How would you build a .308 from ground up?

[ducati07]

I know this question gets beat to hell but please bear with me on this one. I've read posts for the past few days but wasn't finding the exact information I was looking for, for my specific build, so hear it goes.

This will be my first bolt build and am new to this arena. I'm not by any means a gun smith but I have built a very nice AR15 and a killer S12, and some pretty cool 22's.

I want to build a .308 from ground up with an approx $3000 budget for gun only....maybe more which is always the case. I want to build rather than buy straight because it's easier for the wife to accept spending a thou here and there rather than forking out all $3k at once. I keep reading about the Model 700, is that the best way to go for this situation? Intensions are to shoot 600-1000 yds at steel targets.

Any ideas are greatly appreciated!

Thanks

 

[rware91]

Re: How would you build a .308 from ground up?

With a 3k budget i would go with some sort of custom action.
Surgeon-defiance- badger ect.
Either a rock or bartlein barrel
and then some have a smith chamber barrel
then put it in an aics or mcmillan a5
these are just my opinions and no one else can tell you how to build your perfect gun.

 

[Goin'Hot]

Re: How would you build a .308 from ground up?

First thing i'd do is scrap the 308. Run a 6.5 Creedmoor or 260. Build on a Stiller TAC30 with any of the major barrel mfgrs, Brux, Bartline, Kreiger, Rock etc. Run an 8 or 8.5 twist for the 142 smk's. Run a manner T4 or T5. Depending on your final intention, running a ss or internal mag will save 300-400 on a DBM system.

Do you plan on carrying this? Does your budget include a scope and mount?

 

[chittnp]

Re: How would you build a .308 from ground up?

I would start with a Remington 700 AAC SD, send the action in to be trued, get a pt&g bolt. At that point decide if you want the bolt fluted, what bolt knob etc. Then upgrade the stock (I'd like to go with manners or McMillan). I got the Larue scope base and rings, but you have at least 4 or 5 good choices out there. Upgrade the trigger, there's another 3 or so to consider. Grab a bipod and a sling ( I like the TAB gear sling). I'd also grab some Bottom Metal, badger etc....another item that has a few good alternatives. That should do it, throw some glass on it and start sending rounds down range. I'd leave the AAC-SD barrel alone for now, its got a decent twist and is already threaded.

 

[ducati07]

Re: How would you build a .308 from ground up?

I'd like it to have a removable mag but that is not required. This will not be carry weapon and it does not include cost for scope or mount. I'm figuring another $2k for those.

Scrap the .308? I'm all up for ideas. I'll look into 6.5 and 260. I'm heading to the range this weekend. I'll have to take a look around.

 

[ggmanning]

Re: How would you build a .308 from ground up?

-Buy your action...Surgeon 591 or Defiance Machine are my choices.
-Buy your barrel of choice...I like Krieger, Rock, Broughton. Depending on use pick your contour...no bigger than medium to heavy sporter for a gun you would want to carry. Pick the weight bullets you want to shoot and order twist based on that.
-Buy your stock....depends on your use. McM A3 carbon edge or Manners T2 carbon fill for me.
-Decide on internal mag or BM...I prefer Surgeon and like Seekins and Badger with a RAD latch.......and buy that.
-Pick your trigger....find an old style Remington 700 or get a Rifle Basix, Timney or Jewel that will give you adjustment range from about 1.5-4# unless you want a BR super light trigger pull. Buy that.

That will defer cost as you can buy when you can and not shock the wife....now send it all to a good smith and have them chamber, bed, thread 5/8-24 with a cap and assemble. Consider having the smith paint it all a nice base coat that you can then camo. Nothing wrong with a .308, unless you want a build to shoot very long range I really like a .243...... Just have to research what caliber will work for you. You also need to factor in if you will reload or want to buy match factory loads...that will play a factor in caliber choice also.

 

[Goin'Hot]

Re: How would you build a .308 from ground up?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ducati07</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I'd like it to have a removable mag but that is not required.

Scrap the .308? I'm all up for ideas. I'll look into 6.5 and 260. I'm heading to the range this weekend. I'll have to take a look around. </div></div>

You can initally build with an internal blind mag and then if you still want a DBM system, you can buy the bottom metal and send your stock back out for the inlet.

You'll find the 6.5's are quite an improvment over the .308 when dealing with the small boiler room afforded by the 308 sized case. The Creed has EXCELLENT factory ammo on the shelf.

I'd run a 26-28" barrel. Weight requirments will dictate your desired profile. Put a muzzle brake on it and don't let the tuff guys here talk tou out of one. I like less recoil and the ability to spot my own hits/misses as close as 300 yards and a good (not a harrels or vias, they kick up a TON of dust when shooting prone) brake will allow you to do just that.

Welcome to the hide.

