Need info on a new 308 F TR build

[rmist]

Looking for all info on a 308 F TR rifle. Mostly about the barrel and chamber. What would you use for bullets in the 175-210 grain range as far as freebore? Are you allowed tight necks or just standard saami specs? Dimensions of reamer would be nice or a print? Starting from scratch on this. I've been shooting a 223 for 600 yds but now want a capable long range F TR rifle. I'm either going to use a Borden or BAT action, hopefully a PR&T Low boy stock or something close to that.
Thanks again,
Rmist

 

[Down South]

For a FTR build i use and recommend the Panda F class action as its lighter weight than the other actions mentioned and has integral rail and lug. I also shoot a PRT FTR stock from Ray and love it, can't go wrong there. Only thing i woulda done different was get the two way adjustable butt plate instead of three way as i don't use it and i really didn't need the adjustable cheek piece i have as i don't use that either. Depends what you like. It all adds weight, keep that in mind. As for barrels, I really like Bartlein but have had really good Kreiger and Brux barrels also. I think they are all good overall. I shoot a 32 inch barrel but 30-34 is what everyone is using for the most part. If you go lighter on other components like i mentioned you can go longer or heavier contour on the barrel. You listed 175 to 210s for bullet weights. I would recommend the 200 hybrids if you can handle the recoil. They are very accurate and hold good vertical at all distances. They shoot very well in chambers cut with freebore lengths from .170 to .220 etc. I personally like Lapua Palma brass but many other shooters use large primer with great results. I don't think one is more accurate per say but Palma brass is definately tougher in the pockets and holds up better with stout loads. If you shoot in low temps (below 30 degree) you might wanna stick with large primer brass but other than that i'd recommend the small primer brass. Just my .02. Good luck with the build.

 

[Scott Harris]

adding to what Jade said, I'd suggest getting a standard SAAMI minimum chamber with a .342-.344 neck.....KISS. You can turn your brass or not turn it with those specs. Recommend the 185 LRBT (aka Juggernaut) as it is just too darn easy to load for and shoot and has a decent BC too. .170FB for this bullet. A 10 twist will shoot both the 185LRBT and the 200 Hybrid well. You can always push the throat out later to try the 200s, but the 185s are easier to shoot.

a 30" heavy palma is the standard barrel, but go with a heavier contour if your setup allows. You definitely want to build your rifle to weigh a full 18lbs and maximize the barrel weight.

Nice thing about the 308WIN is you don't need to overthink it. The cartridge is very easy to load for and accurate with minimum fuss and muss. Recoil management is the challenge to master.

 

[rmist]

Thanks for the replies.

Quick question about the stock..... I have a McMillan Tooley MBR stock. Could that be used for this?
Right now it has a BAT B action with a NF 15x55 scope, 28" heavy varmint barrel and weighs 161/2 LBS. Think I could make weight with a long308 barrel?

Thanks again

 

[Dos XX]

That stock looks very similar to a prone stock. The bottom of the buttstock is even slanted, which I prefer as it allows you to make vertical adjustments by moving forward and backward in the rear bag..

Is that 16 1/2 lb with bipod and a scope level, if you are going to use one? The weight limit is with everything attached that will be attached when you are shooting. You can figure 4 oz per inch for additional barrel length. You can cut weight by using aluminum scope rings and base as well, assuming you aren't using them already.

An MTU is a little lighter than a HV but is still plenty heavy for string fire if you are too heavy with the HV.

 

[rmist]

That's everything but the bi pod. Roughly 17 lbs 8 ozs with a Duplin bi pod. Tiny bit of room for barrel. The barrel on it is 6mm so a little more metal there.

 

[Medic505]

As far as bipods go, find somebody that has a Flex-pod and give it a try. They are light, I think mine weighs 1lb-1oz. About the same as a mystic, which would also be a good choice. Everything that Russell, Jade and Scott said is very good info. Listen to these guys, all three are good shooters. I shoot a Flex-pod and love it. Others have tried to shoot it and don't. Just like everything else it's a personal preference thing.

 

[Dos XX]

And yes to Flex Bipod. Love mine.

If you don't have one and would like to try a Duplin with slightly squishy cant adjustment, i will send it to you. PM me.

 

[rmist]

Thanks again for the replies. Great info...Ordered some Lapua brass and some 185 Berger's. Need to find a barrel. A 10 twist was mentioned....looking at some of the stuff German Salazar says seems a 11 twist is optimal. Thoughts ??
A friend offered his reamer for me to use. It has .168Fb and a .3412 neck. I think I'll just screw it onto my BAT Tooley for right now.

Thanks again !!!

 

[Dos XX]

11 twist will work on 185s. I know guys that shoot 200s with an 11twist. A 10 twist will not over stabilize anything you want to shoot in F/TR, however.

I personally would turn Lapua brass for that neck diameter.

 

[rmist]

That's good to know. As finding 11 twist barrel seems harder than finding a 10 twist. I'm not opposed to neck turning. Just need a different mandrel.

Thanks again !!

 

[Dos XX]

Looks like both bullets.com and bugholes.com have Bartlein 31" HV 5R 10 twist barrel blanks in stock. Probably tough to find a 33" blank in stock to finish at 32".

The 10 will shoot 185's and 200's. I am shooting both with 10 twist currently.

It might not be enough for a 215, but I am not sure of that.

 

[rmist]

Thanks again... ordered a barrel today. Also, dies and expander mandrel and cutter mandrel.
Next season I'll be in both mid and long range F TR game !!

Looking forward to it !!