I just got this fine looking stock back from Mr. Bin (Outstanding work by the way) and now I am ready for the new barrel. I was just going to rebarrel to 30-06 again, but after seeing that stock I think it needs something a little more hot rod.
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<br>Any suggestions guys?
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<br>This is the donor rifle in the new stock. It started life as an ADL 30-06. I converted it to a BDL with the kit from Brownells, applied gunkote to the bottom metal, replaced the spring and pin with a Tubb Speedlock and installed a Shilen trigger.
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<br>This last picture is my 257STW in the new stock just to have an idea of what the finished project will look like.

You guys don't know how fun it is to have someone receive a stock and post a picture stating how much they like it. It makes my day. Glad you like it CAS!! I painted my .257 Weatherby the same color, at the same time. You got a "custom" mix there, pal. I think it should stay .257.
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<br>Rick

Oh my!!!!!!!!!!

Rick does good!(again)(&again)
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<br>CAS,
<br> What does the rest of your rifle battery consist of? I know you got a hot rod 257STW. On the 30/06 case why not stay 30/06? This could be your main rifle or your back-up rifle for out of state hunts. The 06 is versatile, handles one of the largest assortment of bullets and so on. Need speed? Try 150XLCs with RL19 or H4350. With a 24" tube I bet you could make em fly at close to 3100fps. Consider a 11 or 12 twist. Not fast enough? 280AI? Ah' heck its getting late, later. MtnHtr

Mtn Hunter,
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<br>My original plan was to keep it a 30-06, but after seeing how sweet that stock looks I thought it deserved a hot rod, and I was considering a 270 WBY. After some thought last night I think I have come back to my original idea of the 06, or at least another round on the 06 case.
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<br>I haven't decided who is going to do the rebarrel for me yet, but with all the respect Pac-Nor gets around here I may go that way.
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<br>The rest of my battery (besides the 257) consists of a 223, 270, 7-08, and 300 WBY, so I think either round will fit in nicely.
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CAS,
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<br>Can you tell me more about Gunkote?
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<br>What is it? A finish?
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<br>Who makes it? Where can it be bought?
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<br>Thanks!

CAS,
<br>It sound like you got everything covered from .30 cal. on down except a 6.5mm (.264). If you want to stay on a '06 case why not a 338-06AI for something different.
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<br>C-ROY

Westman,
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<br>Actually this is my first time using Gunkote, so I can't yet comment on it's quality other than to say that is is very easy to apply and it seems fairly tough so far. I bought mine from Brownells, but you can also buy it direct from the manufacturer. I believe their website is
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<br>http://www.kgcoatings.com/
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<br>The 338-06 definitely interests me, but I am not sure I would ever need anything that big. I have never hunted elk, and have no interest in hunting bears so I am not sure I would ever be tempted to take it in the field.
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<br>Has anyone tried the 6.5-06?

CAS,
<br> Flinch did an article on the 6.5- 06 for Varmint Hunter Magazine awhile back. You might want to start a new post so he responds. Att: Paging Flinch? MtnHtr

One of the guys who sometimes frequents this board just had a Kimber rebarrelled to 6.5-06.He loves it.Kinda like a 25-06 that will shoot heavier bullets.Maybe he'll chime in if he's back from his deer chasing endeavors.
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CAS,
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<br>Thanks for the info. Ordered some to use on some scratched up bottom metal.
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<br>We'll see how it works!
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Cas, I just sent you a pm requesting your e-mail address so I can forward you the article. I also have a SS #5 6.5-06 Douglas barrel with 900 rounds through it that is a PROVEN shooter if you are interested. I would sell it for cheap. It is 26" long. You could cut it back 1/2" and rechamber it with new threads and a new throat. It would be a cheap way to experiment with a 6.5-06. Flinch

Thanks gentlemen. I seem to have muddied the waters for myself just enough to make it interesting.

CAS
<br>Nice piece ! Rick is getting good with that paint "bidness".
<br>For another rifle consider a 6.5-06, 9.3 x 62, 458 Lott or do it right and make a 338 Win mag. Or a 300 Win mag. Hell just build one of everything and you'll be covered.
<br>Charlie

The 280Ackley is a nice cartridge and you are only a barrel swap away.....................

Hey Stick, what kinds of velocities could I expect with the 280AI and 140gr bullets?

Oh I think 3200fps is a sane expectation,with even a moderate length tube.
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<br>I'm pretty hung up on the 25-06AI as well,but with your existing 257STW it is sorta redundant.
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<br>Nice to work with a case based upon something as readily available and inexpensive as '06 brass. Some are afeared of the typical Improved case designs,but I'm a fan. The 280AI remains mild mannered,while really delivering the goods.
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<br>Hard not to like that...................

The crummy is here,I'm headed back at Camp for a week.
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<br>Adieu..................

A favorite of mine is the 6.5x280 IMP. Some of the
<br>fella's at Leupold and Nosler turned me onto it.
<br>Shoots 100s at 3,700 and 140s at 3,100.

Well, after much thought and input I have decided to go with the 6.5-06.
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<br>I really don't plan on hunting anything larger than deer, and want a light recoiling carry around gun to shoot coyotes, squirrels, pigs, and obviously hunt deer with so I think this fills my needs nicely. Besides that I am just goofy enough that I like having a round noone else has (thus the 257STW as opposed to the Weatherby).
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<br>Tomorrow my action is leaving for Brookings, OR. I talked to Penny and she said they are running about 10 weeks turnaround right now, which works for me.
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<br>Wish me luck. I'll be sure to post pictures when it's done.
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<br>Thanks everyone for the input.

CAS, give us the details on barrel and length. I think you will like it TONS. Flinch

I am going to get a 24" #3 contour Stainless Super Match barrel and have them Gunkote the whole thing.
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<br>Flinch, thanks for the offer on the barrel, but I've already had Rick paint the stock and it won't take a #5 barrel without buggering up that fine paint job.
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<br>What powder would you recommend to use with 120gr XLC's? I checked the Nosler manual and they get the best velocity with RL19, which seems a little on the fast side for such a big case and small bore.

CAS,
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<br> What twist are you going with? Believe 1:9 will cover you up to 140g bullets.
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<br>HogWild

CAS,
<br> Be sure to measure your barrel channel for shank length and give that spec to Pac-Nor. Your new barrel will fit the channel alot better which will save you some work. MtnHtr

Thanks for the heads up MtnHtr. I will be sure to do that before it goes out this morning.
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<br>I am not sure what twist I want, I just asked that they use the appropriate twist for 120 to 140 grain bullets. If 1in9 is the ticket I will revise my order for that as well.
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<br>Thanks guys.