Building a new .308 Tactical Style Hunting Rifle

Rodeo Trash

Rodeo Trash

Sergeant
Full Member
Minuteman
Dec 16, 2010
218
0
60
Utah
#1
I'm in the process of building a tactical style hunting rifle in .308 caliber. I've done a lot of research on the different makes and models and I have narrowed it down to 4 rifles.
Savage FCP 10 HS Precision w/5R rifling
T/C Icon Precision Hunter 5R rifling
Rem. 700P
Rem. 700 5R Milspec
They all are very accurate rifles, although the Rem. 700P would probably be at the bottom of the list. I really like the way the T/C is put together but not thrilled about a wood laminate stock and the shorter barrel, but how much difference does 2" really make. I already put a Rem. SPS Varminter together in the 300wsm, replaced the cheap plastic stock with a B & C stock. It shoots way better than I do. Any input on these 4 rifles would be much appreciated. Thanks in advance. All 4 rifles cost about the same with the Rem. 700 5R milspec being about $100.00 more.
 
#2
Re: Building a new .308 Tactical Style Hunting Rifle

Well it looks like the Savage FCP 10 HS Precision w/ 5R rifling wins out. Now all I need to do is sell my Browning White Gold Medallian 300 wsm w/ the octagon barrel and then I can get started. Anybody out there looking for a GREAT hunting rifle let me know.
 
#3
Re: Building a new .308 Tactical Style Hunting Rifle

I would go with the savage. I own many (22lr, Mod 99 in 300 Savage, Model 16 .243, 10 FCP HS Precision) and all of them shoot lights out.

Any of the Remington rifles would shoot well (should I should say), as they are all reputable rifles. I would put TC on the bottom, next 700P, 700 5R, Savage 5R - In that order.

Let us know what you get. Now that you are talking serious iron, make sure you dont cheap out and put on crappy base, rings and glass.
 
#4
Re: Building a new .308 Tactical Style Hunting Rifle

I'm definately going with the Savage FCP 10 5R rifling .308. I put a 300 wsm together on a Remington 700 SPS Varminter and took off the cheap plastic stock and replaced it with a B & C Varmint/Tactical and then I had the feed rails cleaned up and adjusted the trigger to about 2 - 2.5 pound pull, I put a solid picatinny rail on it with Badger Ordinance Medium rings. I will probably sell this rifle as well so I can use the money on good rings and base. Now don't laugh, I mounted a Sightron S3 6x24x50 mil dot. I really like the clarity of the scope and the repeatability of the scope. I,m thinking of getting the Savage with the Accu Stock and replacing it with another B&C. Any suggestions on the stock are much appreciated. Down the road I will probably go with the Night Force but I still like the quality of my Sightron S3. My 300wsm shoots sub MOA 5 shot groups and I have shot 15 shot groups under 1" all were shot at 100 yards.
 
#6
Re: Building a new .308 Tactical Style Hunting Rifle

That's a really good question. I wanted to build another one from the ground up but one with a little less recoil, not that the 300 wsm has that much recoil. I also like everything that I have read about the Savage. I'm thinking of going with the 7mm Mag. instead of the .308. I would like to cut the recoil down a little. I don't like the staggard feed on my rem. 300 wsm. I feel like I could build a nicer, rock solid rifle with the money and build it exactly the way I want it.
 
#7
Re: Building a new .308 Tactical Style Hunting Rifle

i'll save you the brain dammage and sell you a TBA in .308 w/ scope, complete.....ready to win matches or kill shit.....all you gottah do is feed it and slap the trigger


lmk
 
#8
Re: Building a new .308 Tactical Style Hunting Rifle

I'm sure that I need as much help to prevent brain damage but I'm betting that the TBA is way out of my price range.
 
