New Rifle project, need input!
 

Okay,

I'm bored, so I'm planning a new big game rifle project. I'm going to build it on a Rem 700 action with a Douglas match grade barrel. Those are the only decisions I've made. So I need some input.

I'm considering the Ultra Mags. I don't own one, so its high time to rectify that situation. I'm considering the 300, 338, & 375 Ultra's.

The first hunt I will use this weapon onis a Mountain goat hunt, beyond that who knows. Sheep, Moose, Caribou, Bear areall possibilities.

The 338 Ultra doesn't improve on my 338 win mags performance significantly, but I guess 100 FPS could help. The 375 looks good, and I could use it in Africa if I ever go.

I don't know the 300 is sweet though. I know any of them will be plenty of weapon regardless of what I decide to hunt. I mean game animals aren't nearly as tough as some want to make them out to be. But, I would like a good anchoring shot on a mountain goat to keep it from making that final leap into oblivion that can ruin the coat and horns.

RE: New Rifle project, need input!
 

So,

If youwhere going on a mountain goat hunt in '08 and possibly a Dall sheep hunt in '10 and you where able to build any caliber rifle you wanted for this hunt what would you build? Keep in mind I already have a 280 rem, 338 win, 6.5-284, 270 wsm, 300 wsm,270 win, &30-06. I know, i Know one of those would be plenty but I want something different.

I'm think something light wieght, stainless, HS precision stock..... This will be a "mountain" rifle, but I want some punch.So let 'er fly boys, give me somegood ideas.

RE: New Rifle project, need input!
 

First, let me say that I am a huge winchester cartridge fan. Having said that, have you ever considered the 325wsm? I have owned one for two years and I shoot A LOT. It is quite possibly the flattest large bore rifle I have ever shot.

As far as the stock, do some checking around, but before you buy....pick up and hold a thumb-hole stock. Kinda weird looking, but will improve accuracy ten-fold. Basically, due to the thumb-hole, you can apply trigger-pressure in an inline motion, versus the slight "up-pull?" of a traditional stock....think about it. I bought one for my 270wby mountain rifle and love it.....definitely have to get used to its looks though...IMHO

RE: New Rifle project, need input!
 

Since you already have the 338wm and a 300 WSM I would go for the 375. I don't know that I would use it for the mountain gt hunt though. Just to have another gun, a 375 would be my choice.

RE: New Rifle project, need input!
 

May i suggest you contact RidgeRunner - he's a member here. He has just built a custom long range rifle, and from the sounds of things - it's a humdinger. Try pm'g him and maybe get his input. He's very knowledgeable in these matters. Use my name if you wish.

Good luck with whatever you choose - it a rifle you will cherish for a long time.

RE: New Rifle project, need input!
 

If your thinking the 300RUM then I wouldassume your planning on a 26" tube? If so another to consider that will produce similar numbers is the 7mm stw. While it may lack the punch that the 300 delivers it will still handle moose if that is your desire and should be darn near perfect for goat and sheep hunts you have planned.

If wanting bigger the 375H&H or RUM would give you a step in the direction for africa!

RE: New Rifle project, need input!
 

Well it dang sure wouldn't be an ultra mag, H&H mag or anything remotely close.

Mountain goat / Dall sheep hunting requires a completely different rifle than Grizzly bear / moose hunting. I wouldn't even be considering building one rifle to serve both purposes.

Considering the game you will be hunting and the terrain that they live in I would opt for a short action cartridge anddrop it into an ultra lite stock from HS or McMillan.

Since youalready load for the 6.5-284I would consider the .284 Winchesterlaunching something like a 140 grain TSX at 3000+ fps. I know it would essentially duplicate what the .280 would do but it would be in a short receiver and a shorterbarreland every ounce counts when you are hunting 12,000+ feet in elevation.

RE: New Rifle project, need input!
 

Well this probally won't fly but here goes. I too would go with a short action and a light rifle. Your gonna be going up and down mountains a lot more than you'll be shooting. Then the game is sheep and goats. Never shot either but can't imagine their that hard to put ringh down with the right shot. I think I'd build something along the line's of the Win Featherweight and chamber it in a 260 Rem with a 22" barrel. Put on a 2-7x scope too. Built it with a 1-8" twist and shoot 125gr and heavier bullet's.

RE: New Rifle project, need input!
 

just my .02, but i would build it in a 7mm cartridge, very nice round for sheep and goats, and i also use it on moose, very effective, and would be great on african plains game too

RE: New Rifle project, need input!
 

