First build looking for input

[LarMoeCur]

Ok first I'm just returning from a 7 month deployment. I can't wait to get back. First thing after the dust settles I'm going to have a custom Varmint rifle built. I'm looking for input on what works to help me from re-inventing the wheel on my dollar.

Here are the issues and details of what I'm thinking so far.
I've ordered a Stiller Predator action,3-4 month wait). So action is set. I'm looking for an all around gun. Hunting for sure maybe some local range comps. 300 to 600 yards tops.

It's going to be a 6mm br,no neck turn). Either a Lilja barrel 26" Rem Varmint contour 1-8,3 grove). OR a Bartlein barrel 1-8 4 grove. I'm working out the price details on both barrels and going the with cheaper of the two. If they are close in price any opinions on which? I do not want to start a flame thread about who's barrels is better.

Next is the stock. I'm working on some quotes from Westcustomrifles on a #7 or a Accurate Innovation Laminate. I couldn't find much info on the Accurate Innovation stocks but West Custom gets some top notch write ups here. Any input on either of the two?

Now this will be a field gun so weight is an issue. I do not want a 16 lbs gun. I'd like to be under 9 if possible. Any way to save weight? Fluting? Shorter barrel length? I'm not seeing may options here. Any ideas?

Thanks for reading. Sorry is so long

 

[M700]

A big "tactical" style base and rings adds a lot of unnecessary weight. Go aluminum!

Fluting the barrel can help too.

Select your scope carefully - sometimes the most optically perfect scopes are very heavy. Compare the weight of say a 12x fixed Leupold target scope with a variable power Nightforce or USO scope for an example... It's a choice.

Can a hollow be cut into the stocks you're considering? Fill weight can be specified when a McMillan stock is ordered.

Just thoughts on keeping the weight reasonable.

Good luck on the build, and Thank You for your service!

Semper Fi, Guy

 

[MrMister]

What is the main purpose of this rifle, coyotes, digger squirrels, P-Dogs?

Squirrels and P-Dogs can be shot off a bench so weight shouldn't matter as much but if it's a walking gun I'd suggest a totally different direction, a off the shelf CZ, Savage, or Remington.

I'd take the rifle you've starting buying parts for and set it up for the table.

Just my two-cents-worth.

Welcome home and tanks for helping to keep our country,and others) safe.

Steve

USN 1985-1989

 

[Mike]

Sounds like a good start, I have a Lilja on mine and really like it.
Having it fluted will save a bit of weight, but not that much.
I think 24 inches is plenty of length and makes for better balance.
I like the HS precision composite stocks for a hunting rifle.
A Leupold 4-14 makes a good compact hunting scope, and I like their PRW rings and bases.

 

[LarMoeCur]

MrMister,

Really I do not have a main purpose for this build. I'm looking for a multi-function rifle. I plan to bust some Pdogs and coyotes for sure. I figured if I could blend a hybrid rifle of sorts. I could get the best of both worlds in one rifle. A gun light enough to carry but stout enough to shoot from a bench. My main use would be hunting, but plan to use for a few weekends matches,300 yds mostly). Maybe I'm going in the wrong direction. I do not have the dough for two rifles. I was hoping to find a happy medium. I know, I'll have to scarifies in areas to achieve this. Weight is one area for sure. I've never table hunted before always carried in. This is why I posted here to get the correct info before I waste my cash chasing my tail.

 

[6BR]

LaeMoeCur,

I went with a Stiller Predator Short Action for my 6BR build too. Stiller makes an awesome action and the Predator is perfect for a varmint rifle. The Predator Action is like a benchrest action with just enough clearance for hunting in the elements.

The 6BR cartridge will be perfect for what you want to do. The 6BR is super accurate and power full enough to kill squirrels or Pdogs out to 1000 yards.

Regarding your barrel selection, I would go with a Bartlein, 26", 1-8 twist, .236 bore and have them flute it. I am building a 6BR, and I am using a Bartlein 28", 1-8 twist .236 bore fluted barrel. I went with a .236 bore, because I have read and been told that the .236 bore is better for the longer bullets. The Bartlein Barrel, with fluting, cost me $435.00. The barrel and fluting turned out awesome!!!!

For the Stock, I would look at Manner's Compisite Stocks. I would put the Manner's T4 or T4A on your rifle. I went with the Manners T4A on my 6BR because it has the Adjustable Cheek piece. The Manners T4A will cost you around $640.00 and the Manners T4 will cost you around $415.00. The T4 stocks are awesome looking and feel great. Check Manners stocks before you make your final decision. I use to use McMillan A-5 stocks, however, once I saw and felt the Manners T4 stocks, I was hooked. Plus the wait time is 12 weeks for the Manners T4 stock. The McMillan A-5 stocks take between 25 to 27 weeks, so I am glad I found Manners. I hate waiting that long for a stock. I am not knocking McMillan, their stocks are awesome, I just can't wait that long.