#9
Re: Building a new .308 Tactical Style Hunting Rifle

I like your short list, I just went through this same exercise and ended up with a Savage 10 precision carbine. I looked at the HS precision, but decided it was too heavy to carry in the field. I put a Mark4 on it with Seekins Precision rail and mounts. It is my new go to rifle to punch animals and kill paper (strike that and reverse it).

You may be interested to note that Gunbroker.com had a Savage 10 carbine with 5R rifling. I called Savage and they said it was limited run but they are out there.
 
#10
Re: Building a new .308 Tactical Style Hunting Rifle

Did you go with the .308? I don't mind the weight, my 300 WSM is about 14 lbs. I do a lot of hiking here in Utah. I do like the HS model.
 
#11
Re: Building a new .308 Tactical Style Hunting Rifle

Yeah I did go with a 308. When you I compared the ballistics with my 30.06 it was no brainier. You know as well as I do that the Deer or Elk hunting terrain in Utah usually ends up with <300 yard shots.

When I was looking for my gun I found an HS model at Sportsman's. I can't remember if it was the one in St George or the one in Midvale. But one of them had it.
 
#12
Re: Building a new .308 Tactical Style Hunting Rifle

Thanks, now all I need to do is sell these other 2 rifles. I will look at sportsmans. I know Impact Guns also carries them. I for sure want the 5R Rifling. Most of my shots have been under 6 hundred yrds, so I know the .308 will work just fine for what I want to shoot and less recoil on a shoulder that is already screwed up from Rodeo. The best price that I have seen for the HS model w/ 5R was $982.00.
 
#13
Re: Building a new .308 Tactical Style Hunting Rifle

I used a Remmy 700 AAC-SD and a BCS1000 stock (the one sold on IBA's website). Right now its got cheapie Chine glass on it so I haven't been testing past 100 yards. So far its been SUB MOA with quality handloads and factory ammo. I'm in the process of load testing for it right now with the 178 AMAx and some LC LR brass.

My goal is to keep it as light as possible for mountain hunting in PA. I think a Vortex PST will be my next addition to it, but I'm waiting for some reviews from folks that have glass on backorder before I committ.

OP, I'd avoid the Thompson because of the lack of aftermarket acc. for it. The Remmy and the Savage both enjoy widspread market support. Also, do you need/want/mind a longer barrel for hunting? After reading about Tac-Ops/GAP and a myriad of other builders/shooters, a 20 inch barrel will get you out to all practical hunting ranges with a .308 IMO...
 
#14
Re: Building a new .308 Tactical Style Hunting Rifle

I like the 24" barrel that the FCP 10 HS comes with. I would like to learn to shoot out to 1,000 yrds. but only punching paper. I'll leave the 1,000 yrd. hunting shots to thoughs that know what their doing. I'm looking at 2 options, 1- Buying the HS model or 2- buying the model with the accustock and replacing it with a Bell & Carson. Any suggestions??
 
#15
Re: Building a new .308 Tactical Style Hunting Rifle

AACSD w/o rail/glass.

BCS1000, sand with black webbing.
001-3.jpg
 
#16
Re: Building a new .308 Tactical Style Hunting Rifle

I just picked up the 5R HS for $994 shipped with 3% added for CC. Check out Tin Star. Putting a Millett LRS (stock 35mm rings) on a Farrell base. Check out sharp shooter supply for the best price on the Farrell. Now all I have to do is wait for that tardy Santa in the big brown sleigh to get here.

 
#17
Re: Building a new .308 Tactical Style Hunting Rifle

It looks like I'm gonna keep the Rem. 700 and just sell the Browning to Buy the FCP 10 HS. I would like to find a detatchable magazine kit for my remmy because the center feed magazine will feed a lot better. Anybody out there wanting a nice Browning 300 WSM send me a message. Also if anyone knows who makes a detatchable mag kit for the 300 wsm please send me a message.
 
