Semi custom vs factory

[ATH]

Why not use a R700 action? Yes affordable customs are now available but at about double the price of a donor action.

I've got half a dozen "semi custom" rifles built off R700 donor actions and McGowen prefits. I'm wholeheartely happy with them. Do you really think perhaps a .1 MOA accuracy increase is going to make a difference in a hunting rifle?

My most accurate rifle, judged by average group size, is my F-Class 284Win Kelbly Panda action, Bartlein barrel. Virtually tying it is my 338 Edge, custom action with McGowen barrel. Virtually tied with that is a Savage 20 Practical with McGowen barrel. I have a number of other Savage (243AI) and R700 (6.5-06Ai, 6x45) based rifles really, really close in group size to the point it makes zero difference in a hunting rifle. I have ZERO regrets using R700 donors. I have a few extra rifle options because each one was a bit cheaper.

 

[Rotten]

It all depends on how much bains you have compared to how much money you have.
You can buy a 500 thousand dollar CNC lathe that doesn't mean you know how to program it.

 

[southpa]

It's hard for me to read on a long range hunting forum that some guys still recommend factory rifles and factory ammo.
Yes build your custom/semi custom rifle. Have it built off a donor action, have it built off a custom action...it really makes no difference. I have multiple 700 builds and do not and have never regretted a single one of them. They all shoot as good as any custom action. It's not the action it's how it's all put together. Find you a reputable smith and do it. As many have mentioned, you probly won't regret it.
I think all the hogwash about hunting for years before you decide what route to go is nonsense. Carbon fill stock, carbon wrapped barrel and whatever action and chambering you fancy. It will likely end up around 9ish pounds and will be balanced and lovely to shoot. Don't make it too hard on your brain.