My Long Range Gun Build

[xAsylum]

Hey guys, the name is Hunter, new to here so sorry if I sound like an idiot. I have been considering building a rifle used for long ranges (500 Yards>) for a while and have decided to finally go through with it...

I would like to keep the rifle to Remington and the scope to Leupold due to the fact that I get their items heavily discounted.

My first idea for the scope/rifle combo was...

-Remington 700 SPS-T (20" Heavy Barrel)
-Leupold VX-II (40mm, 4-12 Power)

Is this a decent start? I am very open to suggestions, just want to keep it around that price range.

I'll end up getting the gun and scope about 35 percent off as well so keep that in mind.

Cheers,

Hunter gun)

 

[pyroducksx3]

What caliber? And I'm guessing if you are looking at 500 + yards you'll want a longer barrel. Also if you get leupold at really good discounts then at least a vx-III. What's the budget and intended animals?

 

[rscott5028]

500yds is no big deal for that rifle with good ammo in most chamberings.

If you don't handload, you need to look at availability of really good factory ammo. 308 Win Match ammo is a good example.

A 20" barrel for a 308 out to 500yds is probably just fine. If you get the bug to shoot 1k, then you need to start thinking through a lot more issues.

Make sure you get a scope that has target style turrets with repeatability.

Welcome aboard and keep us posted.
-- richard

 

[xAsylum]

Thanks for the replies.

would a SPS-V be better? It has the 26" barrel in comparison to the 20".
I just thought the 20 would be better for reducing barrel vibration.

 

[pyroducksx3]

From what I have gathered you get 30-40 fps per inch of barrel so I would think that 6 in more barrel would be big benefit. Perhaps others with more knowledge than I will weigh in. The extra velocity will help your ballistics and energy. Are you hunting or just targets?

 

[BuckSnort]

I would definately want a longer BBL... at least a 24"er

 

[liltank]

A longer barrel is really determined by target. I have an 18" 308 that will hold sub MOA out to 580yds. That is the max distance I can get with it as it is currently set up. I have made it go as far as 700yds on a different setup that shot just as well. For your assumed application of target and hunting to 500yds I would get it in a .243, .308 or .260 Rem. All 3 calibers really shine in the short barrels. 300WSM will also do it, but recoil is much greater. You want to keep each in there perspective twists for heavier barrels (1:10-.308, 1:9-.243, 1:8-.260). This will help to stabilize the heavier bullets. For the .308 you want to stick to the 168 to 175 class bullet, the .234 you want to stay with 87 to 105grn, and the .260 look for 123 to 140 grain bullets. Hope this helps. Welcome to LRH!

Tank

 

[WildRose]

Thanks for the replies.

would a SPS-V be better? It has the 26" barrel in comparison to the 20".
I just thought the 20 would be better for reducing barrel vibration.

20" just isn't enough length to stabilize many bullets properly and the longer barrel also allows for more complete powder burn.

 

[liltank]

20" just isn't enough length to stabilize many bullets properly and the longer barrel also allows for more complete powder burn.

I disagree. I read an article where they compared short barrels verses standard length barrels. The short barrel rifles were just as effective to 500 and 600 yards as a standard length barrel. I have played with my own 18" barreled .308 and it shoots just as well as my long barreled .308 (28"). There is a bit of a performance gain with the longer barrel giving me more velocity obviously, but both shoot equally well. .5 MOA is standard with both using 175SMK's and 178 Hornady BTHP's. The 18" is a 1:10 and the 28" is a 1:12.

Tank

 

[sdlonggunner]

thats good to hear tank. i was just thinking how i wanted to build a short barrel rifle, with a 20" or shorter. is yours an AR, or is that a bolt gun.

 

[liltank]

thats good to hear tank. i was just thinking how i wanted to build a short barrel rifle, with a 20" or shorter. is yours an AR, or is that a bolt gun.

Mine is a Winchester 670, on a Hogue Overmolded stock. I think I want to upgrade the stock. The action originally was used for a .270. I had trigger work done and rechambered to .308 with a new barrel.

Shoots very good.

Tank

 

[rscott5028]

20" just isn't enough length to stabilize many bullets properly and the longer barrel also allows for more complete powder burn.

How long are the barrels on the pistols that folks are shooting very successfully at 1k?

I could be wrong, but I don't beleive barrel length has much to do with stabilizing bullets. ...unless you need the extra length to attain sufficient velocity for the required RPM.

Several of the cartridges mentioned will completely and efficiently burn powder in a 20 inch barrel.

You will be able to get additional velocity from a longer barrel which may be welcome, if not essential, out past 500 yards.

That said, I don't own anything with a 20 inch barrel.

-- richard

 

[xAsylum]

Thanks for all the replies! SO if you guys had to choose, would you go with the 26" or the 20"?

 

[liltank]

Thanks for all the replies! SO if you guys had to choose, would you go with the 26" or the 20"?

Well I went with a 26" for my first barrel. So my choice would be 26". I have the 18" because it was given to me for free. 22" would probably be my shortest I would go.

Tank