from anything that says magnum on it.
You didn't really say what this thing was for, except everything. I would find a lighter scope (some model NF variable 10x power comes to mind) and pair it with a semi light gun in a non-magnum caliber. If you really want a WM, buy two or three barrels and have them all threaded and chambered so you can switch them out.
I hunt out West, in WA and MT. I want the lightest gun I can handle in the mountains. I just spent a couple of days running around Western MT, looking for predators, and my 18'' AR got heavy (about 12 lbs). I was wishing for my T3 after day one.
Going back to the beginning. I have a comp gun that's almost 18lbs and a .308. You can shoot it all day and look like a hero. I have a hunting rifle, a tikka T3 (about 7 1/2lbs, 30-06), and it's almost as accurate, but won't put 10 rounds into the same hole as fast as you can do it. It will walk around once it's hot. It will also make your shoulder sore. It's the type of gun you want to blast animals with. I've hunted with my .308 and shot lot's of targets with my 30-06. Both will do the job, but you will enjoy it more with the gun built for the job. And, that's what it's all about isn't it?
Re: Building a do it all rifle.
Ok I am going to have to do some thinking on this. I have a .243 and 25-06 in the safe as well. I will probably chose either the .280 Remington or a .300 mag. The gun will be used for some target shooting of course but is primarily going to be used as a hunting gun. The 7 mag is really popular where I live but I can't get over the short barrel life. If I go .300 mag I will definitely be putting a brake on the gun.
Ok I am going to have to do some thinking on this. I have a .243 and 25-06 in the safe as well. I will probably chose either the .280 Remington or a .300 mag. The gun will be used for some target shooting of course but is primarily going to be used as a hunting gun. The 7 mag is really popular where I live but I can't get over the short barrel life. If I go .300 mag I will definitely be putting a brake on the gun.
Re: Building a do it all rifle.
I don't really like light weight guns. Gun weight is not a factor I will be putting this gun in a mcmillan a5 and putting a 24" kriegar on it. I have had many lighter guns and I always prefer the heavier built ones.
I don't really like light weight guns. Gun weight is not a factor I will be putting this gun in a mcmillan a5 and putting a 24" kriegar on it. I have had many lighter guns and I always prefer the heavier built ones.
Re: Building a do it all rifle.
My vote for the hunting rifle.
Echo on what others have said, very hard to make a do all rifle. Weight is a huge concern if walking about, you can also load this caliber to a wide range of power. Big thing also is the Walmart test, two calibers you can bet money on finding in a Walmart or most small stores anywhere, .270 and 30-06.
http://www.winchesterguns.com/products/catalog/itemdetail.asp?id=535110228
My vote for the hunting rifle.
Echo on what others have said, very hard to make a do all rifle. Weight is a huge concern if walking about, you can also load this caliber to a wide range of power. Big thing also is the Walmart test, two calibers you can bet money on finding in a Walmart or most small stores anywhere, .270 and 30-06.
http://www.winchesterguns.com/products/catalog/itemdetail.asp?id=535110228
Re: Building a do it all rifle.
I was thinking about a rifle similar to this just got sidetracked. Any of the custom actions you see on here would be great. There is a thread on here about the bat tactical actions and someone had a very nice switch barrel rifle built on that action in a manners stock i believe. Really a sharp rig to me. My do all rifle would start with a surgeon or bat tactical long action. Then i would get a matching pair of kreiger rem varmint fluted barrels. 1 in 7mm (I really like the 280 AI) and the other in 30 cal or 6mm or whatever you might want for your other cartridge. Then order a manners T4a with the mini chassis. Pick up a jewell trigger. Then take it to the smith of your choice. I would suggest Accurate Ordinance. They will be building my next rifle. Get in touch with Bookhound on here... great guy, very knowledgeable, and they build a very nice rifle. Take a look at some of the 6.5 creedmore builds they have done. All of them shot superbly.
I was thinking about a rifle similar to this just got sidetracked. Any of the custom actions you see on here would be great. There is a thread on here about the bat tactical actions and someone had a very nice switch barrel rifle built on that action in a manners stock i believe. Really a sharp rig to me. My do all rifle would start with a surgeon or bat tactical long action. Then i would get a matching pair of kreiger rem varmint fluted barrels. 1 in 7mm (I really like the 280 AI) and the other in 30 cal or 6mm or whatever you might want for your other cartridge. Then order a manners T4a with the mini chassis. Pick up a jewell trigger. Then take it to the smith of your choice. I would suggest Accurate Ordinance. They will be building my next rifle. Get in touch with Bookhound on here... great guy, very knowledgeable, and they build a very nice rifle. Take a look at some of the 6.5 creedmore builds they have done. All of them shot superbly.