I would go with a Jewel trigger, however, the Shilein Triggers are very nice too. They are also about $90 cheaper than a Jewel. However, if you can afford the Jewel, get it.

Regarding scope, I would look at the Nightforce 3.5x15x50 NXS. If the Nightforce is too much, look at the Leupold M4 4.5x14x50 LRT.

My rifle is going to weigh right around 16 pounds. It will be heavy, but still light enough to carry around. I will only be using it for Pdoggin and Squirrel hunting, so I am not real concerned about weight. You should have no problem keeping your rig under 10 pounds, it will depend on what size you go with on your barrel. I went with a 28" barrel with a 1.250 straight cylinder with flutes. The flutes took a little weight off, but not that much. I went with a large barrel because this will be a high volume varmint rig. I also put a Vais muzzle brake on it, so I could really see my hits.

Let us now what you decide to go with regarding barrel. Like I said, look at Bartlein Barrels and give Frank a call. Frank, at Bartlein, is very helpful, and he will answer any questions you may have.

 

[MarkS]

LaeMoeCur,

I know Gerg West, he got Franklin stockwork, He does great work.
One comment on the barrel. The twist. 8 tw are great for the heavy bullets, but will limit the speed on the light bullets. I have used a 12 tw shooting 70gr BK bullets, on Groundhogs all summer. I have a dozen Kills from 525 to 620 yds. You could do what you want to do with a 14 tw, and could get one in days not months. Also a 10 tw would shoot up to a 95 gr. But if you want to shoot everything an 8 tw works great.Both are very good barrels, it may come down to, where you can get it from first. In IBS 600 benchrest the Brux barrel are doing very well, but I have not tried one. You can get them very fast.

Mark Schronce

 

[Twud]

I just got my custom 6MM BR a few weeks ago.
Let me tell you the mistakes I made. I ordered a barrel that is much to heavy. Stainless and .825 at the muzzle. I went with a Shehane stock with a 2.5" forend. Much to wide.
If I had my choice of barrels I'd go with the Lilja.
The gun shoots great, it's just a little heavy in the field. I wouldn't go any slower than a 1/12 twist.

 

[7stwhunter]

As far as twist goes that all depends on what bullet you want to use. I personally would use somthing in the 70gr. range either the Blitzking or the V-Max. Running numbers through quik load with a 26" barrel get anywhere from 3300 to 3400fps the calp formula says a 12.5 to 13.5 twist. I personally would go with a 26" 12 twist Kreiger. but can definatly get away with a 24" barrel. but unless you want to shot the big match bullets you would be over spinning your bullets in the normal hunting range.

 

[LarMoeCur]

Now you all have me thinking that a 1-12 twist would be a better option. Think the 70gr bullet will suit my hunting needs the best. I'm not sure how many 600yd shots I'll be taking. I have not ordered the barrel yet. Time to run some searches here to figure out what I really need. Thinking to save weight I may go with a 24 or 26 barrel. Things to make you think!

 

[6BR]

LarMorCur, make sure you really look into the twist. I would strongly suggest going with the 1-8 twist because you can shoot pretty much every bullet. The 1-8 twist will shoot the 70grn bullets just fine and with the 1-8 twist you will be able to shoot the longer bullets like the 105grn A-Max which is awesome for varminting.

My buddy has a 6BR, and he uses the 105 A-Max set up for varminting. It's so accurate and deadly, it's scary. He gets around 2930fps with the 105grn A-Max and it does a number on those little varmints, even at the longer ranges. I guarantee you this, if you go with the 1-8 twist and use a bullet like the 87grn V-Max,BC .400) or 105grn A-Max,BC .500), your hit rate will improve a ton.

Make sure to read a ton about twist rates and bullets, regarding the 6BR, before you make your choice, and talk to your gunsmith too. Anyhow, your going to love the 6BR.

 

[wal]

24" or 26" barrel is plenty of length for the 6mm BR or Dasher, you can sacrifice a little weight there. I would suggest a #6 or #7 Krieger. Try to work around a 4.5lb barrel at working length fluted or not. My tip is make sure your setup is well balanced.

wal

 

[MarkS]

LarMoeCur,

I built my first BR to shoot 80gr bullets. Great egg shoot & varmint gun. search on this site for my name and egg shoot. It works great to have more than on barrel, I have a Stiller DiamondBack with a 12, 10, and 8 tw 6br.

Mark Schronce

 

[7stwhunter]

i would agree that a 1-8 will ALLOW you to shoot pretty much any 6mm bullet but if you want the best possible accuracy out of your bullet of choice you want the slowest twist possible. so really its a choice of what bullet you want to use. I was in the fastest twist possible boat right until i came over here to trinidad state and speedy set me straight on that one.

 

[Obtunded]

For whacking varmints, speed makes the all the difference. I would concur with the plan to go with a loose twist and use lighter bullets. If you were shooting F-Class, I would say go heavy and tight, but for varmints, go fast! I have used 58 grain Vmax's in 6BR's on ground squirrels and gotten them up to 3600 fps.

