The perfect rifle

[Lionheart]

I know, no such thing. But I am having a gun built for western hunting. Mostly big whitetail and Muleys but want it to handle Elk also. I want the gun to weigh about 7.5 to 8 lbs without optics...heavy enough to shoot well but light enough to carry.

Accuracy is paramount...I would like the gun to be an honest 500yd+ gun. So I'm thinking 1/2 MOA WITH HAND LOADS.

Thoughts appreciated on the following:

Caliber. I'm considering .300 RUM or the new .30 Nosler. Mainly because these can shoot the new BERGER VLD or similar bullets in the 180 to 215 grain range. I don't care what ammo costs...it's a hunting rifle that I am going to hand load a 100 rounds for and probably never shoot them all. More important to me is a high ballistic co-efficient, flat trajectory, retained energy, inherent accuracy...and bullet performance of course.

Action. I'm considering a Stiller predator but hear good things about the Defiant action. I know you can use a trued Remington 700 but I'm just not a big fan. I shoot pre-64 Winchesters or Sako's now but I'm willing to listen. I want the action as light as possible ...titanium?

Barrel. Right now I'm leaning toward a PROOF RESEARCH or CHRISTENSEN carbon fiber barrel. Weight is appealing and accuracy is most important. Fluted SS #3 contour is also a possibility...Bartlein? Hart? Douglas? I'm also leaning toward 26" (if I go with calibers above) with either integral or threaded on brake. Yes, rifle WILL have a muzzle break...

Trigger. Timney or Jewell?

Stock. Manners? McMillian? I'm thinking of using stock with adjustable check rest like a tactical stock...just worried about the weight. I'm also thinking I would like a detachable magazine. Yes or no? Why?

Opinions?

 

[1EDsson]

Well, IMHO, yes, you should do all of the above, but there's quite a bit of over my head stuff there.

But, in for pics and a range report!!

 

[greg vess]

I like what I read about the 30 Nosler. 200 fps faster at the muzzle. Sounds like a perfect long range killer.

 

[3clicks_Off]

If I could only pick one rifle to use for the rest of my days it would be a 7mm-08.

 

[Psilloh1]

I think I would go a different path. I would not necessarily look at having a high dollar custom one off. I would invest in the optics to drive your gun. I think a I think a .300 RUM would be spot on. Then hang a great optic on! I'm a loyal highend Zeiss guy. But there's some great choices out there.

 

[3clicks_Off]

I think I would go a different path. I would not necessarily look at having a high dollar custom one off. I would invest in the optics to drive your gun. I think a I think a .300 RUM would be spot on. Then hang a great optic on! I'm a loyal highend Zeiss guy. But there's some great choices out there.

Optics make or break a setup for sure. I typically spend as much on mounts, rings and optics as I did the rifle.

 

[greg vess]

I built a 2000 dollar AR10 in just parts. After I assembled it I was broke. I wanted to shoot it so bad I bought a 220 dollar Bushnell AR optic 308 because I didn't have the funds to spend a ton on a scope at the time. Believe it or not that little cheap scope consistently punches .375 groups at 100 all day long. The scope works click for click and has never lost it's zero. I wouldn't have believed it myself if I had not have seen it first hand. I an usually with you on spending big money on a scope to match a big money gun but this scope does the job and I have no intentions on replacing it. I usually use Nikon, Vortex or Leopold at the bare minimum. I guess I just got a freak Bushnell.

 

[Burdy]

I would do this:
http://bergarausa.com/bergara_premier_series_stalker_rifle.php

Plus this:
https://www.stockysstocks.com/karsten-adjustable-cheekrest.html

With this on top in the standard plex reticle:
http://www.swarovskioptik.com/hunting/z5-3p5-18x44-p-c20050301/z5-3p5-18x44-p-l-brx-p5006187

Since that is a 2nd focal optic, I would do a 200 yardi-ish Maximum Point Blank Range zero and use the preset ballistic turrets to dial in 300, 400 and 500 yards. Like this:
http://www.outdoorlife.com/blogs/li...warovski-ballistic-turret-long-range-shooting

In the real world, you will have spent $3500 total and your rifle will weigh 8.5 lbs WITH optic and shoot like a house on fire. You won't screw up your dope on your trophy in the heat of the moment and you will have great glass for shooting at dawn and dusk. Also, since you are going on a hunt of a lifetime the Bergara bolt can be broken down fully by hand and you can carry an extra extractor with you if you so choose for those just in case moments.

 

[DinkyDau]

This is the one I shoot long range with, topped with VARI X 3 in 308..Its a tac driver.
http://www.weatherby.com/mark-vr-ultra-lightweight.html

 

[Lionheart]

I would do this:
http://bergarausa.com/bergara_premier_series_stalker_rifle.php

Plus this:
https://www.stockysstocks.com/karsten-adjustable-cheekrest.html

With this on top in the standard plex reticle:
http://www.swarovskioptik.com/hunting/z5-3p5-18x44-p-c20050301/z5-3p5-18x44-p-l-brx-p5006187

Since that is a 2nd focal optic, I would do a 200 yardi-ish Maximum Point Blank Range zero and use the preset ballistic turrets to dial in 300, 400 and 500 yards. Like this:
http://www.outdoorlife.com/blogs/li...warovski-ballistic-turret-long-range-shooting

In the real world, you will have spent $3500 total and your rifle will weigh 8.5 lbs WITH optic and shoot like a house on fire. You won't screw up your dope on your trophy in the heat of the moment and you will have great glass for shooting at dawn and dusk. Also, since you are going on a hunt of a lifetime the Bergara bolt can be broken down fully by hand and you can carry an extra extractor with you if you so choose for those just in case moments.

Those look like nice rifles. I'm not so sure about that safety not locking the bolt however. I had one rifle like that and it made me nervous about accidentally catching the bolt handle on something in a hunting environment.

I have one of the Swarovski scopes with the turrets. I think I like it . Just haven't had time to tweak them and test enough at long range so that I trust them.