New Build, opinions wanted (First Ever Build)

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calvin5673

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Location
PEI
So, as the title says this is going to be my first build.

Plan is to liquidate some guns, and use the funds on this build.
Basically looking at either a .223 or a .22-250. This will be a coyote gun, so weight is an issue, but also see a lot of target shooting (<=500 yards) so barrel will be heavier contour.
*All hunting is being done on PEI hence the choice of caliber.

Option 1: The .223
I currently own a Savage model 10, and my thought would be new barrel, new stock, I really quite like the savage accu-trigger.
Advantages I see going this way:
1) I already have all the supplies (dies, trays, containers, primers, etc) for reloading .223 and like 500ish cartridges already loaded. (and binders of load data)
2) I've got the ballistics pretty well down pat for the .223
3) This will be slightly cheaper as I already have the action.

Option 2: From Scratch .22-250.
The more expensive route, build this from the ground up. For pretty much one reason
1) Ballistics are better for the .22-250 (Bigger Bullets can go faster, therefore flatter, and hit harder, therefore I don't watch Mr.Wiley walk away as often)

With Option 2 my two big questions:
For starts, do I go with a Rem 700 action? Seems to give the most options going forward? (And do I buy a gun or just find a smith that has the actions already)
Next big question barrel twist and length? Smallest bullet I'll ever shoot is a 53gr Vmax. Would probably shoot 55gr for fun/work on skills and hunt with the biggest one I can that'll still feed from a mag (69,75ish range?) Barrel length to max out velocity 24-26"?



So do I sell the savage and my .223 gear and start on the .22-250 or save a couple nickels and stay with the tried and true .223? And all the other opinions out there. This'll be my first build so let me have it.
 
Stick with the savage in 223 and get a 1 in 8 twist or tighter barrel and shoot 70-80 gr bullets. If you need a little extra, get it chambered in an ackley improved.
 
What chamber is the Savage in currently?

If in 223, then a quality prefit in 8 or 7 twist will be pretty darn amazing with the right bullets and load.

[youtube]kbZnB-GLU9E[/youtube]

This is at 500m with Berger 90gr VLDs and BT.

Let me know if I can help with set up and supplies.
Jerry
 
Use the savage action but never mind the prefit, you can change the bolt head if you want or stay with the 223, buy a barrel of your choice and have the smith spin it up for you. You can get rid of the barrel nut and just have the new barrel shoulder up against your recoil lug. It looks a lot cleaner imo. Lots of good barrels out there but if you want one in a hurry drop Gary at bighorn sales an email thereamerguy@yahoo.ca he'll more than likely have one in stock and he has the best prices in Canada that I've found.
 
If you're on the east coast, you might want to get into contact with Peter Dobson at Hirsch Precision. He will steer you in the right direction. I would also stay away from the prefit barrel.
 
Been shooting the last month with buddy - his 22-250 (slow twist, 55gr bullets) can't keep up with the 223 (fast twist 80r SMK) at distance - 500-700yds the 223 and heavy bullets is the clear winner. Get a good scope.
As others have said, go 223. Plus your barrel will last many times that of the 250.
 
My opinion, you want to save pelts or do not care?

Saving pelts, slow twist and light bullets. Sucks for any distance shooting.

Distance shooting, fast twist and heavy bullets. If wanting to shoot light bullets may or may not shoot well in the fast twist.

I personally do not like a multi purpose rifle. I want a purpose built rifle.

Like I said this is my opinion.

Oh and stick with 223. Barrel life WAY better.
 
calvin5673 said:
Yep. Currently Chambered in .223

ANother Question Once I start getting up there in bullet weights/length I start running the risk of not feeding from my mag, eh?
Click to expand...

That depends on the mag you use and the bullet you set up for.

The Savage mags are quite long internally so you will get away up to the 80gr VLD. The 90gr's are typically a single feed set up but can fit in some Long mags.

WRT to chamber, again that depends on the bullets you want to use and how you will feed them. There is no one answer to cover all options.

Set up the rifle for your specific needs and goals. Happy to walk you through what you need ONCE you figure what you want to use.

As for prefits, thousands of match barrel prefits out there with many happy customers. Many podium finishes too. Can there be some poorly manf ones? you bet, just like there can be poorly installed barrels by "gunsmiths".

I only offer prefits from manfs I know will be made very well.

The least expensive way to get match performance from a Savage/Stevens platform

Let me know

Jerry
 
Last edited:
Mystic Precision said:
That depends on the mag you use and the bullet you set up for.

The Savage mags are quite long internally so you will get away up to the 80gr VLD. The 90gr's are typically a single feed set up but can fit in some Long mags.

WRT to chamber, again that depends on the bullets you want to use and how you will feed them. There is no one answer to cover all options.

Set up the rifle for your specific needs and goals. Happy to walk you through what you need ONCE you figure what you want to use.

As for prefits, thousands of match barrel prefits out there with many happy customers. Many podium finishes too. Can there be some poorly manf ones? you bet, just like there can be poorly installed barrels by "gunsmiths".

I only offer prefits from manfs I know will be made to very well.

The least expensive way to get match performance from a Savage/Stevens platform

Let me know

Jerry
Click to expand...

Thanks Jerry, Ill try narrow my uses and clarify things and send you an email in the next couple days.
 
In my honest opinion I have a couple custom rifle's that were built by a very credible gunsmith's (wont' say their names or company) using top of the line barrels. And 2 savages that both have pre-fit's on them installed by myself. And in all honesty they shoot as well as the full custom job's that have cost me big $$ over the year's. And I'm not a gunsmith by any mean's. Just like most in the precision/ long range world I want as much as I can get out of my $$ & equipment. So from one shooter to another , you won't be disappointed with a pre-fit barrel or a savage action. Your probably going to save some cash that could be used for optics, reloading goodies etc....

Cheer's & good luck in your quest......oh & shoot lot's.............
 
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