Lightweight Hunting Build

[RC556]

Was looking to start a lighter weight hunting build. Deer & Pigs mostly <300 yds but the rifle may be used for some ram or elk in the future.
Feel free to share any $.02 on what you would recommend or what you use. I somewhat decided on 6.5 CM, wasn't sure if I should move into Nosler.
Manners PRS2 or TF4A. Proof Barrel 18"-20". Not sure yet on action work and would most likely run a Razor 4.5 or AMG or NXS 5.5-22. Theres potential for a clip on thermal.
What does the hide think?
I was thinking something along the lines of this:

 

[Lightning8]

I bought a used Kimber Montana in 280AI. Been using it hunt in Wyoming last few years. I killed a nice Mule Deer with it at about 325 yards.

 

[RC556]

I bought a used Kimber Montana in 280AI. Been using it hunt in Wyoming last few years. I killed a nice Mule Deer with it at about 325 yards.

Nice, I haven't even heard of 280AI or most of the other cartridges on SH

 

[zaprosper]

I think that isn't really what I would consider a light build, but that definition seems to be relative. Would be a pretty sweet build though, that's for sure

 

[CStroud]

What do you consider lightweight? Let’s start there first.

 

[zaprosper]

What do you consider lightweight? Let’s start there first.

To add on to that, you say pig and deer, will you be doing blind hunting, or lots of hiking? If potentially using for ram and elk, that would affect what caliber and what weight you want it to be as well. If it needs to be a one gun does all the above, you will be making some compromise somewhere.

 

[RC556]

What do you consider lightweight? Let’s start there first.

I think that isn't really what I would consider a light build, but that definition seems to be relative. Would be a pretty sweet build though, that's for sure

Lighter than the AR10 I use currently. It will be 100% blind hunting. I only mentioned the ram and elk for much future use but it wouldn't be detrimental. Essentially it just needs to be light for travel and the potential to have to hike with it down the road.

 

[kabarNC]

This is an Origin build i had put together for backcountry hunts. 10lbs loaded. 6.5PRC. Any lighter and it'd be harder to shoot straight in my opinion. With this I can hit steel out to 1200+yds, or hunt.

 

[RC556]

Putting a Vortex Razor on a "lightweight" rifle is like dialing left 2 clicks for spindrift and then holding right .2 for wind.

But the clarity is so worth it, what would you recommend.

 

[Redvanes]

If you want lightweight, go with an EH1 Instead of the PRS2 or the TF4A. Folding hardware and adjustable comb hardware are just adding unwanted weight. Skip the “tactical” stocks and move to the Elite Hunter line... as it is a hunting rifle.

Also, ditch the 3lb razor and go with the 3-18 Mark 5. It weighs 20oz LESS than the Razor. Or the March or the NX8

 

[hereinaz]

But the clarity is so worth it, what would you recommend.

MK5 3.6-18 for a lightweight hunting rifle, 7 Sherman Short mag. A touch over 10 lbs with mag in.

A Sherman Short Mag is my choice if you want to reach out.

Inside 300 a 6.5 cm, 260, or bigger. I have an 18" .308 win for stuff inside 300. Heck, building a 22 grendel to shoot 85ish grain bullets out of a 22"barrel I would use on pigs and deer.

 

[Dai Bando]

Haha!

The Snipers Hide version of a light weight hunting rifle is always good for a laugh!

Kimber Montana in 7 WSM would be perfect, but a .280AI could do in a pinch.

10x SWFA MQ or a Bushy 3-12 LRHS will put a guy in TALL cotton!

 

[zaprosper]

Haha!

The Snipers Hide version of a light weight hunting rifle is always good for a laugh!

Kimber Montana in 7 WSM would be perfect, but a .280AI could do in a pinch.

10x SWFA MQ or a Bushy 3-12 LRHS will put a guy in TALL cotton!

Lol you couldn't be more right. The build being proposed would weight a minimum of twice as much as an actual lightweight build. A couple of the suggestions people have made would shave off about 3 or 4 pounds pretty easily. If I were building a moderate to heavier weight rifle like OP is proposing(and had no budget), it would be a impact action, with a manners eh1/eh1a and a mark 5hd 3.6-18. 6.5cm is plenty of gun for deer and pig. It still wouldn't really classify as a light build, but would definitely be light enough for any blind shooting. Could also do some hikes with it, but not many would want something this heavy on a backpack trip.

