Ultimate new hunting rifle build

[sp6x6]

I have two 338 NM's thats what Id use,one is Defiance,Proof,26'' braked ,Lonewolf 7-2oz.Since you dont want that Id go heavy bullet 300 RBH or 300NMI.I maybe would be shy getting my favorite Norma to NZ,because I feel I could get the job done there w/ my 325 wsm,that Im not worried about,This from input from my son. He has spent last close to year there on work visa.In his spare time he hunts.Even as Marine it was hard for rifle with no sponser.He took my ten year old bow,lots arrows, Vortex $100 binocs,I gave him old 20x straight leupold spotter,and a biv tent form 20 years ago.And a set of my mountaineer Asolo GV's.Hes taken alot of feral goats,stag,tarh and chamy.Plus fishing.Maybe I get time I try start thread. He met locals and went on major hikes,like 9000 vert and borrowed whatever rifle and arrowed his tarh and goats also.Good luck.Add:Chris Melink just had a perfect gun for sale,300NM,sold I have March 3-24x52 on my mountain gun,safari sling,atlas.Was hoping go see him but things a mess now

 

[Sirrated]

As kiwi in New Zealand, I would welcome you here ,,, There are various trophy's that can be taken Red Deer, Sambar, Fallow, Sika,.,and yes even White-tail. We also have Thar and chamois. All of these animals can be taken with a 7mm Magnum. My main concern would be the importation of any fire-arm at this time. Personally, I don't think our current Govt will allow it. I say this on the grounds that I'm currently trying to import some small fire-arm parts, (Timney trigger, and a Weatherby sling), I have been told by customs that it probably wont happen. They wouldn't give me a straight answer, but seizure at the border was highly likely. I am a member of a Hunting club here in N.Z. and I have noted that most members here use 7mm, it appears to be a very popular caliber.
Happy hunting,

 

[Ranger Rick]

Hello Ballistic and thanks for the challenge. I would choose the 300 PRC caliber with this build: a Lone Peak Razor Ti titanium action. It is set up for a Wyatt's extended magazine for the 300 PRC magazine kit and is tapped for 8-40 screws for an Era-TAC aluminum Picatinny base. Seekins rings with their strong cross members are solid with this base. I have a 26" Proof carbon fiber barrel on my 300 PRC and it shoots phenomenally. A 24" is easier to handle. My favorite trigger is the TriggerTech Rem 700 Special set at 2.5 - 2.75#. AG Composites, McMillan and Manners all make "custom" CAD carbon fiber stocks to match your action, bottom metal and barrel contour. I like the AG Visigoth with its Monte Carlo cheek weld. Many colors. I chose their Carbon Bronze Camo pattern. The stock comes with a recoil pad. If it did not, I'd choose a Limbsaver Recoil Air. I sight in my rifles with either an extra slip on recoil pan or a recoil shoulder shield. For hunting, I prefer the BDL hinge plate over an exposed DBM magazine (your call). I really like the quality of Hawkins Precision M5 Oberndorf bottom metal. I use a Harris bipod with a sling stud mount. At the range I've seen and used a Cadex Falcon Lite Carbon fiber bipod with a Quick Release system to a chassis system. On a hunting rifle, I'd recommend a 3" Picatinny rail. You have great Nightforce optics for going way out there. My favorite hunting scope is the Leupold VX-5HD CDS 3-15x44 scope with the Firedot illuminated reticle. With a quality rangefinder and the CDS turret designed specifically for your ammo, it's a winning system. I'd ask around Lewiston for highly recommended gunsmiths. The best in Boise, George Vais, move back to Greece. I've heard high recommendations for Darrel Holland of Powers, Oregon. As a bonus, check out Safari Slings for you rifle. They are a great hunting sling. You should be under 8#, so I use a Little Bastard Gen 2 muzzle brake with Pro Ear Gold hearing protection. If Idaho allowed them, I would try a suppressor.
Given the issues stated above about travelling to NZ for hunting with your own rifle, I'd be extra cautious. I liked hunting around Orofino and outside of Moscow when I went to the U of I. Cheers to good health and good hunting from a 68 year old who's also feeling my age.

