Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Custom Rifles & Wildcats Thoughts….?

Will be doing another new build. Not sure what cartridge I would like though. I already have these in a full custom:

30-06 Springfield
7x57 Mauser
243 Winchester
6.5x55 Mauser
280 Remington

Obviously the 280 and 30-06 will kill anything that walks (with probably the exception of a Grizzly). I don’t suspect I’ll be doing too much hunting for Elk or Moose in my lifetime since I live in Texas. I know the 257 Roberts is one of choice but to me, it seems a little Cliche.

Any thoughts on what you would build yourself? Any and all recommendations are welcomed.

25-06, 250 Savage ?

Don’t see any 22 cal on the list. I’d say 223

I usually start with what I want to do then design the rifle from there. Choosing the round is probably the least important thing. Want a heavy gun for easy long range shots from a deer stand? Ultra light for easy walking around? Short barrel to add a suppressor to? Play toy for the range?

I don’t think the 257 R is cliched. It’s a capable cartridge that might well have a niche in your collection. I have or have had everything you listed above and am tickled to have added another 257 this year after having foolishly sold my last one b/c I didn’t like the way the Winchester Fwt fit me. The latest 257 is in a Ti stock and I like it.

5 big game cartridges and you want to build another? How much do you shoot what you’ve already got?

Maybe you don’t have coyotes or varmints, but I would be looking at a low recoiling 22 caliber varmint rifle and consider how much you don’t shoot what you’ve already got…

That brings about a very good point. I like what I read. I know a lot of people like 257 R cartridges and they are a great caliber, I have just always been an "odd ball" and have had calibers most people do not. The 257 might be a good addition, which would be the LAST custom build from my stockmaker.

I forgot to mention the 243 and 6.5x55 were built for my two children

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What platform? I am partial to 30 caliber and larger on a standard bolt face. Since you have an -06 I would trend towards 338 Fed, 358 Win, 338-06, 35 Whelen and my personal favorite the 9.3x62.

A 22CM twisted right would be a lot of fun.

I'd consider starting with an affinity toward a chambering and purpose of said rifle. Sans those, it's how a lot of custom rifles find their way to the classifieds here or Gunbroker.

And I'm with woodson - 22 Creedmoor is a great one (based on current lineup).

300 H&H or 9.3x62

Just took delivery on my 22 Creedmoor. It’ll have to wait until my hunting schedule eases up before I can develop loads.

257 Weatherby?

264 Winchester Magnum. With a quality 1:8 twist barrel either 24” or 26” length will yield top MVs. I’ve had a 24” which equaled MVs from several of my 26” barrels.

Greatly underestimated prairie and mountain cartridge. Moribund as a factory round but easily reloaded with plenty of great 6.5mm bullet choices available for long range work or monolithic or controlled expansion bullets for elk/moose/eland size game. Today’s powders offer maximum performance from this cartridge without having to push chamber pressure beyond recommended book loads.

Cases can be easily formed from any standard length belted cases especially 7mm RM or from magnum belted basic cases.

Would be on the bolt action platform , standard bolt face (.473 I think it is….?)

That’s a good one John! One that gets overlooked quite a bit. Glad you found me here on the fire. Normally we chat through AR. Thanks again for your recommendation.

.22/250

If I was to build a new one right now. I would look at a short action in 250 ackley improved. I also would be looking at a 6.5x47 lapua both would be in a bartlien 2b contour at 22 in cut and crowned.

Agree.
Coyotes are never out of range.
It’s a laser on deer/antelope.

Only if he reloads. AND he is not using it for a range toy.