Custom Rifle Cartridge Choice

[jpfrog]

It seems like the continuation of the 7MM vs. .30 cal discussion.

I figured if we are going custom, go bigger so the .375 H&H, from H&H

 

[500000KV]

I find myself leaning toward a 300 PRC or 30 Nosler. I have a 28 Nosler and it's . However I would love more barrel life and the move to 30 caliber should make that happen. I also think a 280 AI would be a nice fit for the OPs question.

rebarrel in 30/28N, makes the swap really easy. 215 Berger over H1000 runs awesome.

 

[sierracharlie338]

I'd probably go with a mag boltface 25 something

Just to be different.

 

[matt_3479]

25 mag of some breed ( 25 saum/25 blackjack), 270 wsm fast twist or 300 Norma. Can't decide lol

 

[highdrum]

I might do that for my next rifle; my smith has a 300 RUM; Brux on order. Told him to do another 300 RUM, but the optionality of bullet seating with either the Nosler or PRC has me wondering...

Bryan Blake built my two 28s; one is on a Stiller action and the other a Borden, both with McM stocks. Bryan makes his own barrels (one took first place in a recent F class national comp). I had him build me the second one to practice with so I don't burn out the hunting rifle, but both are so darn accurate I almost hate to shoot them. I have found an Edge, Lapua, and RUM (shooting 225s) have almost identical wind drift, so I find myself practicing with them quite a bit; yesterday I shot my Savage Lapua as well; shot hit just below that circle but with a 1.5 wind hold. Shot it later that day at 500 in a somewhat stiffer wind (different location) and hit dead nuts on. Takes quite a bit of wind before you have to hold more than 1.5 MOA at 500 with these.

I shoot a 308 at 500 a lot too, but it has so much more wind drift than the above cartridges that it isn't a good substitute for wind practice. But that rifle has a mil reticle, so when I look at mirage to judge wind I think in terms of mils, not MOA, which helps (I think).

Not to overstate the obvious, but the only way to get good at calling wind is to either eat a lot of pea soup or shoot a lot. It is so much easier with a 28N, 300 RUM, or Edge/Lapua than lesser calibers but the price is barrel life. Nothing is free.

To get good at reading wind, you shoot a 6br in the wind. Shooting ultra high speed high BC heavies in wind might teach wind, but it's like learning to how to drive fast in a lambo. I shoot prs with a 6gt, lowish bc 108bt bullets. I have learned way more about wind reading in 3 events than I did in 10 years of hunting with my 7mm or 300 magnums shooting the highest bc bullets available.

 

[slv hunter]

I would say a 260AI, it would fit perfectly between my Rem 6mm AI and 280AI. It will be in the safe someday.

 

[DJ Fergus]

7mm SS, 7mm rem mag, 7mm saum. A 28 Nosler or 7mm stw would be nice but not something you would want to plink with. 7mm rem mag would be a good plinker. Cheaper brass, better barrel life than what claims over the years have touted it to be.

 

[martinakl]

If I ever own a non-factory rifle it'll be in a non-factory chambering.

For me the .30-338 lapua improved tops the list.

+1. This is currently my pick. Specifically the 300 Terminator, from Defensive Edge.

 

[Tidus56]

rebarrel in 30/28N, makes the swap really easy. 215 Berger over H1000 runs awesome.

I got that suggestion like an hour after posting. I think it will be the way to go. Just need to find the right reamer

 

[adam32+P]

All around hunting of what animals?

Deer? Elk? Sheep? Elephant? Moose?

 

[LVJ76]

280AI

 

[HARPERC]

I already have a rifle fitting that profile.

Waiting on someone to wildcat the 6.5 RPM to .308, but configured differently.

 

[Jud96]

All around hunting of what animals?

Deer? Elk? Sheep? Elephant? Moose?

Your choice. Whatever fits your needs.

 

[FEENIX]

The reason I ask this question is, I plan to build some custom rifles in the future to shoot and test for a year or so. When I'm done with one, I plan to sell it to a friend or maybe even a forum member. I'll use the money to fund another build and do the same thing. I love custom rifles, but I don't want to have a dozen rifles that sit in the safe and collect dust. So I want to test different cartridges, new stocks, new scopes, and test out cartridges, bullets, powders, etc. I don't plan to profit from any of these, just get my money back and start a new build. I'll probably do 1 maybe 2 a year. What are your guys thoughts?

A few members are doing this already. They easily get bored with their build(s), sell them, and fund another project.

ADDED: If you look at the classified ads now, there are at least 6 custom rifles for sale from the same member.

My thoughts? "I" do not want somebody else's dream rifle build. "I" want my own dream rifle build ... but that's just me. Good luck with your plan.

Ed