Topic: What is a stupidly large amount to spend on a rifle?

[TrooperBrian]

So I start with a plain Rem700SA. $700
Oh bolt handle! $60
Oh extended mag and support gear! $100
Then base and rings. $150
Then a Nightforce. $1700

Suppressor? Ok. $475
Oh I have to thread my barrel? $80
But the barrel sucks! Oh new barrel. $275
I have to get Robert to machine the barrel!? $$$$
Oh what? The barrel won't fit in the stock and only two stocks WILL? $700.

Suddenly I have upwards of $4500 into a .308 rifle with an effective range of 800 yards.

At what point does it become stupid to drop large amount of money into a .308?

[fj40mojo]

1st you paid to much for your base action, you should have been able to buy a Rem 700SA ADL for right around $400 if you watch for the sales at Wallyworld. Things just seemed to get exponentially worse from there. Yes, you have far exceeded the point of "stupid" money. If you've got that kinda coin to drop on a single gun then there is a serious problem wiht the distribution of wealth in this country! You could get a Savage already decked out that would likely out shoot your money pit right out of the box for under a grand. Just sayin.

[zona5101]

TB, if it's any consolation, i've seen worse!

[luvmy45]

Now you know why a top end rifle starts around $4000 and goes up from there.

Guy at one of our shoot had a $7000 Surgeon rifle, and I'm not sure I want to know what TG has into his little long range plinker. 

FJ right though, you could have just started with a Savage... no complaints with mine, and at a quarter of the cost, it will shoot better than I will on most days. 

bk

[popsgunner]

Oh yeah brother, see we agree on one thing, lol, SAVAGE.

[agunforeachhand]

R= remington's Rock

S= savage Sucks

Lmfao

Hell they both suck they are not 1911's

[mjmcmahon]

Add my voice to those who say "SAVAGE"

I will also add this, though: are you HAPPY with the rifle?  If YOU are happy with it, who's to say you spent too much?  The one thing that I often lament with Savage is that accessories are not as readily accessible as they are for the Remington 700 actions.

Are you at a point where 800 yards is no longer a challenge?  With 175gr Match Kings or 155gr Lapua Scenars, there's no reason that rifle can't reach to 1000.

[dvc]

+1 for the Savage.   

I bought a Tikka .308 heavy varmint a year ago and have not been impressed.  I am giving one more load session, and if no luck, I am dumping it for a Savage.

As long as you are happy with the results, what does it matter how much you put into it?   (Assuming family and other obligations are honored...  IMO).   

dvc,
ron

[luvmy45]

My Savage + 175gr SMK w/41.5gr RE15 + SS 10x Scope = Hits at 1279 yards!!!!   

[agunforeachhand]

My Savage + 175gr SMK w/41.5gr RE15 + SS 10x Scope = Hits at 1279 yards!!!!   

But it still isn't a 1911 BK lol

[luvmy45]

But it still isn't a 1911 BK lol

One has to know your limits... 1911 is for 500 yards and closer, the Savage is for 500 yards and farther.

There are times though, if I'm in the mood, that I'll take the 1911 out to 600 or 700, you know just to give the MZB's a fightin chance. 

[agunforeachhand]

One has to know your limits... 1911 is for 500 yards and closer, the Savage is for 500 yards and farther.

There are times though, if I'm in the mood, that I'll take the 1911 out to 600 or 700, you know just to give the MZB's a fightin chance. 

My god with all this talk about how good 1911's are I figured 1000 yards would be no problem with one

BTW bk that is a nice looking savage

[mjmcmahon]

My Savage + 175gr SMK w/41.5gr RE15 + SS 10x Scope = Hits at 1279 yards!!!!   

WOW....1279 yards on what size target?  1000 is my goal for mine, hopefully this year.

[luvmy45]

Thanks AGFEH, one of these days I might look as good as it does. 

The target was 9' tall, but only 17" wide, we call it our scud missile target... wind is a bitch at that range.

