Thank you Robert Gradous .300 WM / .308 WIN

[Bob L Swagger]

Re: Thank you Robert Gradous .300 WM / .308 WIN

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: cattle buyer</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> Priceless, A 1 ++++++. Hard to top the guns, builder, experience,wife or fellow writing the check... Now sell me that old varmint rig !!!! LMAO very best </div></div>


Ok.. come pick it up LOL

 

[WhiteCliffsOfDover]

Re: Thank you Robert Gradous .300 WM / .308 WIN

What do your scoped rifle's weigh??

 

[Bob L Swagger]

Re: Thank you Robert Gradous .300 WM / .308 WIN

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: WhiteCliffsOfDover</div><div class="ubbcode-body">What do your scoped rifle's weigh?? </div></div>


.300 WM = 17.2 lbs.
.308 Win = 14.8 lbs.

 

[rware91]

Re: Thank you Robert Gradous .300 WM / .308 WIN

That looks like my dream vacation. Congratulations on the new rifles. I am looking forward to when I can do something like this.
Ryan

 

[smirker]

Re: Thank you Robert Gradous .300 WM / .308 WIN

Nice guns!

 

[caseyru67]

Re: Thank you Robert Gradous .300 WM / .308 WIN

My turn! Met with Robert Tuesday. Ordered up the parts for my 6.5 Lapua build. Can't wait.

 

[Terry Cross]

Re: Thank you Robert Gradous .300 WM / .308 WIN

First off, congratulations on two very fine rifles and a trip that you won't forget until you are toe tagged. Robert is top notch and I'm sure you agree now that you had face time with him.

To anyone thinking that his pricing is steep.....

I would say that a large percentage of shops won't even let you into the machine area while work is being done and 99% certainly wouldn't let you put your booger hooks all over the machines and equipment. You can just see $200 indicators and $300 digital micrometers being dropped on the floor.

Additionally, you have to remember that the pace of the build is slow compared to Robert doing it by himself. I would bet that Robert could complete 3 or 4 other rifles in the time he takes to explain everything, walk you through it and be a good host at the same time.

You also need to realize that the price includes him having you at his property for the duration and basically having to be maid and hotel supervisor.

All of this he does with the utmost in precision and courtesy. Pretty good bargain..... and you're right about it takes a certain kind of person to do that.

 

[Bob L Swagger]

Re: Thank you Robert Gradous .300 WM / .308 WIN

Terry,

You are absolutely correct, We will never forget about the trip.. Robert is one of the nicest guys you will ever meet.. I look forward to going back to build another rifle.

By the way Terry, you did an EXCELLENT job on the cheek rest hardware - Thank you very much!

Bob

 

[swage]

Re: Thank you Robert Gradous .300 WM / .308 WIN

First class build all the way around. I'm having Robert build my next rifle as soon as my stock gets in.

 

[DoctorBen]

Re: Thank you Robert Gradous .300 WM / .308 WIN

Bob, Congratulations on a fantastic trip and fantastic rifles; I think you get a heck of a deal with that class, and have the right idea for how to take a good vacation; lots of folks would spend a helluva lot more than that for 4 days at Disney.

 

[JByrd]

Re: Thank you Robert Gradous .300 WM / .308 WIN

clear your pms bob. following up

 

[Bob L Swagger]

Re: Thank you Robert Gradous .300 WM / .308 WIN

12345678910

 

[JByrd]

Re: Thank you Robert Gradous .300 WM / .308 WIN

ata boy, another 300wm ready for long distance service

 

[BullzeyeNJ]

Re: Thank you Robert Gradous .300 WM / .308 WIN

Nice Shooting!

Thats better then I did today at Cherry Ridge with those winds. That was my excuse for shooting crappy while trying to work up a new load for my 308. I stayed for like 30 minutes then packed up the car.

You were shooting five tables to my right. I was admiring your rifle from afar. If it was a nicer day out I definitely would have stayed longer and chatted you up.

 

[Bob L Swagger]

Re: Thank you Robert Gradous .300 WM / .308 WIN

Thanks! I figured you were a hide member since you had such a nice rifle... I was checking your's out too... You were doing quite well yourself.. Wind?? What wind?? The 230's didn't even feel it! Lol.. Are you going up for the work weekend tomorrow?

Bob

 

[BullzeyeNJ]

Re: Thank you Robert Gradous .300 WM / .308 WIN

I would really like to help out this weekend at the range but I have to work both Saturday and Sunday then have family functions immediately afterwards.

