Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Custom Rifles & Wildcats Mcmillian HTG for range and field

I'm currently waiting on a mcmillain classic for my 243. Once it shows up; my hunting rifle battery will pretty much be complete for lightweight, walkaround type rifles.

I'm tossing around the idea of throwing something together that would primarily be a range gun but would still be adeqaute for still hunting whitetail or equally at home in the groundhog or prairie dog fields. Something fairly low recoil and 4-500 yard capable.

My first thoughts were a bone stock 700 varmint in 308 and wrapping it in the Mcmillian HTG. But everything I have read for the most part has people saying the stock is too low for them. I don't like the look of pistol grips of A series of stocks.

All I intend to replace is the stock.

If you were putting together a rig (if you can call it that) such as this. I'm what direction would you take it? 308 probably isn't the wisest choice, maybe the 7-08 or 260 but I'm not sure those are offered in the varmint config.

The HTG is not the best choice if you want a pic rail and tac rings.

If you mount glass low, like I did here using Burris Signature DD mounts, it is easy to like.



Rem 700 308 Varmint, HTG, Badger alloy floorplate/triggerguard.

Thanks for the reply and pic. I was not planning on a pic rail or tac rings

Was thinking more of a one piece DNZ?

I don't have any firsthand info on the height of the DNZ mounts for a Rem 700.

I have a DNZ mount on an AR-15 though. Very solid.

Montana- if you don't mind me asking what is the weight of your rig? Roughly

The HTG would be one of the last stocks I would ever choose, because of the low comb height. That being said, I've pretty much decided there is not a fixed comb stock made that will give me a good cheek weld. I would suggest something with an adjustable comb. Don't rule out the chassis. I have an MPA BA Lite coming this week.

As far as your varmint/range/deer rig... Do you handload? If so, there are several good options. I would start with magazine length. Are you going to use a standard 2.8" internal box? Or are you going to go with an AI DBM? I recommend the latter. A bit more length internally to allow seating the VLD type bullets close to the lands. If you handload, and are going to use a standard 2.8" box, I'd go with something on the 6.5x47 Lapua case. If going with a longer box, I'd go with a 6mm or 6.5 Creedmoor. The 6.5CM is nice because excellent factory ammo is available. If you don't handload at all, then the 6.5CM or .308.

John

About 11 lbs, without the bipod.

Hondo- yea I handload. No worries there. As far as the rifle itself, my plan was to really just take an off the shelf 700 Varmint and slap it in a stock. Have no intentions of rebarreling and truing the action. I also really didn't want to get into a new caliber either. I'm already set up for 221, 223, 22-250, 243, 7-08, 7RM, 308, and 30-06. I should clarify that the 4-500yard part is for steel range only which is as far as I can shoot in my area. Not looking to punch deer at that distance.


MM- that is a bit heavier than I wanted. Was hoping it would not go over 10.

Factory limits your choices. I'd be looking for a 6.5 CM, a Remington Varmint .243, a varmint weight 7mm-08 or .308. Those will be about all that's twisted right to drive VLD type bullets. I'd recommend you use AICS mags for greater COAL options.

John

When you say factory are you referring to factory ammo or factory rifles and chamberings

If the former I don't shoot factory ammo. I load my own, if the latter I was thinking the same thing after looking at the twist rates. Hell the 22-250 is 1:14. I'm
Already kind of shooting this idea to the ground.

Was referring to factory barrels and how they are twisted.

Consider doing a Remage setup. A really cost effective way to get what you need, like an 8" twist 22-250. A Criterion barrel will only set you back $300, you can install it yourself and mine routinely groups 2" or less at 500 yards.

John

Are these the ines with the barrel but like a savage?

Man I just can't handle the look lol. Same with the detachable mag. I like clean lines.

I think I'm going to have to go with an aftermarket barrel

For whitetail at 500 yds any of those rounds will do fine, but I don't see myself shooting at prairie dogs and such very much with any of them.

A 243 is still a lot of powder. A 6mm BR or something mild like that I could see...an 8 twist 6BR or 223 AI seems more in line with how I would be looking at things.

I thought I saw a thread on here somewhere about that very topic.

I live in ky, we don't even have prairie dogs lol. A friend and I are thinking about taking a trip next summer though. My 223 and 221 would get most of the trigger time, but I wouldn't be against popping a few with a larger round. No deer at 500. Steel only. Where I hunt max range on a deer is 300.