Here is the AAR report from the shoot, http://parmarng.org/MatchScores/LRTR-AAR-2010-04-17.pdf

I'll post it over in the Adventure section as well, I was just to lazy to try and get the formatting small enough for here, so I was waiting for it to post over on the Parma sight.

[ida83704]

So I start with a plain Rem700SA. $700
Oh bolt handle! $60
Oh extended mag and support gear! $100
Then base and rings. $150
Then a Nightforce. $1700

Suppressor? Ok. $475
Oh I have to thread my barrel? $80
But the barrel sucks! Oh new barrel. $275
I have to get Robert to machine the barrel!? $$$$
Oh what? The barrel won't fit in the stock and only two stocks WILL? $700.

Suddenly I have upwards of $4500 into a .308 rifle with an effective range of 800 yards.

At what point does it become stupid to drop large amount of money into a .308?

hey, I think you forgot to add the $200 tax stamp for the can.......

I think you should subtract the $1700 for the scope and the $475 for the can since they are transferable to any rifle and last a long time.

Effective range is 800 yards maybe, but your max is at least 1200 yards unless you sawed the barrel off at something silly like 18 or 20 inches.

[EDGE]

Once you have a custom made rifle for long range shooting, it's very hard to look at anything off the shelf.  (Unless its a high end rifle like a AI-AW or Sako TRG)

From the hand lapped barrel, blue printed receiver, the smoothness of the action and many other custom features that go into your build.......you just can not get that from a Savage or off the shelf Remington.

I've hit man sized targets out to 1400 yards with the .308.  

At the Paddock shoot, we recovered bullets at the 726 yard target site.  The .308 bullets (175smks) were basically all in tact.  The .338 bullets (300smks) were mushroomed and fragmented.  I'll try to post a picture later on.

[EDGE]

Effective range is 800 yards maybe, but your max is at least 1200 yards unless you sawed the barrel off at something silly like 18 or 20 inches.

With a quality barrel, 18" to 20" barrels can still get you there just fine.

[Joey]

Once you have a custom made rifle for long range shooting, it's very hard to look at anything off the shelf.  (Unless its a high end rifle like a AI-AW or Sako TRG)
And then they're just fun to look at @ your local gunshop - Just kidding Mr.EDGE  

[RGinIdaho]

Well...

Will it shoot like a $4.5K rifle

[Lefty_OMorrow]

a serious problem wiht the distribution of wealth in this country!

I'm sure you are just joking but that's the most "Progressive" statement I've ever read on this forum. I almost hit the "Report to Moderator" button for foul language.   

BTW, You can never spend too much on a weapon or a car. You can't take it with you so if you like how it drives or shoots then money should never be a consideration.

[Beamncoke]

Time or money that you enjoy "wasting" is not really wasted.

[WTF]

Gesh, I didn't realize how much i spent on mine till i read this, and added my stuff up.

my main Rifle,  AR10(T)

AR10(T) $1700
Leupold Mark IV Scope 4-14.5 $900
Scope Mount $80
AWC ThunderTrap Suppressor $1000 + 200 tax stamp
Barrel Threading $150
PRS Stock $250
20) 20 rd mags $800
= $5080

not sure what a $4-5 k should shoot like, but this is what mine does at 800 yards fairly consistently using 180 gr bullets and 43 gr of 4064

[fj40mojo]

I'm sure you are just joking but that's the most "Progressive" statement I've ever read on this forum. I almost hit the "Report to Moderator" button for foul language.   

BTW, You can never spend too much on a weapon or a car. You can't take it with you so if you like how it drives or shoots then money should never be a consideration.

Yes

[carharttfarmer]

shit and i thought 1700 in my fnar setup was bad but when i think 4500 i think 3 to 5 guns not 1

[No-One]

I think I only have about 3400 into this one .



And about 2000 into this one .

[EDGE]

No-One,

How do you like your scope?

