Rifle Dilemma

afine10

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May 8, 2012
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I am looking at buying my first totally custom rifle. I have been shooting since about age 4 and also have experience with competitive precision shooting. Now that graduation is nearing, I have pretty large sum of money that I am setting aside to build a nice, solid, durable, custom rifle that is pretty mush a "do all." I am stuck between a .260 remington, .308 win, and .300 win mag. I would like a heavier barrel and the whole rifle will be on a chassis system. I plan on shooting out to ranges around 800-1000 yards max. Also, I will hunt with it at some point. I have reloading equipment, but I still want something that's semi common in case I get in a bind. I'm looking at a Tikka action and a Remington 700 action.
 
Re: Rifle Dilemma

.260, 6.5CM, or 300 win would be great.

But all of those rounds plus the .308 will all do great at 800-1000 so it really won't matter.

It's if you want to go past 1000 where the first three will show their usefulness.
 
Re: Rifle Dilemma

You and I are in the same boat. Almost. I think I'm one grade below you though.
wink.gif


First off, I have a Tikka and love it. It's in an XLR chassis, and it's one of the best decisions I've made. Don't regret that purchase at all. So go Tikka if it's between Tikka and Remington.

Next, even though it's more money you might consider a custom action. There are plenty Rem 700 clones and fit into all the stocks available for Remington's, and many after market accessories are also compatible.

As for caliber, why not go .308? There's a wider range of reloading supplies and it's cheaper to buy projectiles. Same goes for factory ammo, its cheaper also. And in the future of you want more range you can always do a barrel change to .260 or 6.5 CM or another short action caliber.
 
Re: Rifle Dilemma

Thanks, I appreciate the feedback. I'm looking at either the XLR or the KRG Whiskey chassis. I am very familiar with the AR platform and feel (like the XLR), but the KRG looks a little more solid. The company RWS Gunsmithing posted a Tikka on here a while back that caught my eye, that's where the tikka idea came from. Is the $2000 price tag for the rifle minus chassis a good buy? They have the same 1/2 moa guarantee that GA Precision does.

Outlawten5, where is the 300 wm?
 
Re: Rifle Dilemma

I looked at the Surgeon actions, but those are too expensive. What other Remington 700 clones are out there that yall would recommend?
 
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Lol you and I are both in the same boat. I just graduated and am looking to do the samething except I'm a lefty so trying to find a Rem lefty is proving to be pretty tough. I'm looking to build off of GAP Templar action if I can't find a lefty remington. Congrats on graduating!
 
Re: Rifle Dilemma

As much as I love the old 308, I just can't recommend it as a do-all. For target shooting and hunting, sure...but the 308 really falls short (pun intended) in a number of ways - particularly if you want to shoot competitively.

The most practical choice you listed is 260, and while it has good factory ammo available, you'll never find any when you're in a bind...

...so of your listed choices, 300WM is going to fill more roles than the other two. You can certainly get factory ammo readily, download it for basic target shooting, turn it up for ELR, shoot competitively, and down any animal.

You didn't mention 3006, which nestles nicely between 308 and 300WM.....?

And above all else, I think you should consider 7mm. The bullet selection is incredible. Everything from light varmint bullets to heavy, ridiculous BC bullets...and everything in between. I suggest you consider 7-08. Most walmarts carry factory ammo, it's practical, great barrel life, and offers SUPERB ballistics with the 162-180 class target bullets. I just finished a friends 7-08 which shoots the 162amax @ 2775fps...it has just a smidge more drop than a 260, but offers less wind. With a 160 SST, there are few, if any animals on this continent you couldn't kill at 600 yards.
 
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I have the 300 260 and a 308 there all rem actions if I could only chose one caliber I would def chose the 300 wm just cause I can hunt long range and not worry about not having the energy after 5 600 yards to kill large game if you want the same preformance in dope with almost half the cost to shoot get the 260 it's a bad ass round the ballistics mirror a 300 wm without the energy the 308 is proven and works but the 260 shoots way better it would be my choice over the 308. Just my 2cents
 
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DEATHFROMAFARxx - thanks, 9 days left of classes!

Turbo54 - I have Rem 700 SPS rifle in 7mm Rem Mag. I've also looked at sending it off to GA Precision or RWS to have it trued, rebarreled, and rebuilt how I want it still in 7mm. Is the SPS action the same as any other ol 700 action?

nicko - That's why I listed the 300 wm, because if/when I do go out to shoot bigger game than white tail or axis, I won't "have" to build/buy another rifle. But I guess that building something in a smaller caliber now will give me an excuse to get another later...haha
 
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I'll tag on the end of this Didn't read all the stuff, in between. My thoughts. No gun does it all. If you have that thought, clear it. If you're young, you'll "collect", until you're dead. then your kids get em. If you want a GOOD, all around gun, get a 308, or a 300 win mag. The 308's are "cheap" to shoot. The 300's are goin to cost a little more, unless ya reload. Check the ammo cost, before ya do anything. PLAN! Then, take a step back. Are you REALLY goin to shoot at 1000, all that much?Or is it goin to be more like 100, most of the time? plan. It's all very "cool" to think about shooting ,at 1000, but :Will it happen?" 308's are a Dime a dozen. A really good Caliber, and "cheap". Just my thoughts.
 
