Long Range Rifle Project; Opinions Please.

USMC-03 · 04-15-2008, 07:34 PM

My current long range rifle is set for open sights but I've wanted to build a scoped long range rifle for some time. I've been thinking of chambering it in .30-06 and topping it with a Leupold 6x mil-dot target scope with reticle I already have. It's not intended to be a top competitor at the 1,000 yard though I will use it in matches. It's more for a hunting and learning tool.

I had intended to find a Remington 700lh long action but they are very scarce. I have a Remington 03A3 that I could use, already drilled and tapped for a Redfield Jr. base. All I really need is a barrel and stock.

Any suggestions on how to proceed on this low budget project?

magusjinx · 04-21-2008, 01:18 PM

What is your definition of "long range" ?

Mine is anything over 200 yards ...

USMC-03 · 04-21-2008, 01:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by magusjinx

What is your definition of "long range" ?

Mine is anything over 200 yards ...

I use 600 to 1,000 yards as the basic working distance "Long Range", the same as NRA Highpower.

The Big Dog · 04-22-2008, 12:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by USMC-03

My current long range rifle is set for open sights but I've wanted to build a scoped long range rifle for some time. I've been thinking of chambering it in .30-06 and topping it with a Leupold 6x mil-dot target scope with reticle I already have. It's not intended to be a top competitor at the 1,000 yard though I will use it in matches. It's more for a hunting and learning tool.

I had intended to find a Remington 700lh long action but they are very scarce. I have a Remington 03A3 that I could use, already drilled and tapped for a Redfield Jr. base. All I really need is a barrel and stock.

Any suggestions on how to proceed on this low budget project?

Hi,

If I were to build a long range rifle on a budget, I'd look at the Savage 110 rither in 30/06 or 300 Win Mag. I just rebarreled A Savage in 300 Win Mag set up for long range shooting. I'm going to rebarrel a 30/06 to 6.5-284 for 1000yd shooting. You can buy these match barrels from http://www.eabco.com/ for $259 already threaded and chambered. The nice thing about Savage is you can change the barrels yourself.

Catch you later,

The Big Dog

magusjinx · 04-22-2008, 05:31 PM

Anything in the 7mm range is good to about 6-700 yards for hunting ... Near or past that i would say maybe the 300 magnums up to maybe 338 or 375 ... Bigger if you are hunting elephants at a half mile ...

TheRooster · 02-17-2011, 07:35 PM

I would use a .30-338 win mag. It is one of the first 1000 yard guns. I have one and I love it. The beauty is it forces you to handload because you can't buy ammo. The guys out here who do long range (600-100yds) use at least a 24x scope. They aren't pros either. Good luck.

jack404 · 02-17-2011, 11:07 PM

a lot of stuff listed , but its all about putting projectiles through targets or game and all the things mentioned so far will do that , but its budget that is important too , so i do not know the cost of ammo in the US but is that a factor ? will you shoot 300 rnd's a month less or more ? more can cost ..

there are a number of great barrel makers in the USA but many of the newer sleeved ultralights are very good too

as for stocks again a multitude from $400-$4000

set your budget and take a look , make it what you want and can afford ,

but you can buy a lot of barrel and stock for $1000 USD from what i see

and end up with a sub mil of arc rifle ,

you'll get more or less either way when , you decide what your budget is ..

Tony22-250 · 02-20-2011, 12:30 PM

How much is your budget is the question? Your budget determines your setup.

JLA · 02-20-2011, 01:01 PM

Im working on a project...

Savage accustock short action, rebarreled with a 26" criterion match barrel. Just got the barrel break in process done friday. Id be shooting it today except I overtorqued the recoil lug wedge and broke it. Ordered 5 more replacements from savage...

During the break in i did get a couple one holers at 200 yds.. Im feelin good about this project

I am keeping the accutrigger, it works for me. I might upgrade the glass, but dunno yet, currently I have a Nikon buckmaster 4.5-14X40 with BDC.

Stock is goin out later this week to be dipped in a rubberized protective coating with a skull pattern. Its gonna be pimp

Ill get some pics...

JLA · 02-20-2011, 01:40 PM

got some pics...

Airdale · 02-20-2011, 06:02 PM

If you want to go the low cost route why not try the short action route?
.308 is common enough you shouldn't have trouble finding a suitable 700 (heavy barrel) candidate in a pawn shop. The short action 700 is like the small block chevy when it come to any accessory you want.