[EDGE]

As promised, here is a picture of the bullets recovered from the 740 yard target, from the last LRTR shoot.  The ones on the left are 300 gr. .338 bullets fired from a 338 Edge.  The ones on the right are 175 gr .308 bullets.

[luvmy45]

Thanks Edge... really is enlighting to see what bullets will do at various ranges. While hit on steel may be possible with the .308 at extended ranges, the effectiveness of said bullet does remain in question.

I still would not volunteer to catch it however. 

[No-One]

I like the IOR just fine . Your more than welcome to borrow it to evaluate it for yourself if you would like .

[EDGE]

Thanks Edge... really is enlighting to see what bullets will do at various ranges. While hit on steel may be possible with the .308 at extended ranges, the effectiveness of said bullet does remain in question.

I still would not volunteer to catch it however. 

Agreed!  It is interesting that even at 740 yards, the .308 bullet, even though it didn't mushroom and fragment, like the .338, it is bent and flattened.  That's still a lot of energy that flesh and bone would not like much.

The recent world record sniping record was well beyond the effective range of the .338 Lapua bullet that was used.  It created a firestorm of debate as to whether or not it was true.  After running the numbers I even scratched my head a bit, but it just goes to show you that when conditions are right and you have a skilled shooter, things can be done.

I guess if put in the situation where a 1240 yard shot needed to be made, and all you had was a .308, but you had your dope and had shot at that distance before, then one would be inclined to take it.

[EDGE]

I like the IOR just fine . Your more than welcome to borrow it to evaluate it for yourself if you would like .

Thanks No-One, I may take you up on that offer sometime. 

By the way, I really like your rifle too.  The stock is really cool with the "flame" look!

[RGinIdaho]

175smk in my .308 leaves the muzzle at 2695fps it has 431ft lbs of energy remaining at 1500yds(2900ft above sea level). Depending on air temp, it has gone subsonic about the time it makes the 1400yd range.

230 Ranger T(not +P) leaves the muzzle of my 5" guns at about 910fps it has 426ft lbs of energy at the muzzle.

180 Hornady XTP in 40SW leaves the muzzle at 950ish from two of my 4" guns it has 380ish ft lbs at the muzzle. The 175smk is traveling at that velocity out to about 1800yds.

I'm not saying you can hit with it that far out but it will definitely put a damper on your day if it strikes you.

[dutch1911]

Cost is only monitary...
What really gets me is your effective range of 800 meters... yes... .308 is a fine rifle and will do well for any prey or predator walking on 4 or 2 legs in this country.

However... I would have moved you, violently if necessary, towards higher effectiveness... .300 Win Mag.

Dutch1911
1/*

[TrooperBrian]

Well if we're talking about stepping up calibers, the barrel I have shipping is a Shilen 28" 1:10 .30cal SS, 1.25" at the chamber, 1" at the muzzle. ITS BEEFY.

I would be changing the stock anyway. I'm having to mount the new barrel anyway. The only change I would really have to make is the action. In essence I would be building a new rifle. The only significant change being I can no longer use the .308 can on a larger caliber.

So now we're about picking a caliber.

.300WM?

[luvmy45]

If you have a 308, hang on to it... you need for the close shots

If you want to step it up, you should check oug the 338 Edge... simliar to the 338 lapua with a little more gas. Easily do a mile or more (Edge get's his name from his rifle, hint, hint )

Shawn Carlock up in northen Idaho came up with it, I think, he's web site is here. http://www.defensiveedge.net/

I think that's my next step in rifles... gonna be a while, but either that or a Bravo 98 from Barrett. 

[TrooperBrian]

If you have a 308, hang on to it... you need for the close shots

If you want to step it up, you should check oug the 338 Edge... simliar to the 338 lapua with a little more gas. Easily do a mile or more (Edge get's his name from his rifle, hint, hint )

Shawn Carlock up in northen Idaho came up with it, I think, he's web site is here. http://www.defensiveedge.net/

I think that's my next step in rifles... gonna be a while, but either that or a Bravo 98 from Barrett. 

