308 budget build information

D

Drewz

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Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada
I have used the search function to try to look this up but no luck. If you have a link to a post please refer me, thanks!!

I am looking for a budget not a butcher job build. I am looking for 308 calibre, hunting and target shooting to 400 yards, yes I will be hand loading for it once she is broken in but will use over the counter federal for break in unless that would cause an issue. I also prefer a removable mag with a preference if I can get a 10 rounder as well. 0 rounds is because it will be shooting bear, coyote, wolf, beavers etc. I am not a small guy so a little heavier gun will be fine by me but under 10 lbs since I will have to carry it a few miles during Elk season.

I am looking for suggestions for a base gun to start with and shoot it while I build it so I can see what changes make what kind of difference to accuracy. I am thinking a Stevens or Savage for a base, I do not mind the accutrigger as well and I have shot them.

Any and all input would be great guys.
 
I'd say use Winchester ammo for the break-in. The reason; you can keep the brass and reload it. Federal brass often has crimped primer pockets so you can just pop in new primers without using more tools.

As for rifles the popular options are Remington and Savage. For the 10 round mags you'll likely need a new bottom metal that will accept the Accuracy International mags.
 
A .308 is a lot too much for hunting beaver. I suggest a .22 Hornet for that or you will not have much value from the pelt. I assume that you have a trapping licence to be able to hunt them...
 
Tikka223 said:
I'd say use Winchester ammo for the break-in. The reason; you can keep the brass and reload it. Federal brass often has crimped primer pockets so you can just pop in new primers without using more tools.

As for rifles the popular options are Remington and Savage. For the 10 round mags you'll likely need a new bottom metal that will accept the Accuracy International mags.
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Thanks for the info. On the savage side are guys preferring the model 10 or the 11, 111, or an Axis?? I am leaning towards the savage as my local shop carries a lot of them compared to the Remmies.
 
I would just get a cheap savage 308 on EE here for few hundred buks, Order your self a barrel and affortable stock like choate or bell n carlson.
it will be less than $1000 for your buid. Mystic precision was carrying few blank shilen match grade on hand i believe.

I just dont like the idea of buying something at a store for you to just use the action and pay retail price for it. 10 clip version will have to be modded or just buy "AI" stocks which will cost you 1000-1600 jut for a stock. mags were going for around $120 last time i checked.

Good luck!
 
Drewz - I recommend a Remington SPS tactical to start with. If you can afford it get a MDT Tac 21 or AICS chassis but, if not, look for a take off stock from one of the better Remingtons. If going MDT to AICS both will use AI mags. If you don't go that route get a V-Bull or ATRS bottom metal installled as both are good and both utilise the AI mags which are the best after-market mags available. In due course you may wish to rebarrel but some SPS barrels are pretty good from factory. Factory trigger is ok but, again, you can upgrade later.

I've used Federal brass without issue but Winchester is better in the long run. Norma and Lapua are better than either.
 
If I have to go new to ensure I have an action that is in wood working condition and still in spec that is fine. If I can track down a used one for a good price I will look at that route but prices are pretty inflated. Down the road I would look at the swap of the bottom metal parts to get the AIA mag conversion but that is a long term must not a must have at the beginning of the build.
 
Drewz said:
If I have to go new to ensure I have an action that is in wood working condition and still in spec that is fine. If I can track down a used one for a good price I will look at that route but prices are pretty inflated. Down the road I would look at the swap of the bottom metal parts to get the AIA mag conversion but that is a long term must not a must have at the beginning of the build.
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What I would do in that case is find a Savage either used or new with the MacMillan stock, the 10FCP, I believe. That way you have your .308 with a quality stock that can be modified down the road to accept the correct bottom metal for 10 round mags. Adding a match barrel is not complicated and you can pay someone to bed e rifle at the same time. You will basically be 3 times away from a match rifle: bottom metal, barrel, bedding. Total cost in addition to the rifle will likely be under 1000$ tax in.
 
Tomochan said:
Drewz - I recommend a Remington SPS tactical to start with. If you can afford it get a MDT Tac 21 or AICS chassis but, if not, look for a take off stock from one of the better Remingtons. If going MDT to AICS both will use AI mags. If you don't go that route get a V-Bull or ATRS bottom metal installled as both are good and both utilise the AI mags which are the best after-market mags available. In due course you may wish to rebarrel but some SPS barrels are pretty good from factory. Factory trigger is ok but, again, you can upgrade later.