If your going custom you need to be looking at the 308warbird. None of the previous rounds mentioned can come close to it. Second you want to take weight into account Carbon fiber. If your going with the 700 action you need to get rid of the 700 claw and replace it with the sako extractor, now you have an action to talk about. Now the trigger should be a jewel nothing tops it, crisp 2.5-3 lbs. zero creep just POW. Muzzle break by vias and now you've got a custom rifle that will weigh with a 26 in brl. around 5.6-6.0 pounds and hammer any north american game out to 700-800 yrds with any thought. just my 2 cents
1/2 inch groups all day

Here is mine
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t52/hwcolganiii/IMG_0920-1.jpg
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t52/hwcolganiii/IMG_0923.jpg
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t52/hwcolganiii/IMG_0925.jpg

RE: New Rifle project, need input!
 

I'm not sure your stated project fits in the arch typical "mountain rifle" (fly weight) category but I sure like the sound of your components, including cartridge selection.

Honoring your stated criteria,and preference for RUM's then a300 RUM, hands down.
If you feel it necessary, then you can always throttle backthe loadsa little.

A 375 RUM while a great cartridge, generally falls outside most folks mountain rifle "model" based on associated weight.
A 338 RUM is too close to your existing 338WinMag (though it is superior).
A Super .30, like the 300 RUM, should be a nice addition and fill an empty spot inyour rack of rifles and should be superlative for goats.

This all presumes that you are not infected with the recoil sensitivity disease and know the fundamentals of proper recoil management versus relying on the old "school of hard knocks" (literally) and theall too typical result of "wondering what happened."

Footnote: the aforementioned 7mmSTW is a worthy consideration and has the wonderful bonus of not being a magnum. ;)
Again, though, it is not what you asked for.

RE: New Rifle project, need input!
 

Thanks guys,

Long action vs short action in the rem 700 amounts to about 3 oz. so the short action is lighter argument doesn't fly with me. I'm certain my 6.5-284 that I built last year would fit the bill terrifically. I just want to build something. I may not even take it on my goat hunt. But, I'm definately leaning toward the 300 RUM 26 inch tube and all. Scoped the gun should weigh in about 7.5-8 lbs, just about right.

RE: New Rifle project, need input!
 

Worry aboutthe ounces and the pounds take care of themselves. Along with less weight with the shorterreceiver a short action cartridge doesn't require as long of a barrel, the ammo doesn't weigh as much, then use light weight rings and bases, with a compact scope and you save a pound or two.

If I were hunting on jagged rocks at 12,000 feet in elevation I know I would be worrying about every single ounce. ;)

Sounds to me that you are wanting two completely different rifles for two completely different purposes.

RE: New Rifle project, need input!
 

I like my new 300 RUM with new trigger and 2" add on the barrel b/c of the break,wouldn't want to shoot it with out it,now it has the recoil of a 243 win. but I want the 375 RUM ,I grabed one my buddy had on a hunt when a black bear tryed to eat the other end of my moose I was cutting on .It flopped him head over heals twice befor landing dead. Now I want my own for grizz and moose,I would take the 30 cal for goats,sheep and elkand the like .


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RE: New Rifle project, need input!
 

Well after reading all the post I am surprised no one said anything about a .270wsm. I bought the first one sold at my gun shop and I just love it. I wishI would have waited for a ruger in that calibur,but oh well. I think if you would give it a try you would like it. I got a browning A-Bolt and its ok but I am a die hard ruger fan. At least check it out!!

RE: New Rifle project, need input!
 

RE: New Rifle project, need input!
 

Yeah,
Carefully reading the thread initiators original post and first one or two clarifying posts helps eliminate many off topic rabbit holes. Otherwise everyone has a sentimental favorite.

On the other hand, I've missed a detail or two in my day.

RE: New Rifle project, need input!
 

Sorry I did miss that! In that case how about a big bore, 45/70? 45/110?
The 45/70 has been very fun to load for and shoot. It can be a lion or a mouse,depends on your taste.

RE: New Rifle project, need input!
 

7mm STW, shoots flat to 400 yrds then you have to hold over 4" for 500 yrds. few flatter. good luck. also may wanna try a Hart bbl.

RE: New Rifle project, need input!
 

7mm stw is great, but doesn't 7 RUM outperform it? Have used Hart bbl before. They are great, no doubt. Shilen, Kreiger,Hart, & othersI can't think of at the moment. They all make excellent barrels, Douglas Is an excellent barrel as well.

RE: New Rifle project, need input!
 

Nope Shato the STW out dose the 7mm Remmy.The 7mm Ultra out dose the STW(not by much if you handload).

If I was building me a custom.Here is what it would be.
Sako action in .300 Ultra or the warbird(Warbird is the king of the Super .30's)
26 in barrel fluted(Hart or Douglas)
McMillian Thumbhole
Timmy trigger
Lupey rings and bases
3.5-10 x 40mm Zeiss conquest
That should make a fine gun.Also You might wanna talk to Kirby Allen of Gunslinger gunsmithing in Vaughn Montana.Talk about to him about his Allen Magnums,I can get you his number if ya want.
BBJ

RE: New Rifle project, need input!
 