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I just read your post, again. WHAT graduation. College? Congrats!!!!! Damn, dude. Save your money. What about chicks? Or a nice apartment? Loads of cash? Invest it!!!!! If you really want a gun, look at used, or a TRG. I just bought a TRG-42, cause it has the "best" resale value, of any guns out there. Just a thought.
 
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If you are going to hunt with it you may not want a chassis, though that depends on whether you will be carrying it around. If I was in your shoes I would choose the Tikka, get the bolt shroud that KRG offers and put it in a KRG chassis. The factory tikka action feels much slicker and nice to me than a factory remington. You can't go wrong with the guys are KRG they are fantastic and great to communicate with.
 
Re: Rifle Dilemma

It seems that you have narrowed your choices down to some nice equipment, so I won't try to convince you one way or the other on what brand to go with. I know better than to say that one brand is just plain more accurate than another when talking about models of comparable quality. At that level, it's more the shooter than anything else.

I will, however, comment on your choice of caliber. I'm not going to try to sell the .308 as the best cartridge for everything, but it is a good do all cartridge. It is fine for hunting and target shooting and there is a very broad range of loading components to choose from.

Personally, I'm one of those people that has very little natural talent for anything. I am pretty good at most things that I enjoy doing, but that is because I practice, A LOT. I run about 500 rounds a month through my .308, plus whatever I shoot in matches. For me, that means that I have to either have my chamber recut or replace the barrel once a year or so. If I was shooting something hotter, like some of the cartridges mentioned above, I wouldn't get nearly the barrel life.

I believe that practice is important to build and maintain skill. The more you practice, the better you get. From this perspective, the .308 just plain makes sense in terms of cost and, not to mention, the recoil you're going to have to deal with.

On a last note, I do believe that it is a bad idea to spend all of this money on a "jack of all trades" rifle. I know that you can make do, if necessary; but when dropping a wad on a special build, build it for a specific purpose. Target or hunting. Choose.

It sounds to me like you need two rifles. I'd build a nice target rifle with something like a Krieger heavy varmint barrel on it, then go out and spend around $300 on something in 30-06 and just use that for hunting. Where I am, a hunting rifle capable of 2MOA is plenty good enough for large game and many rifles are good for a lot better than 2MOA out of the box, in hunting conditions.
 
Re: Rifle Dilemma

If you have a 7mm I would use that as your hunting gun, build it up a bit with a nicer barrel, action truing and a quality stock like a manners or mcmillan. But for right now it really depends what size game and how far you plan to shoot if you want a "do all" gun. For anything medium sized and within 400-500 I would say 308 or 260, that is up to you. If its larger game such as elk, bear or whatever other critter you can think of, and smaller game at longer ranges, I would prefer the power and energy of the 300wm.
 
Re: Rifle Dilemma

Customizing the Rem 700 7mm mag would be a good idea. Especially if you reload your cost to shoot won't be too bad. The 7mm mag will kill anything in NA that you care to kill at long ranges using berger vld 168 or 180.

All rem 700 actions are the same just some are short action some long action (7mm mag is long action with magnum bolt face).
 
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joshboucher - Thanks man! haha no its from high school. I'm going to a service academy prep program this next year (Greystone Preparatory School) and reapplying to the Naval Academy. So after this coming year, I'll either be at the USNA, USCGA, or an ROTC school like VMI or Norwich. So as far as investing, I'm only looking at spending my stash that I've been working on for a couple years for my "gift to myself." I've been fortunate enough to have a Dad and Step-dad that have nice rifles and have kept me involved in shooting. As far as the ladies, I've been told to steer clear for now haha.

It's sounding like the .308 is the practical choice, which is probably what I'll end going with. I have a suppressor for a 7.62 that I use on other stuff, so this ought to be fun. Thanks yall, I appreciate it.

I'll eventually get around to the 7mm mag then too
 
Re: Rifle Dilemma

I chose a 6.5 Creedmoor in a Tikka action with an XLR chassis recently as my do everything rifle. It turned out excellent and I'm very happy with it. You can check it out here:

http://snipershide.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=3171941

If you go 308, you will probably end up upgrading to something else, maybe in a few years, maybe in a few months. I say go with a better cartridge right off, so you aren't left wanting 'more.'
-Dan
 
Re: Rifle Dilemma

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ddavis</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I chose a 6.5 Creedmoor in a Tikka action with an XLR chassis recently as my do everything rifle. It turned out excellent and I'm very happy with it. You can check it out here:

http://snipershide.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=3171941

If you go 308, you will probably end up upgrading to something else, maybe in a few years, maybe in a few months. I say go with a better cartridge right off, so you aren't left wanting 'more.'
-Dan</div></div>

This was exactly my thoughts and why I have a 260 being built instead of a 308 for my first rifle. I didn't want to have to pay to upgrade later so I "did it right" the first time.
 