As for barrels, if fluting is in your future, do not buy a button-rifled barrel. I like Krieger personally,,I am the Canadian Krieger importer) but of your two choices the Bartlein is the obvious choice. Fluting any barrel increases the chances of a shifting POI as the barrel heats up, but latent stresses in a buttoned barrel make them poor candidates for fluting. Some button barrel manufacturers even void their warranty if you flute.

The good thing is you can always try something different when it wears out, or even build a switch-barrel rig.

 

[6BR]

The twist rate is a tough choice when it comes to all rifles. But for some reason it seems to be a real a problem with varmint hunters, because we want maximum splat factor. I will say this about the 1-8 twist it will shoot bullets from 75grn to 105grns really well. My buddy who uses the 105grn A-Max out of his 6BR, also uses the 87grn V-Max out of his 1-8 twist and it spits it out of the 28" barrel at a little over 3100fps. The splat factor is awesome and the accuracy is excellent too.

I went with the 1-8 twist, because I wanted to shoot the high BC bullets to help me in the bad conditions, wind, when shooting in Pdog country. I have finally learned my lesson about the high BC argument. Remember, if you go with the 1-8 twist you can shoot the 87grn V-Max which has a BC of .400. That bullet will easily get you out to 500 yards and also give you excellent splat. But like I said, if you are only planning on shooting out to 200 to 300 yards, than the slower twist will be your best bet. Believe me, I use to be the same way about super high velocity when it came to varmints. But when I started watching my buddies connect on long range shots, with consistency, I begain to see the importance of the higher BC bullets.

IMHO, I think the 1-8 twist would be your best bet. I've seen what the 105grn A-Max at 2930fps does to a squirrel at 300 yards, it flips them up and shreds them close to what the 87grn V-Max does, plus you got a BC of .500 with this bullet. I am just trying to give you the best information I can, because I have been in so many situations when I wish I would have went with the 8 twist on my past builds. So on this build, I made sure I went with the 1-8 twist. I had so many guys tell me on my other 6mm builds, my 243 1-14 twist and my 6x284 1-12 twist, to go with 1-8 twists and I went with the twists I listed. They worked great. However, when we started shooting past the 400 yard mark, my buddies made more consistent and first shot hits than I did, and they were using the 6BR with the 105grn A-Max. This really started pissing me off and that's also the time I said, "it's time for the 6BR set up with an 8 twist barrel with .100 lead for the longer bullets".

Finally after 3 years of being told to have a 6BR built, I will have one with a 1-8 twist. Anyhow, sorry for the long post, I just wanted to make sure you really think about it. Once you choice the slower twist barrel will not be able to shoot the longer type bullets, the 1-8 twist will give you all kinds of options. Regarding barrel maker go with either a Bartlein or Krieger.

 

[LarMoeCur]

Hey guys,

Thanks for the help. I'm still waiting on the action to be built so I have plenty of time to research this. I'm going to stick with the 1-8. I can always rebarrel later if it doesn't fit my needs. From what you all have told me and what I've read hear, I don't see how I can go wrong with the 1-8.

Thanks again

Larry

 

[6BR]

You mad a smart choice with the 1-8 twist. Also look at lead lengths, I went with a .100 lead. This lead will still allow me to shoot the 87grn V-Max and 88grn Bergers and allow me to really seat the 105's far.

 

[RJinTexas]

Larry,
First off I like to personally thank you for protecting the freedom we enjoy in this country. It's the sacrifices made by young men like yourself that keep this country the greatest place in the world to live.

I own two 6mmbr's varmint rifles, both are switch barrel guns on SG&Y blue printed 700 Rem s/a, Holland pinned recoil lugs, Jewell triggers, Badger rings and 20moa picatinny bases both wear H&S skim bedded varmint stocks. One has a 28" Pacnor CM select match HV 8tw barrel the other a 27" Hart SS SM 14tw. Both chambers were cut with the same new PT&G reamer. They both shoot 75gr V-max extremely well consistently producing 0.2 & 0.3's. In fact there's little to no difference out to 600yds. Best of all I don't have to worry about separating loads or brass. I'm sure the 8tw would handle heavier bullets where with the 14tw the 75 grainers are about max. But these are dog town bench rifles and they'll probably will never see another load. If I were you I wouldn't go with a barrel much lighter then LV or medium Palma contour because light barrels tend to over heat when your in a decent prairie dogs town. Welcome home and good luck with your build.

RJ

 

[6BR]

I agree with RJinTexas on barrel contour, I went with a 1.250 straight cylinder, with flutes, because the amount of shooting that will be done with my 6BR. It will be a high volume shooting rig and will be shoot off a bench but it will still be light enough to move around and shot off a bi-pod. My rifle will weigh right around 16 pounds with scope and all, so it is light enough to move around. I think a contour like 1.200 for 5" tapered to .900 at muzzle, and than have it fluted, would still be nice too.