I NEVER ask questions like this but what the heck.

I have a 1982 Rem 700 in 30-06 AI'd about 5 years back. The action, back in 1982, was heavily lightened to make a super LW 30-06. Here it is in it's HeyDay. ADL.







The current Lilja barrel is toothpick, .552", thin. It shoots just fine, I just don't shoot it and being as light as it is, it kicks more than my 8-1/2 lb 9.3x62.

I just made a trade with my 'smith and have $750 in credit with him. I also have a new McMillian Rem Sporter, Edge filled stock in grey I ordered last year but it's still sitting.

Any suggestions on what I could do? I think the theme is to keep it light and make it a super light but accurate sheep/mountain rifle

Ideas that have come to mind are...

-True the action
-Refinish metal and old stock
-pillar/glass bed either stock
-rebarrel to new caliber and do the two suggested above. Caliber and barrel contour suggestions.
-Add new trigger

My current calibers I run are as follows.

223
6.5x47 x 2
257 Rob
260 Rem
9.3x62

Thanks for any ideas.

Alan

How about a 6.5-06 in the McMillan stock?

6.5-06 Ackley, or 280 Ackley

25-06, maybe?

Alan,
For a dedicated sheep/mountain rifle or just a good all around rifle. I would look to a 270 Win or a 280 Ackley. The 270 has a proven rep for the purpose you mentioned and the 280 will have more bullet choices for an all around rifle. Use the McMillian stock, a 24in #2 barrel, a Leupold 2.5x8 scope with whatever crosshairs you like. Add in a Jewel hunting trigger.

My own choice for an all around rifle would be the 280 AI. But since I have two 270's I'll just get along with what I have.

Aaron

GSSP

If the rifle shoots good in its present configuration I just do not see how you could possible improve it, especially considering the money spent.

IF I was building from scratch, for ME, I would build a 308, as ANYTHING I clould do ith a 270, 280, 30/06 [great calibres all] I can and have done with a 308...

I LOVE the 308... And I think the 270 or the 280 are GREAT, I have seen friends use them quite a bit, they are great.... BUT the 30/06???

IF it is not the BEST Calibre in this power class, I do not know what would be...

Here is a thought... IF the 30/06 is not your PRIMARY hunting rifle in the USA for the lower 48, then you should have a very good reason why... IMHO of course...

As I've gotten older I've found I don't tolerate recoil like I used to. Even my shooting with a light 7x57 wasn't like it used to be.

So . . . I changed to a lighter projectile (120's in the 7mm) went to faster powder and made the rifle a whole lot nicer to shoot.

Moral of this story, I'd leave your 30-06 as is but go to a 130 gn projectile and faster powder. Its a virtuous circle effect.

Cheers

quote:

I think the theme is to keep it light and make it a super light but accurate sheep/mountain rifle

IMO you have just described the standard .280 Remington.....and since the "AI" version is now a legitimate SAAMI cartridge it is also a fine choice.

Light but accurate.

How about a 22" #3 contour? It should balance right at the center of the receiver, and be a nice balance between weight, and stiffness of barrel.

.06 length and bolt head, I love the .270 Win, but you already have a 6.5, and a big boomer. That would leave the .280 AI or another 30.06.
160gr .284 AB should be deadly on sheep.

quote:

Originally posted by Antelope Sniper:

How about a 22" #3 contour? It should balance right at the center of the receiver, and be a nice balance between weight, and stiffness of barrel.

That would leave the .280 AI
160gr .284 AB should be deadly on sheep.

1. The my action being considerably lightened, do you think a #2 might balance better?

2. I'm sure a 160 AB would work fine but a 160 seems a bit much for a sheep. Maybe a 140 AB or BT.

Alan