I looked at the 6BR, awesome round and not using much powder. That's something to keep mind.

Have kinda gotten off track a little. What I was really wanting was to take a standard 700 varmint, wrap it in the HTG and work up a good all around load with a bullet such as the BT and top it with a CDS and call it a day.

I didn't exactly wanna take on another build as I'm still not fished with my 243 AI

The HTG is my goto.
There are better stocks for hiding recoil.
But these fit me the best.

dave

Dave. Those look great.

What is the barrel contour? Doesn't look as heavy as the barrels on the 700 varmints.

Already been suggested so 243,260,708,308 in a Remington varmint rifle. Bed in the stock you like best. I like the A3 & A5 for a varmint contour barrel. The 243 sps varmint is the one I see most in my areas and would be a great one for what your wanting to do.

I call them the Twins..
Both No4 Harts.
270 WCF on top.
280 Ackley on bottom.
Dwight Scott was the smith and TM on the stock work.
There not lightweights.Schmidt and Benders dont help.
The 270 has seen alot more action than the 280.
They have to be 20 years old now.
These days I run the very same stock in a edge.
dave

For bench and field I like the McMillian HBR.

In the field.
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The thing about the HBR is.
You can bench it.

dave

Kaleb- what I don't like about the A series of stocks is the pistol grip. It just does not feel good to be. The reason I am leaning the way I am is because The HTG is more traditional as is the tactical hunter. I just think it would make a much better all around stock. I may be wrong and regret my decision but the A series is not for me.

Very fine rifles Dave......the black one is sleek.

I put and HTG on .243 Win, 8 twist 20" RVC I built off an old Winchester push feed action simply because the options from McM were limited. It has since become one of my favorites. Not sure what it weighs, but carries nice.

The Black one is a Rem 722 in 17 MACH IV.
McMillian HBR.
Shilen No.5
Shilen Trigger.
Smithed by Scott and Stocked by TM.
25g Berger bullet over 19g of Norma N201. 3900 fps.
No recoil to speak of and you can watch the bullet "go in"
Its a sweethart.
I dont mind the pistol grip on a A series.
I dont think they bench very well.
dave

The HTG is a good fit for me.

Dave,
What is the gel mix on these? 60 blk 40 med gray?

IIRC the HTG accommodates the longest LOP available from McMillan.

The low comb of the HTG makes it horrible for prone. I much prefer an A3 or even a game scout.

Anything over a Rem VC gets an A5 though......

Gun nut; lookin sharp- that's exactly the look I'm going for....minus the stainless.

2mg......I do shoot prone a lot, any experience with the HTG adjustable Or the tactical hunter? I'm trying to get a rig that does not have the vertical grip

For comb height comparison.....

A-5 - 1/4"

Varmint - 1/2"

Sporter - 1/2"

Mountain - 9/16"

Game Scout - 9/16"

HTG - 5/8"

Classic - 11/16"

Some here may know better than I, but I thought that they may have changed the comb on the HTG a while back? It is still not as good as an A5, but may be better now than it was. An adjustable cheekpiece can always be added.

Not tried the TH stock. I can't see not having a vertical grip shooting prone. MOF, once you get used to using vertical grips, you start finding open grips uncomfortable. I know this statement will drive some of the traditional stock afficionados crazy, but it are true. A vertical grip places your hand in a more comfortable, natural position, with less stress on the wrist, and the wrist absorbing less recoil. Once you shoot them a lot, you start to wish everything felt that way. At least I do.....

I've got an A-3 in edge fill that just might fill your needs. Inlet for R700 SA with Badger M5 bottom metal for the AI mags.
In the classifieds now.

Kimber- I saw that when you posted it Very nice stock and I appreciate the offer. It's just not what I'm looking for at the moment


2mg....you have a pm inbound with a question or 2

Yep 60 40.
14 inch LOP.
The other thing I do.
An old Nelson Berger trick.
Is to skid the action .5 of an inch forward.
Totally changes up how much room you have on the grip.
And how the gun handles.
Does mouse up the tang area alittle but worth it.

dave

You got any close up pics of that tang area you could share?

HTG's are great, even on Salvages.

No I dont.
Most wont like the look of it.
All mine are skidded.
dave