Help needed with a custom .308 rifle.

[robbobsam]

Hiya Guys,

I have $5000 to spend on a custom .308 rifle. I want to use it mostly for long range varmint and deer hunting in the UK but also for target shooting out to 600-800yds.

I have been looking at the many different types of barrel, actions and trigger combinations and am in need of some guidance from you guys.

I dont want the rifle to be too heavy or I am not going to enjoy hunting with it, but I understand that in order to use it for long range hunting I need a long heavy barrel.

I already have the scope for the job a Nightforce NXS 5.5-22 X 56 so I just need some advice on the following.

1. Which action and why ???
2. Which barrel, what length and why ???
3. Which stock and why ???
4. Which trigger and why ???

I have taken a bit of a liking to the surgeon action as they look very rugged and have a built in picatinny rail, but if you can recommend better I will listen to any suggestions. As for barrel I would like a varmint type barrel fluted to reduce the weight a little, add strength and aid cooling. In order to keep the velocity up I was thinking in the 26" long range, but as for make, I really dont know.

I like the accuracy international stock, but it is so heavy, can you recommend a better chassis for my rifle that is as strong and rugged but lighter in weight?

Thank you in advance for your replies.

 

[M700]

First thought is that in a .308, a really long barrel isn't necessary for very good accuracy and performance, even at longish ranges.

Yes, the Palma guys run 30" & 32" barrels, but they're playing high stakes poker at 1,000 yards with a mere 155 grain bullet. I like your idea of a 26" barrel, but even a 24" (or shorter) will put rounds on target nicely at longish ranges.

Guy

 

[M700]

BTW, here's a great article, from right here on this web site, that discusses the .308 Win in some detail. Well worth the read:

http://www.accurateshooter.com/cartridge-guides/308win/

Regards, Guy

 

[M700]

And here's mine - which I have been shooting and working over for about 15 years. Roughly the same purposes as yours - some target competition, some varmint/predator shooting and a little deer, elk & bear hunting:

Remington 700 short action - Surgeon and the like weren't avail when I got started - trued up.

24" Krieger barrel, Palma chamber, 1:12 twist and in the Remington varmint contour.

Current stock is a McMillan A1-3, which is a modified version of the old USMC M40A1 sniper stock with a slightly higher comb, and a larger, boxier fore end. I'm quite fond of the stock and had McMillan build it with a fairly long length of pull as well as installing a rail for a handstop. That's proven useful in competition.

Trigger on mine is a nicely tuned Remington trigger.

Now - that said - things have come a long way since I built my rifle. I'd keep the stock and the barrel, but would likely upgrade to a Surgeon or other custom/precision action if I was starting over. Also, I'd likely go with a Jewel trigger, simply because I like them very much. They feel great!

Mostly I shoot the 165/168 grain class of bullets from mine, not pushing very hard, about 2700 fps. Time to time I'll shoot the 150/155 bullets at 2850 fps with equal accuracy. Rarely do I shoot the 175/180's and almost never anything heavier. Usually over Varget or RL-15.

For varmints I've thoroughly enjoyed using 130 gr Speer HP's - which expand very, very quickly and are very accurate as well.

Regards, Guy

 

[robbobsam]

Guy,

Your a real gent, thanks for all your help and advice and for sharing the pictures of your rifle. Its a very nice tool.

What sort of grouping do you get with it over 100-200-400-600 and 800yds ???

I am moving up from my current .243 as I am now looking at bigger game. Also the .308 is better for longer ranges on the range.

 

[jonbearman]

Kelbys has a beautifully rugged tactical style reciever.I would go with the 24" barrel,kreiger,pacnor,hart,bartlein.These barrels are all good. The trigger,I would go with is a jewel with the factory type safety added.If you dont have price as a consideration,mcmillan,stockade,hs precision.These are all quality stocks and usually easy to find.A manners is also one of the top stocks ,very rigid and good looking as well. Kelbys can build the whole thing or sid goodling at goodling rifles in pa does a really nice job.He built the wimbleton cup top winning rifle this year.

 

[M700]

The rifle has produced 2.5" - 3" groups at 600 yards and has been used to shoot NRA "High Master" scores in 600 yard prone matches.

Out at 800 yards I'm delighted to smack the gong... My problem reading the wind let-offs, not a problem with the rifle.

 

[billmo]

Thats a fine looking rig man. And some mighty fine shooting as well. Bill

 

[dreever]

http://www.6mmbr.com/gunweek097.html

Since I wrote this article I've been using the Berger 185 grain HPBT Long Range bullet which has been shooting phenominal groups for me out to our range max of 840 yards.
I've also switched rings to Badgers to give me a bit more barrel clearance.

I would highly recomend the GA Precision Hospitaller.

Danny

 

[clowdis]

Jon,
Just curious, will you be shooting in the fullbore matches or will it be F-class?

 

[queen_stick]

Guy,

Your a real gent, thanks for all your help and advice and for sharing the pictures of your rifle. Its a very nice tool.

What sort of grouping do you get with it over 100-200-400-600 and 800yds ???

I am moving up from my current .243 as I am now looking at bigger game. Also the .308 is better for longer ranges on the range.

I'm not one of those guys who's going to say you're wrong, but that statement about a standard 308win being better at longer ranges than a 243win will typically fire up a debate. If given a choice between a 243win and a 308win (both specifically designed for shooting heavy bullets at long range), I would take the 6mm in a heart beat... stuff the 115gr bergers in there and start hammerin'! The 308 has proven its self time and time again - that can't be ignored. But, newer 6mm bullets put the 6mm in close running with the 30 cal for sure. The 6mm will give you a little less recoil too (if that matters).

Not trying to change your mind... just throwing it out there. You can't go wrong with a 308!

M700 - great looking rig! Cool pic too, with the range in the background. I wish I had a range like that reasonably close to me!

Walt

 

[dreever]

Barrel life with a 243 is going to be MUCH shorter than a .308. Something else to consider.

Danny

 

[bheadboy]

my 2c worth, i would go with a Hart bbl 26" fluted, 1x12, jewel trigger, Hart or other custom (700 style action), stock of your choice

I have a number of 700 and 40x actions that after being trued shoot very, very well, the cost is slightly less than the customes, and they are easy to pick up.

the caliber you chose is great, now for more confusion, i personally would go with the 7-08 or 7-08AI as the bullet selection hi BC is really great and they have been proven to be accurate and give less recoil than 308

also for hunting the 140s are all you could want at 2900 from a 26" bbl use a 9"twist

Bob