Well..I meant step it up with the barrel I have incoming, and a reasonably priced action.

[J Mack]

Suddenly I have upwards of $4500 into a .308 rifle with an effective range of 800 yards. If your spending that kind of money on a factory action gun then you are spending too much time on the internet reading the rantings of Mall Ninjas

At what point does it become stupid to drop large amount of money into a .308?
It sounds like you might already be there!

Well..I meant step it up with the barrel I have incoming, and a reasonably priced action.

How much killin do you plan on doing out past 800 yards?

How much do you want to spend for all the loading components for a different .30 cal?

Will this new .30 cal you build be more accurate or just faster than a .308?

How many guys that you shoot with can you share information and load data about your new .30 cal, or what do they shoot that’s better than the .308 in 30 cal?


I say just get your barrel chambered with any quality .308 chamber that you and your gunsmith like and get some trigger time.

 

[No-One]

1. You can always re-inlet your stock for a larger contour barrel .
2. The .308 is a highly capable round with great factory ammo and lots of reloading data available .
3. Most LRTR style matches are going to limit your caliber selection with most exclusions being magnum calibers .
4. 1000 yards is pretty much the maximum effective range of the .308 but if you reload you can push the cartridge a bit further .

[Nomad]

 The 308 with a 208gr Amax and RE17 results on snipershide real interesting information.
 Next choice would be the 300 Win and after that the 338 Edge for serious LOOOONNG
range shooting.......
 More choices than money......

[EDGE]

If you are only going to have one, make it a .308!

The 300 magnums (300wm, 300rum) are excellent and give you an advantage over the 308, but at a cost.  Even on a custom barrel, you'll have to rechamber/rebarrel after 800 to 1200 rounds with the magnum.  With a 308, you're going to get upwards of 8000 rounds before rechamber/rebarrel.

[TrooperBrian]

If you are only going to have one, make it a .308!

The 300 magnums (300wm, 300rum) are excellent and give you an advantage over the 308, but at a cost.  Even on a custom barrel, you'll have to rechamber/rebarrel after 800 to 1200 rounds with the magnum.  With a 308, you're going to get upwards of 8000 rounds before rechamber/rebarrel.

Lots of great recommendations and suggestions in this thread.

Now do those numbers apply to loading hot rounds on both?

[J Mack]

Making A Case For The 308 Winchester
By Michael Eichelle

Before you get a rope and hang me, please note that the purpose of this article is NOT to proclaim that the 308 is a superior cartridge to other popular cartridges. Rather it is to show that the 308, despite being an old has-been with nothing new and sexy, can and will hold her own when compared to other calibers, especially those built on or around the same case. I’d also like to show that it is still a very useful and effective round. It absolutely grinds me that so many shooters are of the mindset that sticking a smaller bullet will absolutely spank the 308 in every category. Too many articles have been written by ignorant gun writers about how the 260 Remington or 7-08 blows the 308 right out of the water and makes the 308 obsolete. Sadly, too many shooters have bought into this nonsense.

I am here to set the record straight about the 308. Those who know me know that I am passionate about the 308. There isn’t a force in heaven or on earth that could change my mind about it. Many have criticized me for using it even for long range hunting and for using it as my primary rifle for Alaska big game including the largest moose in the world. But I never give in. This is because this caliber is actually useful, even as a long range hunting round.

First, let’s talk about why I am drawn towards the 308. We first have to establish that to be successful from a long range standpoint, you have to be very proficient with your weapon. This comes from lots of field practice, development and experimentation, and testing to find the best loads and their true BC’s. All in all this could be several hundred to over 1000 rounds. For some calibers, this is not only costly but hard on the barrel. By the time you figure the rifle out, it is time for a new barrel.

The 308 barrel will last quite a long time, long enough for you to get to know your rifle intimately and have life left for hunting. It is accurate and easy to load for. There are not only a wide variety of powders to choose from, but many that will work well. There are also countless bullets to choose from. If you can’t get the one you really wanted to use to shoot well, there are numerous options.