#20
Re: Building a new .308 Tactical Style Hunting Rifle

After reading the ballistics on the .260 and checking out the high bc bullets available, I am seriously looking at going with a .260 in the Savage 12 LRP (new for 2011) 26" barrel, Savages Target action and their target accutrigger on an HS Precision stock. I am checking with Savage to see if I can get this set up with the 5R rifling. My big question is, is the 5R rifling worth the extra cost?
 
#21
Re: Building a new .308 Tactical Style Hunting Rifle

5R is good and .260 is great but just know your ammo options are limited unless you reload. There IS ammo out there, but not nearly as much as .308. That may not bother you at all. Just know that if your not reloading, your not going to be able to walk into most stores and walk out with ammo. You will be stuck mailordering. No problem if you have the cash to stockpile MO ammo or posess reloading gear.
 
#22
Re: Building a new .308 Tactical Style Hunting Rifle

Thank you and I do reload. My next question is on the subject of rings and bases. I know that the Badger Ordnance rings are a really good set up but what rings and base would you suggest if I would like to save a little money but still get a rock solid set of rings and a good quality 1 piece 20 moa picatinny base. I prefer a good solid steel rings and bases.
 
#23
Re: Building a new .308 Tactical Style Hunting Rifle

Go with TPS steel base and rings. I've got them on my Ultra Mag and they hold up great. Some people have had problems with TPS Aluminum stuff but I've never seen any problems with the Steel.

As far as .260 goes, The 6.5mm cartridges are awesome. I shoot the Creedmoor which has almost identical ballistics to the .260 and it's great out to 1000 yd. You could also look at the 7mm-08. The .260 is a necked down .308 to 6.5mm and the 7-08 is just a .308 necked down to 7mm. The 7mm bullets also have very high BC's and a lot of them higher than the 140 gr 6.5mm bullets. These would be my 2 choices.

BTW, good idea choosing to get a Savage, you'll never get one that doesn't shoot
 
#26
Re: Building a new .308 Tactical Style Hunting Rifle

Thanks, if you know of anyone who is looking for a light weight but heavy hitting rifle, this Browning shoots very well.
 
#27
Re: Building a new .308 Tactical Style Hunting Rifle

Thanks for all of the GREAT feed back. I'm leaning towards the New 2011 12 LRP .260. This thing is set up very nice but I don't think I will be paying the extra $224.00 for Savage to custom order it with the 5R rifling. I'll just wait and replace the barrel after I use this one up. I'm pretty sure regardless this thing is going to shoot way better than I can. I will be looking at the rings and bases that you mentioned. Thanks again.
 
#28
Re: Building a new .308 Tactical Style Hunting Rifle

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Rodeo Trash</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I'm in the process of building a tactical style hunting rifle in .308 caliber. I've done a lot of research on the different makes and models and I have narrowed it down to 4 rifles.
Savage FCP 10 HS Precision w/5R rifling
T/C Icon Precision Hunter 5R rifling
Rem. 700P
Rem. 700 5R Milspec
They all are very accurate rifles, although the Rem. 700P would probably be at the bottom of the list. I really like the way the T/C is put together but not thrilled about a wood laminate stock and the shorter barrel, but how much difference does 2" really make. I already put a Rem. SPS Varminter together in the 300wsm, replaced the cheap plastic stock with a B & C stock. It shoots way better than I do. Any input on these 4 rifles would be much appreciated. Thanks in advance. All 4 rifles cost about the same with the Rem. 700 5R milspec being about $100.00 more. </div></div>

Why not an LTR? Short handy, accurate, probably weighs less than the others on your list. Just sayin
wink.gif
 
#29
Re: Building a new .308 Tactical Style Hunting Rifle

I just prefer the heavier rifles and packing them don't bother me. Just a preference thing. I have had really good experience with Remington but after doing some research and talking to people who have owned both, I really like everything that I have read about the Savages.
 