Re: Building a do it all rifle.
While I appreciate the desire to avoid a "barrel burner"...barrels are consumables, not unlike bullets, powder and primers. When yours is all used up, get another!
The OP has said the rifle would be used for targets maybe twice a month and some hunting, then later said it would primarily be for hunting.
IMO, the 90% purpose of the rifle needs to be nailed down before a decision can be made on chambering and expected barrel life. Will it spend most of its life in a treestand or a stalk, or at the range?
If barrel life is as big a concern as it seems to be, then a non-magnum chambering is necessary and IMO a 308-based case better than an '06-based case. Both 260 and 7-08 have the capability to kill elk at 400yd, mild recoil, and very good ballistics to 1000yd. Both have 2500+ round barrel life, but the 7-08 wins here over most any 6.5mm.
In the end, an "all purpose" rifle is an exercise in compromise. And if you want magnum performance, you've got to compromise on barrel life.
While I appreciate the desire to avoid a "barrel burner"...barrels are consumables, not unlike bullets, powder and primers. When yours is all used up, get another!
The OP has said the rifle would be used for targets maybe twice a month and some hunting, then later said it would primarily be for hunting.
IMO, the 90% purpose of the rifle needs to be nailed down before a decision can be made on chambering and expected barrel life. Will it spend most of its life in a treestand or a stalk, or at the range?
If barrel life is as big a concern as it seems to be, then a non-magnum chambering is necessary and IMO a 308-based case better than an '06-based case. Both 260 and 7-08 have the capability to kill elk at 400yd, mild recoil, and very good ballistics to 1000yd. Both have 2500+ round barrel life, but the 7-08 wins here over most any 6.5mm.
In the end, an "all purpose" rifle is an exercise in compromise. And if you want magnum performance, you've got to compromise on barrel life.
Re: Building a do it all rifle.
You have plenty of options for the caliber (7 RM, 300 wm, 30-06, 7-08, etc.) of rifle that will satisfy target and hunting. IMHO you should spend more time thinking about stock, barrel contour, and optics. Frankly, I would start with the stock. (With your budget, you can find a scope that satisfy a wide range of uses.)
Look at premium stock makers (Manners, McMillian, etc.) and decide if you see a stock that will satisfy your hunting and target needs. Build your dream rifle on paper. You will have a better idea of what is doable and what compromises you are willing to make.
As someone mentioned, think of the barrel as a consumable (within reason) to be replaced by the smith or you (barrel swap option). Think about 2000+ rounds actually means. At and average of 50 rnds/a day, that is 40 days shooting. I know that it would take me a couple of years to use up my 40 days. Now assuming you are reloading, it will take about $2000+ (and many hours of reloading) to burn out that barrel. When you factor in those costs, the extra cost of another barrel doesn't look so bad.
You have plenty of options for the caliber (7 RM, 300 wm, 30-06, 7-08, etc.) of rifle that will satisfy target and hunting. IMHO you should spend more time thinking about stock, barrel contour, and optics. Frankly, I would start with the stock. (With your budget, you can find a scope that satisfy a wide range of uses.)
Look at premium stock makers (Manners, McMillian, etc.) and decide if you see a stock that will satisfy your hunting and target needs. Build your dream rifle on paper. You will have a better idea of what is doable and what compromises you are willing to make.
As someone mentioned, think of the barrel as a consumable (within reason) to be replaced by the smith or you (barrel swap option). Think about 2000+ rounds actually means. At and average of 50 rnds/a day, that is 40 days shooting. I know that it would take me a couple of years to use up my 40 days. Now assuming you are reloading, it will take about $2000+ (and many hours of reloading) to burn out that barrel. When you factor in those costs, the extra cost of another barrel doesn't look so bad.
Re: Building a do it all rifle.
rhino02, I to had been shooting bolt guns for sometime and wanted to have something built to do it all. While any of the rifles I have will do it all, they each go long or go short in some apps.
I called Mike Bush with BlackOps and told him what I wanted;
an as near do it all as I could get, with 95% of my shooting being inside 600 yards. That was about all I told him other than it had to be left handed. Told him to send me what he thought would be the best for this.