RUM is my acronym for Remington Ultra Mag. Sorry for the confusion.

Sako is a excellent action. I generally use Remingtons simply for the reason that I have the tooling to do the work myself. Remington 700 action trued and blueprinted with a sako extractor makes for a very accurate and reliable platform.

The 7mm's just aren't tripping my trigger so to speak. I'm thinking 300 or 338 ultra. I'm leaning more towards the 30 cal. Lord knows I don't "need" another rifle, but I have a serious case of the "wants", if you know what I mean.

RE: New Rifle project, need input!
 

Ok,

Just to throw another wrench in the gears, how about a 25-06? I've always wanted a 25-06. Though I doubt that I would take it Mountain goat hunting.... Can anyone tell that I've got cabin fever? I can't wait until spring. Lets weight the pros and cons of the 25-06 versus the 300 ultra shall we?

RE: New Rifle project, need input!
 

That's what I was going to suggest after reading your initial post! But I knew it wasn't remotely close to the calibers you were mentioning, so I didn't bother. I was having a hard timepicturing RUM's in an ultra lightweight rifle - ouch!

Your 6.5 x 284 sounds like a greatcartridge for that kind of hunt. What's the rifleitself like: stock, barrel length, weight, scope, etc.? Maybe youcould use the .25-06 as a platform to try out a whole'nother set of tricks for the new rifle.

The .375 RUM sounds like a neat cartridge around which to builda safari rifle. Hey, is there anything stopping you from building two new rifles????:D

RE: New Rifle project, need input!
 

ActuallyI was going to suggesta .257 calbut you seemed pretty set onscratching an itch, so didn't;).

Can't really compare to the 300 RUM as it is better suited for larger game. However for sheep, deer, antelope and varmits I really don't think you can go wrong with a 1/4 bore. Recoil is nothing, easy to load for and very effecient cartridges (anything the 270 can do IMHO). While I have been witness to the standard 2506 taking bull moose, bull elk and black bears I think their are better choices, choices for which you are well stocked already. I regret that the day I sold my rh 2506 I didn't replace it immediately with a LH version. I am looking for a donor Lh action to build a 2506AI, as i like the idea of sending a 110-115gr quality bullet down stream in the 3400fps area. If interested in such I suggest you PM Roskoe, he has a 2506AI and am sure he'd be willing to share his finding on its potential and prowess.

G/L

RE: New Rifle project, need input!
 

Just money my friend, just money.[8D]

Oh its a sweet piece.Stainless Rem 700 Long action, timney trigger, 26" Douglas Premium Air Gauged barrel, Curly maple Stock (pillared & Glassed) w/ ebony forearm and pistol grip caps. I really love it, but I'm ready for another project.

RE: New Rifle project, need input!
 

Thats a aweful nice looking rifle Shato.

Well then I had mentioned this round before x-mass to ya.How about a 25-284 or 25 WSM (not a wssm)????
You already have the 284 dies,wouldn't take much to neck down some 284 brass to the 1/4 bore.This would make a nice sheep/goat/deer rifle.
As always I would say you can't go wrong witha 25-06 Rem,but it can't compare to the .300 RUM when we are talking BIG game and long shots.
BBJ

RE: New Rifle project, need input!
 

Wow! What an amazing thread! Everybody really does have their favorites out there! I own several rifles! My favorite is still my very first rifle in 270. I now own:

270 win
7mm Weatherby
300 Win Mag
25WSM
.45 cal knight muzzleloader

The 25 WSM has only been fired once because the dope that bore sighted my scope put the thing on incorrectly! I am going to rework the .25wsm and get the scope fixed and turn this into my hunting gun for the year on all 2 deer and an antelope hunt this year. I cant wait for my September hunt for Antelope this year!

Either way I am thinking about taking the Thompson Long Range Shooting Course sometime this summer!

Has anyone taken a course like this?

RE: New Rifle project, need input!
 

In responds to your fist post I would build a 375 whether it is a H&H or RUM is up to you. For a mountain rifle cal. on a 700 action with more power I would build a 264 Win Mag. Own one in a sendero and man is it awsome... If you are looking for a rifle builder I would strongly suggess you talk to John Porter. He not only can build you a rifle that will shoot like a house on fire. He can also tailer make you compensation knobs for your pet load so that you can shootwell over 500 yrds without holdover. With a resume like his I know that he is to the point and not a bucket of BS. For more info you might wont to get a copy of BIG GAME ADVENTURES fall/winter 2005 to find out more about John...KEEP SHOOTING & HUNTING HARD!!!

RE: New Rifle project, need input!
 

NICE RIFLE!!! I own a 25/06 tikka and wouldn't trade it for anything. As for 1/4 bores, if I was to buld one it would be the 257 Weatherby mag that is one bad news round for sheep, goats, etc...Fast and flat is where it's at when it comes to hunting sheep, goats ,etc...:D:D:D