Reimagining the Rook rifle, an all Canadian custom 3.75lb 5.6x50 Magnum

[hoytcanon]

Shoots lights out at the hottest load mind you, 1/2” with the 70gr GMX ripping along at .224 Wby speed from a rifle that weighs less than 4lbs is good enough for me!

"That'll do, donkey.. that'll do."

 

[pete dobinson]

I'm looking forward to seeing the finished product, looking good so far. Again… thats a beautiful piece of wood.

 

[MiG25]

Load development for mountain goat hunting today, and damn is she ever powder charge sensitive. In a spread of 1.4grs, incrementally went from 4.25”, to 2.25”, to 0.75” groups. 0.1gr more tightened it up to 0.5”. Must be the 27” whip of a barrel, the harmonics are wild. Shoots lights out at the hottest load mind you, 1/2” with the 70gr GMX ripping along at .224 Wby speed from a rifle that weighs less than 4lbs is good enough for me!

Did you cry when you shot the 4-1/4" group?

 

[Ardent]

Just about it was the first one after a test of three yesterday that were a bit too hot, but extremely accurate. Downloaded a grain and a half to start again (no data for GMX 70s and CEB 78s in 5.6x50) and was rewarded with 4 1/4” or so. Had me checking mounts, doubting myself, you name it. As I neared the hot load again, tightened back up. Also struck me how it looks an awful lot like a mini .30-06 proportionally.

 

[1899]

Normally I’d agree but too heavy for this build, want to remain under 4lbs and every ounce matters. The aluminum weighs roughly what the walnut it’s replacing would.

Titanium?

 

[Ardent]

Would be classy but never worked with it. Aluminum is still lighter, and 6061 T6 is plenty hard enough and in plentiful supply in the aviation industry. Still to be determined if I’ll do it yet, we’re getting mighty close on the rifle having to go up the rocks.

 

[todbartell]

what powder?

 

[Ardent]

Was hoping nobody would ask Don’t know!

It’s whatever S&B loads, looks extremely similar to BLC2, but it isn’t. I fly to work and can’t bring components, so flew the loaded ammo up, pulled the 50gr SPs, downloaded the charges by best one eyed squint science and test flew em. Ended up with a really, really accurate GMX 70gr load so think I’ll keep at it.

 

[MiG25]

Mexican Match in a Hagn, that is awesome!

How'd the S&b factory stuff shoot? I've never been able to beat their 22 Hornet ammo for accuracy and it'll kill Whitetailed Deer.

 

[Ardent]

Shoots them alright, just under 1 1/2”, I have it throated long for 70-80grs and there’s a massive jump to the lands for the little squat 50s. Twist is also fast for them, imagine they’d make a mess of a wolf.

 

[brybenn]

Over ten years ago I bought a pallet from a specialty mill who cut mainly for musical instruments, he’s no longer in business but still emails me about really special pieces he comes across. He knows what they’re worth unfortunately, but I’m grateful just wish there was more. Don’t want to invest the effort in less than ideal pieces, no special arrangements needed to import. Pretty easy to spend ten grand on a very small pile of wood though be warned when walking around with a spray bottle of isopropyl. There’s blank sellers at some of the US trade shows too.

Id like a blank for a shotgun that has specail meaning and a 250 savage im building. Just wasnt sure if id be stung at the border with some rediculous duty. Thanks for clearing that up

 

[Ardent]

For sure, for just a piece or two I’d probably look at eBay personally. Some nice stuff on there sometimes for blanks, check out eBay seller armwoods

 

[jbmauser]

It's nice and all Angus but you should see the build I just posted!

 

[Ardent]

Awesome just went and looked, need a Mauser stock? I’ve got one of those.

 

[pete dobinson]

Awesome just went and looked, need a Mauser stock? I’ve got one of those.

I got a mauser 98 chambered in 300 win mag that would look very nice in that stock.

 

[jbmauser]

That's a beauty. Little over kill for that project I posted.

 

[Ardent]

I got a mauser 98 chambered in 300 win mag that would look very nice in that stock.

Well I trade for shiny things Not going to be building that one.

 

[todbartell]

Wonder if the S&B powder will stay in the accuracy node when temperatures swing up and down. Seems a little finicky for sure with the 4moa group not terribly far away from the sweet spot. Keep us updated

 

[Ardent]

Same thoughts... I’ll keep them in my pocket and warm, as that’s where they came out of. I think CFE223 is the future after these just loading one box of Mexican.

 

[3herkulez]

amazing work on the stock