That rifle I had out today was the APA 308 rifle that I sent you pictures of a couple months ago. Thats the one where I was having a hard time finding a handload that beat out 168g FGMM (the rifle shoots bugholes all day with the FGMM). You suggested the 178 AMAX heads. Havent tried those yet, but will next month. I am liking the Manners T4A stock that I just got a month ago over the McMillan Baker Special it was originally bedded in.

Mr Gradous is definitely on my short list for my next build. Im thinking a 260 Remington on a Surgeon 591 action.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Bob L. Swagger</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Thanks! I figured you were a hide member since you had such a nice rifle... I was checking your's out too... You were doing quite well yourself.. Wind?? What wind?? The 230's didn't even feel it! Lol.. Are you going up for the work weekend tomorrow?

Bob </div></div>

 

[swage]

Re: Thank you Robert Gradous .300 WM / .308 WIN

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Bob L. Swagger</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I did a little shooting at 100 yards with the .300 win mag today.

5 shots / 76 gr. H-1000 / Hornady 208 gr. A-Max / Fed 215M primer / 4x fired Norma Brass / .010" out of the lands

3 shots / 71.5 gr. H-1000 / Berger 230 gr. OTM tactical / Fed 215M primer / 1x fired Norma brass / .030" out of the lands

</div></div>

It looks like you pulled one in the first picture.

Nice shooting Bob. I cant wait for my Gradous to arrive.

 

[Jayman_10X]

Re: Thank you Robert Gradous .300 WM / .308 WIN

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Bob L. Swagger</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I did a little shooting at 100 yards with the .300 win mag today.
3 shots / 71.5 gr. H-1000 / Berger 230 gr. OTM tactical / Fed 215M primer / 1x fired Norma brass / .030" out of the lands.

</div></div>

Geeze Bob, that thing is a hammer! So, 0.030" off the lands with the Berger 230's? Have you tried 210 gr. Berger VLD's yet? I only have 12 to start with so trying to find some consensus of what people have found works best for distance to (or maybe in) the lands?

thanks,
Jason

 

[Bob L Swagger]

Re: Thank you Robert Gradous .300 WM / .308 WIN

Jason,

Negative on the 210's - I have not tried them.. Just the 208 A-Max's and the 230 OTM's.

Bob

 

[Bob L Swagger]

Re: Thank you Robert Gradous .300 WM / .308 WIN

A quick 3 Round 300 yard group from this after noon, shot off bipod and rear bag:

 

[icarus]

Re: Thank you Robert Gradous .300 WM / .308 WIN

Beautiful weapons Bob L. Swagger! I really like your 300WM! Congratulations
I know mr Gradous does not "give" any delivery times, and that the build itself is more important, but do you have any clue how long the approximately waiting time is for a 300WM like yours? I´m getting more and more interested in getting me one of those myself

 

[Dantrom]

Re: Thank you Robert Gradous .300 WM / .308 WIN

This would be awesome!

Sounds like you guys had a great time.
Another awesome consideration us you had two rifles complete in four days not nine + months!

 

[FALex]

Re: Thank you Robert Gradous .300 WM / .308 WIN

I want to pack my family up for that vacation!

 

[red hawk]

Re: Thank you Robert Gradous .300 WM / .308 WIN

THANKS FOR SHARING, Robert is one of the best gunsmith in the country.That's a dream vaction.Congradution on the build,some people spend that much money going to the beach,and they get a sunburn......Your money was well spent!!!!!!!!!!Thanks again for sharing!

 

[coues7]

Re: Thank you Robert Gradous .300 WM / .308 WIN

Now that's a family vacation right there.

 

[Tangodown911]

Re: Thank you Robert Gradous .300 WM / .308 WIN

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: BullzeyeNJ</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I would really like to help out this weekend at the range but I have to work both Saturday and Sunday then have family functions immediately afterwards.

That rifle I had out today was the APA 308 rifle that I sent you pictures of a couple months ago. Thats the one where I was having a hard time finding a handload that beat out 168g FGMM (the rifle shoots bugholes all day with the FGMM). You suggested the 178 AMAX heads. Havent tried those yet, but will next month. I am liking the Manners T4A stock that I just got a month ago over the McMillan Baker Special it was originally bedded in.

