I would appreciate any suggestions for a build I want to do for a beginner ELR rifle. I’m thinking 300nm or 30 Sherman magnum with a 30 inch straight taper barrel. I want wondering what action would hold up best for a barrel of that weight. I don’t want a single shot, I want to run a magazine. Suggestions on anything would be truly helpful. Barrels, contour, actions, chassis or stock. Thank you
Since you're moving up from PRS-class rifles, and since your desire is to start off in the ~2000m regime, a big 30 cal or 338 would be my recommendation.
Why:
- 30s and 338s are mainstream calibers. When you move up to 375, lots of stuff changes, and there is less available (bullets, data, dies, tools, etc.)
- 30s and 338s are all you need to get to 2k, and are A LOT less expensive all the way around (bullets, dies, tools, brass, etc.)
- You will learn a lot stretching out the 30s/338s and you can apply that to a longer range rig when you are ready to move up.
- It's far easier to find places to shoot 2k than it is to find places where you'll be in the regime where something like a 375 will start to make sense.
Recommendation:
- Start with something that uses a Lapua Magnum bolt face (300 Norma, 338 LM or AI - I'd start with the 300 Norma because of cost and at 2k, a LM doesn't get you much - a 338AI would be interesting, though)
- Get a big ass action that will accommodate a larger case to give you options down the road
- Learn shooting the 300 Norma or 338, get your feet wet, then either build a new rifle, or simply rebarrel to a 33XC or 37XC.
- This all allows you to use most of your existing tools (press, trimmers, etc.) while setting you up for a future upgrade if you desire it.