It cracks me up to always hear the same thing regarding the 7-08: “The 7-08 with the 162 AMAX beats the hell out of the 308.” Here is the thing. The 162 AMAX is the only bullet (in my opinion) that can really make the 308 seem like an inferior round. This is well and good, but it is one bullet. What if your 7-08 doesn’t like it? Now what? Before we continue, let’s compare the two. I am comparing likely hunting ranges here. 1000 yard hunting with either caliber is marginal at best, so let’s look at 600 yards.

The 7-08 using the 162 AMAX will hit with 1895 FPS and has 1292 foot-pounds of energy, drops 60” and drifts 23” in a 10 MPH wind.

The 308 using the 168 AMAX will hit with 1835 FPS and has 1256 foot-pounds of energy, drops 58” and drifts 28”

The 7-08 outshines the 308 a bit in most categories, but marginally. It is hardly “spanking” though.

Let’s up the ante a little bit since our test rifle didn’t like the 162 AMAX.

The 7-08 using the 150 grain Ballistic tip hits with 1822 FPS and 1105 foot-pounds of energy, drops 59” and drifts 28”

The 308 using the 168 Ballistic tip hits with 1835 FPS and 1256 foot-pounds of energy, drops 58” and drifts 28”

Again, all at 600 yards, and again, neither really proved the other inferior, albeit the 308 in this example clearly outshined the 7-08 in most categories.

Now lets really up the ante. We will use the 7mm 180 Berger and the 308 177 GS bullet.

The 7-08 hits with 1821 FPS, 1325 foot-pounds, 65” drop and 23” of drift.

The 308 hits with 1961 FPS, 1511 foot-pounds, 56” drop and 21” drift.
Do we dare compare the 260 Remington? Again, neither one proves that the other is inferior, but all of these examples prove that the 308 is not the stick in the mud that so many shooter make it out to be. If a shooter really wants to blow the 308 out of the water, he or she really needs to look at a bigger case regardless of bullet diameter. You cannot blow a caliber out of the water by sticking a smaller bullet in the same case. You can in some cases improve some aspect of it but you cannot spank it. Why is that?

It is common knowledge that if 2 bullets are of equal weight, design and materials yet are of different calibers, the smaller one will have a higher BC than the bigger one. What is commonly overlooked is two key items. 1: the smaller bullet requires a tighter twist. This increases the pressure. At max pressure for max pressure, the velocity potential between the two is not the same. And 2: as the bore gets smaller, the burn area is reduced. This further reduces the velocity potential.

Of 2 barrels of equal length shooting the same weight bullet, the bigger bore will win in the velocity department. Throw in a slower twist for the bigger bore and you now have even more velocity potential for an equal bullet weight. So now what? We use a longer, heavier bullet with a better BC and bring the velocity down to the other caliber, which is using a lighter bullet. Throw in better barrel life and a bigger hole in the animal and less radial torque from a slower twist, and all of a sudden the 308 seems fairly practical.

Now I am not one to have only one tool in my tool belt. I have different size screwdrivers for different size screws. I have different size rifles for different sizes of game at different distances. I love the 308 as my go to rifle because bullets are easy to find, it’s accurate, it has minor recoil, barrels last forever (this is important for a guy who likes to shoot a lot) and it is very effective. It is effective because it is easy to hit a small target at fairly long ranges.

When used with the right bullet it can even be a good moose rifle. My moose load is a 200 grain Sierra Game King loaded to 2500 FPS. With its high weight, low velocity expansion and excellent BC, there is not a moose that is safe within 750 yards. At that range the bullet still hits with over 1600 FPS, over 1000 foot-pounds of energy and has enough bullet length to make it through even the shoulder blade and reach both lungs. My fun load is the 208 AMAX, still at 2500 FPS. In standard air density, it delivers over 1000 foot-pounds of energy at 900 yards with enough impact velocity to open up on a deer or sheep. Is the 308 sexy? No. She sure is practical though.

