New Rifle, Opinions?

[CTK]

Who put that together? Sub .25" groups with factory ammo, from a "fairly new shooter" on a field bench table. Things are going well with this rifle. You should be thrilled. Obviously you are a good shot as well. No reason to second guess this build.

 

[VLD Pilot]

Always been a fan of the 300 WM for good reason. Belted mags I'm not crazy about which is probably why I'm building a 300 PRC. I have a 300 WM and love it. Nothing it can't do that the 300 PRC can. Just a preference thing for me after having the belted mag and used from a magazine, the PRC wins for feeding. Great choice on cartridge and super good looking rifle. Good luck

 

[Rick Richard]

"You did well Pilgrim". If it shoots that well with factory ammo, then kiss it every time You walk by it. Very few builds will do that with factory stuff.

 

[wvelk huntr]

Also curious who you gunsmith was, I'm not to far from you and wondering if you used someone local

 

[ripnbst]

Yeah, I don't see much you can fault with your current build. If anything maybe add some weight to the current stock to improve balance. To get much lighter you'd need to be into a CF Manners/AG Composite/or similar stock, Titanium action, and shorter barrel. Of all the items I just listed, a lighter stock is probably the only one I'd actually do. But the balance you already mentioned isn't great. So as much as you probably don't want to add weight to it, probably need to bed some lead BB's in marinetex in the butt end of the stock.

 

[Ranger Rick]

You have an excellent custom rifle that will cover all game in N. America. No need to second guess yourself. Plus, you are a great shot.
I have been using a Remington 700 BDL 7mm mag for elk for 40 years. 23 one-shot kills. For whitetail and even elk, I went to a mountain rifle - 270 Tikka T3x Lite. My wife uses an X-Bolt SS Stalker in 7mm-08. She also has some one-shot kills also. I prefer less clutter in a hunting scope, and you chose a great one. The 7mm-08 has a fixed 6-power Leupold. Those rifles are good, affordable options. However, if you plan to build a lighter rifle, check out the carbon fiber stocks (I like AG Composites), think about a shorter barrel. The 7mm-08 has a 22" barrel and it's a sub-MOA rifle with factory ammo. I built a 300 PRC and love it. Next up is a 6.5 PRC conversion of a Tikka 300 win mag.
Hundreds of options, and hundreds of shooters on LRH that know a whole lot more than me. Cheers

 

[Texas Speed Bump]

I recently just got my first custom rifle built around December of last year. I wanted to get some opinions on what everyone things or possibly would have done different. Looking at building another one later on this year, hopefully a little less weight as this one didn't quite meet my target.

Specs:
300 Win Mag
Defiance Deviant Hunter (LA)
Proof Research Barrel (26")
McMillan Game Hunter Stock
Jewel Trigger (1.5lbs)
OEM Remington Bottom Metal
Leupold Mk. 4 Rings (Aluminum)
Leupold VX6HD 3-18x50 (Illuminated Firedot)
Weighs about 9.5lbs.

Gun has probably 60 rounds through it, as I have not had much time to take it out, and haven't had the chance to shoot beyond 200 yards yet either.

Also, what's your guys' opinion about not having MOA marks on a Hunting Rifle? Questioned whether I should've went with the "TMOA" reticle instead.

And I live in VA, typically hunt whitetail and black bear, but built this to be able to do all, although turnedout a tad bit to front heavy for freehand shooting. What's your limit for freehand as far as weight goes?

I will attach pictures of the rifle and a 100 yard grouping on 200gr Barnes Vortx Ammuntion.

Also note that I am a fairly new shooter.

I only feel qualified to comment on one part of your build and that's the optic. I've been running the exact same Leupold on my 6.5x06 for a number of years now and I absolutely love it. I now have three VX-6HDs (one 3-18x and two 4-24x). I use my 6.5x06 almost exclusively for hunting (Tx whitetail and pigs) up to 300 yds and really like the custom dials you can get with these optics. That's my two cents worth...

 

[Canhunter35]

I'd enjoy the rifle...you have some of the best stuff out there

 

[ANDREW RICKETTS]

Also curious who you gunsmith was, I'm not to far from you and wondering if you used someone local

I did. He is in Boyce, VA. Small shop called "Custom Gunsmithing" guys name is John Myers

 

[Deleted member 48126]

I personally think it sucks. Worst build ever.

 

[ndczerwinski]

On the weight thing this is what my friend recommended and I thought it made a lot of sense.

I went through my safe and thru a bunch of my existing rifles on my back until I found one where I said this gun is the maximum weight that I would want to carry a long way on a hunt. Then I took all my guns at that weight or lighter and dry fired them off hand to see if there was a point where I could hold the gun steadier. There was no noticeable advantage once I got so to a certain point.

Once I decided which of my existing guns was the most desirable weight wise for a hunting rifle I went and threw it on a scale. The result was 9 lbs +/-.

Since then I have been configuring all of my hunting rifles to meet this weight. Luckily it's pretty easy to hit this weight with today's CF technology and still leave 30 oz or so for a good scope.

 

[piute]

Nice rifle! The weight you have isn't bad for a long action magnum. As far as balance being somewhat muzzle heavy inch or two shorter barrel probably would fix that.