newbie needs help building rifle

[NordicG3K]

Hello all,

I've used various pistols and revolvers, as well as black "ammo eating" rifles, for over 20 years now, but I don't have a lot of experience with precision, distance bolt guns other than standard factory deer rifles. Having hung out here at Sniper's Hide for a few months I'm feeling the need for at least an 'entry grade' sniper-style rifle.

Other than punching paper at distance (recreational, not competitive), it will most likely be a coyote rifle so massive magnum power is not required. I'm looking for input regarding the following:

caliber
action
barrel
stock
optic
mounting
gunsmithing

Any and all suggestions and advice would be appreciated. I'm looking to learn here so if I say something stupid don't hesitate to set me straight. Thanks in advance!

 

[ggarrett1911]

Re: newbie needs help building rifle

Are you looking for a factory rifle or a custom build? Also what kind of total $$$$ are you looking to spend on a rifle/scope combo?

 

[bdh308]

Re: newbie needs help building rifle

Something that Ive learned in last few days is having your action reamed. Now Im not an expert on this subject but basically intels having your chamber reamed with a reamer for a specific bullet. There are several guys on here like Louisiana Precision and others who are capable of this. If it was me I would prefer a 243win or 223 for coyotes. Again there are several well educated rifle builders on here that can set u up.

 

[BLAWTON]

Re: newbie needs help building rifle

Have a ok start on what your looking for but need to know if you reload or just by factory? It helps alot to know what you want to spend and if you plan on burning the barrel up and replacing it?

 

[chad3]

Re: newbie needs help building rifle

Remington LTR, .223, with the 1:9 twist. I'd run it till done, then rebarrel with 223AI 1:7-8 twist and reload for that. You can even keep that stock at least for quite some time. Base, rings, and optics really depend on how much you have to spend.
Chad

 

[NordicG3K]

Re: newbie needs help building rifle

Budget is about $2,000, possibly stretching to $2,500, but that would be for the entire package, including glass. I really don't want something 'off the rack,' but a total custom project probably isn't doable with my budget.

I've been handloading for 20 years, so ammo will not be a problem (as long as I can get powder and primers

). I've got a number of rifles in .223, but would like to try something with a bit more down-range punch, possibly .243 Winchester or .260 Remington (both of which could also be used for deer).

I've been looking around online for some different ideas/options and I was thinking maybe a Remington 700 SPS Varmint in .243, and then mate it with a JAE-700 RSA stock. I'd like to go with a USO or Night Force, but might settle for a Leupold depending on how much $ I have left over. Opinions?

 

[bdh308]

Re: newbie needs help building rifle

Ive got SPS Tac 308...Excellent rifle. I recently put a Choate stock on it. This is one of choates new stocks that looks like an A5 Mcmillin fully bedded aluminum block. Go to combatstocks.com and look for yourself. Paid 170 shipped...they are little heavy but it depends on you. I will be using mine for deer hunting.

 

[bdh308]

Re: newbie needs help building rifle

By the way thats a Millet Tac 4-16-50mm Mildot with EGW 20moa rail and Badger Max50 Rings just incase you were wondering. Oh and you got to love the big "Porn dish" in the background.

 

[Pat M]

Re: newbie needs help building rifle

Looks a lot better than their earlier stocks (i like the Starbucks camo)

 

[bdh308]

Re: newbie needs help building rifle

I never thought of it as starbucks but now that you pointed out it does look like starbucks. I got a double moon on the other side to match the suns.

 

[PFCSkoug]

Re: newbie needs help building rifle

Well if your not new to reloading then i would say get some Remington that has a stock on that you can live with. Pull the barrel, and sell it (make a few bucks back on the purchase price) and take it to a smith have a new tube put on it. I suggest a 6x47 lapua. Its an extremely versatile round, you can run anything from the light BR bullets all the way up to the 115's with plenty of velocity to kill coyotes at most any range up to and including 1000. Depending on the price of your base rifle you should be in the $1400-$1500 range which leaves about $1000 for glass and ammo.
Thats just my suggestion anyways.

 

[bdh308]

Re: newbie needs help building rifle

Thats actually a great suggestions. If you have the money I would definitely look into PFC's recommendation for what you would like to do.

 

[NordicG3K]

Re: newbie needs help building rifle

Good source for Remington barrels?