Long Range Light Weight Hunter

[BrentlyWhite]

Guys/Gals looking for your thoughts and advice for a long range light weight hunter in .300 Win Mag build.

Action - Bighorn TL3 Long Action, Mag bolt face, Tear drop bolt handle, 20 MOA rail
Barrel - Savage prefit 24" 5/8 threaded Muzzle, 1-9.4 twist
Stock - Manners EH1 adjustable comb
Trigger - Trigger Tech Special
Bottom Metal - Badger M4 Hinged Floor Plate
Muzzle Break - CA Slayer, lil beast/beast 5 port

Should come out to about $3,500.

Scope - undecided leaning towards a Nightforce

With this build, I might also pick up a Savage prefit 6.5 PRC as well. Two for one.

 

[hereinaz]

All solid choices. I run Proof prefits and the TT special. NX8 is the NF scope I would choose. I have a 3.6-18 MK5 on my lightweight hunter. I love my rifle. It is not a switch barrel, yet. But, I have a Savage I built into a switch barrel, and it is fun being able to run a different caliber with a few minutes to switch the barrel (and bolt as necessary). I have both the standard NSS barrel nut and the smooth Bighorn barrel nut. I really like the smooth Bighorn system, but that requires investment in the wrench for the smooth ones.

Personally, I would go with a .300 PRC, I think it just does what a .300 wm does with less drama. Proof makes the prefits for it. And, for the stock, take a look at AG composites stocks. I put their adjustable hunter on my rifle.

Bighorn just released the Origin in long action, if saving a few bucks mattered. Everyone I know with a TL3 loves it though.

 

[CBDR]

Guys/Gals looking for your thoughts and advice for a long range light weight hunter in .300 Win Mag build.

Action - Bighorn TL3 Long Action, Mag bolt face, Tear drop bolt handle, 20 MOA rail
Barrel - Savage prefit 24" 5/8 threaded Muzzle, 1-9.4 twist
Stock - Manners EH1 adjustable comb
Trigger - Trigger Tech Special
Bottom Metal - Badger M4 Hinged Floor Plate
Muzzle Break - CA Slayer, lil beast/beast 5 port

Should come out to about $3,500.

Scope - undecided leaning towards a Nightforce

With this build, I might also pick up a Savage prefit 6.5 PRC as well. Two for one.

Re-think your Bottom Metal. Go with a standard magazine. I did a similar build by Accurate Ordance and it is excellent except. If I could do it over I would never build again using a hinged floor plate.

 

[BrentlyWhite]

Re-think your Bottom Metal. Go with a standard magazine. I did a similar build by Accurate Ordance and it is excellent except. If I could do it over I would never build again using a hinged floor plate.

So an M5 DM?

 

[BrentlyWhite]

All solid choices. I run Proof prefits and the TT special. NX8 is the NF scope I would choose. I have a 3.6-18 MK5 on my lightweight hunter. I love my rifle. It is not a switch barrel, yet. But, I have a Savage I built into a switch barrel, and it is fun being able to run a different caliber with a few minutes to switch the barrel (and bolt as necessary). I have both the standard NSS barrel nut and the smooth Bighorn barrel nut. I really like the smooth Bighorn system, but that requires investment in the wrench for the smooth ones.

Personally, I would go with a .300 PRC, I think it just does what a .300 wm does with less drama. Proof makes the prefits for it. And, for the stock, take a look at AG composites stocks. I put their adjustable hunter on my rifle.

Bighorn just released the Origin in long action, if saving a few bucks mattered. Everyone I know with a TL3 loves it though.

AG composite does not show Bighorn as an inlet so I would just get the 700 Rem LA?

 

[CBDR]

So an M5 DM?

Inquire and see what fits your application. My only problem with a hinged floor plate is from my experience. Magazine's just seem to feed smoother. The hinged floor plate is differently more stream lined and lighter. But the mag is so basic.

 

[gnochi]

AG composite does not show Bighorn as an inlet so I would just get the 700 Rem LA?

Correct. You might need to do some filing to get the ejection port to size, but nothing major or even really necessary.

I have a Nucleus in an AG Composites Adjustable Chalk Branch, and I’m very pleased.

 

[D2junky]

Opening the cutout for the ejection port so far has been an optional thing for me...hasn’t affected function. However, I have had to modify the bolt cutout on every single stock I’ve ever dropped one into with the exception of a Foundation inlet for a TL3.