#30
Re: Building a new .308 Tactical Style Hunting Rifle

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Rodeo Trash</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Here is a link with all of the info for the Browning and I live in Payson, Ut, KSL Classifieds </div></div>

Do you even give a shit about the posted rules regarding sales on this site? You're in the wrong forum, and you don't have a high enough post count to sell here.

<span style="font-weight: bold">*Members must have 100 posts in order to post an item for sale on this site. Violators will be removed without warning.*</span>
 
#31
Re: Building a new .308 Tactical Style Hunting Rifle

My dad taught me that if I make mistakes in life I need to man up and admit it when I screw up. The creator of this forum has gone to a lot of trouble and hard work to make sure that this is a good and informative forum. It was stupidity on my part for not carefully reading the forum rules. So I want to start out by apologizing to the creator of this forum and the other members. I know that anytime that I need information on shooting, reloading, caliber selection ect.... I can always find the info. here from one or more of the forum members.
 
#33
Re: Building a new .308 Tactical Style Hunting Rifle

Thanks. Looking for something a little different. I have been very impressed with my findings in doing my research on the Savage Rifles and even more impressed with the ballistics and performance of the .260 caliber. It seems to me that most of the reasons that people did not buy Savage rifles in the past were not do to accuracy but more on the lines of lack of after market products. I have noticed that has changed quite a bit and the same goes for the .260, there seems to more options for brass ect...... With Lapua now manufacturing .260 brass and all of the excellent bullet choices. I have the new 2011 Savage LRP .260 on order w/ Nightforce rings and base and the new Vortex Viper PST to top it off. and a few other little items to add. And then the fun begins!!!!
 
#35
Re: Building a new .308 Tactical Style Hunting Rifle

I've been wanting to buy the Savage 12LRP in .260 since the first of the year- and can't find one, anywhere...

Has Savage even produced them yet?
 
#36
Re: Building a new .308 Tactical Style Hunting Rifle

Sounds like a nice setup, I think you will be very happy with 260rem ballistics...very little recoil and minimal drop. I like that caliber bullets a lot but decided to go with 6.5Creedmoor because of having semi-auto as well as bolt-actions. Plus Hornandy loads 6.5 Creedmoor rounds.

But if I was choosing for only a bolt-action, I would have gone for 260 rem as well. Hope you enjoy your setup, and please post some pics.
 
#37
Re: Building a new .308 Tactical Style Hunting Rifle

Of those listed I'd go with the savage, I think it's most likely to be super accurate out of the box. I also prefer the XCR's to the 700P/5R since they have a better coating for corrosion resistance and come with the 40x better trigger option. Most guys dump the x mark triggers but the 40x trigger is usually quite good. You are right, the big thing hurting savage was the lack of aftermarket toys and that's changed and is still improving.

That said having played the hunting/tactical game before, IMO by far the best factory offering is the Rem LTR/XCR compact. They are a good overall length, the stock is fine, and weight for the accuracy is great, it's quite easy to build up an LTR with weight conscious choices under 10 lbs, if not 9lbs which is a pound less than the savage will be out of the box. Weight itself is not the only issue the shorter more compact gun is more maneuverable as well, and they usually balance better for position shooting because they are less barrel heavy. All they need is a stock bedding, a light reasonable hunting scope, maybe a trigger job if you want and they usually shoot very well. Not guaranteed to get one that shoots amazing (that's why customs are $3000+) but most of the time you will get one that shoots 3/4" or under with good ammo.
 
#38
Re: Building a new .308 Tactical Style Hunting Rifle

I spoke to Savage right after SHOT SHOW and they told me that the first shipment of these rifles would be to distributors in about 60 days.
 
#39
Re: Building a new .308 Tactical Style Hunting Rifle

I am looking forward to getting this rifle together and burning some powder. This is going to be my all around rifle, I will be using it on Mule Deer, Elk, Target and I want to start hunting some varmints and yotes here in Utah. I reload so I will be using Lapua brass for all my reloading and the Berger VLD's 140 grn. for the Mulis and Elk.
 
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