Take your time and try to find used stuff. Hell I've got a a very lightly used Bushnell 10X mil dot you could have for about half retail price, rings also available and lens covers. Not trying to sell them but it's an example of what might be available.

I just found this the other day and for a guy with your handle it should be perfect. A M40 stock from Bell and Carlson with aluminum bedding block which eliminates the need for all but skim bedding. The price is only $213.76.
See it here:http://www.stockysstocks.com/servlet...Carlson/Detail. A semi replica of an M40 would be way cool. They also make them for Long actions

I'd wait and see how the gun shot after getting the basic platform together. a solid free floated stock could make a lot of difference in the accuracy of the remington 700. A 20' heavy barrel would have no trouble getting 600 yds (and, in the right hands, farther). In my opinion if you get a match grade barrel 24" is optimal but that's just me.

After that it's up to you how much "bling" you want to add, DBM, Sling, Bipod, Camo, muzzle break, the options are endless.....Have fun!

Sooner1911 · 02-21-2011, 08:36 PM

IMO, you could build a 30-06 shooter for those ranges. You would likely need to work up your own loads to see what works best in your rifle, but there is a lot of information out there for 20-06 loads to get you started.
You might want to consider a higher power scope. 6X is just not much magnification at 600-1000 yards in my opinion. If you are really trying to punch paper accurately, you will need to be able to see the target very well through the scope. Even when I had 20-15 vision, I used a 20X or 24X for anything greater than 400. Maybe you could use your scope on a friend's LR rifle just to see how well your scope works and how well you can see the target with it. Let us know when you get it built. I am always interested in hearing how a new project goes.

dragman · 02-22-2011, 08:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JLA

got some pics...

Nice!!! can't wait to see the custom stock when it's done!

JLA · 02-22-2011, 06:04 PM

me either, Im taking it to stu tomorrow.

Almost cant wait to do my rem-age conversion (next project in line) and then my old mauser action...

jbmid1 · 02-23-2011, 08:21 AM

I'm with Airdale, post #12. The Remington 700 will give you a lot of bang for the buck and lots of options for upgrade. .308 would be a good choice to start with. Couldn't go wrong with 30-06 or a magnun either, 7mm or 30 cal. Whatever you can get the best deal on. You'll probably want at least a 10X scope. I subscribe to the school of thought that more is better, but the Army uses 10X on their sniper rifles.

Zhurh · 02-23-2011, 12:53 PM

I went from 7 mag to 30-378 which reaches out a little further, faster. I now got idears about nx gun in my musings being a Sako, Armalite AR-30, or a Savage in 338 Lapua. I know the gain over 30-378, 30-338, or a 340 isn't all that great, but then I'd have a 338 Lapua to play around with. A few friends have them and tell me good things.

WE have a 4th July shooting contest in our community. Shoot at 12 inch plate, 400 yards across the river to island in middle. Have seen outta towners show up with M1's and custom 308s that reach out much further, consistently hit targets at 800 yards.

If I were putting money into long range gun, boy, it would have to be one of the fastest calibers out there that shot a 225 grain shell or better I guess.

JLA · 02-23-2011, 02:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dragman

Nice!!! can't wait to see the custom stock when it's done!

heres the finish im getting done. It should be back within 3 weeks

dragman · 02-23-2011, 02:36 PM

That is SICK! +1

JLA · 02-23-2011, 02:40 PM

yes it is. Love it!

davidd · 02-23-2011, 03:46 PM

Take a look at German Salazar's 30.06 build up....

http://www.6mmbr.com/gunweek091.html

JLA · 02-23-2011, 06:21 PM

sweet, yet another project for the books... Thanks dave

Zane71464 · 02-23-2011, 07:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JLA

heres the finish im getting done. It should be back within 3 weeks

That's wickedly NICE!!!

JLA · 02-23-2011, 08:46 PM

you know dale, thats that plain jane model 11 my FIL traded to me for the 116... Amazing what a new barrel and some action truing can do eh...

Zane71464 · 02-24-2011, 03:16 AM

...yes it is Josh and the rifle turned out looking great! I do like that new barrel. I was looking on the cover of the new midway catalog and saw a pic of his rifle with a SS barrel on a blued rifle...yours is the 2nd one I've noticed done that way. I like that look. And after I got over the "initial shock" of you passing on the 116...lol I think you made a good decision!