 

[jphil108]

For your immediate use a 7-08 or 6.5 creedmoor might be nice but at those distances and what you plan to shoot, a real short (16.5-18) .308 with a1:8 twist barrel might be the ticket if you have an interest in suppressed shooting. If you really want light weight it’s hard to beat a blind magazine without a floor plate, at least without spending a ton of money.

you could probably get away with even a 6.5 grendel in a howa mini action if you wanted to Put a pin in the idea of elk and sheep. If you definitely only want one rifle, then .280, .280 AI, or .284 win. would work for all pursuits listed, but you need a long action, which hurts weight by a few ounces, so the 7 wsm sounds like a good deal For a do-all rig, way more than you would need for deer and pigs,but overkill is still dead.

 

[Dai Bando]

If a guy just wants to build, I'd do that manners 18 oz wonder stock (or EH1), Mack Bros Ti, Bart 2b or #4 CF, in 7/08 and twist/throat for 162's or even 180's.

Hell, at 300 yards a .223AI is AMAZING on pigs and deer

 

[Redvanes]

Haha!

The Snipers Hide version of a light weight hunting rifle is always good for a laugh

This reminds me about a post on Facebook when a guy was building an elk rifle and stated he was using an m24 barrel contour. I said he was making a mistake and another member of the group, a relatively known PRS shooter, chimes in and basically told me I was an idiot because He didn’t see why it was a bad idea.

I then told him that lugging that thing up and down the mountain would get old real fast and in typical fashion he proceeds to tell me that maybe I need to “hit the gym” more often And how a heavier contour would relate to a more accurate rifle which translates to being a more “ethical hunter” blah blah blah.

Gotta love those guys

 

[sremmal]

MK5 3.6-18 for a lightweight hunting rifle, 7 Sherman Short mag. A touch over 10 lbs with mag in.

A Sherman Short Mag is my choice if you want to reach out.

Inside 300 a 6.5 cm, 260, or bigger. I have an 18" .308 win for stuff inside 300. Heck, building a 22 grendel to shoot 85ish grain bullets out of a 22"barrel I would use on pigs and deer.

View attachment 7359639

What you describe for the 7 SS is pretty much exactly what I'm wanting to build. Would you mind listing out your components either here or via pm?

 

[30338]

As a lefty shooter, I've built a few rigs out of necessity. Just last week I passed on a Kimber Montana in 270 WSM, new, for $599. It would be really hard to not just shoot that with say a nice used 2.5-10 NSX off the hide used for $1400. Down the road a simple rebarrel nets you a 6.5 PRC or 7mm WSM. You'll save thousands and have a great rig.

 

[Just Macca]

6.5 PRC Seekins Havak Element = 5.5lb
Will hold value better too if you sell it.

 

[SeekingNorth]

Tikka T3x Lite Stainless in 308.
20" barrel factory threaded
Suppressor
(Upgrade stock if you feel the need)
Sportsmatch Rings
S&B 10x42 or NF 2.5-10x42

Easy 500 yards shots possible..


If you want a light weight hunting rifle.. you got to build/buy light weight.
There is no need for tac stocks and massive barrels.
A thinner barrel is absolutely able to shoot small groups far out...

In a hunting situation.. you dont need more then 1-2 rounds.
I you need to shoot the animal more then that, you shouldn't even have taken the first shot.


.

 

[Oregonmuley]

If a guy just wants to build, I'd do that manners 18 oz wonder stock (or EH1), Mack Bros Ti, Bart 2b or #4 CF, in 7/08 and twist/throat for 162's or even 180's.

Hell, at 300 yards a .223AI is AMAZING on pigs and deer

I'm sort of going that route on a current build, just waiting on the action from Defiance Machine. I'll be building a light-weight 7MM-08 with one of the new Bartlein carbon wrapped barrels in #4 contour. Action will be a Rebel with their sheep cut port, ultra-deep flutes on the bolt, decided to try a Proof Research stock, and will be using a Hawkins bottom metal, TriggerTech.

FYI, the new stocks from Proof are pretty nice IMHO, mine came in weighing 19.35 ozs and is inlet for most carbon wrapped barrels and will work with a model 700 action or any of the clones. Naked, should be around 6 lbs 4-5 ozs. Scoped I think I'll be around 8 lbs or less depending on scope.

