Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Custom Rifles & Wildcats Couple of noob questions.

I want a really accurate rifle. I can get a Remington 700 in 30-06 fairly cheap and thought it would make a good custom 6.5-06, 6.5-284, or 6.5-06ai. I think I want it in a 6.5 but if anybody has a better suggestion for a long range caliber then the ones I listed I would be happy to hear about it. I have never had a custom rifle made and would like to deal locally. (close to Washington

So for my first questions.
I need some recommendations for a good smith.
I am thinking 26 inch barrel. Yay or nay? What brand of barrel? I am thinking 1:8 twist.
What should I get done to the action?
What brand stock should I look at?
I want a light trigger. Thinking Jewel unless you guys think there is something better.

Also, of the calibers listed which would you pick?

Those are my main questions right now and probably the most important is the first one. I am sure whoever I use will have some thoughts on all the parts also.

If anybody wants to add anything that I haven't asked about feel free because I am fairly ignorant about this subject.

Thanks, Branden

tuff bobs your man..

1st questions --- define "really accurate"?

2nd question ---- is this going to be just a paper-puncher shot only at the range or will it be a hunting rifle?

3rd question --- if a hunting rifle, what animals, what kind of terrain etc.

If you're looking for a rifle that will put 3 shots into less than 1/2" at 100 yards that shouldn't be a problem -- fine for a range rifle but for a hunting rifle you want repeatability meaning 1st shot accuracy and not long strings of shots fired for grouping.

If I were gong to build a long range hunting rifle for relatively flat terrain and for animals up to elk I'd look at the 7mm WSM with a 24" fairly stiff barrel that would go maybe 9 pounds all-up with the scope of choice.

Last question --- are you up to the kind of rifle you describe?

Yea I was really hoping he would chime in.

.5 moa or better is what I call really accurate. Its for hunting, mostly long range coyotes but I could whack a deer or elk with it. And the terrain would open sage for coyotes and mountain type stuff for elk deer bear.

If you are talking can I shoot as good as the rifle I am pretty sure I can.

I would go .264 Win mag for the range of game and parameters you set forth. To me, the best of the 6.5's by a wide margin. Send your action to PacNor and have them true it and install thier best barrel etc then if it does not shoot well (VERY unlikely) there is no back and forth with a gunsmith saying its the barrel and the barrel maker saying it was the improper install. I would go with a stout 26 inch barrel, you are on the right track.

+1 on the jewell trigger and any stock you like will shoot as good as you have set forth here so long as it is properly inletted and bedded. I have several wood stocked rifles that shoot 1/2 inch at 100 or better.

That .264WM, while a wonderful round won't work in a .473 bolt face..

If you obtain that rifle you're going to be working with a particular class of ammo.. Of the three rounds you mention you'll have the least difficulty with the 6.5-06 with regard to feeding etc.. Plus, that particular round will do a good job on everything you listed as a potential target.

Pac-Nor makes an excellent barrel and I install a lot of 'em. Jewell's a good trigger. Contact Mickey Coleman here on the 'fire - M700s are his forte and he can build you a true shooter..

Not hard to open the boltface, nor expensive. Mickey or PacNor can do it with ease.

I believe this is what you are looking for!
6.5-06!

Jason

LMAO...

Several of my belted magnum custom rifles started out as .473 bolt face rifles. Two became 257WBY's, 1 is a 308 Norma, 1 was a 300WBY, 1 is a 338/8mm Remmag wildcat. In no case did the bolt face work add much to the equation in terms of cost. Curious as to what was funny about my post.