 

[D2junky]

It’s never taken more than 5 minutes with some Prussian blue and a small diamond file.

 

[BrentlyWhite]

All solid choices. I run Proof prefits and the TT special. NX8 is the NF scope I would choose. I have a 3.6-18 MK5 on my lightweight hunter. I love my rifle. It is not a switch barrel, yet. But, I have a Savage I built into a switch barrel, and it is fun being able to run a different caliber with a few minutes to switch the barrel (and bolt as necessary). I have both the standard NSS barrel nut and the smooth Bighorn barrel nut. I really like the smooth Bighorn system, but that requires investment in the wrench for the smooth ones.

Personally, I would go with a .300 PRC, I think it just does what a .300 wm does with less drama. Proof makes the prefits for it. And, for the stock, take a look at AG composites stocks. I put their adjustable hunter on my rifle.

Bighorn just released the Origin in long action, if saving a few bucks mattered. Everyone I know with a TL3 loves it though.

If I went with 300 PRC, what would I need to change in my build? Action cut for CIP, bottom metal for CIP, CIP mags?

 

[gnochi]

If I went with 300 PRC, what would I need to change in my build? Action cut for CIP, bottom metal for CIP, CIP mags?

CIP mags and M5/CIP bottom metal will get you 3.78ish COAL, which will work for pretty much any 300PRC load. There might be some benefit to getting the Wyatt’s PRC LA kit but that’s more annoying to get working correctly.

 

[Chargerguy]

My 3.850" CIP mag has an ID of 3.7725". Loading 195s long in my 28 Nosler puts my COAL at about 3.73" at the lands. That is the reason I sold my TL3 long actions and replaced them with SR3s with Wyatt's Extended cut. My Wyatt's extended box measures 3.825" ID. A huge difference for my application, and I prefer BDL bottom metal on my hunting rifles anyway. The SR3 with the Wyatt's cut will also work with CIP and regular AICS mags like the TL3. May want to consider an SR3 over the TL3 if you're planning a long COAL.

 

[gnochi]

Do y’all make an extra-extended-box cut that works with the CFE-09 (3.990 COAL)? @BigHorn / ZAI Team

 

[Zermatt Arms]

Do y’all make an extra-extended-box cut that works with the CFE-09 (3.990 COAL)? @BigHorn / ZAI Team

The Wyatt's boxes that work with our actions are CFE-5, MBE-4, CFE-12 and MBE-3

 

[Secant]

Nothing wrong with your list of parts....but since you asked for opinions:

I'd save a few dollars and get the TT Primary. The Primary goes down to 1.5 pounds, which is plenty low for a hunting rifle.

I'd go with the Origin L/A instead of the TL3 to save a few more dollars.

Put the saved money towards proof carbon prefit to save some weight.

Take the weight saved with the carbon barrel and go with DBM.

Maybe go with the EH1 over the EH1A and save about a pound?

 

[sam4886]

I'm in the very early stages or planning for something similar. 300 PRC I think. Based on listed weights and my preliminary build list it should be right at 10 lbs with glass, sling, and bipod. I think I counted the can in the weight too, but not 100% on that.

-Deviant GA hunter LA
-Carbon six barrel
-dead air brake to go with my jailed nomad
-Manners with edge technology or whatever they call it
-wyatts box
-BDL floor plate, probably oberndorf
-NF NX8
-rings/sling/bipod/trigger

I like hinged bottom metal for hunting rifles. If I were you and really dedicating this to a hunting rig, I'd look at a carbon barrel. Proof is proven, but carbon six gets great reviews too.

Not the lightest setup, but I think it would make an awesomely functional hunting rig and be fairly light considering the performance possibilities. If you want to stick with 300 win mag, go for it. There are plenty of reasons to stick with the old faithful.

 

[mjh30]

What weight are we talking here, and what distance are you calling lr.

 

[ddavis]

I've come to realize that a detachable mag is usually right at the balance point of the gun, and right where I want to carry it. Except there's a detachable mag in the way.

 

[10000yards]

I have been leaning towards the 300 Win Mag anyway and think that's the way I will go. Still a little undecided on the Tikka though. All I hear are good reviews but I guess I am a little Leary or a 6lb 300 mag. I have always hunted with an 8lb gun I'm starting to think that I'll buy a lightweight .308 for the longer backpack hunts.

 

[hereinaz]

This is Nuke short action, AG composite adjustable stock, 26" sendero proof, Mesa Precision M5 bottom meta, Accurate Mag 5 round, M10 rings, MK 5 3.6-18, TT special, Modular Evolution bipod, with pic rail up front for bipod and ARCA plate in front of magazine for tripod.

