First Long Range Build Help/Suggestions

[acc05R1]

Im fixing to start building a long range hunting rig. I have a Savage 110 in 7mm rem mag that I'm waiting on. It does not have the accutrigger. I'm looking to build on a budget, and am looking for suggestions. I was looking at the PAC-nor match chrome molly or shillen barrels, a Boyd's laminate stock that will be bedded, a muzzle break, either a timmney trigger or a rifle basix trigger. I will have a smith properly headspace and thread the muzzle. As far as optics go, I was consider the Vortex Viper PST 6.5-24X50 FFP or I currently have a Zeiss 6.5-20X50. I'm looking for inputs and suggestions from those of you that have built some rigs, and any advice that you may have for a newbie. Thanks.

[ducks-and-bucks]

Is your thinking/plan to build off the savage action you have coming in? Or custom action?

What are you wanting to do and use it for?

Bench shooting? Prone shooting? Carry it up the mountain shooting? Target shooting?

What calibers do you have in mind?

Long range prairie dog or long range big game?

For the money you spend on the vortex you may as well get a sightron s3. Better glass. I like the Zeiss too though.

[Cajun Blake]

don't skimp $$$ on the barrel


buy a select match grade ss tube

go to www.sharpshootersupply.com for what you need

[acc05R1]

I was planning on building off of the Savage action that I have coming. My plan is to use it for hunting, and am looking to make shots out to 800 yards or so. Although, the majority of the shots would be around the 500-600 yard range. As far as game that I would take shots at, it would range from whitetail to hogs to deer sized exotics. Thanks for the recommendations on the scope and tube.

[Zen Archery]

My only advice is whatever you spend on total rifle build put same amount of money if not more into scope. No point building long range rifle if you can't see clearly your target at 1000 yards.

[ducks-and-bucks]

First caliber that come to my mind is 7 mag, plus thats the bolt face you already have. 7STW is great too. You run into a small selection because your wanting to use the action you have there. A standard 7 mag will do out to 1000 yards given the right load combo. Hunting wise, like you mentioned I'd stay under 600. past 300 yards you cant see a deer good enough to judge antlers anyways.

[acc05R1]

I appreciate all the suggestions so far. Here is what I have decided to do. The donor gun I have for this build is a Savage 110 (pre-accutrigger) chambered in 7mm mag. I want to rechamber to a 7mm RUM (if possible), will go with a shillen, hart, or other barrel probably in the 26" range, either a SSS trigger or Rifle Basix trigger, muzzle brake, and 20 moa base. I haven't decided on stock yet (gun is a blind mag model), but it will be pillar and glass bedded. I like the bc and energy of this round for hunting and plan on using Berger 180 VLD hunting bullets. This gun is being built strictly for hunting. With what I have listed so far, does this seem feasible, and would it be realistic to expect sub moa performance? Any suggestions or other recommendations would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

Additionally, I don't have the budget for a custom action, and I know most prefer to use a rem 700 action, however, I like the fact that a lot can be done with the Savages without having to use a gunsmith. I'm trying to keep this build around $1k, minus the action since I already have that, and optics. Thanks again.

[ducks-and-bucks]

Use a krieger, brux, bartlien, or lilja barrel.... they are cut barrels and there is less stress in the barrel from being made... go with a composite stock like a hs precision for that budget and you should be good for a pretty decent set up.

[ducks-and-bucks]

Brux barrels are about 4 months out unless you can find a blank online somewhere... that's what I'd use. 7 mag will do that range fine. The 7 stw will have a little more performance if u reload. The 7 rum... I'm not sure if that fits that action... that a long case and if you reload them you will want to seat the bullet out probably and that may not work in the mag..