My first custom build

randolph45

randolph45

New member
I have a Remington 700 .243 I'm looking to build on. It'll be my first custom build. I'm very green in this area so comments and recs would be appreciated.

I'm thinking of 6.5x47L just as a fun gun to shoot and a deer rifle. Thoughts? Also, what do I absolutely need to know before starting? Thanks for your time.
 
I would research and interview some gunsmiths first. Establish a comfortable relationship with someone who is competent, especially one who has built a rifle like you are want to build.

Some smiths order parts and some want you to order them. If the latter is the case, then you will need to familiarize your self with how to order or buy a barrel, stock and action, as well as what twist rates will accommodate the bullet(s) you intend to shoot. You will also need to learn the ins and outs as to how to order parts. At first ordering a stock can seem intimidating.

I always start with the weight and type of bullet I want to shoot and build a rifle around that. Even though I've built a few, I still run my idea by my gunsmith to make sure what I have in mind will or wont work.

Having said that, the 6.5 Lapua is an easy one to build for. Can be feed with detach mag or internal mag.

I would have an ideal weight of rifle in mind too before I started. Your smith may also be able to help with that area too. Also, there are several on this site who "have been down the road" and are a wealth of information.

The rifle and round you are wanting to build is not that difficult and easy to obtain.

Good luck
 
Thanks. I have a very "in tune" friend who is helping me out. I just always like others opinions as well. Never hurts. He also has a gunsmith who is going to hook me up.

Thinking about sticking with the 6.5x47L

24" stainless barrel 1/8 twist Barlien kreiger brux


Well one more question....what's a short action round that isn't as popular but still fun? I like being different and all the guys I shoot with already have 6BR, 6ppc, 6.5x47, 6x47....
 

Also, what do I absolutely need to know before starting? Thanks for your time. [/quote]


How much you want to spend!! Best place to start!
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Well, assuming I can get some return on the barrel, scope, and stock I currently have. I think $1000-$1200 before scope is more than possible.
 
You should be able to build a pretty nice rifle for those $$. Lots of barrel blanks and nice stocks over on 6mmBR. Will cut down on wait times by quite a bit. Usually decent prices too! All joking aside, a good smith should be at the top of your list. A rookie or hacker will take your money and leave you with a POS. Choose a smith you can trust. Thats the best advice I can give you. The best barrel money can buy is only a piece of pipe after a hacker gunsmith gets done with it.
 
what are some of the benefits of the .260 Ackley?
I'm finding that getting brass for the 47Lapua is going to be tougher than originally thought.
 
Originally Posted By: byates45what are some of the benefits of the .260 Ackley?
I'm finding that getting brass for the 47Lapua is going to be tougher than originally thought.

Powder valley
Sinclair
Grafs

Are all showing 6.5 x 47 Lapua brass in stock now
Those are the only three I've checked but I'm sure others have it too
 
6.5 Lapua brass is very easy to find. And I really like this cartridge. I have mine dialed in decently with some 130 ABs. It will get it done right with the 260 Rem and 6.5 Creed.
 
I guess it's not that hard to find after all. Just going off what I've read on other sites. I guess you gotta know where to look, or maybe the weren't looking too hard.
 
Originally Posted By: byates45I guess it's not that hard to find after all. Just going off what I've read on other sites.

#1 rule for building a rifle - Never believe anything you read on the internet or hear in a gunshop...
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After your on the forum a while, it becomes pretty obvious the guys that know what they are talking about. Trust & believe what they say. Some others should offer salt with their suggestions
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Good idea is to go through the "custom rifle blueprints" thread here & 24hr. When you see a gun you like, PM the guy (anyone who has posted it on a public forum will love talking about it to you). Ask the specifics (if not already posted) and what he would do different if any. The #1 complaint about most builds (at least what I see the most) is they built it too heavy. If you don't plan to be very mobil not a big deal. A heavier rifle is usually easier to shoot well & usually shoots better (but not a hard fast rule). However, an extra 2# feels like an anchor if you walk miles in a day.

If possible, get somewhere you can actually touch & hold rifles of different blueprints & see what YOU like best.

As said above the smith is a MAJOR factor in having a good rifle in the end.

Lastly, and likely the best advise when you start building rifles is to seek proffesional help... It's a sickness that grows inside you and eventually consumes your every thought.
 
Originally Posted By: coleridge
Lastly, and likely the best advise when you start building rifles is to seek proffesional help... It's a sickness that grows inside you and eventually consumes your every thought.

This is 100% truth!

I don't think you can go wrong with anything based on the 6.5x47 case.
If you want something different, the 6 or 6.5 SLR might get your attention. 243 brass with the neck pushed back for a 30 degree shoulder. Brass is easy and Redding makes dies.
 
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I like the 260AI because you can make the brass out of several different cases and once you have made it the stuff it lasts a long time. I have only fire formed 98 cases in the last 3 or 4 years.

Mine has a 30" barrel so that helps with velocity, but I was pleasantly supprised when I was getting the big 140gr bullets comfortably up to 3000fps. Real flat shooter that practicaly ignores the wind. I was pondering several different 6.5s when I was doing my build, now that I know fire forming is no big deal I wouldn't build any other 6.5. In my research it was the best and I still agree with that. It is basically neck and neck with the 6.5x284 but it is in a short action and it is easier on barrels.

...and the 40 degree shoulder with a ballistic tiped Amax seated long looks pretty mean. Good luck with your build, you will be happy with whatever your choice is.

By the way. If you think your rifle turned out too heavy, dont shave anything off. Go join the gym instead, you wont regret it. Serious...
 
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