 

[BrentlyWhite]

Detachable bm and light weight don't really go together. Adjustable stock adds more weight. How "lightweight" are we talking? I have LR hunting rigs that range from 8# to 12# scoped. The low side of that is the only thing I'd call lightweight. This build list you have here is going to be over 9# before it's scoped. That is not a lightweight hunting rifle.

I would like to get under ten pounds when all said and done.

 

[BrentlyWhite]

Nothing wrong with your list of parts....but since you asked for opinions:

I'd save a few dollars and get the TT Primary. The Primary goes down to 1.5 pounds, which is plenty low for a hunting rifle.

I'd go with the Origin L/A instead of the TL3 to save a few more dollars.

Put the saved money towards proof carbon prefit to save some weight.

Take the weight saved with the carbon barrel and go with DBM.

Maybe go with the EH1 over the EH1A and save about a pound?

Just when I thought I had it all figured out. Thanks for the information. I am going with a proof research barrel. The only only reason I am leaning toward an adjustable comb is for proper cheek weld with the scope.

 

[BrentlyWhite]

I'm in the very early stages or planning for something similar. 300 PRC I think. Based on listed weights and my preliminary build list it should be right at 10 lbs with glass, sling, and bipod. I think I counted the can in the weight too, but not 100% on that.

-Deviant GA hunter LA
-Carbon six barrel
-dead air brake to go with my jailed nomad
-Manners with edge technology or whatever they call it
-wyatts box
-BDL floor plate, probably oberndorf
-NF NX8
-rings/sling/bipod/trigger

I like hinged bottom metal for hunting rifles. If I were you and really dedicating this to a hunting rig, I'd look at a carbon barrel. Proof is proven, but carbon six gets great reviews too.

Not the lightest setup, but I think it would make an awesomely functional hunting rig and be fairly light considering the performance possibilities. If you want to stick with 300 win mag, go for it. There are plenty of reasons to stick with the old faithful.

I am going with a proof barrel savage prefit

 

[BrentlyWhite]

What weight are we talking here, and what distance are you calling lr.

8 to 10 pounds max 1000 yards

 

[BrentlyWhite]

This is Nuke short action, AG composite adjustable stock, 26" sendero proof, Mesa Precision M5 bottom meta, Accurate Mag 5 round, M10 rings, MK 5 3.6-18, TT special, Modular Evolution bipod, with pic rail up front for bipod and ARCA plate in front of magazine for tripod.

What caliber

 

[BrentlyWhite]

Just when I thought I had it all figured out. Thanks for the information. I am going with a proof research barrel. The only only reason I am leaning toward an adjustable comb is for proper cheek weld with the scope.

What is the TT Primary?

 

[BrentlyWhite]

What a brain fart. TT (Trigger Tech)

 

[hereinaz]

What caliber

7mm Sherman Short Mag, in a short action. 180 VLD at 2970 using H1000, but I have some slower powder on the way that will push it to 3000 or more.

I second the TT Special to 1 pounds or Primary to 1.5 pounds. You don't need a Diamond unless you go under a pound. And, they all feel basically the same. Some say the Diamond feels better, but I can't tell the difference. I sold my Diamonds, bought Specials, and used the extra money on other stuff.

I would say go TL3 over Origin if you want "slick". The Origin is a great action, but it is not a "nice" for guys that have both. If you are like me, and aren't that picky, get the Origin. Although, I love my Nucleus, Origin and TL3 are safe bets you'll like them.

 

[Secant]

Just when I thought I had it all figured out. Thanks for the information. I am going with a proof research barrel. The only only reason I am leaning toward an adjustable comb is for proper cheek weld with the scope.

Ha! Picking all the parts is pretty fun, but it sure can be a rabbit hole.

As far as trigger weight goes, I’d say go for the 2.5-3 pound range. For me, safety is priority in a field gun. Hell, my range gun has a 3.25 pound trigger and that doesn’t stop me from hits at 1,000+ yards.

 

[BrentlyWhite]

Ha! Picking all the parts is pretty fun, but it sure can be a rabbit hole.

As far as trigger weight goes, I’d say go for the 2.5-3 pound range. For me, safety is priority in a field gun. Hell, my range gun has a 3.25 pound trigger and that doesn’t stop me from hits at 1,000+ yards.

Yes I am way down the rabbit hole. To much to pick from.

