What do you think about this long range .308 build ?

[Rob62]

Since the time I sold my last long range .308 bolt action rifle I have wanted to build another one.

Well one thing has led to another and everything is either on hand or in the mail as I type this.

I have no real "need" for this gun, only a desire to do the build and see if I can consistently get .5-.8" 5-shot groups at 100 yards. So that is my accuracy goal with this gun. I used to have an all stock Remington 700VS that consistently shot in this realm with handloads.

So without much further adieu here is what I am putting together.

Remington 700 SPS Special Purpose Synthetic Varmint, .308 Win, 26" heavy barrel. The barrel will be lightly hand lapped to get rid of any slight factory rifling imperfections.

HS Precision Pro Series vertical pistol grip stock.

Leupold VARI -X III, 6.5x20x50 matte finish with target turrets, fine Duplex reticle.

EGW, 20 MOA, single piece base scope mount.

Burris Tactical Rings (Was going to go with a set of Badger Ordnance Max50 rings I have laying around but for one reason or another went with these.)

Timney #510 trigger.

Pelican Gun Case.

About $1,700 invested so far and counting......

This weekend I am off to a local gun show to pick up some Federal Gold Medal Match ammo to use as a baseline for accuracy to develop handloads off of. Right now I am planning on starting with 165gr Nosler Ballistic Tips (which have always provided match grade accuracy for me) and the traditional 168gd SMK.

Realizing that all threads are worthless without pictures. I will post some once the rifle assembled.

Regards,

Rob

 

[tobnpr]

JMO...

Certainly a capable stick based on the components your're putting into it.
But, at the end of the day, it's still a factory 700-and the trigger and the stock will help it realize it's maximum potential.

While you should be able to get the lower end (.8"), .5" might be more elusive as getting that consistently is more in the realm of aftermarket barrels at minimum, usually with the action being blueprinted.

Should eat those FGMM's for lunch

Be sure to report back Monday to let us know how it did; the lapping should get you in the zone right off the bat.

 

[Rob62]

It will probably be another week before everything arrives. And then it will be hit or miss as to when I can get to the range.

But in any case I will be posting updates as they happen.

Rob

 

[cw308]

My rifle started out as a Rem. 700 LTR 308 cal. Max. ranges on LI NY are 200 yards. Stock rifle shot great, after 4000+ rounds down the barrel, had it blueprinted installed a Rock Creek barrel M24 5R 1-11.27 twist 21" barrel installed, groups are .5 at 200yards & better as long as I don't screw up the shot. At this point I know it's me and not the rifle,thats off a Harris Bi-pod & rear bag. Jewell Trigger set at 10 oz. For your distance 24-26" heavy barrel would probably be better. I change my firing pin spring (Rem.Standard spring) at 3000 round count, check your action torque settings once a year, will you bed your stock, does make a difference. I have the HS Precision 700P stock & still bedded it with Devcon, It's rock solid. Good luck with your build, Be Safe out there, Chris

 

[Kimber84]

I'm a huge .308 fan and currently run two different setups. 168's in my one and 208 AMAXs in the other. I love slinging the .208's, windage is soooo much better with them compared to the 168's especially out past 600 yards.

Be interested in seeing how this rifle works out for you.

 

[Rob62]

Things are moving along. I got everything but the scope. Which is waiting at the Post Office for me to pick up.

At the gun show this morning I picked up 5 boxes of assorted Match .308. Two of which are Federal Gold Medal Match.

18 May Update - The original factory front action stock screw is a bit too short to be used with this stock. The rear screw was OK. All I am getting is about 2-3 turns. Ideally I want the screw to be threaded all the way into the receiver wall - yet obviously not be too far into the receiver to interfere with the bolt lock up.

So my solution was to order a long set of action screws from Brownells. Only about $6 retail so that's not too bad. While I was at it I also ordered a spare extractor for around $16. Didn't need one of these but its nice to have on hand JIC.

Rob

 

[Rob62]

And here she is all set up and ready to go to the range as soon as my long action screw/s arrive from Brownells.

Overall I am really happy with the outcome so far. Now if only this beast can shoot. My goal is still very consistent sub MOA groups shown previously

For those that care about barrel break in I use the shoot one clean one method of barrel break in. Which arguably may or may not do anything to help.

I know there are as many different ways to break in a barrel as there are opinions on how to do it. Here is what I generally do to break a barrel in:

1. Clean barrel thoroughly, 1 shot. Repeat - 5 times

2. Clean barrel, 3 shots. Repeat 3 - 5 times (exact number depends on how bored I am getting )

3. Clean barrel, 10 shots. Clean barrel. And then start shooting for groups or sight in. I generally clean the barrel after each range session from that point on.

The important thing to me is figuring out if the "cold" shot will be to point of aim with a clean barrel, or if the cold shot should be through a dirty barrel. If the later is the case I will shoot at least one round through the barrel after cleaning, which would then have to be done at the range.