I've used Federal brass without issue but Winchester is better in the long run. Norma and Lapua are better than either.
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Hmmmmm the 70 sps tactical looks like a great deal for what you get, especially if you use match grade ammo. .300-395 100 yard groups after 40 round break in are reported by several reviewers. I will have to make a couple calls tomorrow locally.
 
These are some great tips guys, I really appreciate it since i know alot of guys just post stuff up with looking and it can be aggravating at times. This is great info and I will be doing alot of leg work before I pick up a rifle. This does not need to get going tomorrow so I will keep my eyes and ears open for a while. Of course when the build commences I will document it all and appreciate feedback as well.
 
Drewz said:
Hmmmmm the 70 sps tactical looks like a great deal for what you get, especially if you use match grade ammo. .300-395 100 yard groups after 40 round break in are reported by several reviewers. I will have to make a couple calls tomorrow locally.
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Beware, this is the Internet. Don't be too surprised to find out it will only shoot 2-3" groups at 100m with factory ammo.
 
Tikka223 said:
Beware, this is the Internet. Don't be too surprised to find out it will only shoot 2-3" groups at 100m with factory ammo.
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Actually the article stated the best they could get with regular ammo like federal or winchester was 2.2". Those are the types of reviews I like to read because they openly state the flaws in the ammo and also shooter error. I hate the ones that say they discount flyers, well why don't they just measure the two closet holes then. I guess there would be alot of .25 MOA semi auto's then......lol
 
internet snipers will tell you they shoot .2 or one holes shots all day and night on their savage axis with factory ammo.
I have seen some 308" savage on sale or around $300-$400 shipped few weeks back.. maybe it is sold already... if you are thinking of replacing barrel, stock and all the works with budget, let me know how much you are willing to spend.
 
Just a heads up, Northshore Barrels has drop in bottom metal with 2 mags (iirc) $400 for Rem700.
Did I mention it's drop in? It's drop in. :)
 
WEll I figured I would go 350-450 ish for a bas gun. Shoot it to see what it does and then an over sized bolt knob, restock is, new barrel and then the final touch would be the metal and mag conversion. I have listed 3 of my guns for sale so I can gather the funds to so this project up.

As far as cost I am sure I will be 1200+ and then glass will be at least another 500-700 on top. May not sound like a real budget build but I want to do this in steps if that is possible but in the end I want a gun that will shoot better than I can so I can learn. That is also why I want to shoot it along the way as I modify it. That is how I built my custom off road rigs and I want to see if that applies to this hobby as well.
 
building custom will add up fast. The one i am building ATM is adding up to be $4000+with scope / action not encluded.

It would be amazing if someone has a 308" savage or rem rifle just beat up for sale @$200-400. most important about rifle and accruacy is the barrel, bedding, free float.

With your price budget i would look into something like....
-Choate ULTIMATE VARMINTER STOCK: Rem 700 SA and LA, Savage SA (4.25″ spacing only) and LA, Win 70 SA
Price is $255
or
-Choate TACTICAL STOCK: Available for Rem 700 SA and LA – ADL and BDL, Savage SA (4.25 and 4.4″ bolt spacing w/ det mag) and LA and Win. RH and LH versions for most of these rifles are also available. @ $300

- Select Match Benchrest Grade Barrel Blanks SS. runs around $350-$450.
- oversized bolt knob at any gunsmith place for around $70-150

You can get a bedding kit your self for $25 and do it at home to save $. Gunsmith will usually charge $100-150 i believe.. If you do order barrel, stock at a store with gunsmith on site, they will thread the barrel to your action and fit the stock at a reasonable price.

There are also many stock designs available under 300 dollars so you can shop around. As 9X19P described, Northshore Barrels do know what they are doing and very good at it. you can e-mail them or local gunsmith to quote you on how to build a rifle with your budget.

If i do come across a 308 action for good $$ i will let you know!
we will keep in touch and hope you build one that you will keep for a long long time!
 
lol oh jerry... i did take info out of your website. just letting you know! lol
and yes talk to jerry. he will lead you into right path. the parts i got from my build are all from mystic precision.
good guy to talk to and i will let you know how my rifle turned out. it should be ready by november 20th
 
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