Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunting Rifles The "Waffling" Project

Been waffling for far too long, and searching forums, and reading articles, and talking to people, and I still don't have my mind made up yet if I'm going the right direction. Figure I might as well ask you experts for some thoughts.

I have a 700SA std bolt face and I'm looking to build a hunting rifle that will be capable of good accuracy out to ~600 yds, but be light enough to be a decent carry rig. I'm not looking for a mountain rifle, nor a tactical heavy rifle. I have a sub 7.5lb scoped 308 and it's too light. I have a 13.5lb scoped 6.5mm SLR and it's too heavy. I'm looking for the right compromise somewhere in the middle. I'm thinking around 8.5-9lbs for the rifle, scoped and loaded would be what I'm looking for?

I have bascially sourced everything to build another 6.5mm SLR. The barrel I currently have is a Bartlein #3 fluted (HEAVY Sporter) and the stock is MCM Rem Classic. I'm thinking finished barrel length will be 24". I will be using standard Rem BDL metal with the exception of a Wyatts mag box. The likely scope right now would be PST or my VX3 6.5-20x40 LR, both mid weight scopes.

Things I'v been waffling about...

Weight, will it be too heavy for my liking with the components I currently have? I don't want a 10lb finished rifle. Should I go with an Edge stock instead (I'm leaning towards that now)? If so, how will the balance be with a heavy sporter fluted barrel?

Caliber, as I've said, I'm set up for another 6.5mm SLR. Even got the reamer and go gauge sitting around. There is no rush on this project however, so if I opted to go a different direction I could. How does a 284 Win sound as compared to a 6.5mm? Right now I don't hunt anything with a rifle bigger than deer. But that will likely change at some point in my life. I sometimes wonder if a 7mm of some sorts wouldn't be the better route? I currently don't want a magnum. I'm not looking to shoot deer or elk at 1000 yards!!!

Keep in mind, if I go 284 it will be in the SA that I currently have. I've read all the articles and obstacles regarding 284 win in a LA vs SA. I'm still undecided if the 284 Win would be an optimal choice in a SA?

Thanks for any and all thoughts!!
Fisky

Rem 700 SA
Rock #3 barrel w/ 1" shank, finished at 22"
standard weight McMillan classic
vari-XIII 3.5-10
Talleys
8.1 lb. (without bipod)

Mine is in .223 AI, is great to carry, and easy to shoot well.

Your fluted barrel may be a touch lighter, and I don't know how Bartlien and Rock's contours compare, but they're probably close. Leaving the shank longer, and cutting at 24" would add some weight, but I wouldn't bother if it was me.

Chambering a personal thing, but I would avoid a .284 on the short action. The 7mm-08 would be much simpler on the action you have. Then again, a .260 Rem would make good use of the barrel you already have.

Bartlein's #3 is similar to Rock's #4. Both considered "heavy sporters"...

.260 in your Bartlein #3 fluted would rock.