Random notes on the assembly -

Purple Loctite was used on the scope mount and all ring screws. I also did something I generally do not do. That is I put a little Loctite on the inside of the rings next to the scope tube essentially "gluing" it into the rings. Since I was too lazy to lap them.

The scope crosshairs were leveled / squared to the receiver. However I do not plan on putting a bubble gauge on the scope tube for general shooting.

The Burris scope rings actually called "Xtreme Tactical Rings" (item# 420181) - because if your gonna be Tactical you gotta be Xtreme Tactical are rated to have their base nuts tightened down to 65-100 in-lbs. I thought the 100 in-lbs may have been a mistake. So I called Burris Technical Support on it. They said the base nuts are absolutely rated up to 100 in-lbs. and actually have been tested higher than that. Maybe not surprising to some of you long range shooters, but something that really stood out to me.

Rob

 

[Unlicensed Dremel]

Wow. That sounds fantastic..... except for the mediocre chambering. Why are we hamstringing ourself with an inferior chambering? Why not .260 rem or 6.5 creedmoor, for example?

Oops, misread it.. when I read this:

"So without much further adieu here is what I am putting together"

I thought you meant that this is a yet-to-be acquired component build. Carry on, sir.

 

[Rob62]

Yup, It is a build that I put together with intend to use .308.

I freely admit that there are better long range calibers. Personally I like .300 Win Mag as a good, not too expensive to load for long range cartridge.

But for my needs and wants .308 Win will more than do. One of the key reasons I chose this caliber is that I am all set to load for it. And I have streamlined my CF rifle cartridges to .224, .243, & .308 bore cartridges. I did not want to get into another bullet diameter (cartridge) that I will have to keep on hand.

Right now my quest is to pick up a case of Federal GM Match ammo at a decent price. As little as I may shoot this gun 200 rounds should last for a while.

 

[Rob62]

Range day occurred About 12 rounds fired in total - just tried to get the barrel broken in.

I did manage to get a couple "two fers". Shots which also went over a chronograph. The chrono test was done secondary for needing to foul the bore. Overall I feel confident MV will be slightly above published numbers by about 20-60 FPF.

While not shooting for accuracy, initial results are not negative - about MOA. Which I feel will be much better once the barrel is broken in and I find a load it likes.

 

[Road_Clam]

Well, i'll toss in some opinions seeing as how I have both .308 and .300 WM all setup up for 600-1000 yds. First off I'm confused if you do, or do not hand load from reading your posts.
My rifles are both R700's with factory heavy barrels. I also have mid level optics , and Bell & Carelson Tac A5 stocks. They are basically clones to each other to maintain consistent feel. Your criteria for reaching "consistently get .5-.8" 5-shot groups at 100 yards." is a pretty tall order IF you don't hand load. You may very well luck out and find single factory match grade ammo that shoots amazing in say the month of June, but odds are as the temps drop, or humidity changes your accuracy consistency will very. It's all about barrel harmonics and hopefully finding match ammo that your barrel responds favorably to. IMO if you don't already you need to get into handloading along with the use of a chronograph to realistically achieve your goal. I've currently tested and documented over 400 different loads of .223, .308, .300WM and some factory stuff. It's taken me several years to find the true method of maintaining consistency all year long. My .308 was fairly easy to find severall different bullets and powder combinations that provide me with solid consistency. My .300WM has been somewhat difficult to achieve the same, still testing with my .300WM. So I guess my point is your only focusing on one aspect of precision which is the rifle itself, the other half of the game is handloading and testing/documenting. I'm not trying to pee all over your project , but just trying to be realistic. People seem to drool on a internet pic of a .2 MOA 3 shot group that some guy claims "my rifle shoots this all day long" but IME shooting at my gun club and talking with our master shooters , RARELY do I ever see this scenario CONSISTIANTLY. My all time best .308 group was shot using the 168 SMK with 39.9gr of Benchmark with a .020" bullet jump on 5/14/13. I recorded a .290" group at 200 meters ! While this sounds amazingly accurate , I have no further consistent data on this same load , this load more produces and average of about .8" groups , so why the one time killer tight group ? I can't answer that... I am learning to favor less accurate loads with better consistency , than a single super accurate load that produces questionable consistency. Regardless of my opinions , good luck and keep us posted in your findings !

 

[Rob62]

Thanks for the comments. I do handload for the .308.

But at least initially I am using factory loaded ammo. Because I want to create a benchmark for level of accuracy. And I think that using factory ammo sets that line.

The one thing I have learned in all my time shooting rifles is that even or specially with a standard factory barrel. Proper break in proceedures are important. I let more than one rifle's bore get away from me and had an incredible amount of copper jacket build up on the rifling.

That is why I am going super slow right now. Next range session will have me fire a succession of three and then 5 shot groups. Both for accuracy - sighting in, chronographing the MV, and further bore break in. Right now I am pleased with how that process is going. Not a spot of copper in the bore.

I have all my range notes and will post those next once I get them written up.

Something that may be odd or not. Using the 20MOA scope base had me nearly bottom out my scopes elevation knob for 100 yard targets. So all I have is elevation adjustments left. But that may be a great thing since this is a "Long Range" rig.