Now before you get that rope, remember that I am not saying the 308 is better than the 7-08 or 260 Remington, etc. Each has good qualities, and some of those qualities in some situations can be better for a given circumstance. But none of these calibers are inferior or superior to the other.

I am not going into the details of the good qualities about the 260 or 7-08 as this is an article about the 308 and you guys reading this know what those good qualities are. I just want to remind the shooting community that there are good things to be had in the 308, as it seems like it has been forgotten for far too long.

As a side note: Most of the big game that I have taken throughout my life, including nearly all of my Alaskan game, has been with the 308. Many of my friends have used my 308’s to harvest some of their game as well. When shots present themselves at ranges farther than they have dialed their rifle in for, the 308 has been there for them.

A few noteworthy long range kills with the 308:

1: Dall sheep 763 yards. One shot.

2: Dall sheep 600 yards.

3: Bull moose 438 yards. Dropped with one shot.

4: Dall sheep 400 yards. 2 shots (only needed one)

5: Mule deer 318 yards. Dropped with one shot.
Linky: http://www.longrangehunting.com/articles/308-winchester-1.php

[popsgunner]

great read J Mack, reconfirms my need to continue practicing with the .308. I agree with you 110%

[EDGE]

Lots of great recommendations and suggestions in this thread.

Now do those numbers apply to loading hot rounds on both?

The hotter the load, the less number of rounds you'll get through the barrel before needing work.  That's why I said for the 300WM, 800 to 1200 rounds and up to 8000 rounds for the 308.

For the 308, I've seen guys go up to 8000 rounds, but others have only gotten upwards of 4000 rounds, because of hot loadings.  Still way more rounds than you'll get out of any magnum.

[J Mack]

great read J Mack, reconfirms my need to continue practicing with the .308. I agree with you 110%

Thanks Pops!
Now you just need to help him find a reamer for that one in ten barrel he ordered.


More from Michael Eichele:
You are correct in that heavier bullets require more twist. Technically it has more to do with the density of the materials used and its weight/length relationship. If we could use tungsten for bullets, a 200 grain 30 cal bullet would need less twist than a 200 grain lead bullet and a 200 grain lead bullet needs less twist than an all copper bullet.

Since we use mostly jacketed lead I will base any statements on jacketed lead.

Another factor that involves twist is bore and bullet diameter. The smaller the caliber and heavier the bullet for that caliber will need a tighter twist. For example a 175-180 grain 30 cal bullet really only needs 12x - 13x for proper stability where as a 180 grain 284 cal needs about a 9x for proper stability.

The larger the caliber, the slower the twist typically needs to be for average bullet weights. Granted there are 30 cal bullets that require a 9x but are very rare. Most 30 cal rifles will do their best with 11x or 12x depending on bullet weights. A 10x is needed for the 240 SMK. Most shooters would go with a 9x for a slower round like the 308. The 11x will handle up to the 210's even at 308 velocities. That is about more bullet than is practical for the 308. I use the 208 on occasion but more often than not I am running 155's through 200's with the 168-180 being shot the most. With that in mind I use a 11x for all of my 308 needs. If I were going to use a maximum of 190 grains I would use the 12x for my 308 needs. You can run the 200's in a 12x but my opinion is that 12x is very marginal for 200 grain pills especially the newer ones like the Accubonds. 12x and the 200 AB works ok for the 300 RUM's but not so much the 308 due to the lower velocity.

Having said all that, bullet weight for bullet weight and specifec gravity for specifec gravity, the 30 cal requires less twist than a smaller caliber. This slower twist allows for slightly better velocity/pressure relationships and less radial torque during recoil. The same rules apply when switching from the 30 to 338 or 338 to 375 calibers. The bigger the bore the less twist is required for equal construction and weight compared to a smaller caliber.

I hope that helps!

Link: http://www.longrangehunting.com/forums/f5/making-case-308-winchester-michael-eichelle-47586/index2.html

[popsgunner]

got the reamer ! 