JLA · 02-24-2011, 01:30 PM

I also love the look of a stainless barrel mated to a blued reciever. Especially when they are set in a well done synthetic or laid up fiberglass stock that compliments both contrasts. Thats the reason for the black background with silver skulls. The barrel and action are night and day and the stock works with them both... I love it.

Gunsmithin really is just like any other artform...

04-21-2008, 01:18 PM	#2
magusjinx V.I.P. Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Posts: 70	Re: Long Range Rifle Project; Opinions Please. What is your definition of "long range" ? Mine is anything over 200 yards ... __________________ "I have found a certain type calls himself a Liberal...Now I always thought I was a Liberal. I came up terribly surprised one time when I found out that I was a Right-Wing Conservative Extremist, when I listened to everybody's point of view that I ever met, and then decided how I should feel. But this so-called new Liberal group, Jesus, they never listen to your point of view..." - Marion Robert Morrison

04-22-2008, 05:31 PM	#5
magusjinx V.I.P. Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Posts: 70	Re: Long Range Rifle Project; Opinions Please. Anything in the 7mm range is good to about 6-700 yards for hunting ... Near or past that i would say maybe the 300 magnums up to maybe 338 or 375 ... Bigger if you are hunting elephants at a half mile ... __________________ "I have found a certain type calls himself a Liberal...Now I always thought I was a Liberal. I came up terribly surprised one time when I found out that I was a Right-Wing Conservative Extremist, when I listened to everybody's point of view that I ever met, and then decided how I should feel. But this so-called new Liberal group, Jesus, they never listen to your point of view..." - Marion Robert Morrison

02-17-2011, 07:35 PM	#6
TheRooster V.I.P. Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Idaho Posts: 55	Re: Long Range Rifle Project; Opinions Please. I would use a .30-338 win mag. It is one of the first 1000 yard guns. I have one and I love it. The beauty is it forces you to handload because you can't buy ammo. The guys out here who do long range (600-100yds) use at least a 24x scope. They aren't pros either. Good luck.

02-17-2011, 11:07 PM	#7
jack404 Former Guest Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Australia Contributor Posts: 17,622	Re: Long Range Rifle Project; Opinions Please. a lot of stuff listed , but its all about putting projectiles through targets or game and all the things mentioned so far will do that , but its budget that is important too , so i do not know the cost of ammo in the US but is that a factor ? will you shoot 300 rnd's a month less or more ? more can cost .. there are a number of great barrel makers in the USA but many of the newer sleeved ultralights are very good too as for stocks again a multitude from $400-$4000 set your budget and take a look , make it what you want and can afford , but you can buy a lot of barrel and stock for $1000 USD from what i see and end up with a sub mil of arc rifle , you'll get more or less either way when , you decide what your budget is .. Last edited by jack404; 02-17-2011 at 11:12 PM..

02-20-2011, 12:30 PM	#8
Tony22-250 Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Snellville, GA Posts: 1,146	Re: Long Range Rifle Project; Opinions Please. How much is your budget is the question? Your budget determines your setup. __________________ Bullets change governments far surer than votes. The most powerful weapon you can buy isn't a .50 caliber. It's a Senate Seat.... "When injustice becomes law, then resistance becomes duty." Thomas Jefferson

04-15-2008, 07:34 PM	#1
USMC-03 Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Peoples Republic of the Pacific Northwest Posts: 1,825	Long Range Rifle Project; Opinions Please. My current long range rifle is set for open sights but I've wanted to build a scoped long range rifle for some time. I've been thinking of chambering it in .30-06 and topping it with a Leupold 6x mil-dot target scope with reticle I already have. It's not intended to be a top competitor at the 1,000 yard though I will use it in matches. It's more for a hunting and learning tool. I had intended to find a Remington 700lh long action but they are very scarce. I have a Remington 03A3 that I could use, already drilled and tapped for a Redfield Jr. base. All I really need is a barrel and stock. Any suggestions on how to proceed on this low budget project? __________________ Let not the rifles of good and free men be reforged into plowshares, but may they rest in a place of honor; ready, well oiled and God willing unused. For if the price of peace becomes licking the boots of tyrants, then "To Arms!" I say, and may the fortunes of war smile upon patriots. - Fortes Fortuna Javat - -->