 

[Simonsza1]

18” krieger, 6.5 cm, manners elite carbon, fn spr action, Leupold vx6hd, cdi bm and tbac ultra.7

 

[Brisket]

300 WM, 26" proof sendero, apr hunter action, ag composites alpine hunter. Weighs 7lb 3oz loaded no optic. It started with a vx5, but i wasn't happy with the tracking, so now its got a mark 5 on it.

 

[mcfred]

This might provide some insight:

Hunting & Fishing - Lightweight Hunting Rifles

I have been moving from my heavy rifles to carbon fiber stocks and sporter barrels. Have a couple Rem 600s (one in a McMillan Edge and a Model 7 in a Manners carbon fiber EH8. Have a couple other CF stocks waiting for actions and barrels. So, if you have a light rifle, i woukd live to hear...

www.snipershide.com

Otherwise, 300 yards pig gun for blind hunting? Go to about any pawn shop and you can get a sporter contoured .243 for $300, put a fixed ~6x scope on it and go hunting. You're doing it wrong if you're dialing anything inside 300 yards IMO.

 

[lunatic209]

I don't know about building lightweight and putting a Razor on haha. Those things are heavy! Anyways I would build something similar to Christensen Arms Summit rifle, that thing comes in at barely 5.5 lbs. With a scope you'll be sitting at under 7-8 lbs forsure depending how heavy of a scope you go with.

 

[Mauser06]

Definitely need to come up with parameters. You mention blind hunting so weight isn't much of an issue unless the blind is a serious hike. Then you mention hikes.

Have to come up with a weight parameter. What is comfortable for some guys is a boat anchor to others.


With true lightweight rigs, shooting becomes a little more difficult. It's not that they can't be accurate. It's that they take a little different shooting style than heavier rigs.



I do a lot of still hunting and tracking if I have snow. My rifle is in my hands from sun up till sun down and I'm on my feet the entire time. Even 7-8 pound rigs get heavy with my style of hunting.

My shots are typically close and fast so I don't need much of a rifle.

I went with a Kimber Montana. After a custom trigger guard and bolt handle and being rebored to 358win, it's under 6 pounds with a Swarovski 3-10x42 in Talley Lightweights. Perfect rifle for my uses.


In the "near" future, I'm going to build another of a Brown's Precision Pound'r. Something that'll reach out better than the 358win will. Thinking a 7 SAW or 300wsm. I don't need it for my normal hunting. But in the event I start making trips out west or something, it could be beneficial. I won't be counting ounces with that build as the stock is already like 9oz less than my Kimber. Something sub 7 pounds would be sufficient for this next one.

 

[tuckybill]

I was just out looking at deer in velvet with my new S&B 10x42 and my Leupold FX3 6x42. No contest the Leupold would give you at the very least 5 more minutes of shooting light. And it saves HALF POUND of weight. Check them out for a lightweight hunting scope.

 

[Oregonmuley]

I was just out looking at deer in velvet with my new S&B 10x42 and my Leupold FX3 6x42. No contest the Leupold would give you at the very least 5 more minutes of shooting light. And it saves HALF POUND of weight. Check them out for a lightweight hunting scope.

Seriously?? You are comparing a Leupold to a S&B PM II 10x42?? I also own both and I would strongly disagree on the brightness and clarity of the two being equal or the Leupold superior. The S&B by the way will actual hold zero and track - if that matters to you in the least.

 

[RC556]

Welp, learned a lot lol. I just want a do it all but its looking more like I'll just build a gun for what I do now and build another if needed down the road.

 

[hereinaz]

What you describe for the 7 SS is pretty much exactly what I'm wanting to build. Would you mind listing out your components either here or via pm?

I would probably go 24" on the barrel if I had to do it again. My target velocity is 3000 fps and with RL 26 I am over 3020 with room to go faster. I might reconsider the adjustable cheek, but I really like it, just like the DBM adds a little weight but is more useful. I'd rather bring less comfort in other things than that little bit on the rifle. I also think for a magnum rifle going ultralight changes the way it shoots. I love the rifle and have packed it and don't regret a couple extra pounds for what I get out of it. I am ditching my bipod, so that will save weight, because I can shoot as well off a tripod as I can prone or a bench. Confirmed about .5 moa at 500 plus yards in the field, not a range.

