New project questions

[skipper]

I bought all the components for my very first custom rifle. Before you go getting too excited, I need to tell you that it is a .204 Ruger.

Let me explain. I am,was?) an avid magnum fanatic. I love the big bores. I was teaching my 10 year old how to shoot with his .22 at the local range. I could only shoot my rifle five or six rounds before I started flinching, so I bought a .204 Ruger. It was a Remington XR-100. I bought it because of the splatter factor on varmints, the 4225 fps speed and the accuracy everyone was raving about. I got hooked big time. I want to see just how accurate this project rifle can be given the limitations of the cartridge.

I bought a Lilja .20 caliber barrel, a Stolle Panda action, Jewell trigger, Shehane ST1000 Tracker stock, match .204 reamer and Nightforce 12-42X56 scope. The parts have been at SG&Y since early December. I hope to get the finished rifle back next month. My question is how do I break in this rifle and extract all the accuracy I can while load developing, etc. I am aware that my question encompasses a lot of ground, but I would appreciate all the help you can offer. The first order of business would be how to break in such a rifle. I have read the articles on barrel break in and know that this is a controversial subject, but this is my very first custom rifle and I don't want to ruin it the very first thing.

Thanks in advance for any help you are willing to offer. The rifle will ultimately be used for varmint hunting at ranges from about 100-500 yards off a bench to local competitions.,informal) Thanks, guys.

 

[skipper]

Did they tell you up front that it would take 18 months? If it takes that long, so be it. I just don't want to be getting my mouth set just right to take delivery and then be put off for another year. They told me 8 weeks when I delivered the parts. I was thinking that sounded awful quick but thought they might have a Christmas lull.

Thanks for the link. Is the Lucas bore guide the popular choice? I have a Dewey rod and a Lucas bore guide already.

 

[USAPatriot]

Skipper, I know exactly how you feel...

 

[skipper]

Well, I was pleasantly surprised with a phone call from SG&Y rifles today. Lois told me that Stick was starting my rifle and she wanted to check out all the details. After going over the order with her she turned me over to Stick. He and I talked about every last detail of the build. He said he was starting the rifle and that was pretty much it. I didn't mention that I knew that Speedy had left and they didn't mention it either.

I don't know about SG&Y rifles in the past but it would appear that things moving on my rifle. At least it appears that way. I will keep you posted on developments as they occur. Maybe the problems of the past are gone.

One other detail. Stick asked if I wanted the action blue printed. I thought a Panda action was pretty much ready to rock and roll out of the box. I told him to proceed. I hope I'm not throwing money away. I do want the rifle to shoot to it's capabilities though. That was the whole point to this project.

 

[MATSUBOB]

I sent a R700 action to SG&Y to have blueprinted and re-barreled. I talked to Speedy and was told that 4 months at the outside was the timeframe. Fourteen months later I finally got the rifle after many calls. They did an exceptional job and the rifle shoots .25 moa groups but I missed one whole season of shooting waiting on the rifle.

 

[skipper]

I started this project back in April of last year. It took me 9 months to get the parts. The Stolle Panda action from Kelblys took the longest. Is this usual? A friend of mine ordered a Viper action about the same time I did and got his in two weeks.

 

[rstreich]

I haven't owned a Panda action, but I kind'a think you're throwing money away having it blueprinted. Kelbly is known for top-notch stuff.