 

[Sid Post]

Re: How would you build a .308 from ground up?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ducati07</div><div class="ubbcode-body">because it's easier for the wife to accept spending a thou here and there rather than forking out all $3k at once.</div></div>

Take ~$700 and buy a Remington 700 PSS 5R off the used board here and shoot it so you have a good starting reference. Shoot the heck out of it for a couple months while you watch the for sale forum here. Then sell your ~$700 used rifle and consider any loss as <span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="color: #FF0000">TUITION </span></span>so you spend your $3K more wisely.

Now, the big question for the big purchase ... can you put $500 a month aside while watching the for sale forum until you have the ~$3K you will want for a truely <span style="font-weight: bold">PREMIUM </span>well thought out build from someone who will truly deliver premium performance like GAP or APA among several top builders? I got a gently used build from the predecessor to APA for $3500 with an S&B scope I would have paid $1500 for. Now add bases rings, etc. Yes I got a smokin' good deal from one of the best places in the business with a top optic for about $2K less then a from scratch build. As best I can tell, the bare rifle today would cost ~$4k today.

Where do you live? You might want to hook up with someone from the 'hide and "test drive" some stuff before you spend your money.

 

[chongoMT]

Re: How would you build a .308 from ground up?

It way be better on your wallet to buy an action out right and then once you have located a gunsmith (I suggest Robert Gradous) ask him which stocks and high end barrels they have in the shop. Gunsmiths like other businesses don't like carrying excess inventory and they may work a "package" deal. The best thing about owning just the action is that you can send it anywhere and then have it shipped back to you. I likem Surgeon action and Bottom Metal, Broughton Barrels and either McMillan or Manners stocks.

 

[tacdrver]

Re: How would you build a .308 from ground up?

remington action $369
jewell trigger $234
badger ord dm $399
mcmillin or hs $550
krieger 5r barrel $300
badger bolt knob $35
$1887.00
gives you $1113.00 for gunsmithing fiting the barrel glass beding muzzel brake

 

[JasonB]

Re: How would you build a .308 from ground up?

Register on our forums, intro yourself and come to a practice day / match, check out the different stocks ... see what is comfortable ...

People are running...

Manners T4As
McMillian A3-5s
KMW
AICS

get behind a couple see what you like...

Surgeon 591 - 1300
Quality Barrel No Flutes - 300
DBM - 0-350
Stock 700-1200 ( Depending on stock and stock options, KMW being the most expensive but comes with DBM as does the AICS )
Gunsmith 700 ( 350 chambering / 350 Bedding )

Total - 3000-4000

 

[cardboardkiller]

Re: How would you build a .308 from ground up?

I'm building a .308 right now.

Defiance action and base
Bartlein #5 11.25 twist barrel - I'm going with an 18" barrel length threaded for my AAC Cyclone
Manners MCS-TA stock with molded in desert sage camo
RD Precision 2nd Gen DBM
Huber trigger
Ion Bond finish

Everything is in except the stock and I'm lining up with GAP now to get my barrel chambered, cut, crowned, threaded and thread protector.

I haven't decided on a scope yet, but it will be a Zeiss, S&B or the like. I'm overly interested in the S&B 3-20, but I'm a lefty and unsure if my bolt handle will clear. I have the 2nd from the bolt knob on pic #6 on the Defiance website "options" page. The scope will dictate the rings I choose.

I can't remember at the moment how much I have tied up in parts, but I'm expecting somewhere around $1300 all together for gunsmithing and refinishing.

 

[mjh30]

Re: How would you build a .308 from ground up?

Sid Post, excellent informative post.

 

[cttbax]

Re: How would you build a .308 from ground up?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Sid Post</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ducati07</div><div class="ubbcode-body">because it's easier for the wife to accept spending a thou here and there rather than forking out all $3k at once.</div></div>

Take ~$700 and buy a Remington 700 PSS 5R off the used board here and shoot it so you have a good starting reference. Shoot the heck out of it for a couple months while you watch the for sale forum here. Then sell your ~$700 used rifle and consider any loss as <span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="color: #FF0000">TUITION </span></span>so you spend your $3K more wisely.

Now, the big question for the big purchase ... can you put $500 a month aside while watching the for sale forum until you have the ~$3K you will want for a truely <span style="font-weight: bold">PREMIUM </span>well thought out build from someone who will truly deliver premium performance like GAP or APA among several top builders? I got a gently used build from the predecessor to APA for $3500 with an S&B scope I would have paid $1500 for. Now add bases rings, etc. Yes I got a smokin' good deal from one of the best places in the business with a top optic for about $2K less then a from scratch build. As best I can tell, the bare rifle today would cost ~$4k today.

