New Long-Range Competition Rifle Build (260 REM)

[Das Capitolin]

After one year of owning the Savage 11 Long Range Hunter in 260 Remington with SWFA SS HD x5-20 attached, I've fired roughly 500 rounds in competition and practice with mixed results. The first several cold-bore shots have always been very accurate, but as the lightweight barrel heats-up shot placement really opens with unexpected influence on elevation. The Savage 11 LRH is great for long-distance hunting trips, but it's not well-suited for fast-paced 10-round strings sustained for several hours.

It's an exceptional precision hunting rifle, but I don't hunt at all, and the long-range competitions generate too much heat for this barrel to manage (especially in warm weather). Since my primarily purpose is shooting at local long-range varmint matches (out to 675 yards), it's time for something purpose-built for competition.

260 REM is an outstanding round and I've already got everything I need to continue loading it for life. I'm somewhat pleased with Savage Arms manufactured rifles, at least a lot more so then Remington, and have considered the Savage 12 Long Range Precision (which is probably what I should have began with). Unfortunately the stock that comes on 12LRP is worthless, and other models come close but aren't offered in 260 REM or lack synthetic stock.

There are hundreds of options I could choose from, but until I retire and make this my full-time hobby the obscenely expensive custom platforms aren't an option. So here's my 'wish list' of ingredients:

Action: no preference, but like both Remington 700 and Savage short (must chamber 260 REM)
Barrel: 26"-30" heavy in 6.5/.264, fluting preferred.
Stock: synthetic with adjustable integral cheekpiece, heavy with front rail preferred.

Links are appreciated. Thank you all in advance for your suggestions.

 

[NateHaler]

my suggestion is to search and read this forum, and others. All the questions you're asking have been asked/answered many, many, many times before.

In short, you pay your money and you take your chance. Go to a match and see what other guys are using. The flip the coin and good luck.

 

[eric32]

May i suggest just buying a Mcgowen barrel and a Mcree or PDC custom stock and you will have one good looking rig

 

[Ringostar]

The 260 is an excellant choice for you. I have a 260 F class gun with 30" 8.5 twist barrel, on a remington short action. It shoots great out to 800 yards, but struggles with strong winds at 1000. Very little recoil ! If you like the savage actions, then I suggest checking out the Savage Target Action. They are purpose built single shot actions that are smooth and accurate, and very reasonably priced at around $500. A good barrel with chambering will run about $450. Any type of stock that fits you and shooting position. You dont need an extremely high end scope for your distance. A good 6-24 tactical with good adjustment knobs in the $800 range will work fine. I hope this helps, and good luck.