 

[adk hunter]

I'm currently trying to import some small fire-arm parts, (Timney trigger, and a Weatherby sling), I have been told by customs that it probably wont happen. They wouldn't give me a straight answer, but seizure at the border was highly likely. I am a member of a Hunting club here in N.Z.

My gosh, and I am annoyed the zahr of NY has deemed dmv and the pistol permit office non-essential (closed) until we get through this flu deal. Of curse you can still get your lawn fertilized or play golf???

OP- Take a look at WTO.COM switch lug deal seems attractive. Also, sounds like you should just use the guide's rifles down there.

 

[Mc Fraser]

At 73 years of age I want to build my last rifle. I am looking for something to kill elk size game up to 1200 yards, as I am entertaining a red stag hunt in New Zealand. Due to health issues this will most likely be my final hunt so, in some respects, I consider it a hunt of a lifetime. I have a budget for up to $12K. I don't want under a 6.5mm cal or over a 30. I already have a 300RUM so that is outside of the choices. I want to keep it under 8 lbs.
What caliber would you build if you could build your favorite rifle?
So, let's first look at which action will be the best? What barrel and length? What trigger and pull weight? What magazine? What stock and style? What bipod assembly and mount? What recoil pad? What scope mount? What scope rings? What scope and crosshairs? What type of finish and color? Lastly, what Smith should I use for my build?
Hopefully, after ferreting through your thoughts and suggestions, I will be able to blend as close to the perfect build I can put together. Then see what your thoughts are on what I have chosen to build and who will build it.
Thanking you all in advance!

With your budget and situation I would look at Gunwerks because they are not selling rifles they sell solutions to a problem. They also guarantee the product and their market is more towards rich people which means you get outstanding service (rich people tend to be very demanding). Think about it this way, almost everyone can build a car that can compete with a Corvette or Mustang but only a very few can build a dream like Ferrari or Koenigsegg.

 

[corsteve]

300prc in a ridgeline w/good scope 220 grn bullets would more then be great have a 300prc in ridgline more then happy w/it

 

[tdot]

With your budget and situation I would look at Gunwerks because they are not selling rifles they sell solutions to a problem. They also guarantee the product and their market is more towards rich people which means you get outstanding service (rich people tend to be very demanding). Think about it this way, almost everyone can build a car that can compete with a Corvette or Mustang but only a very few can build a dream like Ferrari or Koenigsegg.

Gunwerks aren't a Ferrari or Koenigsegg.

They're just another mustang, but with custom gas, leather jacket and fan club.

 

[Country Bumpkin]

Sorry about your trip. Sadly, lots of trips for this year being cancelled. I just had to cancel a bird-hunting trip to Argentina.

Have been to NZ for work and non-hunting vacation. Wonderful place. Have always wanted to hunt there, but the situation has changed drastically recently based on conversations with outfitters at the most recent SCI in Reno.

We were supposed to have already returned from Argentina by now (doves and stags). Grumble grumble grumble....

 

[Country Bumpkin]

