On the fence about a build

[usnmorrison]

I am thinking about starting a rifle build. My knowledge in this area is severely slim but I have been researching for the past few weeks and plan on researching for a long time. My question is: What are some common pitfalls and setbacks that folks make? I plan on starting from scratch and plan on it taking a while to complete (to be able to afford pieces and parts). My worst fear is ordering the wrong parts or have a build that is unreliable and innaccurate.
Thanks

 

[Preacher]

What is it your planning to do with the new rifle ?
Do you plan on using a factory action, or a custom action ?
With a good action, and a good barrel, and a good smith, along with the needed other parts, there are not a lot of pitfalls to fall into..
Think it all out really good, and double check the want list, and you'll be fine..

 

[spclark]

Most likely pitfall is in choosing your gunsmith.

Finding one you can trust, who can give you unbiased recommendations about what components are worth the money and work involved, who will work with you as you learn both what you want and can afford, and can then proceed to build you a rifle that shoots well beyond your expectations... in something less than 12 months, and for a FAIR price... is worth all the time and effort you can put to the task.

There are many fine 'smiths on this forum. Too, there are many who aren't so you may want to ask local shooters about their experiences.

Where are you? Knowing that will help the rest of us target 'smiths near you who deserve a recommendation.

 

[usnmorrison]

Looking to build a good distance target rifle, 500-1000 yards ish. Idealy be able to hunt with as well. I'm not sure where to go with the action as far as pick up a stock 700 action or just shell out for a custom one. Not because it's custom,but, because the quality is better. Still researching actions though. 308 will be the caliber. I like the M40 style gun that Tactical Rifles Inc sells but I'd like to make one my own and a bit cheaper. I'm learning alot through all this research though. It seems that every few sentences or so I have another word or acronym to look up. Ah and I'm in Chattanooga, TN.
Thanks guys.

 

[jkohler]

I would just go with a custom action from the get go for sure if you can afford one. You would never regret it. Do your research on what chamber dimensions you want for sure. Look at what bullet you want to shoot and if you are shooting form a mag or single shot. Then you will no what throat to have on your reamer to hit the desired length.

 

[GermanS1]

Morrison, this short item might give you some food for thought as to the different things to think about in planning your build: http://riflemansjournal.blogspot.com/2010/05/equipment-ordering-custom-match-rifle.html

 

[usnmorrison]

Outstanding information!
Thanks!
I didn't realize the casing plays such an important role. So plan on using one casing and vary the bulllet weight to see what works the best? Factory ammo ok?

 

[GermanS1]

Morrison, you said that you'd like to build a .308 for some target shooting and hunting, that would be useable from 500 to 1000 yards - hopefully that's a reasonable summary. You can certainly fire factory ammunition in a properly built .308, but it won't be optimal for everything, particularly the longer distances. Reloading is in your future.

There's plenty of good hunting factory ammo in .308; and assuming a distance limitation consistent with experience and the ammo's ballistics, you'll do fine. Others can offer better information on that subject as I am not a hunter, but I'd suggest that 500 yards is longer than you should consider with it at this point.

As for target shooting, both Federal and Black Hills make .308 target ammo that you can use; but I would limit that to 600 yards. Shooting 1000 yards with a .308 (something I do very regularly and reasonably well) takes a solid amount of load development and testing. I would also suggest a barrel of at least 28" for that purpose. You'll read plenty on the internet about guys shooting 1000 yards with short barrels and factory ammo, they just seem to never be at the range where I shoot... Ballistics is a serious and we'll developed science, notwithstanding the claims of the keyboard commandos. The .308 is far from ideal for long-range shooting, but it can be done and is done every week, it just takes a lot of work and special equipment. There's a big difference between lobbing a bullet 1000 yards and seeing sand splash and actually hitting your target in the center every time. I assume you'll want to do the latter.

Here's a link to a five-part series on loading the .308 for 1000 yard shooting, I think it'll be educational for you. http://riflemansjournal.blogspot.com/2010/10/cartridges-308-palma-preparation-and.html

My best advice is to get out to a 600 or 1000 yard match in your area, Oak Ridge or Tullahoma, for instance, and see what's being shot, talk to the guys and you'll learn a lot. www.orsaonline.org and http://bgrpc.org/

As for gunsmiths, I agree with what Steve said earlier, that's a relationship you want to develop early and well. I send my work to Clark Fay in Raton and have the utmost confidence in him. www.clarksrifles.com

 

[Savage99]

Outstanding information!
Thanks!
I didn't realize the casing plays such an important role. So plan on using one casing and vary the bulllet weight to see what works the best? Factory ammo ok?

It seems to me that usnmorrison knows little or nothing about guns and is just wasting our time.

Also this "build" mantra is another over done topic.

 

[Preacher]

Lots of folks that know little or nothing about guns, rely a lot on this forum to help them learn.....
Very few folks think thats a problem...

 

[usnmorrison]

Wow! I do appreciate ya'll taking the time to send me all this information. Salazar your right! This will be a target rifle. Thanks for all the reloading info which I will review when I get home today, I've always wanted to learn that as well. I'm sure more questions will come up. I have another ammo question but i'll shoot you an email later on today.
Thanks again for all the info!

 

[effendude]

It seems to me that usnmorrison knows little or nothing about guns and is just wasting our time.

Also this "build" mantra is another over done topic.
[/quote]

WTFThe OP is asking genuine questions, and is replying to responses in a thoughtful manner. Savage, you may be one of those elite few who were born with all you need to know, but I wasn't. Does it make you feel better calling him out for not being knowledgeable?

I appreciate reading posts of all types, I might just learn something new.

Usnmorrison- When I first got interested in rifle shooting, I attended some HP matches at my club. I watched, learned and helped out. Most shooters are willing to visit after a match and discuss equipment. We are proud of our rifles, and like to talk about them. Many of us have a favorite smith or two, ask who the shooters are using. Most regions have a few good smiths who live and die by their performance on the range at matches. A good smith won't lead you wrong. Good luck,

Scott