Mr Gradous is definitely on my short list for my next build. Im thinking a 260 Remington on a Surgeon 591 action.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Bob L. Swagger</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Thanks! I figured you were a hide member since you had such a nice rifle... I was checking your's out too... You were doing quite well yourself.. Wind?? What wind?? The 230's didn't even feel it! Lol.. Are you going up for the work weekend tomorrow?

Bob </div></div> </div></div>

Good Lord, the man can build a rifle. Those above pics are phenomenal. I thought my Gradous built 1hole .260 was something...lol. Best group to date for my .260 rem. was .585" at 630 yards. That's on a bipod laying in the dirt off a country road in hot as hell south Georgia. I did cheat a little a wrestled up a rear bag for a little help. I remember calling Robert after I shot that group and thanking him for building such a good rifle (for the 10th time). Robert was pleased that I was pleased. That's what I like about him. I just don't see many other smiths rifles consistently shoot as good...at least not posted here on the hide or at matches.

I just need to hurry up and get Robert to build me a 300 Norma Mag. And a 7wsm before he realizes he can charge more for his work!!!

 

[Bob L Swagger]

Re: Thank you Robert Gradous .300 WM / .308 WIN

UP for the few guys that PM'ed me for the link

 

[zombeez4brekfast]

Re: Thank you Robert Gradous .300 WM / .308 WIN

Beautiful rifles, I really like your 300WM. Is that a badger fte brake?

 

[Bob L Swagger]

Re: Thank you Robert Gradous .300 WM / .308 WIN

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: xonesandzerosx</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Beautiful rifles, I really like your 300WM. Is that a badger fte brake? </div></div>

Thank you sir!.. Yes it is a Badger FTE brake.

 

[Some Day]

Congratulations,They are two beautiful rifles.I would love to have that experience with my son and wife.

 

[dworrel]

I would think it would be tremendously satisfying and confidence inspiring to watch a master at work and then get to test the rifle immediately.

 

[HOGTOOTH5R]

This just made into the Top 5 of my Bucket List...Envy, Jealousy, Lust...Yea, you get the point...

 

[Trubester88]

I noticed that the overall length was 3.604" for the .300 WM 208gr AMAX's. Isn't that pretty long for that chamber? What type of loads do you you normally use?

 

[Bob L Swagger]

I noticed that the overall length was 3.604" for the .300 WM 208gr AMAX's. Isn't that pretty long for that chamber? What type of loads do you you normally use?

3.604" OAL isn't long for this chamber at all, I had the reamer made to that spec. I wanted them loaded to just shy of AI mag length so I could take advantage of the case capacity and still feed from the mag. I am currently running the Berger 230gr OTM's / 75gr. of H-1000 / Norma brass / Fed 215M's / Seated 2.866" @ the ogive.

 

[Trubester88]

3.604" OAL isn't long for this chamber at all, I had the reamer made to that spec. I wanted them loaded to just shy of AI mag length so I could take advantage of the case capacity and still feed from the mag. I am currently running the Berger 230gr OTM's / 75gr. of H-1000 / Norma brass / Fed 215M's / Seated 2.866" @ the ogive.

You would have to be careful shooting manufactured loads then since they are about .25" shorter right? I found my chamber to be 3.3505" to the lands and have to judiciously determine the most accurate. I do have AI mags and noticed that there is quite a bit of room. I am using Berger 185 VLD's and still developing my load data with H1000 and IMR 4831 powders, FC and lapua brass, and winchester large Magnum primers. I will switch out primers as soon as this whole ammo craze is over. Lol, not the best time to start getting into reloading. I really like your setup and I will have to contact Nightforce about sending out the medium 1" rings instead of the 1.125" that I have with my 56mm objective.

 

[Trubester88]

3.604" OAL isn't long for this chamber at all, I had the reamer made to that spec. I wanted them loaded to just shy of AI mag length so I could take advantage of the case capacity and still feed from the mag. I am currently running the Berger 230gr OTM's / 75gr. of H-1000 / Norma brass / Fed 215M's / Seated 2.866" @ the ogive.

You are absolutely right! I used the hornady Lock N Load with a modified case last night with some Berger 185's and found the shortest length to be 3.596" and the average OAL was 3.61" I will first try .015 off the lands and then try your suggested .030" off the lands. I would not have believed the OAL's I was getting if I had not seen your thread. I also got my chronograph in last night and will be making some loads tonight with IMR 4831 and Hodgon H1000. I have a 20" barrel and so I am thinking the slightly faster burning IMR 4831 would benefit my velocities a little more. However, I am still considering the non tempurature reactive H1000 to give me the best consistency.