02-20-2011, 01:01 PM	#9
JLA TFF Moderator/Host Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Heart Of Texas Contributor Posts: 17,294	Re: Long Range Rifle Project; Opinions Please. Im working on a project... Savage accustock short action, rebarreled with a 26" criterion match barrel. Just got the barrel break in process done friday. Id be shooting it today except I overtorqued the recoil lug wedge and broke it. Ordered 5 more replacements from savage... During the break in i did get a couple one holers at 200 yds.. Im feelin good about this project I am keeping the accutrigger, it works for me. I might upgrade the glass, but dunno yet, currently I have a Nikon buckmaster 4.5-14X40 with BDC. Stock is goin out later this week to be dipped in a rubberized protective coating with a skull pattern. Its gonna be pimp Ill get some pics... __________________ It takes 43 muscles to frown, 17 to smile, and 3 for proper trigger squeeze. The latest caliber or gear is no substitute for experience and skill. Rifles and cartridges don't make hits -- shooters do. Fact of life: After Monday and Tuesday, even the calendar says WTF!

02-20-2011, 01:40 PM	#10
JLA TFF Moderator/Host Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Heart Of Texas Contributor Posts: 17,294	Re: Long Range Rifle Project; Opinions Please. got some pics... Attached Images __________________ It takes 43 muscles to frown, 17 to smile, and 3 for proper trigger squeeze. The latest caliber or gear is no substitute for experience and skill. Rifles and cartridges don't make hits -- shooters do. Fact of life: After Monday and Tuesday, even the calendar says WTF!

02-20-2011, 06:02 PM	#11
Airdale Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: N.W. Arkansas Contributor Posts: 750	Re: Long Range Rifle Project; Opinions Please. If you want to go the low cost route why not try the short action route? .308 is common enough you shouldn't have trouble finding a suitable 700 (heavy barrel) candidate in a pawn shop. The short action 700 is like the small block chevy when it come to any accessory you want. Take your time and try to find used stuff. Hell I've got a a very lightly used Bushnell 10X mil dot you could have for about half retail price, rings also available and lens covers. Not trying to sell them but it's an example of what might be available. I just found this the other day and for a guy with your handle it should be perfect. A M40 stock from Bell and Carlson with aluminum bedding block which eliminates the need for all but skim bedding. The price is only $213.76. See it here:http://www.stockysstocks.com/servlet...Carlson/Detail. A semi replica of an M40 would be way cool. They also make them for Long actions I'd wait and see how the gun shot after getting the basic platform together. a solid free floated stock could make a lot of difference in the accuracy of the remington 700. A 20' heavy barrel would have no trouble getting 600 yds (and, in the right hands, farther). In my opinion if you get a match grade barrel 24" is optimal but that's just me. After that it's up to you how much "bling" you want to add, DBM, Sling, Bipod, Camo, muzzle break, the options are endless.....Have fun! __________________ "The Utopian schemes of leveling [redistribution of the wealth] and a community of goods [central ownership of the means of production and distribution], are as visionary and impractical as those which vest all property in the crown.[These ideas] are arbitrary, despotic, and, in our government, unconstitutional." Samuel Adams

02-21-2011, 08:36 PM	#12
Sooner1911 Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: New York, NY (Moscow on the Hudson) Posts: 15	Re: Long Range Rifle Project; Opinions Please. IMO, you could build a 30-06 shooter for those ranges. You would likely need to work up your own loads to see what works best in your rifle, but there is a lot of information out there for 20-06 loads to get you started. You might want to consider a higher power scope. 6X is just not much magnification at 600-1000 yards in my opinion. If you are really trying to punch paper accurately, you will need to be able to see the target very well through the scope. Even when I had 20-15 vision, I used a 20X or 24X for anything greater than 400. Maybe you could use your scope on a friend's LR rifle just to see how well your scope works and how well you can see the target with it. Let us know when you get it built. I am always interested in hearing how a new project goes.

02-22-2011, 06:04 PM	#14
JLA TFF Moderator/Host Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Heart Of Texas Contributor Posts: 17,294	Re: Long Range Rifle Project; Opinions Please. me either, Im taking it to stu tomorrow. Almost cant wait to do my rem-age conversion (next project in line) and then my old mauser action... __________________ It takes 43 muscles to frown, 17 to smile, and 3 for proper trigger squeeze. The latest caliber or gear is no substitute for experience and skill. Rifles and cartridges don't make hits -- shooters do. Fact of life: After Monday and Tuesday, even the calendar says WTF!