He sent me a KUKRI chambered in 7-08 with a 17 inch barrel. It has worked out great and the deer really dislike it.
Good luck with your quest.
rhino02, I to had been shooting bolt guns for sometime and wanted to have something built to do it all. While any of the rifles I have will do it all, they each go long or go short in some apps.
I called Mike Bush with BlackOps and told him what I wanted;
an as near do it all as I could get, with 95% of my shooting being inside 600 yards. That was about all I told him other than it had to be left handed. Told him to send me what he thought would be the best for this.
He sent me a KUKRI chambered in 7-08 with a 17 inch barrel. It has worked out great and the deer really dislike it.
Good luck with your quest.
Re: Building a do it all rifle.
I already have the barrel contour and stock figured out. I am not so sure on the action though I am thinking a surgeon. This gun will be shot at the range some but not extensively maybe 20 rounds every two weeks or so if even that I have other guns to shoot as well. Weight is not a issue I like heavier guns and I usually hunt from a built stand from long range. Even if used for stalking I would rather have the heavier built gun. The switch barrel option sounds pretty interesting but I don't know if I would actually ever switch the barrel since it can be a pain the the ass lol. Honestly I will probably be happy with whatever I chose but I am just weighing out my options. Some people have recommended the DTA SRS but I don't know about bullpup rifle designs as I have never used one. I think the rifle looks like shit too but it's not about looks it's about functionality. This is my ideal build and what I am going for I just have to figure out what to chamber it in.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v108/Chrissopher/GAPRifle7RM.jpg
I already have the barrel contour and stock figured out. I am not so sure on the action though I am thinking a surgeon. This gun will be shot at the range some but not extensively maybe 20 rounds every two weeks or so if even that I have other guns to shoot as well. Weight is not a issue I like heavier guns and I usually hunt from a built stand from long range. Even if used for stalking I would rather have the heavier built gun. The switch barrel option sounds pretty interesting but I don't know if I would actually ever switch the barrel since it can be a pain the the ass lol. Honestly I will probably be happy with whatever I chose but I am just weighing out my options. Some people have recommended the DTA SRS but I don't know about bullpup rifle designs as I have never used one. I think the rifle looks like shit too but it's not about looks it's about functionality. This is my ideal build and what I am going for I just have to figure out what to chamber it in.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v108/Chrissopher/GAPRifle7RM.jpg
Re: Building a do it all rifle.
That is a bad ass rifle. You know what you want - go build it. ALL of the suggested calibers would fit the bill. It would be nirvana to shoot the barrel out of a custom build like that in the photo. IMHO, without going to a real barrel burner, pick the caliber that you would enjoy most shooting and go with it. When you shoot the barrel out it will be with a big ass smile on your face.
Now the real work begins - finding someone good enough to build a rifle worthy of your dream ... some time before you croak of old age. Perfection costs twice - money and time.
That is a bad ass rifle. You know what you want - go build it. ALL of the suggested calibers would fit the bill. It would be nirvana to shoot the barrel out of a custom build like that in the photo. IMHO, without going to a real barrel burner, pick the caliber that you would enjoy most shooting and go with it. When you shoot the barrel out it will be with a big ass smile on your face.
Now the real work begins - finding someone good enough to build a rifle worthy of your dream ... some time before you croak of old age. Perfection costs twice - money and time.
Re: Building a do it all rifle.
That's a nice rifle for sure. If you ever do move out west I think you will find your hunting style will not be the same from a stand etc.
I doubt that rifle will get much action in western style hunting after a couple times out.
When reading your OP the 30.06 came to mind. The .280 and .284 seem like pretty good choices also.
I would recommend something along the lines of a GAP non typical in a caliber that is tolerable enough to have fun at the range, or you will end up with a strictly hunting rig, which is fine if that's what you want. The GAP will shoot quite well as evidenced in the link below, so range trips could be satisfying.
http://www.snipershide.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=3697199&gonew=1#UNREAD
The rifle in your picture isn't it though IMO. At least not for western hunting. You could chamber it in a magnum and have a big heavy boomer that may get you matinee idol status at the range.
I think you should go for a Best of the West rifle and a Huskemaw scope. JUST KIDDING!
If it were me I would probably go with a GAP non typical style rig in .280 or thereabouts and a scope that isn't too heavy. A variable up to 10x like mentioned above would make a for a fine do-all rig out to 500 yards or more that could kill an elk and would be a pleasure to own for a lifetime.