[TrooperBrian]

Looks like .308 it is. Just have to play around with my existing stock for a bit.

[dutch1911]

Outstanding choice!!!

And many great suggestions.  I've not spent a lot of time on said subject researching but the little I did it was easy to say that there is a world of information regarding what you're looking to do.
Not to mention the wealth of personal opinion... which is always questionable at best.  (Mine falls into this category).

Something that was touched on briefly and is in fact a valid point.
Distance for kill...

While in sniper school at GTI (Government Training Institute) I learned a lot regarding a world I knew little to nothing about.  I've never hunted, though am looking to start this year.  I have personal opinion on killing at a distance... 1-400 yards at this point in time for me would certainly be my max.  And the 400 being in pristine conditions at best. 
However if you're looking for an all around rifle you can play with at long distances, the satisfaction at hitting your mark at 1200 yards with a 30 calibre bullet is awesome in itself...been there done that.
You've proven to be one of level headedness... you'll do fine... build what you like and shoot the hell out of it. 

[mjmcmahon]

Fabulous articles, J Mack!  Thanks for sharing them.  I'd mistakenly come to the conclusion that I'd need something different for deer or elk this fall but Mr. Eichele has certainly proven that I don't!

[TrooperBrian]

Today I headed to Taco Time for lunch..my receipt said:

Total: $7.62
Order: 51

If that isn't a sign I don't know what is.

[berg]

So I start with a plain Rem700SA. $700
Oh bolt handle! $60
Oh extended mag and support gear! $100
Then base and rings. $150
Then a Nightforce. $1700

Suppressor? Ok. $475
Oh I have to thread my barrel? $80
But the barrel sucks! Oh new barrel. $275
I have to get Robert to machine the barrel!? $$$$
Oh what? The barrel won't fit in the stock and only two stocks WILL? $700.

Suddenly I have upwards of $4500 into a .308 rifle with an effective range of 800 yards.

At what point does it become stupid to drop large amount of money into a .308?

Fuzzy math.  $700, too much for a base rifle, mine was $414 new (Rem BDL) call it $570 at most sporting goods stores. My (slightly used) Nightforce $900, H&S stock is about $300... So, $2910 Your scope will travel to your next rifle, so $2,010, wait, the suppressor will travel so $1850, base and rings also so $1,700 for the rifle. (you will pay a little more because you gunsmith will charge $$$) but you get the idea... This  is quite a bit for a rifle, but if you love it....what the heck.  I'm guessing this is a theoretical rifle?

Mine (real rifle)
Rifle   $414 Rem. BDL on close out, was in .243 now .308
Stock $200 for H&S stock (got a deal)
Barrel $300 for Bartlein target cut to heavy varmint profile
Scope $900 for used Nightforce
Silencer $cheep, bought used in good shape (old can , new guts) .
Gun work traded for IT work ..... match .308 chamber, receiver trued, bolt lugs trued, Sako extractor, bolt face trued, barrel cut to 22 inches and threaded ...

Because I couldn't afford a $4500 dollar custom rifle (but really, really wanted one)

[akbigbear]

1. DTS SRS w/ 308 win and 338 Lapua, $6800
2. Hendsholdt 6-24x56 mil-dot scope     $3600
3. Barrett 30mm rings 15x40 moa         $225
4. Harris bipod w/ ARMS mount             $250
5. US Optics rial mount level                 $115
6. AAC QD Multi caliber supressor          $2200

 This rifle shoots 1/4 moa consistantly, its only money!

[birddog1989]

I thought $10,000 was too much for any rifle until I shot the damn thing.  Now I'm trying to figure out how I can get and extra $10,000.   

[Shade OGrey]

Just ordered a Savage 10fxp in .308 for under $400. Should be here by the 10th.

[reheat]

Hi, I'm new here and will soon be new to the area.

On this subject, I have been interested in the SCAR 17s or similar. Considering the ranges listed here, the SCAR seems adequate to 600 meters.

