Going crazy

[Jayph]

Is it normal to go crazy when trying to choose a cartridge for a custom build. I have all the pieces but the barrel ready but I can't make up my mind on what to chamber it in. I have searched all over the net, read reloading books. and talked to people, but it seems I have changed my mind almost weekly. I am going to have about 5500 in this rifle with optics when Iam done so I will likely only have one custom so I am really struggling with what I want. So to all the guys who have built custom rifles is it really that hard or am I out to lunch?

 

[tigrr]

It really depends what you want to do with this rifle. Some calibers aren't allowed to compete is some events.

 

[MagnumPeanut]

True.

I've always stayed with simple cals. 223, 243, 7mmRm.

I would like a 6mmbr next I think.

K.i.s.s.

 

[CyaN1de]

If you don't already have a 6BR then that would be a very good cartridge for a first build. Accurate as hell, easy to load for, easy to shoot.

You can always re-barrel to another cartridge when the barrel is shot out.

 

[maynard]

I shoot Target Rifle with iron sights so the choice is between .223 and .308. Whatever you choose pick something with an unmodified boltface so you could change calibers by just changing the barrel.

 

[Leeper]

Is it normal to go crazy? Judging from conversations I have had with shooters over the years; absolutely!
Maynard's advice is good. With a standard boltface, you can change chamberings just by changing barrels. Regards, Bill.

 

[MagnumPeanut]

Savage actions are super easy to swap barrels.

 

[Jericho]

So with a Savage 10FCP in .308 (which apparently has easily changable barrels), what other cartridges would you recommend I buy a barrel for?

 

[MagnumPeanut]

With a short action 308 bolt face you could easily swap out for a
6mmbr
243
7mm08
22-250
22br
6.5x47 lapua
lots of options.

You can easily change the bolt face too and then get a 223 bolt face and shoot 223, 204, 20 tac. Just another reason why Savage is so cool.

But I recommend that you just get good with the 308, as it is a very good all around cal and is acceptable for all competitions too.

 

[Leeper]

The truth is that changing barrels on any rifle is at least as easy as on a Savage. The only advantage to the Savage is that headspace is settable upon installation. The drawback is that headspace may vary slightly from installation to installation. Fitting the barrel conventionally and pitching the locknut is beneficial IMO. Once headspace is set (which is done at the time of fitting and chambering), it's there. The interchangable bolt head is a potentially useful feature providing both heads are well fitted to the locking lug seats. Regards, Bill.

 

[Radical!]

If you don't already have a 6BR then that would be a very good cartridge for a first build. Accurate as hell, easy to load for, easy to shoot.

You can always re-barrel to another cartridge when the barrel is shot out.

Amen. Or just rechamber it and keep shooting. 6mmBR is alot of fun.

 

[topgun223]

go with 6br, I did and its great.

 

[Valashnikov]

Only people waiting for SKS are allowed to go crazy! No crazy for you! lol, good luck, I hope you figure it out!!!

 

[Ice-Pick]

If you know what the end purpose for the rifle is it shouldn't be a tough choice.

M.

 

[BigUglyMan]

I said that it wasn't such a big deal but, that being said, I have had a .510 barrel blank in my gun room waiting to become something for 2.5 years now and still nothing.

So yeah, just pick one already!

 

[NAA]

Already picked mine... .260 Rem.... now to assemble the other components.....

 

[redlaker1]

pick something ASAP, then go crazy waiting for it to come in!!