That's a nice rifle for sure. If you ever do move out west I think you will find your hunting style will not be the same from a stand etc.
I doubt that rifle will get much action in western style hunting after a couple times out.
When reading your OP the 30.06 came to mind. The .280 and .284 seem like pretty good choices also.
I would recommend something along the lines of a GAP non typical in a caliber that is tolerable enough to have fun at the range, or you will end up with a strictly hunting rig, which is fine if that's what you want. The GAP will shoot quite well as evidenced in the link below, so range trips could be satisfying.
http://www.snipershide.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=3697199&gonew=1#UNREAD
The rifle in your picture isn't it though IMO. At least not for western hunting. You could chamber it in a magnum and have a big heavy boomer that may get you matinee idol status at the range.
I think you should go for a Best of the West rifle and a Huskemaw scope. JUST KIDDING!
If it were me I would probably go with a GAP non typical style rig in .280 or thereabouts and a scope that isn't too heavy. A variable up to 10x like mentioned above would make a for a fine do-all rig out to 500 yards or more that could kill an elk and would be a pleasure to own for a lifetime.
Re: Building a do it all rifle.
Ok thanks for the suggestions. The .280 is a great round I am sure I really like flatter shooting rounds. I don't think I would ever buy a .308 even though it's a good round because the trajectory is like throwing a rock in a trashcan at longer ranges.
Ok thanks for the suggestions. The .280 is a great round I am sure I really like flatter shooting rounds. I don't think I would ever buy a .308 even though it's a good round because the trajectory is like throwing a rock in a trashcan at longer ranges.
Re: Building a do it all rifle.
Why not a .308 win?? No one has suggested it, but why not?
Excellent reloading components, ammo availible at any Walmart in the US, and can spit 175 grain pills at a respectable 2650 fps out of a 20" barrel?
Plus barrel life in the 5000 range, and you can use a short action.
A short fat barrel fits nicely in a deer blind and is acceptable to carry in the mountains if you have to. Can make off hand shots with ease, well balanced and will hold steady using a tree as a rest.
Take a look at Tac Ops rifles. I think a rifle built like that is the ideal all purpose gun. Plus they don't look too "tacticool" which is important if you hunt at all around old timers.
Why not a .308 win?? No one has suggested it, but why not?
Excellent reloading components, ammo availible at any Walmart in the US, and can spit 175 grain pills at a respectable 2650 fps out of a 20" barrel?
Plus barrel life in the 5000 range, and you can use a short action.
A short fat barrel fits nicely in a deer blind and is acceptable to carry in the mountains if you have to. Can make off hand shots with ease, well balanced and will hold steady using a tree as a rest.
Take a look at Tac Ops rifles. I think a rifle built like that is the ideal all purpose gun. Plus they don't look too "tacticool" which is important if you hunt at all around old timers.
Re: Building a do it all rifle.
Hard to argue with a Tac Ops. Especially when it fits your budget.
Extreme quality.
I'm not sure how I'd feel bangin' it around the countryside though.
The thing about a hunting rifle is it really doesn't need to be as precise and costly so realistically I would probably rather go with 2 rifles (or more), which I have.
Hard to argue with a Tac Ops. Especially when it fits your budget.
Extreme quality.
I'm not sure how I'd feel bangin' it around the countryside though.
The thing about a hunting rifle is it really doesn't need to be as precise and costly so realistically I would probably rather go with 2 rifles (or more), which I have.
Re: Building a do it all rifle.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Cactus Kid</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Excellent reloading components, ammo availible at any Walmart in the US, and can spit 175 grain pills at a respectable 2650 fps out of a 20" barrel?</div></div>
What kind of ammo (or how hot are the handloads) that push a 175gr bullet at 2650fps from a 20" barrel?
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Cactus Kid</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Excellent reloading components, ammo availible at any Walmart in the US, and can spit 175 grain pills at a respectable 2650 fps out of a 20" barrel?</div></div>
What kind of ammo (or how hot are the handloads) that push a 175gr bullet at 2650fps from a 20" barrel?
Re: Building a do it all rifle.