Any opinions?

[EDGE]

If you want "precision" shooting with an semi-auto, then there is better out there than the SCAR17.  If you want something for 3-gun heavy, or "patrol shoot" type shooting, then it would work fine.

For precision shooting and depending on budget, you'd be better off with a Larue OBR, GA Precision GAP10 or a budget minded DPMS, Rock River or Armalite.

For 3-gun, unless you want to go heavy, the AR-15's can reach out to 600 yard/meters just fine, plus they'd be cheaper to shoot.

[reheat]

Are you refering to the 7.62 Larue, or the 5.56?

I am just a paper hanger for now, and have not considered live competition. (I'm past my personal shooting prime) My wife was once invited to join the olympic shooting team, but familly exigencies got in the way. She might be a better bet for competition than myself.

With our pending move to Nampa, we were looking forward to some quality time at the ranges. (As soon as we find them). I have a feeling her interest in 1,000+ meter may blossom again.

I personally wouldn't mind a 50 BMG on some future Christmas list, finances permitting.   

[EDGE]

I'm referring to the 7.62.  It's a lot more accurate than the SCAR 17.

There's lots of opportunity for long range shooting around here.  At Parma we have a 1 mile club/group of shooters in which we shoot out to 2000 yards.  We've been talking about 3000 yards, but haven't done it yet.

[MtGoat]

I haven't priced them recently but an AI AWSM was about $6500, plus scope mount, plus magazines, plus a S&B 5-25 scope and it adds up to about $12k and cost $5 per shot.
A decent custom 308 rifle can be had for $3k to $4k plus mount and rings plus glass would put you in at $5k to $6k and $1 per shot (with match ammo).

The 308 sure does look more appealing (other than Savage came out with a $1500 rifle in 338LM).

Pat

[birddog1989]

Pat what do you think about the 300Mag as a compromise between the 308 and 338?

[J Mack]

Pat what do you think about the 300Mag as a compromise between the 308 and 338?

Next time you're down I should have my new project done and we can take it out for a test drive.
Basically it's a long throat .300 WSM shooting the 208 Amax bullets @ 3100 + FPS.   
Although I’m building a complete rifle for this test It’s just a barrel and bolt change for our .260/.308 rifles. 

[ida83704]

man, 3100fps with the 208AMAX in a WSM is really fast!

I'm getting 3000fps with the 208AMAX out of my .300WM with a 26 inch barrel.



After shooting the 208AMAX last year, I'm looking for a .30cal. with a better BC.
the BC of the 208AMAX reall drops off under 2000fps

[J Mack]

man, 3100fps with the 208AMAX in a WSM is really fast!

After shooting the 208AMAX last year, I'm looking for a .30cal. with a better BC.
the BC of the 208AMAX reall drops off under 2000fps

With a 28” slower twist barrel and longer throat my computer is telling me it’s possible without a compressed load but we’ll see after the rifle’s built. For now it’s just theory.   

I’m also looking at the new Berger 30 cal 230 gr Hybrid OTM Tactical bullets as a contingent plan.

http://02b0516.netsolhost.com/blog1/?p=224

[birddog1989]

Are you worried about throat erosion?

[luvmy45]

Are you worried about throat erosion?

Are kidding? It's jmack he has barrels growing on trees in his backyard 

[J Mack]

Are kidding? It's jmack he has barrels growing on trees in his backyard 

Are you worried about throat erosion?

Throat erosion will not be any more of an issue than on any other .300WSM.
When I spec the chamber reamer I went with .119” longer throat than SAMMI to push the bullet out to almost mag length minimizing the space occupied be the seated bullet and maximizing case capacity. I’ll still have .020” to chase the lands if needed but chances are good I would do a setback long before I push the bullet out .020”

Unfortunately the barrel trees have overgrown and chocked out all the money trees that I use to have in my back yard.   

[ida83704]

New barrels are relatively cheap when compared to the cost of the ammo required to 'wear' the barrel out..