My budget 308 Build! @LoneWolfUSMC

N

ngodwetrust21

Full Member
Full Member
Minuteman
Dec 12, 2012
10
1
Chattanooga, TN
#1
This rifle started out as a Remington SPS Varmint chambered in 308. It comes with a 26” barrel, 12” twist and was getting 1.5 MOA on a good day.

Currently it has:

Bell and Carlson Medalist Light Tactical Rifle Stock
Jewell Trigger
Weaver 1-Piece Extended Multi-Slot Tactical Picatinny-Style 20 MOA Base
Burris 1" Xtreme Tactical Picatinny-Style Rings
Bushnell Elite Tactical 4.5-30 x 50
Harris bipod
The load I am currently using for target shooting is SMK 175gr, 41.0gr Varget, Remington brass, Winchester primers, 2.900 COAL (.020 off the lands).

After the upgrades and load development, it does this at 200 yards.

n5sn04.jpg


I have to say I love this rifle. I really wanted a custom barrel and action, but when you are on a budget that is not always an option. I hope this will encourage someone to give it a shot. As you can see, you can get a factory barrel and action to shoot! So far I have shot out to 840 yards at a 12”x12” steel plate with no problem. I hope to stretch it out to 1000 soon.

2exlbwo.jpg


2hej5z7.jpg


2lvizj5.jpg


I also wanted everyone to know that I have a mancrush on LoneWolfUSMC. I hope no one thinks any less of me for this.
wink.gif
 
#2
Re: My budget 308 Build! @LoneWolfUSMC

Looks good, if the scope is a 50mm obj bell i would put on a set of Burris low rings. Closer to bore and wouldn't have to jack up the stock pack. What is that load chronographing? My typical 175/varget powder charge is 44.0-44.5 ? Regardless good shooting, lets see some 5 shot groups next.
grin.gif
 
#4
Re: My budget 308 Build! @LoneWolfUSMC

Thanks! I agree with you on the height of the rings. I started this project back when I knew absolutely nothing about long range shooting and reloading. The rings were purchased at the beginning of the project and I have not changed them yet. It has been very enjoyable and a great learning experience.

When I chronograph the load, it is reading 2410fps on average. However when I go to jbmballistics.com to work up a ballistics chart, I have to set it at 2508 to get everything to match up with the actual trajectory of the round. Not sure what is going on there, rather large gap. Maybe you could shed some light on that?
 
#6
Re: My budget 308 Build! @LoneWolfUSMC

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: mac_05evo</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Glad to see you on the site Andy! </div></div>

LOL! Hey Mac. I am loving the site. Looking forward to shooting some more with you and Daniel after Christmas!
 
#7
Re: My budget 308 Build! @LoneWolfUSMC

I have a beta chrony, sometimes it acts up and shows lower then what the load is. I chock it up to sun in the sensors or some lighting issue. I could go out and shoot 10 different days with the chrony and 1 time it will be 70-80fps slower. The sd and es are always similar. Anymore i find a good load on paper, check it over a chrony for speed and mainly consistency, then varify speed by shooting to 1k.
 
#9
Re: My budget 308 Build! @LoneWolfUSMC

Your chrono is most likely off just a little. Just like the speedometer in your car the calibration is +/- from actual.
The chrono is a great tool, but actual data gather from your trip to the range is better.
Another variable is the actual BC of the bullet, which can be off a little from the advertised value.
If you have good info to plug in ie temp, elevation ect you will be able to get actual mv.

Now the question is: what mods did you do to your rifle which made the improvement in the accuracy?
 
#10
Re: My budget 308 Build! @LoneWolfUSMC

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 6brshooter</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I have a beta chrony, sometimes it acts up and shows lower then what the load is. I chock it up to sun in the sensors or some lighting issue. I could go out and shoot 10 different days with the chrony and 1 time it will be 70-80fps slower. The sd and es are always similar. Anymore i find a good load on paper, check it over a chrony for speed and mainly consistency, then varify speed by shooting to 1k. </div></div>

Great advice. Thanks!

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: jetmd</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Your chrono is most likely off just a little. Just like the speedometer in your car the calibration is +/- from actual.
The chrono is a great tool, but actual data gather from your trip to the range is better.
Another variable is the actual BC of the bullet, which can be off a little from the advertised value.
If you have good info to plug in ie temp, elevation ect you will be able to get actual mv.

Now the question is: what mods did you do to your rifle which made the improvement in the accuracy?

</div></div>

Wow, putting me on the spot here.

I would say the first thing was the stock. I know that you can do some work on the factory stock to make it where it is useable. However, I decided to save myself some time and go with something that I knew was quality. The Bell and Carlson is extremely sturdy, is aluminum bedded, and after repeated firings will become mated with the action.

Secondly, developing the load once I had a solid system was crucial. I would have listed this first, but how can you develop a load with a stock like that. It would be just too inconsistent. I feel like finding how far the rifle likes that bullet seated in relation to the lands is one of the easiest ways to increase accuracy. Remember when doing this to watch out for pressure. Just because you do not see any signs of pressure when you were .020 off the lands does not mean you are going to be ok putting that same powder charge .020 on the lands.

Finally, the Jewel trigger is great. You can get away without it if you have good trigger control, but it is just so nice.
 
#11
Re: My budget 308 Build! @LoneWolfUSMC

What about a 5R and keep it bone stock? I now have 2, 1 in 20" 1 in 24", both shoot sub moa at 200. No work needed, just feed it FEDGMM 168smk's or reload for the sub 1/2 at 100. I took em both to 1k today along with the 243 runnin 105 amax. 5R shot a 2.2 @600,yds. I have tried to duplicate it with a sps+ BC stock, skim bedded, 20moa, shoots bugholes, but 5R is way more consistent, and fouls so much less, and easier to clean.
Good lookin stick, whacha got in it? Gun only?
I've posted 3 shot groups many times, ut 5 shots really brings out what the gun can do.
 
