New build

[rudy16]

I need some help on my next build, it is going to be a7mm-08 based on a rem action. I am going to have the action trued and blueprinted. I need some input on caliber .308 vs 7mm-08 I reload, i like how the 7mm-08 shoots flatter. What are some pros/cons vs. the two. What do you do guys think on Mcmillan A2 vs. Manners MCS T2 on a stock. My biggest question is on the barrel, What rifling would be best. I want to be able to shoot hunting loads and target loads ability to shoot at targets past 400 yds. what do yo think for the barrel manufacture, I have a PacNor on one of my AR's and am happy with it. Is it worth Hart or Bartlein. Anything else i need to know or should look into.this will be my 1st bolt action build have a couple of custom ar's.

 

[6BR]

Regarding the stock, I would go with a Manners Stock. It will only take 10 to 12 weeks to receive a stock from Manners compared to 24 to 26 weeks with the McMillan. Regarding the barrel, I would go with a Bartlein or Krieger 1-9 twist.

 

[DrJeckyl]

Don't want to sound like i'm leaning you away from your caliber choice but have you considered the 260 Rem?

All depends on what you plan on hunting of course but for a flat shooting paper gun it's hard to beat for a factory chamber. Basically a .308 designed to accept the 6.5MM bullet, there are some hunting bullets avail and a wide range of match bullets.

 

[Raptor]

I concour on the 260. I have had an still have all three calibers and you can't beat the 260.

 

[rudy16]

How would it stack up vs. a NE whitetail in comparison to the 7mm-08. I do have a 30.06 but it sometimes gets borrowed from my little bro. when its really needed.

 

[rudy16]

I looked at the comparsion between the .260 and 7mm-08 accu-tips on Remington website. TO me the look very comparible expect the 08 has a little higher energy. is there something i am missing. I have never really compared ballistic and know squat about all diff calibers. This will be my first build and I want to do it right. From what i understang they both have a .308 casing.

 

[olympian]

I like the .260 and 7mm-08 and consider them to be vastly superior to the .308 for my needs. It all comes down to what you will do with the rifle.

If you are going to shoot paper or tactical matches competitively and seriously then I would pick the .260 because of the ballistics of the 6.5mm bullets. For hunting keep in mind if your hunting shot distance is not very long, the Hornady 6.5mm 160gr. is a great bullet. The Sierra 140gr. GameKing is nice for longer opportunities. There are more target bullets available in 6.5mm.

If you are going to have it primarily as a hunting rig for larger whitetails, I would give the edge to the 7mm-08 because of bullet weight. I and others have taken whitetails with the 7mm-08 in 15" barrels at 400 yds. It is very effective.

In the end, I would recommend the .260 over the 7mm-08 but the difference is not a lot. Both will do the job with ease.