Rifle Build

[DesertDog753]

Hello Everyone...

I have been toying with the idea of buying the components necessary to start a custom build, but must admit I don't know the first thing about it.

I thought the 1st thing I should look at would be a receiver, and while I'd love something like a high priced one, may only be able to afford a Remington receiver.

Can anyone tell me if the Remington LA Magnum receiver would be the one to get for a .338 Lapua build..?

Any help would be greatly appreciated...

Thanks,

DD753

 

[jkohler]

Personally I think the 338 Lapua is pushing the envelope with a 700 reciver. You'd be better off looking at the stiller tac 338. I recall Dave tooley having this discussion on one of the forums

 

[carlsbad]

Remington makes a 338LM receiver, I own one. But I wouldn't use a random LA receiver. There has been much debate on whether the remington model is pushing the envelope too far.

--Jerry

 

[DesertDog753]

Thanks Guys... I appreciate the feedback...

I know that Remington makes a .338LM on a 700 platform, but haven't heard anything one way or the other as to how its been standing up to it.

The whole reason I started thinking about the Remington receiver was because of a model that Remington now makes. It's basically a Remington receiver with a 26" barrel chambered in .338LM, but the difference was it was situated on a MDT chassis, which in that configuration basically changed the platform to an AR. I like the design because it transfers the recoil straight back into a buffer tube, which theoretically reduced the shock to your shoulder.

But..... the cost for that assembled unit was in the ballpark of $2900. A bunch of money for me.. So I started thinking about the individual components. Remington LA Magnum receiver $450, Krieger barrel $350, barrel and action work by a qualified gunsmith, about another $450 - $500... MDT Chassis $675.. Other odds and ends.. I don't know, maybe another $500.... Total = Around $2475 to get the same unit Remington wants $2900 for... I figured that I was already $425 ahead on the optics....

Anyway, that's the reasoning, if you will, behind the OP.....

Thanks again...

DD753

 

[cat64]

Why that caliber? What is the intended purpose for your desired build?

 

[DesertDog753]

cat64..

I guess the short answer is that I've taken an interest in LR Shooting...

 

[akajun]

I think your estimates for the bult gun are a little low. By the time you have it built, you will be over the cost to buy the factory rifle. Plus at .338lm is not a cheap round, even to reload. If your going to pinch pennies, buy another caliber. If you want to shoot long range , there are plenty of other calibers with cheaper cost per shot and way less recoil than 338lm.

 

[DesertDog753]

akajun...

Perhaps a little low, but pretty close. I've done the window shopping, and the prices I listed are current. And if in truth I ended up spending the same amount as the list price, there would be a world of difference in having that same rifle except with a custom cut barrel, blueprinted receiver and action, premier chassis system, etc.

And Yeah... I know the .338LM is a bear to load money wise, but again the ammo would be custom for that rifle.

Long story short... Right now the build is in the speculative stage, nothing cast in stone... Just weighing my options..

Thanks for the input...

 

[butchlambert]

You're way off on gunsmithing prices for a completely squared receiver and fitted bolt, either bushed or custom replacement. Check with Dan Lilja about the idea of using a 700 for a 338Lap mag. Check the 338 Ultra Mag., it is a much better choice.

 

[DesertDog753]

butchlambert...

Thanks for the info on checking with Dan, I'm sure he'd be an outstanding source.

As far as the lowball on the gunsmithing services, I can only go by what I've been told by those I've personally talked to. Karen Hart over at Hart Barrels quoted me $700, including the price of the barrel to completely square everything, lap my lugs, and align (recut) my threads to include cutting the chamber, and fitting it to the receiver.

I got a higher quote (approximate) from Warner Tool in Keene, NH, for $700 to do all the blueprinting, but not including the cost of the barrel, but also cutting the chamber. That was for a Krieger Barrel which is listed at about $350....

I'm sure that there are those out there that charge more for their services, and conceding to that... Yeah.. you're probably right that the number I estimated was probably low. I guess it kinda goes with the saying. "You get what you pay for".. In any case, I'm not thinking the that overall project is gonna be cheap, but working on it a piece at a time might not take such a big bite outta my a$$ all at once...

 

[butchlambert]

Lapping lugs with a stock bolt is a waste of time. I will tell you now as I have been through this a time or 6. To true your receiver the right way, you need to ream the bolt bore to hold an indicating rod. You will need to machine the lug abutments, front receiver ring, and single point cut the threads and straighten the tenon bore. After this is done you will either need to bush the OD of your bolt, bush the bolt face and drill it for a .0625 firing pin, you need to square up the bolt lugs front and rear, and machine the bolt face. It will be a good time to put a new bolt handle on it as the old one will need to come off to reset the bolt timing. Having gone through this a few times, it is cheaper to buy a custom and it will have more resale value as well. Remember to allow for a custom trigger and a good one.
You need to find out what the smith is actually doing to compare prices. I've heard some relativity low prices on machine work, but it wasn't a complete job. A lot of people do not know what a true professional job includes.
Warner Tool is great. We do have some quality smiths on this forum also.

 

[DesertDog753]

butchlambert..

Going back to the OP, I did say I didn't know much of anything about what would be entailed in this process. You have just more than proven that for me.

I much appreciate the education, and as you can see I still have everything to learn. I think for right now, my best bet is to ask the questions, and hope I have experienced folks such as yourself to help guide me through the process...

Thanks,

DD753

 

[JohnMill]

DD,
Jim Borden has an good explanation of why not to use a 700 for the 338L. Like Butch he feels the 338Ultra is a better choice and provides a chart comparing the two. It is on the Borden Rifles website

John