But, it still weighs more than I want and is larger than I want for quick hikes and trips. So, I am building an ultralight rifle. Honestly, for the OP, a build like this would work fine for his uses. A 22 grendel on a Howa Mini Action, or stick with the 6.5 Grendel. I expect it to be finished out with glass at less than 8 pounds with an MK 5 scope. Gotta see what weight I can squeeze out of the stock.

My 7ss:
ARC Nucleus Action
Proof 26" cf 8.44 twist
Area 419 brake
AG composite Adjustable Hunter
MK5 3.6-18
ARC M10 low rings
Mesa Precision bottom metal
Accurate 300 wsm mag
Trigger Tech Special

 

[hereinaz]

A couple buddies have similar builds as above, in 7SS, but with a lighter AG composite stock or different scope or action. All, theirs are all lighter than mine, one is lighter even with his bipod.

 

[Simonsza1]

I want a 7SS now cause of hereinaz

 

[sremmal]

I would probably go 24" on the barrel if I had to do it again. My target velocity is 3000 fps and with RL 26 I am over 3020 with room to go faster. I might reconsider the adjustable cheek, but I really like it, just like the DBM adds a little weight but is more useful. I'd rather bring less comfort in other things than that little bit on the rifle. I also think for a magnum rifle going ultralight changes the way it shoots. I love the rifle and have packed it and don't regret a couple extra pounds for what I get out of it. I am ditching my bipod, so that will save weight, because I can shoot as well off a tripod as I can prone or a bench. Confirmed about .5 moa at 500 plus yards in the field, not a range.

But, it still weighs more than I want and is larger than I want for quick hikes and trips. So, I am building an ultralight rifle. Honestly, for the OP, a build like this would work fine for his uses. A 22 grendel on a Howa Mini Action, or stick with the 6.5 Grendel. I expect it to be finished out with glass at less than 8 pounds with an MK 5 scope. Gotta see what weight I can squeeze out of the stock.

My 7ss:
ARC Nucleus Action
Proof 26" cf 8.44 twist
Area 419 brake
AG composite Adjustable Hunter
MK5 3.6-18
ARC M10 low rings
Mesa Precision bottom metal
Accurate 300 wsm mag
Trigger Tech Special

Thanks for the info! Looks like you built pretty much exactly what I was thinking, but with a few minor differences.

 

[hereinaz]

I want a 7SS now cause of hereinaz

This 7ss is 9 pounds.

 

[XTREM HTR16]

My 20” GAP 6.5 creed build with EH2 stock, a CB and ultra 7. Without scope:

 

[S3th]

I am currently in the process of building a lightweight hunting rifle.

Chambered in 6.5 Creedmoor & 7 Sherman Max prefit barrels.

Action: Steel Lone Peak Arms Fuzion - Medium Length - BDL - Alpine Port
Bottom Metal: Lone Peak Arms/Hawkins Precision BDL Medium Metal Kit
Trigger: Trigger Tech Diamond
Stock: Mesa Precision - Altitude Stock
Barrel: 6.5 Creedmoor (22" Medium Palma Steel) & 7 Sherman Max (24" or 26" Carbon Fiber)
Muzzle Brake: Ultralight Jet Blast

Bolded is what I currently have on hand with a weight of 6.5lbs. The stock should be here in another week or two and will bring the total weight to 8.15lbs.

I was anticipating the action and BDL weighting less. The action tips the scale at 32.56oz & BDL at 6.66oz. I thought the combo would be 5-6oz lighter.

The reason why I went with a steel barrel on the 6.5 Creedmoor because it will see more range time than hunting. I'll get another barrel spun up in CF which will drop the barrel weight by 1lb.

 

[Mauser06]

My Kimber Montana in 358win with a Swarovski 3-10x42 ontop.


I guess lightweight means different things for different shooters. Anything 7-10lbs all up is average IMO. Anything over 10lbs scoped is heavy IMO for a hunting rifle.

 

[Simonsza1]

My 20” GAP 6.5 creed build with EH2 stock, a CB and ultra 7. Without scope:

View attachment 7361090View attachment 7361091

Pretty similar to mine besides two inches of barrel! I like it.

 

[.50 Cal Cow]

Weight of the vortex is only part of the equation of why I wouldn’t use it for hunting. If it was me personally i would stay away from ffp scopes where the reticle will be all but useless to see at lower magnification. Especially when the lowest mag is already higher than needed at 6x.