 

[F. Guffey]

What do you think about this long range .308 build ?

I am not interested in the long range, After making my rounds I came home with what was declared sniper barrels, after measuring chamber lengths, shanks etc., I decided to built a heavy barrel 308 W. the barrels were free, the receiver/parts gun cost $25.00. I will have time invested and if it is accurate there will be a matter of a stock.

F. Guffey

 

[kraigwy]

I don't understand all the complaints about the 308 at 1000. I shot a hell of a lot of 1000 yard matches and my best scores were out of my Super Match M1A.

1000 yard shooting is about judging environment conditions more then the ammo (to a point).

If the wind calls for X with you super hi bc bullets, it might call for 2 X for the 308 but that's why they put those little knobs on the sights.

168s wont shoot at 1000, that's why Sierra made 175s, they do.

I said I shot my best scores with the M1A, that's true, but now I have one I think that will beat it out.

Its a USAMU build Model 70 308 I got from the CMP Auctions. That puppy is a shooter, but I haven't shot a match with it yet. I'm also going to try it in "across the course" or high power matches.

I can use it both with irons or glass. Just cant shoot service rifle with it but I still have my M1A and a White Oak AR for that.

 

[Rob62]

Remington 700 Custom, .308 Win write up of what I have shot so far.

29 May 2015, 1220 hrs, 69% humidity, 81 degree temp, light wind. Primary goal of the day was to properly break in the barrel.

PPU (Privi Partisan) 168 grain Match and Federal 168 grain GM Match ammunition used for barrel break in.

Factory advertised MV for Privi Partisan .308 Match = 2608 FPS
Factory advertised MV for Federal Gold Medal .308 Match = 2650 FPS

Total 11 rounds fired.

Muzzle velocities recorded. Shooting Chrony F1 chronograph @ 12’ from muzzle. NOT all rounds fired were Chronographed.

Privi Partisan .308 Match:

2618 FPS
2672 FPS
2679 FPS
2886 FPS
2683 FPS

Federal Gold Match ammo
2834 FPS
2832 FPS

23 June 2015, 1325 hrs, temperature 91 degrees, clear skies with occasional clouds. Primary goal of the day was to continue proper barrel break in procedures.

HSM 168 grain Match ammunition, Total 14 rounds fired.

Cumulative total 25 rounds fired through barrel

Muzzle velocities recorded. Shooting Chrony F1 chronograph @ 8’ from muzzle.

2899
2893
2747 (clouds / shadow over screens)
2893
2850
2889
2860
2912
2860
2872
2893
2872
2854
2719 (clouds)

Average MV for 12 rds = 2,879 FPS (Threw out the two low MVs due to the clouds possibly skewing results.)

This was a real eye opener. There were distinct clouds in the sky providing shadow over the chronograph when I fired the two lowest velocity rounds. I never thought about the issue of clouds before. But in this very limited shooting session it seems that clouds, or the chrony being in a shadow vs being in full sunlight does effect its accuracy.

Best group 1.182 center to center @ 100 yards (HSM 168 gr Match ammo). I attribute this relatively poor group to not focusing this range session on firing groups for accuracy and a fairly "soft" bench rest.

 

[Rancid]

Now that is fun!

 

[tobnpr]

I have no real "need" for this gun, only a desire to do the build and see if I can consistently get .5-.8" 5-shot groups at 100 yards.

I went back to your OP to see what your objective is.
Granted, you wrote off moa+ performance due to a couple of factors- and that's fine. The leade was hand-lapped, so I would not expect any improvement in accuracy with a higher round count. After all, lapping is basically a substitute for "barrel break-in" anyway.

While interesting knowledge to have, MV by chrono is pretty irrelevant if your goal is shooting bugholes at 100 yards. A SD of 50 or 60 fps is not going to affect drop measurably at that range.

More importantly, IMO, is experimentation with different types and weights of bullets. All of your choices were tangential ogive, and of the same weight (168).

We have two .308's, one a bolt gun, the other an AR-10- and neither will shoot sub-minute with 168's- of any flavor- and we tried several including the AMax. Put 175 SMK's in either one of them- and they're 3/4 minute.

When you get serious off the bench with it I'd change up the bullet weights to see what that barrel really likes, then play with the jump.

And ditto on the clouds- had the same problem last time out. Light breeze, not a big deal at 100 yards- but it was one of those partly cloudy days with big puffy cumulus clouds in an otherwise sunny blue sky. I put the plastic sun shields up on the Chrony- but every time a cloud rolled in front of the sun it wouldn't read.

 

[zach_]

I have the same base rifle. The 168 GMMK work best for me. I used 175 GMMK for a short time with less consistency. Could have been me though. My favorite range is still under water. I hope they dry out soon. I don't want to shoot the other range options in the area as they are too crowded on the weekend. My weekday shooting was a nice luxury for the last 18 months. Back to the Monday thru Friday grind again. Having weekends off is nice though. Keep us posted. I am curious if a "blueprint job" would be worthwhile on mine. Good Luck.