New Tactical/Hunter Build

[Pewjumper]

I am new to long range shooting and I am working on building my first tactical/hunter rifle. Here is what I am currently looking at for my build. Any suggestions or sources with great prices would be appreciated! I can't afford to make mistakes at these prices. This rifle will be in 7.62X51 NATO/0.308 Winchester so I can also feed my POF 0.308!

Surgeon 591R short action
Manners T5A/T4A DBM tactical stock
Jewell HVR Trigger
Krieger fluted stainless 24-26" barrel 1/10-12" twist "Sendaro profile"?
Nightforce NXS 3.5-15X50 F1 #C356 OR C359
Nightforce Unimount ring set A190
Fitting, chambering and assembly
Accuracy international magazines
PELICAN CASE IM3300
Vortex Razor HD 5-20X50mm #RZR550 or RZR52006?
Muzzle brake?

 

[DrewinTejas]

Re: New Tactical/Hunter Build

Sounds like a good build to me. On the muzzle brake check out a JEC brake which can be picked up on wiebad.com . I have been running one now for awhile and they are awesome. I do not work for the company or anything but I have tried several brakes and this one by far is my favorite. On the stock my choice would be the T4A as I am not a fan of a thumbhole style stock. Other than that looks like a great build.

 

[JC189]

Re: New Tactical/Hunter Build

Looks like from your list you pretty much naiked it. Take a look at
http://centershotrifles.com/products/muzzle_brakes.php

its worth a look. its going on my next build.

Choosing the right size Muscle Brake

The mini Muscle Brake:

Was designed for cartridges of 30 caliber and less burning 65 grains of powder or less. The best performance is in the .22cal. thru 7mm standard cartridge, and any of the varmit class cartridges. The slabbed version is great for light deer/sheep rifles.

9/16x24tpi, slabbed model fits muzzle diameter of .620" to .850" ; round version up to .990".

 

[rusty815]

Re: New Tactical/Hunter Build

Well, if this is going to partly be a hunting build, wouldnt you want something a little lighter? Maybe change the profile of the barrel to a magnum or heavy sporter contour and get Mcmillan to make your stock with their edge technology fill. That way it might be a few pounds lighter and easier to take hunting, while having all the features you would want in a tactical rifle.

 

[Pewjumper]

Re: New Tactical/Hunter Build

Thanks for the recomendation on the JEC muzzle brake. I have not decided on the stock yet. I am hoping to get out to the Rifle Sportsman's Club and check out the rigs at the 1000 Yd. shoot. Maybe I can sit behind some of the rifles and check them out in person and see what feels comfortable.

 

[Pewjumper]

Re: New Tactical/Hunter Build

Thanks for the specifics! Since this will be 0.308 Winchester, 7.62X51 NATO I should be in the neighborhood of 40-50 grains of powder.

I have wondered whether I even needed a muzzle break with a one inch decelerator pad. My POF 308 has a strong bark, but a pleasing bite.

 

[Pewjumper]

Re: New Tactical/Hunter Build

Rusty 815,

When I say Tactical/Hunter I mean as in shooting class. This rifle will be used mostly for tactical shooting and maybe some blind shooting for coyotes?

With the mountains around my house you need a light huntng rifle. You are absoltely right when you talk about making the load light. I have a Kimber Montana in 30-06 that I am planning on putting a Picatinny rail on so I can swap this very expensive Nightforce scope from one rifle to another. All my rifles are getting picatinny rails so I can swap optics. Check out the Lucid HD-7. That is what I have on my POF308 currently.

 

[Joebill]

Re: New Tactical/Hunter Build

The brake will depend on what you can handle. I have a Rem XCR that the local smith put a Mercury recoil reducer on that really helped. My point with this is I didn't notice a problem until shooting 75- 100 rounds prone at the range. Until then the recoil didn't bother me. My experience for what its worth.