02-23-2011, 08:21 AM	#15
jbmid1 Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Posts: 1,075	Re: Long Range Rifle Project; Opinions Please. I'm with Airdale, post #12. The Remington 700 will give you a lot of bang for the buck and lots of options for upgrade. .308 would be a good choice to start with. Couldn't go wrong with 30-06 or a magnun either, 7mm or 30 cal. Whatever you can get the best deal on. You'll probably want at least a 10X scope. I subscribe to the school of thought that more is better, but the Army uses 10X on their sniper rifles. __________________ You can't be too rich, too thin, or have too much firepower.

02-23-2011, 12:53 PM	#16
Zhurh Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Upper Yukon, Alaska Posts: 1,807	Re: Long Range Rifle Project; Opinions Please. I went from 7 mag to 30-378 which reaches out a little further, faster. I now got idears about nx gun in my musings being a Sako, Armalite AR-30, or a Savage in 338 Lapua. I know the gain over 30-378, 30-338, or a 340 isn't all that great, but then I'd have a 338 Lapua to play around with. A few friends have them and tell me good things. WE have a 4th July shooting contest in our community. Shoot at 12 inch plate, 400 yards across the river to island in middle. Have seen outta towners show up with M1's and custom 308s that reach out much further, consistently hit targets at 800 yards. If I were putting money into long range gun, boy, it would have to be one of the fastest calibers out there that shot a 225 grain shell or better I guess.

02-23-2011, 02:36 PM	#18
dragman V.I.P. Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: PA Posts: 201	Re: Long Range Rifle Project; Opinions Please. That is SICK! +1

02-23-2011, 02:40 PM	#19
JLA TFF Moderator/Host Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Heart Of Texas Contributor Posts: 17,294	Re: Long Range Rifle Project; Opinions Please. yes it is. Love it! __________________ It takes 43 muscles to frown, 17 to smile, and 3 for proper trigger squeeze. The latest caliber or gear is no substitute for experience and skill. Rifles and cartridges don't make hits -- shooters do. Fact of life: After Monday and Tuesday, even the calendar says WTF!

02-23-2011, 03:46 PM	#20
davidd Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Posts: 5	Re: Long Range Rifle Project; Opinions Please. Take a look at German Salazar's 30.06 build up.... http://www.6mmbr.com/gunweek091.html

02-23-2011, 06:21 PM	#21
JLA TFF Moderator/Host Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Heart Of Texas Contributor Posts: 17,294	Re: Long Range Rifle Project; Opinions Please. sweet, yet another project for the books... Thanks dave __________________ It takes 43 muscles to frown, 17 to smile, and 3 for proper trigger squeeze. The latest caliber or gear is no substitute for experience and skill. Rifles and cartridges don't make hits -- shooters do. Fact of life: After Monday and Tuesday, even the calendar says WTF!

02-23-2011, 08:46 PM	#23
JLA TFF Moderator/Host Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Heart Of Texas Contributor Posts: 17,294	Re: Long Range Rifle Project; Opinions Please. you know dale, thats that plain jane model 11 my FIL traded to me for the 116... Amazing what a new barrel and some action truing can do eh... __________________ It takes 43 muscles to frown, 17 to smile, and 3 for proper trigger squeeze. The latest caliber or gear is no substitute for experience and skill. Rifles and cartridges don't make hits -- shooters do. Fact of life: After Monday and Tuesday, even the calendar says WTF!

02-24-2011, 03:16 AM	#24
Zane71464 Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Ohio NRA Member Contributor Posts: 5,350	Re: Long Range Rifle Project; Opinions Please. ...yes it is Josh and the rifle turned out looking great! I do like that new barrel. I was looking on the cover of the new midway catalog and saw a pic of his rifle with a SS barrel on a blued rifle...yours is the 2nd one I've noticed done that way. I like that look. And after I got over the "initial shock" of you passing on the 116...lol I think you made a good decision! __________________ Two Words; "Simple Man", song by Charlie Daniels sums up my thoughts on a "few things"!

02-24-2011, 01:30 PM	#25
JLA TFF Moderator/Host Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Heart Of Texas Contributor Posts: 17,294	Re: Long Range Rifle Project; Opinions Please. I also love the look of a stainless barrel mated to a blued reciever. Especially when they are set in a well done synthetic or laid up fiberglass stock that compliments both contrasts. Thats the reason for the black background with silver skulls. The barrel and action are night and day and the stock works with them both... I love it. Gunsmithin really is just like any other artform... __________________ It takes 43 muscles to frown, 17 to smile, and 3 for proper trigger squeeze. The latest caliber or gear is no substitute for experience and skill. Rifles and cartridges don't make hits -- shooters do. Fact of life: After Monday and Tuesday, even the calendar says WTF!