Re: Rifle Dilemma

If you are in Texas near Dallas, I know a very good gunsmith that can take care of your current rifle and future build. If you want his contact info pm me.

For hunting, since you have a 7mag, I would build a 260 on a Stiller Tac A/W. The 260 will do everything a 308 will do and better. Also, if you ever want to shoot matches you will have the rifle to do it.

Make sure you get it threaded for a brake or suppressor.
 
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260 all the way. less wind drift and drop than a 308, and a 140 grain berger vld hunting at 2900fps will kill most game in the USA. That being said one rifle will never ever be enough for all things.
 
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joshboucher - I live in Kerrville, born and raised. There's axis deer that my Step-dad and I bow hunt in the backyard sometimes..haha. Axis are in my neighborhood at my Dad's in town too. Good eatin!

ddavis - that Tikka is awesome. That's pretty much the style I'm going for, just in different colors that match the hill country.

So would yall still go with a 260 over the 7mm-08?
 
Re: Rifle Dilemma

Hey, to Kerrville. You're getting lot's of good advice here Sounds like a 260, could be best. I got into it with a Rem 700 5R, in 308, for several reasons. I reload, and I had lot's of brass, from my "gas gun" days. I don't compete, and the "close" range only goes to 100 yds. A friend had one, and liked it. Ammo, is "cheap", and everywhere. You ought to go online, to the Ballistic tables, and study them, or buy a reloading book and "study" the different calibers. I'm an old "retired guy", with some money in the bank. I'll say this. It "hurt" a little, to buy 300 Win Mag, at 30 bucks, a box, so I could shoot my new gun. I can reload, for a lot cheaper, and make "better" rounds. I'm waiting on my new dies, right now. Study, is good. Take the time, to research and decide. I have't done a custom, yet, but you'll get good advice, here, from guys that have. I spend alot of time reading the chatter, and soaking it in. PS. GO Navy! My Dad was a Navy pilot.
 
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I love my 6.5 Creedmoor, but distance being limited, rarely get to stretch the legs of the cartridge. I love everything about the 6.5 projectiles except the availability. If I want them, I either have to have them shipped or drive an hour to pick them up. I don't live in the sticks either. 308 can be found as loaded ammo locally as well as about 10 different projectile offerings. I prefer 6.5 over 308, and since I bought a large quantity of 6.5 reloading components, the 308 has sat. I do feel more secure knowing that there will always be 308 available (satisfies the paranoia from reading posts from all the SHTF-tards) but my inner perfectionist just keeps it in reserve and remembers to buy 6.5 stuff in bulk, so its always on hand. Could've gone 260 I 'spose, but CREEDMOOR sounds sooo much COOLER.
 
Re: Rifle Dilemma

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: afine</div><div class="ubbcode-body">So would yall still go with a 260 over the 7mm-08? </div></div>

I wouldn't.

According to JBM Ballistics, a 260 launching 142smk @ 2850 MV, 10mph FV wind:

@ 1000 yards: 29.4moa drop, 7.3moa drift, 650ft*lbs energy


JBM, 7-08 with 162amax @ 2775:

@ 1000 yards: 29.7moa drop, 6.7moa drift, 800ft*lbs energy


This is the "theory". In reality however, the 260 tends to actually be a touch flatter, while the 7-08 actually tends to show even a little less windage compared to 260, than JBM is indicating here.

The 7-08 has significantly better barrel life than 260, and provides more energy for getting ahold of steel (or critters).

7-08 and 7-08AI are lovely, lovely cartridges, and it amazes me they aren't way, way more popular than they are.
 
Re: Rifle Dilemma

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: afine</div><div class="ubbcode-body">

ddavis - that Tikka is awesome. That's pretty much the style I'm going for, just in different colors that match the hill country.

</div></div>

Funny you should say that. I have the same pattern on my hunting rifle and went with it again on this rifle because it blends in so well with the hill country. Our place in Lampasas is really rocky and usually grey, brown, and dead, except for the cedar trees. The only time this pattern really doesn't work is with a lush green background.

On a somewhat related note, my hunting rifle is also a Tikka, but is the lightweight model chambered in 6.5x55. It is lightweight, balances well, and is very accurate.

Regards,
-Dan
 
Re: Rifle Dilemma

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: IronEagle</div><div class="ubbcode-body">+1 for a sako/tikka action in 6.5x55. I asked about a 6.5x55 tikka in a whiskey chassis but mags seem to be an issue. Maybe this will change in the future. </div></div>

This is from Massoud regarding mags for the 6.5x55 in a Whisky3 with my Sako M995. Hope he doesn't mind me quoting him but it looks like that they have solution so that's a plus for KRG around the 6.5x55.

Massound: "the magazine is finalized already to be the AICS CIP length mag, but you can just tweak the feed lips a bit to hold the 6.5. The 6.5 is definitely too long for the 308 mag. Basically you'll have all the room you need to seat the bullets out far.