Where do you live? You might want to hook up with someone from the 'hide and "test drive" some stuff before you spend your money. </div></div>



Another great way to learn about precision shooting and get to shoot/fondle/contrast and compare is to take a precision rifle class. while I was learning the fundamentals I shot several high end custom rifles that were student guns. It was a great way to check them out, see what works and doesn't work for you. I agree with the post above, start with a a stock gun and work your way up. Factory Remington rifles are pretty darn accurate my friend. It is not a bad place to start. I started with a Rem 700 5R 300 win mag, I added a nice trigger and MCree stock and it shot great! The only reason I sold it was to build a custom .308 and to get a way from the 300WM powder hoggness. The best part about the custom builder I chose is that during the class I got to look and shoot two rifles he built before I hired him. That really gave me a good feeling going into the situation. Hope this helps!

Bax

 

[300ATT]

Re: How would you build a .308 from ground up?

I would also recommend starting with a Remington 5R. I have owned three of them and they all shot 3/8 - 1/2 MOA out of the box with Federal GMM. If you start with a 5R AND can "prove" to yourself that the gun will hold 1/2 moa, then from there you can:
1.) get a trigger job $70 - best bang for the buck.
2.) Bed the rifle - 180 - $200. It was hard for me to tell if this made any difference but I did sleep better at night.
3.) look for a replacement stock - AICS, McMillan (w/detachable bottom metal?), Manners ... see what fits you and feels best. If you know that you are going to do this do step #2 after #3...
4.) Add a bolt knob? Flute the barrel for better weight/balance?

Once you have done all of this you will be into the gun about $2K and will have something that is 90 - 100% of a $4K custom build. The difference will be in the price of the action and barrel you fit to it. In other words most of us can't hold hard enough let alone dope wind well enough at 600 - yards to tell the difference between a 1/2 moa 5R and 1/2 moa $4K custom rig.

All that being said, $4-5k custom guns are really cool and you learn a lot in the build process, and if the custom gun "feels more accurate" chances are it will be ...

BTW: don't forget the glass - custom rifles come and go but good glass lasts forever ...

 

[rpk762]

Re: How would you build a .308 from ground up?

You are lucky to live in a state where there are so many options to see others and their rifles. Here in ND I am in “hunting” country. Junk rifles are all over. Quality rifles are few and far between. I would say talk to a few others and see if you can get behind their rifles at a match. Then you can buy what is perfect to you.
There is nothing wrong with the 308. The 260 is almost cheating at 1,000yds once you know what is going on. I have to do everything the hard way to find what I like. I currently have a AICS stock on my 308 and it is blocky. A great stock once in position but really sucks to carry around. I have a McMillian A4 on my 300WM and it is much easier on the hands to carry around.

I shot a factory 700 for over a year before I started upgrading it. Now it is almost perfect. While I like my AICS stock I am more of a A4 fan.

 

[swage]

Re: How would you build a .308 from ground up?

I'm putting together my first custom build right now. I've purchased:

Surgeon 591 Repeater
Surgeon Bottom Metal
Jewell HVR trigger
Kreiger 1-11" twist finished at 20" in OD Green
McMillan A5 Adjustable with KMW Loggerhead equipment
50% OD 25% Tan 25% Black
Badger Ordinance EFR
Surefire MB762SS/AL muzzle brake
T.A.B. Gear OD sling with QD attachments

I'm waiting on my barrel and stock which will be ready by August and then off to Robert Gradous.

 

[ducati07]

Re: How would you build a .308 from ground up?

Lots of great ideas...thanks to everyone posting!

 

[Tangodown911]

Re: How would you build a .308 from ground up?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: swage</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I'm putting together my first custom build right now. I've purchased:

Surgeon 591 Repeater
Surgeon Bottom Metal
Jewell HVR trigger
Kreiger 1-11" twist finished at 20" in OD Green
McMillan A5 Adjustable with KMW Loggerhead equipment
50% OD 25% Tan 25% Black
Badger Ordinance EFR
Surefire MB762SS/AL muzzle brake
T.A.B. Gear OD sling with QD attachments

I'm waiting on my barrel and stock which will be ready by August and then off to Robert Gradous. </div></div>

First off +1000 for Robert Gradous. The man is a genius in the gun world and doubt a finer rifle can be built by other hands. I highly recommend him as he was a pleasure to deal with as well as building me a no BS 1 hole .260rem. I also highly recommend the .260 if you hand load. If you are wanting to shoot 600 to 1K then I would not even consider the .308 as the .260 runs circles around it at those distances with less recoil and much flatter shooting. If you don't handload then look at the 6.5 creed. See the link in my signature line for the masterpiece that Robert built for me.

I went with only the best:
Surgeon 591
Kreiger 8.5" twist MTU
McMillan A5
Surgeon bottom metal
And of course... Robert

I'm pushing bergers BTLR 140s seated at COAL 2.875" (+-.001) with 42.2g of h4350 in Norma brass necksized only set off by BR-2 primers. The rifle has produced multiple 5 shot groups on the .1s and is .25 moa at 200 all day long. I couldn't be happier with Robert or the gun. FWIW....