I ended up rebarreling my tikka tac a1 to an 18” light palma in straight 7mm-08 and put it in a ctr stock. Weight with the NF ATACR 4-16x42 is 10lbs1oz which while might not be a true “light weight” build, it is showing to be a perfect balance of weight/handy/stout enough for steady hold and range use. Especially with my TBAC on.

 

[jphil108]

My Kimber Montana in 358win with a Swarovski 3-10x42 ontop.


I guess lightweight means different things for different shooters. Anything 7-10lbs all up is average IMO. Anything over 10lbs scoped is heavy IMO for a hunting rifle.

you don’t see many .358s these days but I always thought that was a cool cartridge, what is your barrel length and what bullet do you use most often?

 

[Mauser06]

you don’t see many .358s these days but I always thought that was a cool cartridge, what is your barrel length and what bullet do you use most often?

I left the barrel at 22" for now.

Last year was the first year owning the rifle. I hunted with it as a 308win and 22" barrel. I didn't feel the length was bothersome so I left it 22" when I had the rebore/rechamber done by JES reboring.

I haven't hunted with it as a 358 and haven't decided on a bullet. I really wanted to run 225gr Woodleigh Round nosed but I am having feeding issues with 200gr Hornady round nosed I found cheap enough to run some rounds through the bore/brass. Forget what side of the mag gives a fit when feeding ...I don't know think longer bullets would have the issue though...and know a few guys running rebored Montana's without issue....

Actually using Lapua 308 brass since I don't own a 308 right now lol.


I've been carrying a 35 Whelen for a while now and just love how it hammers. Wanted a smaller and much lighter rig and that's where I ended up.

180gr TTSX is intriguing. I don't know if I will get the expansion I wanna see though. I'm a weirdo...I wanna hit em hard, open em up and have an exit. Which is why the Woodleigh Round nosed was my pick. Love Accubonds but hear even the 200gr Accubond is too long. I may have to try em.

And may try the 180gr TTSX. A 200gr partition would be awesome. 225gr partitions are another possibility to try.

 

[Simonsza1]

Obviously just my experience but the Barnes hunting bullets in multiple different calibers have all been hammers for me. I’ve gotten to the point I don’t think I’ll ever hunt with anything else.

 

[Mauser06]

Appreciate that! I've heard it both ways on Barnes bullets. I think I definitely need to try them for myself. I'd actually like to get away from lead for hunting bullets for a variety of reasons. When it comes to hunting bullets all I care about is performance. I like consistency. I want to know what it'll do and it's capabilities. Accubonds and partitions have been my favorites.


One reason I went with the 358win opposed to the 338fed was bullets. Most of the 338 bullets are built for magnum speeds. Where as the 358 bullets vary from 180-310gr for a variety of different speeds.

 

[XTREM HTR16]

Could also try the 200 TSX. It is flat base and will open up on deer. We used them and the Hornady 200 grain SP in a 358 Hoosier for Indiana whitetails.

 

[david walter]

Fixed it for you.

If you need more capacity, have the stock milled out for CTR bottom metal and shoot 10 round mags.

done and done.

Tikka T3x Lite Stainless in 308.
20" barrel factory threaded
Suppressor
(Upgrade stock if you feel the need)
Sportsmatch Rings
6x MQ super sniper

 

[iukamedic]

That mk5 is a good scope that’s light. Might need illum with hunting rig. Those proof barrels are nice.

 

[RTH1800]

7 3/4 pounds and effective to 500 yards with near certainty on deer sized targets.

.270 Winchester.

 

[Pckphunter]

I tried the nx8. It wasn’t my favorite

 

[Mike_in_FL]

This is an Origin build i had put together for backcountry hunts. 10lbs loaded. 6.5PRC. Any lighter and it'd be harder to shoot straight in my opinion. With this I can hit steel out to 1200+yds, or hunt.

I'm not the best at identifying all the parts. Can you give us the details of your build please?

 

[kabarNC]

I'm not the best at identifying all the parts. Can you give us the details of your build please?

Sure, ultralight Jet Blast brake from PVA, Proof carbon 26" Sendero, Bighorn Origin action, McMillan A3 carbon fiber stock with Stockdoc cheek piece, Triggertech Special, Hawkins Precision bottom metal, Accuratemag 300WSM 3rd mag, built by Short Action Customs. Rings are Hawkins Precision, scope is Bushnell LRHSi 4.5-18x44.