Build a new hunting rifle as cheap as possible?

[entoptics]

Just starting to plan, and unlikely I'll even execute quick enough for this season, but I thought I'd get started. I know how you guys love "build me a rifle" threads, so I figured I'd milk you for opinions. I can research for myself, but it sure helps to get links and suggestions.

Rules...

0) 0.8 MOA or better in the long term average.

1) Absolute minimum investment. I love my Savage LRH 300 WM with a self installed Shilen, so I'm not looking for a GunWerks or anything even close.

2) ≤ 10.5 lbs with scope/sling/bipod (i.e. approximately 8.5 lb naked rifle)

3) Stock with adjustable cheek riser or spacers of some sort. Preferably made out of a carbon fiber and unobtanium alloy, but let's remember Rule #1. Absolute minimum budget...

4) 24" Heavy sporter contour bbl or similar, 26" OAL with a brake. I think my Shilen is about 50 oz, and so was the OEM LRH barrel, and it's **** near perfect. Not too heavy to pack around, but chunky enough to keep the heat down enough to shoot a 4 shot group in less than a couple minutes without worrying about stringing.

5) Scope NOT included in budget.

Preferences

1) 300 Win Mag. I have all the stuff, have 3000 rounds of experience loading and shooting, and it's just a **** good round. I could be convinced to go with something else, but it would have to be awful good to defeat the accumulated knowledge and treasure that I have invested in 300 WM.

2) Optimized for 200-220 gr bullets. I'm partial to the 208 ELD match and 200 Nosler Accubond.

3) Magazine box that will handle longish hand loads. The biggest draw back on the Savage LRH is the 3.5" box.

Food for thought...

1) I have a Marlin X7 long action that could be donated to the effort.

2) The Savage action on my current rifle could be donated, though I'd like to avoid it. The rifle is starting to show it's round count, but if I left it alone, it would still be a great backup or loaner rifle.

3) I'd go with a factory built rig, if I was really confident it could deliver, and would save me money.

So...What would you recommend, and what sort of price could you build such a creature for? Please be specific. I'm not particularly an amateur, so I'm looking for specific recommendations, not general "I'd get a 6.5 creedmoor, custom action, with a good stock" kinda stuff.

 

[KurtB]

Buy a Tikka.

 

[entoptics]

Buy a Tikka.

Thanks for the link. Super helpful!

Gonna grab one tomorrow!

 

[L.Sherm]

You realize the mag box on a tikka is 3.4

 

[Rhett Crider]

Don't know what you call cheap but this looks to be a good starter in 300WM. Add trigger, bed, muzzle brake and go.
https://www.remington.com/rifles/bolt-action/model-700/model-700-stainless-5-r-threaded-barrel

Rhett

 

[Deputy819]

unobtanium alloy

Now, that's funny right there!

I'd like to suggest a Criterion barrel for that possible donor Savage action you have.

 

[nbowlin]

Tikka 300wsm. Seat them out use the little medium action for what it was for......short mags.

We did one for one of my workers. Cut the barrel down, machined the receiver, muzzle brake, cerakote, fluted the barrel and the bolt. It's 7 pounds 2oz with a vx3i.
Shoots 200nab at 3016fps with rl16.

 

[entoptics]

Don't think I'd go with 300 WSM. It's not got enough advantage to warrant new dies/brass/etc.

That 700 5R does look attractive, and they are going for under $900. So even with a new trigger, and some sort of installable cheek piece, it would be in my budget.

I'm not sure what I'm willing to spend, but I'm sure it would be less than $1500 out the door.

 

[Canhunter35]

A Bergara hmr in 300wm?
One of the best value options.
Second choice would be a 700milspec in 300wm
Imo the closer ur factory setup is to what u want, the cheaper it is.

 

[entoptics]

A Bergara hmr in 300wm?
One of the best value options.
Second choice would be a 700milspec in 300wm
Imo the closer ur factory setup is to what u want, the cheaper it is.

I've stared at the Bergaras quite a bit, but the HMR is a bit heavy at 9.5 lbs, and I think they only come in 26" barrels. The Ridge Rifle also looks good. Anyone know what the mag box length on those is?

 

[eric1115]

I measured my 7mm RM Ridge at 3.69" mag length.

 

[roadking0678]

Just starting to plan, and unlikely I'll even execute quick enough for this season, but I thought I'd get started. I know how you guys love "build me a rifle" threads, so I figured I'd milk you for opinions. I can research for myself, but it sure helps to get links and suggestions.

Rules...

0) 0.8 MOA or better in the long term average.

1) Absolute minimum investment. I love my Savage LRH 300 WM with a self installed Shilen, so I'm not looking for a GunWerks or anything even close.

2) ≤ 10.5 lbs with scope/sling/bipod (i.e. approximately 8.5 lb naked rifle)

3) Stock with adjustable cheek riser or spacers of some sort. Preferably made out of a carbon fiber and unobtanium alloy, but let's remember Rule #1. Absolute minimum budget...

4) 24" Heavy sporter contour bbl or similar, 26" OAL with a brake. I think my Shilen is about 50 oz, and so was the OEM LRH barrel, and it's ---- near perfect. Not too heavy to pack around, but chunky enough to keep the heat down enough to shoot a 4 shot group in less than a couple minutes without worrying about stringing.

5) Scope NOT included in budget.

Preferences

1) 300 Win Mag. I have all the stuff, have 3000 rounds of experience loading and shooting, and it's just a ---- good round. I could be convinced to go with something else, but it would have to be awful good to defeat the accumulated knowledge and treasure that I have invested in 300 WM.

2) Optimized for 200-220 gr bullets. I'm partial to the 208 ELD match and 200 Nosler Accubond.

3) Magazine box that will handle longish hand loads. The biggest draw back on the Savage LRH is the 3.5" box.

Food for thought...

1) I have a Marlin X7 long action that could be donated to the effort.

2) The Savage action on my current rifle could be donated, though I'd like to avoid it. The rifle is starting to show it's round count, but if I left it alone, it would still be a great backup or loaner rifle.

3) I'd go with a factory built rig, if I was really confident it could deliver, and would save me money.

So...What would you recommend, and what sort of price could you build such a creature for? Please be specific. I'm not particularly an amateur, so I'm looking for specific recommendations, not general "I'd get a 6.5 creedmoor, custom action, with a good stock" kinda stuff.

Well my experience is Savage. I've actually built all of my rifles off savage actions minus the Mauser. I've tried other brands and unless you can get an Older 700, or building off a custom action I'd say stay away if you wanting a budget precision rifle. Savage has always been super accurate out of the box for me.

 

[teesquare]

You realize the mag box on a tikka is 3.4

It really matters (only) if the OP wants to reload for longer OAL. Have a pair of Tikka T 3x and they are great with all of the factory ammo I have tried in them. I bet there are some rounds that cause a problem ....but I have not encountered them

 

[ntsqd]

Savage offers a .338 Lapua, that gives you a longer action & mag or should. Use one of those actions as the foundation. Change the bolt head (if not the whole bolt) to the 'std.' magnum bolt-face for the .300WM (though personally I'd build it in .308 Norma Mag).

For a budget build I'd go with a pre-fit Pac-Nor barrel with whatever bells and whistles you want already installed/applied.

I tend to prefer wood stocks for esthetics (my only composites are on MSR's & 10/22's) and for a hunting rifle I'd go with laminated. Given it being a budget build I'd use a Boyd's in the style & color of your choice. JB-Weld to anchor the pillars and bed it in Devcon AL putty (NOT their steel putty). Can hollow the butt and forearm if it goes over the weight budget.