 

[300sniper]

Re: How would you build a .308 from ground up?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: chittnp</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I would start with a Remington 700 AAC SD, send the action in to be trued, get a pt&g bolt. At that point decide if you want the bolt fluted, what bolt knob etc. Then upgrade the stock (I'd like to go with manners or McMillan). I got the Larue scope base and rings, but you have at least 4 or 5 good choices out there. Upgrade the trigger, there's another 3 or so to consider. Grab a bipod and a sling ( I like the TAB gear sling). I'd also grab some Bottom Metal, badger etc....another item that has a few good alternatives. That should do it, throw some glass on it and start sending rounds down range. I'd leave the AAC-SD barrel alone for now, its got a decent twist and is already threaded. </div></div>

why would you start with an 700 aac sd if you were going to end up truing the action? if you are starting from scratch, either start with the cheapest 700 action you can get your hands on or an aftermarket action.

there are way too many variables to give someone an answer to what they should build. things like how heavy you want it, the stock style, the overall system length, intended use, etc.

 

[Dionis]

Re: How would you build a .308 from ground up?

I was in the same boat not too long ago ...Originaly i wanted Sako TRG22 ...

APA build me a rifle on

Surgeon RSR action
Bartlein barrel (22'' m24/m40 contour)
AICS 2.0
Jewell trigger

Rifle shoots sub moa all day if i do my part.
Range report and pics of rifle in my sign. just click on the link ; ) PM me if you have any questions ...

 

[swage]

Re: How would you build a .308 from ground up?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: TangoDown911</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: swage</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I'm putting together my first custom build right now. I've purchased:

Surgeon 591 Repeater
Surgeon Bottom Metal
Jewell HVR trigger
Kreiger 1-11" twist finished at 20" in OD Green
McMillan A5 Adjustable with KMW Loggerhead equipment
50% OD 25% Tan 25% Black
Badger Ordinance EFR
Surefire MB762SS/AL muzzle brake
T.A.B. Gear OD sling with QD attachments

I'm waiting on my barrel and stock which will be ready by August and then off to Robert Gradous. </div></div>

First off +1000 for Robert Gradous. The man is a genius in the gun world and doubt a finer rifle can be built by other hands. I highly recommend him as he was a pleasure to deal with as well as building me a no BS 1 hole .260rem. I also highly recommend the .260 if you hand load. If you are wanting to shoot 600 to 1K then I would not even consider the .308 as the .260 runs circles around it at those distances with less recoil and much flatter shooting. If you don't handload then look at the 6.5 creed. See the link in my signature line for the masterpiece that Robert built for me.

I went with only the best:
Surgeon 591
Kreiger 8.5" twist MTU
McMillan A5
Surgeon bottom metal
And of course... Robert

I'm pushing bergers BTLR 140s seated at COAL 2.875" (+-.001) with 42.2g of h4350 in Norma brass necksized only set off by BR-2 primers. The rifle has produced multiple 5 shot groups on the .1s and is .25 moa at 200 all day long. I couldn't be happier with Robert or the gun. FWIW....</div></div>

Robert had recommended the .260 to me also. The issue is I don't hand load currently and only have access to a 300 yard range. He did mention that since the Surgeon 591's recoil lug is integrated into the action that all I would need would be to invest in a barrel wrench and a .260 barrel in the future should I decide to switch calibers.

 

[Graham]

Re: How would you build a .308 from ground up?

If you don't know what you want to achieve with a custom build then you don't need a custom build.

That said, if you have the money to spend I would call GAP, speak to George for fifteen minutes, let him ask you questions, answer his questions, then send him all your money and accept what he sends you in return.

 

[chittnp]

Re: How would you build a .308 from ground up?

300sniper - good point, I would go that route because the 700 AAC SD give pretty decent bang for the buck, but I suppose given the budget its kind of unnecessary. I just thought it was a good starting point...more for an incremental upgrade project I supose

 

[saleen63]

Re: How would you build a .308 from ground up?

This is the same budget that I am going on for my current 280 AI build.
tac 300 action-870
rock creek barrel-315
t-4 manners with mini chassis-874
jewel trigger-140
and X ring accuracy doing all the gunsmithing for me.-I think around 600-700 for work
should total 2900-3000

 

[swage]

Re: How would you build a .308 from ground up?

That looks like a very solid build Saleen. I'm interested in the mini chassis also. I think that's where this industry is headed.

 

[saleen63]

Re: How would you build a .308 from ground up?

This will be my second rifle in a t4 with mini chassis. They are really good. The only thing that sucks about it is the three month wait.