Let's see where to start.....
Lone Peak Titanium receiver,
#4 profile barrel (personal preference is Lilja or Hart) 6 flutes in the barrel for weight savings
Holland makes a great brake. I would look into Vais muzzle brakes as well. just something to keep the muzzle from flipping up on you for faster back up shots.
run a Chet Brown "Pounder" Kevlar stock
Talley one piece base and rings
I would run a 5.5-22X50MM or 3-15X50MM Night Force, Leupold VX-5 HD, or S&B scope
I like Harris Bi-pods, but people have other ideas with walking sticks that are shooting sticks. your choice.
I would most likely armor's kote or cera kote the rifle
the recoil pad I would use is a Kick-eeze 500 series magnum. I personally like the 1-3/8"
now the challenge and the personal preference for caliber. I do not like 7MM, I do not like 6.5MM if you do then I would most likely go with a 7 R/M or a 264 Win Mag. both are tried and true performers. to tie into the barrel the 7MM would have to be a 1:8" or 1:7" twist barrel for the heavier slugs for the 6.5 I would most likely do the same. but with a 156 Grain limit I would not use the 6.5 MM for elk past 800 yards. which brings us to my calibers of choice 270, 300, and 338. since 338 is out of your specs then we can forget that one. the 300 I would suggest is either the 300 Win, or the 308 Norma. if you go 300 WSM it might not have enough speed to go to 1,400 yards. I love the Win Short Mags but the 300 is just something I am not real up to date on. as always use a 1:8" twist barrel so you can use the 200 to 240 grain slugs.
now the 270's: 270 WSM, 27 Nosler, 277 H-mag, or wildcat for your cartridge. I would use a fast twist barrel like a 1:8" or 1:7". Berger has some really excellent VLD heavy slugs for the 0.277" slugs.
lastly, don't build a rifle for you hunt of a lifetime, build a rifle to hunt with the rest of your life. I am working on a 338 Win Mag build as an all around versatile rifle that I will keep the rest of my life. I am using a Win 70 action, 1:8" twist for 300 grain slugs, #5 profile barrel with deep flutes for weight savings and rigidity, muzzle brake for fun, 5-25 Leupold VX-5HD scope with a #58 reticle, Jewell trigger or stock trigger, I have not nailed down the stock yet. but I have friends that might want to follow my pattern for this gun.
have a great time reading all the suggestions and I hope that your rifle is never dusty. I hope it is always by your side and I hope you walk with it your hands for many years to come.

Why no love for 6.5 or 7? Can I assume, based on your suggestions and what you are currently building, that you just like bigger?
how dies the 270 fall into your graces?

 

[Deleted member 48126]

Gunwerks isn't a Ferrari or Koenigsegg.

They're just another mustang, but with custom gas, leather jacket and fan club.

Lol...savagery

 

[dougduey]

Thanks, that's worth checking out. Best dove hunting in the world.
Thanks again!

My wife is from Argentina and I've been trying to set up a stag hunt in Patagonia for the last year (can't find exactly what I want). Bringing in your own rifle is a big pain in the *** now, and has been for some time. Most outfitters have high end rifles to rent. The hunting is great, but their gun laws suck. And with the new socialist president in office, gun laws will probably get worse. FYI, most the outfitters I've talked to hunt stag with a 308. If you don't mind being delayed at customs in Buenos Aires for a few hours to get your rifle admitted to the country, then it won't be a big deal you. The Argentinian people are wonderful and plan on gaining weight because the food and wine are amazing.

 

[Bill28]

At 73 years of age I want to build my last rifle. I am looking for something to kill elk size game up to 1200 yards, as I am entertaining a red stag hunt in New Zealand. Due to health issues this will most likely be my final hunt so, in some respects, I consider it a hunt of a lifetime. I have a budget for up to $12K. I don't want under a 6.5mm cal or over a 30. I already have a 300RUM so that is outside of the choices. I want to keep it under 8 lbs.
What caliber would you build if you could build your favorite rifle?
So, let's first look at which action will be the best? What barrel and length? What trigger and pull weight? What magazine? What stock and style? What bipod assembly and mount? What recoil pad? What scope mount? What scope rings? What scope and crosshairs? What type of finish and color? Lastly, what Smith should I use for my build?
Hopefully, after ferreting through your thoughts and suggestions, I will be able to blend as close to the perfect build I can put together. Then see what your thoughts are on what I have chosen to build and who will build it.
Thanking you all in advance!

 

[Bill28]

28 Nosler with a bullet load of 175 grain partition and 180 grain burger. $12 you can get a pretty good set up.

 

[livetohunt]

Top it with a Nightforce... considering you live in Orofino!