#12
Re: My budget 308 Build! @LoneWolfUSMC

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ngodwetrust21</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: mac_05evo</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Glad to see you on the site Andy! </div></div>

LOL! Hey Mac. I am loving the site. Looking forward to shooting some more with you and Daniel after Christmas! </div></div>

Very much looking forward to some more shooting and running this new steel with you guys! The site is great, lots of valuable info, good community, and a great classifieds section!
 
#13
Re: My budget 308 Build! @LoneWolfUSMC

i love my SPSV.... varget worked great on it but try this
168 smk, MIL brass, 49 gr IMR 4350, cci BR2 primer.... mine loves the compressed loads of the imr4350.. push the COAL a touch and watch
 
#14
Re: My budget 308 Build! @LoneWolfUSMC

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: groundhogbuster</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> What about a 5R and keep it bone stock? I now have 2, 1 in 20" 1 in 24", both shoot sub moa at 200. No work needed, just feed it FEDGMM 168smk's or reload for the sub 1/2 at 100. I took em both to 1k today along with the 243 runnin 105 amax. 5R shot a 2.2 @600,yds. I have tried to duplicate it with a sps+ BC stock, skim bedded, 20moa, shoots bugholes, but 5R is way more consistent, and fouls so much less, and easier to clean.
Good lookin stick, whacha got in it? Gun only?
I've posted 3 shot groups many times, ut 5 shots really brings out what the gun can do. </div></div>

I have to admit I have not had much experience with a 5r barrel. I have done some reading on them but no personal experience. I was not even aware that remington makes a factory 5r barrel. I do wish the spsv came with a little faster barrel twist though!

As far as how much I have in the gun:

430 for gun
220 for stock
200 for trigger
55 for rings
30 for base
700 for scope
30 for bipod

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: suburbanhick</div><div class="ubbcode-body">i love my SPSV.... varget worked great on it but try this
168 smk, MIL brass, 49 gr IMR 4350, cci BR2 primer.... mine loves the compressed loads of the imr4350.. push the COAL a touch and watch </div></div>

I thought about trying 168, but I hear that they are not as good at reaching out to 1000 as the 175 gr. 1000 is my objective.
 
#17
Re: My budget 308 Build! @LoneWolfUSMC

Why did you decide to go with a Jewell trigger? They are definitely nice (I have one on my Surgeon), but the word "budget" doesn't come to mind when considering one, especially when you can get a Timney or Basix for quite a bit less.
 
#18
Re: My budget 308 Build! @LoneWolfUSMC

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: LCDR JGB</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Why did you decide to go with a Jewell trigger? They are definitely nice (I have one on my Surgeon), but the word "budget" doesn't come to mind when considering one, especially when you can get a Timney or Basix for quite a bit less. </div></div>

You are very right about Jewell not being budget. To be honest, I have been adding to this rifle for over a year now. As funds became available, I would add on. The Jewell trigger was one of my last purchases. My reason for it was because I felt like if I ever wanted to purchase a custom barrel and action, I could strip the stock and trigger from the factory barrel and action. By doing this, I could then put the factory stock and trigger back on it and sell it. I would also have a new rifle with a custom barrel and action that would still feel like what I was used to shooting. Plus Jewell trigger is amazing.
 
#19
Re: My budget 308 Build! @LoneWolfUSMC

That gun and your whole project are <span style="text-decoration: underline">just</span> <span style="text-decoration: underline">too</span> <span style="text-decoration: underline">cool</span>, ngodwetrust21. One of these days, I'm going to have to take the plunge and do that same budget build...

Since I've not yet had a chance to try the Bushnell Elite Tactical, may I ask how you like it? Has it performed well for you at distance?

Yours,

David
 
#20
Re: My budget 308 Build! @LoneWolfUSMC

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: davidjschenk</div><div class="ubbcode-body">That gun and your whole project are <span style="text-decoration: underline">just</span> <span style="text-decoration: underline">too</span> <span style="text-decoration: underline">cool</span>, ngodwetrust21. One of these days, I'm going to have to take the plunge and do that same budget build...

Since I've not yet had a chance to try the Bushnell Elite Tactical, may I ask how you like it? Has it performed well for you at distance?

Yours,

David
</div></div>

Thanks, David. I really enjoyed working on the rifle.

I could not be happier with the Bushnell 4.5-30x 50mm - Mil-Dot. I am talking I love it. I like it because it is priced fairly for what it is. Does it have a zero stop? No. Is it Mil-Mil? No. Is it first focal plane? No. If you want all that be prepared do drop some serious cash if you want this kind of variable magnification to go along with it.

I tell you what it is though, versatile! I can dial it down to hunt deer that are close up. I can blow up the magnification to spot for myself when I shoot long range. I mean who needs a spotting scope when you have 30X and you are shooting around 1000. I actually like the MOA turrets; Mil seems like too course of an adjustment for me if I am target shooting. Also, MOA is super easy to do in my head on the fly, for a dumb dumb like me, and you can really get dialed in at long range.

Glass is super clear and it tracks perfectly. If you want to practice doing range estimating with your mil-dots, you will notice that the 10x magnification is in red and you can do you mil-dot range estimations at 10x.

Give it a shot. It fits my long range needs perfectly.
 
#21
Re: My budget 308 Build! @LoneWolfUSMC

Nice build. Where are you getting over 800 around Chattanooga? I live near Chattanooga too. We should have a little get together and burn some powder.
 
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