There is some truth to what others have said regarding the "do all" type rifle. I've tried it. However, I think you're on the right track. With the distances you're wanting to hunt at <500, the fact that you don't mind having a little weight in the rifle, and the fact that you aren't typically hunting around large toothy critters that bite you, I think it'll work out pretty well. My "do all" rifle was a 7 Rem Mag, with a 24" brux deeply fluted Sendero contour, bedded in a manners MCS-t, with a 2.5-10 nxs. It had enough weight that I could go through 50-60 rounds at the range before starting to get tired, it was a hammer as far as I wanted to shoot at critters, and was still light enough that it wasn't terrible to tote around. The big problem I ran into was barrel life. At $500+ shipping (so add another $150-$200 from where I live) every year or two plus the hassle of having to rework a load and reacquire components caused me to send it down the road. With a all up rifle weighing in around 10-11 lbs chambered in 280 or something similar, and some good technique/practice, there won't be much it won't do well with the different bullet options available nowadays.
The 308 is fine, but since you're a handloader, go with something ballistcally superior. I'm not a real 270 fan, but I'd go with that over the 308 anyday for what you're looking to do. Just about every establishment that sells ammunition will have that if you're in a pinch.
There is some truth to what others have said regarding the "do all" type rifle. I've tried it. However, I think you're on the right track. With the distances you're wanting to hunt at <500, the fact that you don't mind having a little weight in the rifle, and the fact that you aren't typically hunting around large toothy critters that bite you, I think it'll work out pretty well. My "do all" rifle was a 7 Rem Mag, with a 24" brux deeply fluted Sendero contour, bedded in a manners MCS-t, with a 2.5-10 nxs. It had enough weight that I could go through 50-60 rounds at the range before starting to get tired, it was a hammer as far as I wanted to shoot at critters, and was still light enough that it wasn't terrible to tote around. The big problem I ran into was barrel life. At $500+ shipping (so add another $150-$200 from where I live) every year or two plus the hassle of having to rework a load and reacquire components caused me to send it down the road. With a all up rifle weighing in around 10-11 lbs chambered in 280 or something similar, and some good technique/practice, there won't be much it won't do well with the different bullet options available nowadays.
The 308 is fine, but since you're a handloader, go with something ballistcally superior. I'm not a real 270 fan, but I'd go with that over the 308 anyday for what you're looking to do. Just about every establishment that sells ammunition will have that if you're in a pinch.
Re: Building a do it all rifle.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: BoilerUP</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Cactus Kid</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Excellent reloading components, ammo availible at any Walmart in the US, and can spit 175 grain pills at a respectable 2650 fps out of a 20" barrel?</div></div>
What kind of ammo (or how hot are the handloads) that push a 175gr bullet at 2650fps from a 20" barrel? </div></div>
42.3 gr 8208 xbr with a 175 gr berger
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: BoilerUP</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Cactus Kid</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Excellent reloading components, ammo availible at any Walmart in the US, and can spit 175 grain pills at a respectable 2650 fps out of a 20" barrel?</div></div>
What kind of ammo (or how hot are the handloads) that push a 175gr bullet at 2650fps from a 20" barrel? </div></div>
42.3 gr 8208 xbr with a 175 gr berger
Re: Building a do it all rifle.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">At $500+ shipping (so add another $150-$200 from where I live) every year or two</div></div>
Damn Ykrvak! I need to get out and shoot more. I am definitely not burning out a barrel every year or two!
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">At $500+ shipping (so add another $150-$200 from where I live) every year or two</div></div>
Damn Ykrvak! I need to get out and shoot more. I am definitely not burning out a barrel every year or two!
Re: Building a do it all rifle.
Hard to beat.30-'06 for a hunting round. I have killed a lot of elk with mine. Also everyone on the mountain has .30-'06 rounds in their pocket or truck during hunting season. Not the case with other rounds if you were to loose yours, or somehow forget them and were away from town.
Hard to beat.30-'06 for a hunting round. I have killed a lot of elk with mine. Also everyone on the mountain has .30-'06 rounds in their pocket or truck during hunting season. Not the case with other rounds if you were to loose yours, or somehow forget them and were away from town.
Re: Building a do it all rifle.
go to 6mmbr.com and click on side bar on left under 7mm lots of good info, and great caliber.building a 7wsm right now
go to 6mmbr.com and click on side bar on left under 7mm lots of good info, and great caliber.building a 7wsm right now
Re: Building a do it all rifle.
280 will be my next rig. I'm doing a standard 280 on 5 contour rock creek in an A3 stock
280 will be my next rig. I'm doing a standard 280 on 5 contour rock creek in an A3 stock