 

[mjh30]

8 to 10 pounds max 1000 yards

I have been slowly acquiring the pieces for a build, although all is not decided yet. I have a Tikka t3 in 270wsm that I will probably convert to 6.5 sherman short, I have a fluted cut rifled Benchmark in 6.5 to use. As it is, its 24 inches long, but I can go probably 22 if I want. I have one of Benchmarks Ibex stocks on order, hoping that bedded its around 32 ounces. The Tikka has the aftermarket spring, Sterk bolt handle, etc, so its actually pretty decent. Not sure what else I will use but the goal is something reasonable weight wise.

 

[codym]

I'm putting together something similar, bedding it Sunday. Lightweight wasn't my biggest priority but definitly a thought. I can weigh mine tomorrow minus a scope. Mine is as follows:

SR3 Long action 308 BF but have a mag BF for a 30 nosler barrel
Proof carbon savage prefit 280 AI 24'
mcmillan adjustable game scout standard fill
wyatt extended box
I forget the bottom metal, I think hawkins
TT diamond
Big horn 12 point barrel nut

I will eventually have the 30 nosler barrel made for it. This is my hunting rifle but I am wanting to get into some ELR stuff and this will be my start.

 

[BrentlyWhite]

After reading all the comments, I have think the following is in order:
Action - Bighorn TL3, Mag Bolt Face, 20MOA, DLC Coated, barrel nut - 31 ounces
AG Composites Alpine hunter Midnight Forest - 31 ounces
- Hawkins DBM - can’t find weight on this but probably 5 to 6 ounces
Proof carbon savage prefit threaded muzzle 24” barrel- 2 pounds 14 ounces
TT primary trigger
Beast muzzle break 5 ounces
So total weight 7 pounds 6 ounces plus trigger and barrel nut weight.

 

[codym]

Ok so I got it weighed, bare rifle minus optics and bedding, im at 7 pounds 12 ounces. I also have a 4 inch pic rail up front instead of sling swivels. Should be 8 lbs after bedding. looking at a nx8 and NF UL rings should be about 10 pounds which is great for me. I could have saved wieght on the stock going edge fill and a non adjustable stock, but I wanted GAP camo and they dont offer that with edge fill. Hope this helped.

 

[BrentlyWhite]

Ok so I got it weighed, bare rifle minus optics and bedding, im at 7 pounds 12 ounces. I also have a 4 inch pic rail up front instead of sling swivels. Should be 8 lbs after bedding. looking at a nx8 and NF UL rings should be about 10 pounds which is great for me. I could have saved wieght on the stock going edge fill and a non adjustable stock, but I wanted GAP camo and they dont offer that with edge fill. Hope this helped.

Very nice that is the weight I am shooting for. How about a picture would like to see your rifle.

 

[codym]

Just mocked up, nothing torqued down. I’m not the best picture taker.

 

[BrentlyWhite]

I am jealous. I like your setup. Keep us posted on how she shoots. Are you going to hand load?

 

[codym]

Yea, gonna try the 165 game changers, 168 Berger’s and I also have the 175 Berger’s to try, not sure if I will be able to push them fast enough to see any benefits over the 168’s.

The 30 nosler will only see 215 hybrids and h-1000

 

[BrentlyWhite]

Yea, gonna try the 165 game changers, 168 Berger’s and I also have the 175 Berger’s to try, not sure if I will be able to push them fast enough to see any benefits over the 168’s.

The 30 nosler will only see 215 hybrids and h-1000

With a .308, I would not go heavier than 168. Try the Hornady ELD-X.

 

[codym]

It’s a 280 ai

The 215’s are money in my 10 twist 300 win mag. The 30 will be a 9.4 and should have no problem hitting 3k plus

 

[BrentlyWhite]

It’s a 280 ai

The 215’s are money in my 10 twist 300 win mag. The 30 will be a 9.4 and should have no problem hitting 3k plus

Gotta you. I thought it was a .308. I would still give the ELD-X or M a try. I am going to try the 178 and 212 ELD-X when I get mine built.

 

[Wags]

I'm putting together something similar, bedding it Sunday. Lightweight wasn't my biggest priority but definitly a thought. I can weigh mine tomorrow minus a scope. Mine is as follows:

SR3 Long action 308 BF but have a mag BF for a 30 nosler barrel
Proof carbon savage prefit 280 AI 24'
mcmillan adjustable game scout standard fill
wyatt extended box
I forget the bottom metal, I think hawkins
TT diamond
Big horn 12 point barrel nut

I will eventually have the 30 nosler barrel made for it. This is my hunting rifle but I am wanting to get into some ELR stuff and this will be my start.

