Custom Rifle for me?

[Seeking_Coyotes]

Please reply with only a specific name and price range. I do not want to build my own. I am looking for a good priced custom built rifle that is a definite 1/2 gun. I don't need it to be the best of the best to win competitions. I just must have 5 shot 100 yard 1/2" or better groups.

Caliber: 7mm-08 shooting 150 grain+ bullets

Preferences:

I recently got a Tikka in this caliber and got it tricked out a bit but it does not shoot good enough after multiple ladder tests. It can put five within an inch but doesn't approach the 1/2" I can consistently get with my Savage Model 10 in .243 Win with 70 grain Sierra Match Kings. Also, I got the T3 Lite and it is just a bit too light for this caliber. So, here is what I am thinking:

24" barrell
Very good 1 lb trigger.
Middle sized barrel....not pencil thin that overheats after three shots like the Tikka, nor a bull barrell that is to heavy for hunting.

Have a Nightforce NXS w/ MOAR on order although it is way above my income level. ;-) Just had to do it...

Would like to be able to shoot 1,000 yards someday when I get good enough which hopefully will happen.

The wait does not matter to me...I can wait if need be. Will sell my new Tikka with the new 30mm Burris C4 when the gun arrives to help pay the bills and probably sell my Savage Model 111 30.06 w/ Burris Elite 4200 scope.

Thanks in advance for those of you who can provide me with detailed suggestions.

Mike

PS Any estimate of barrel life?

 

[rvn1968]

I think that you should put that NXS (I love mine) on your .243 and sell the other two guns. You will come out WAY ahead in the short and long run.

 

[Scott Harris]

Not sure what type of shooting you are doing, but since you have a Tikka I will suggest you look at GA Precision. They cater to the "tactical" crowd and make superb rifles. GAP has been around for many years, I would liken them to the Kelblys of the precision tactical community. http://www.gaprecision.net/ I had them bed a hunting stock and it was the best I've seen.

 

[Seeking_Coyotes]

I think that you should put that NXS (I love mine) on your .243 and sell the other two guns. You will come out WAY ahead in the short and long run.

You know...that is not a bad idea. I hadn't considered that... Couple questions:

When I get the NXS can I shoot multiple bullets from the .243 and just have different click adjustment charts for each bullet?

Can I shoot deer out to 500 ethically with the .243 if I reach that level of performance someday? I was thinking it was only about 300 for deer and 500 for the 7mm08?

 

[itchyTF]

What is the twist rate on the .243 barrel? That will dictate what bullet weights you can use.

 

[rvn1968]

I now have two main guns,a custom 6br and a Rem .243 that is ungodly accurate for a factory rifle.It is a late 60's or early 70's BDL. I call them my short and long 6's.They share powders,bullets and primers. A proper load of Varget behind a 105A-max in either rifle stops deer at 500 no problem as long as I do my job. Tom

 

[Seeking_Coyotes]

Twist rate is 1:9.25

It will not shoot the 105 AMAX...tumble. It only goes to about 95 grains. Best load is the 70 grain match king with a minimum load of Varget for coyotes / fur friendly.

At this point I couldn't imagine with the bc shooting the caliber 500 yards at a deer. Woodchuck, maybe. I am just nowhere near good or confident enough.

Problem is that I already have 600 rounds through the barrel and it seems this caliber is only a 1,200 round caliber for maximum accuracy. Anybody make a good drop in barrel for the .243 Win. or a 7mm-08 that would fit into a Model 10 and shoot 1/2" or better?

 

[Hoier]

There is a ton of people who make "drop in" barrels for Savages. If I was shopping for another I'm not sure which one I would get. But I think Berger 95gr hunting VLD would work for deer at 500 if you are up to the job. Another thing you could do if your heart is really set on a 7mm-08 then you could get the drop in barrel in that. That's the cool part about Savages. Also if you have never done it before just get on YouTube and search it. I think the actual headspacing of the barrel is quicker than taking your scope, stock and base off or putting back on.

 

[butchlambert]

I now have two main guns,a custom 6br and a Rem .243 that is ungodly accurate for a factory rifle.It is a late 60's or early 70's BDL. I call them my short and long 6's.They share powders,bullets and primers. A proper load of Varget behind a 105A-max in either rifle stops deer at 500 no problem as long as I do my job. Tom

What happens when you don't do your job?

 

[jonbearman]

Why not go on benchrest central and buy a used bench gun and rebarrel if it needs to be for half the price.

 

[MrMajestic]

I now have two main guns,a custom 6br and a Rem .243 that is ungodly accurate for a factory rifle.It is a late 60's or early 70's BDL. I call them my short and long 6's.They share powders,bullets and primers. A proper load of Varget behind a 105A-max in either rifle stops deer at 500 no problem as long as I do my job. Tom

What happens when you don't do your job?

Butch, a question isn't really a question if you already know the answer.

 

[Seeking_Coyotes]

Thinking of pulling the trigger on a Cooper 708 in a 24" barrell.

 

[drover]

IMO the Cooper would be a good choice, they come with a 1/2" guarantee and all of mine have easily met that criteria. Check with First Stop Guns in Rapid City, SD they usually have quite a few Coopers in stock. Another place to check is Gunsamerica.com.

drover