I'm doing a similar build soon.

Tikka T3 LH action.
280 AI proof carbon
McMillan adjustable game warden/scout
Redsnake tactical BM
Unsure on the break...
NF SHV on top.

 

[codym]

I will let you know how it shoots. I’ve had a couple 280ai’s and h4831sc and the 168’s have been awesome, gonna try Rl23 with the 175’s see if I can get them to run 2900 w/accuracy

 

[Wags]

I will let you know how it shoots. I’ve had a couple 280ai’s and h4831sc and the 168’s have been awesome, gonna try Rl23 with the 175’s see if I can get them to run 2900 w/accuracy

Please do. Itll be a while before its completed. Getting a barrel is going to take longer than I'd hoped. Proff doesn't make a 280 AI pre fit Tikka... so I'll have to find someone to thread and chamber it.

 

[Wags]

On the Tikka, why not 7 saum? Doesn't require an aftermarket dbm or magazine, run perfectly fine from 3.38 action length. Same or perhaps more fps than the 280ai. Perhaps you just want to stay away from the Magnum bolt face?

Yup. I already have a 30.06 to convert to the AI , which makes it easy without having to spend money on a magnum bolt.

 

[jda2631]

I had a similar idea. Ended up with a TL3, proof 26" 28 nosler, TT Special, EH1 with CIP mini chassis and an AMG. Couldn't be happier with it. Shooting 195's, loaded to 3.730" (with room to spare in the mag) at 3030 fps with Retumbo. Weight with scope/rings and empty mag was just under 10lbs if I remember correctly.

If you go win mag, I would def recommend getting CIP DBM or Wyatt's box if you reload, to make sure you have plenty of room. No reason to hamper yourself with COAL when you are building a custom.

ETA: If you order direct from Bighorn, get the CIP cut on the action. If not, just let any gunsmith shave off some of the feed ramp. I didn't get a CIP cut, just the standard long action, and sometimes when feeding from the mag the tip of the bullet was getting caught under the feed ramp, I would have to tap the bullet with my finger to get it to clear. $80 for an hour's worth of gunsmith labor and its 100% reliable now.

 

[BrentlyWhite]

I had a similar idea. Ended up with a TL3, proof 26" 28 nosler, TT Special, EH1 with CIP mini chassis and an AMG. Couldn't be happier with it. Shooting 195's, loaded to 3.730" (with room to spare in the mag) at 3030 fps with Retumbo. Weight with scope/rings and empty mag was just under 10lbs if I remember correctly.

If you go win mag, I would def recommend getting CIP DBM or Wyatt's box if you reload, to make sure you have plenty of room. No reason to hamper yourself with COAL when you are building a custom.

ETA: If you order direct from Bighorn, get the CIP cut on the action. If not, just let any gunsmith shave off some of the feed ramp. I didn't get a CIP cut, just the standard long action, and sometimes when feeding from the mag the tip of the bullet was getting caught under the feed ramp, I would have to tap the bullet with my finger to get it to clear. $80 for an hour's worth of gunsmith labor and its 100% reliable now.

I plan on getting the CIP cut.

 

[BrentlyWhite]

I have changed my mind on the Stock. I love the XLR Element 3.0 Magnesium Chassis with Carbon Fiber Butt Stock and Grip. At less than 30 0unces its hard to pass up. I did the math and the rifle without scope would come in at around 6.6 pounds. With a Lone Peak Ti action is comes in at around 6 pounds.

 

[tlsmith22]

I did a similar build. The 300 Wm chambered with the Rhian Manthis reamer from PTG is badass if you plan to shoot the Berger 215s. I am running mine right at 3100 FPS out of a 26” Proof barrel. I highly suggest the HS Precision DBM as it fits mostly flush and allows you to load the 215s plenty long to get that 3100 velocity. Here is a pic of the build.

 

[LastShot300]

I did a similar build. The 300 Wm cambered with the Rhian Manthis reamer from PTG is badass if you plan to shoot the Berger 215s. I am running mine right at 3100 FPS out of a 26” Proof barrel. I highly suggest the HS Precision DBM as it fits mostly flush and allows you to load the 215s plenty long to get that 3100 velocity. Here is a pic of the build.

215s at 3100?? WOW! what load if you don't mind telling?