Fellas,
Looking for some input/reviews/advice for a new rifle. First- after lurking on this site for several years I know that I make less money in 3 years than most of the members here make in 3 weeks! Im looking for something around $2000 and money is (as always) the limiting factor. Two things I'm considering are a custom build on a 700 action or buying a something like the Seekins Havak . I would be using a Timney trigger and a Mcmillan stock so a factory rifle like the Seekins is already very similar. It does not have to be a Seekins so I am open to other suggestions, I just cant seem to find very many guns that are under the $3500 price range. Which is the better option for price/quality/accuracy? Is the Seekins worth the money? Also open to other actions as well, but like the versatility of the 700

If I had a donor rifle, I think I would do a rebarrel. If not, I would buy the Seekins or a Browning X-Bolt. I have heard nothing but good about both regarding accuracy and a friend with a Seekins has had excellent customer service with the one small issue that he had. Tikka's also seem to have a very strong following.

Never heard of seekens, but for $2k you can get what you want on a Rem 700 if you don't want any extra stuff that does not contribute to accuracy.
What caliber do you want? Realize that a 22-250 might be a bit more accurate than a 375.

As far as the custom build I will be starting from scratch, I dont even have the action to start with. I am looking the 28 Nosler, but also wouldnt mind having a 6.5PRC. I want something that will kill an elk at 500 yds and shoot MOA at that distance. Trying to avoid the oddball calibers due to the shortage of components and ammo.

You need to be careful in selecting the action for a PRC and likely for the 28 Nosler. The PRC is finicky to get to feed properly so do your homework and start with an action and bottom metal that will reliably feed. Or but an off the shelf rifle. A 500 yard elk rifle is a goal easily met.

You could do a whole lot worse than to purchase a new Winchester Model 70 Supergrade in either 7MM REM Mag or .300 Win. Mag for your long range elk rifle. Controlled round feed!

https://www.winchesterguns.com...-70-super-grade.html

Any actions you would recommend for the 28 Nosler or 6.5 PRC? AS far the 500yd elk gun- I should have said deer and coyote. If I can consistently kill coyotes at 500 then I know I can kill an elk even farther. Can I expect the same accuracy from the Win 70 as a custom build with hand loads?

Do you own a center fire rifle now.

Use that until you meet your goal.

A 1.5 inch rifle is a 500 7.5 inch rifle

If not buy a factory 308 win a good scope and laser/wind finder.

The money you save use on more practice ammo.

Far to many people think equipment well solve their problem.

When you can wring the most out of your factory rifle then you can move on.

Study ballistics and you will find most of these new cartridge's are very close to the old ones.

I currently own a pile of guns. I use a custom built 22-250 on a daily basis for my job, I am no stranger to shooting, ballistics and practicing. I am fortunate to use a gun more than most people, as it is my job to hunt. However, Ive never been fortunate enough to spend my own money on high dollar guns and optics. Just looking for some opinions on some higher end guns that will get me a little farther than all the guns I currently own.

Having a custom built rifle will not necessarily buy you any more accuracy than a current off the rack rifle. You just get to pick the components and have it made to your specs. Modern rifles are more accurate than ever, thanks to CNC machines.
What action? Your budget only allows for a 700.
Although, look at a Savage. They already make some good, production, long range rifles that will shoot.
Also, there is a lot you can do yourself; like painting a stock, or coating metal, which saves $hundreds. Even glass bedding; anyone can do.

quote:

Originally posted by dpcd:
Having a custom built rifle will not necessarily buy you any more accuracy than a current off the rack rifle. You just get to pick the components and have it made to your specs. Modern rifles are more accurate than ever, thanks to CNC machines.
What action? Your budget only allows for a 700.
Although, look at a Savage. They already make some good, production, long range rifles that will shoot.
Also, there is a lot you can do yourself; like painting a stock, or coating metal, which saves $hundreds. Even glass bedding; anyone can do.

One does not have to spend a lot of money on a custom rifle to have a good shooter.


spend the money on ammo and optics if you do not have good laser range finder buy one that also measure wind.

I have worked up several highly accurate rifles replaced triggers glass bedded ect.

The only work I contract out is barrel work.

Ponder this. I know you will need to spend more bucks on ammo and when you find some better buy several boxes.
The .280 Ackley Improved has been on my radar for years. It's great ''proven'' cartridge for long range hunting. This caliber can reach out there if you choose the right bullets. Ruger made some, Christensen Arms makes 'em. Must be others out there that do factory chambers in this cal.

Building something custom in your price range is not necessary. Just swap out the factory trigger for a Timney if you don't like the factory one.

I was setting out to build a 6.5 prc. The m70 for the WSM makes a good donor. You can also buy the M70's in the PRC. Most guys are using the M700 clone actions. Then you are buying bottom metal, stock, trigger etc. Seeing how my buddy's x-bolt shoots though...a custom may not shoot much better. And the Seekins are shooters as well.

Something like a Christensen Arms Mesa would probably suit your needs well and you’d have some cash left over to put toward a quality scope. Nothing wrong with the Seekins, either, I’m just personally not a fan of the rifle’s esthetics.

For your requirements, I'd recommend looking at Bergara rifles. You can get what you want off the rack. Guys I know and shoot with have mostly migrated to them from Christianson, Proof and Seekins

Another option is buy a used 700 in 270 Win and put a quality aftermarket stock and trigger on it. It will meet your criteria and reloading components are far more easily obtained for the 270 then PRC & Nosler. Aftermarket support is nearly endless for the 700 platform as well. Don't get hung up on the paper tigers,the 270 Win with 140 gr bullets will do everything a 6.5 PRC or 28 Nosler will do out to 500. If you rebarrel or build a 270, go with a 1:8 or 1:8.5 twist rate. There are some newer high BC bullets which take the 'ol 270 to a whole new level.

Thanks for the input guys, I appreciate it. I realize I should have worded my first post a little differently , as I had people thinking I hadnt shot a rifle yet. Just seems that the off-the-shelf rifles these days are dang near as good as a custom,-which I shoot regularly in a 22-250 out to 700yds. Just havent shot these high ends guns yet and I didnt know if they would be quite as good as the customs. I do really like the feel of the X-Bolt with the Mccmillan stock and reviews seem good but its hard to commit without shooting it myself. Think I will continue to research some of the factory rifles before I commit to anything

The Seekins seems a great deal.

Getting a high end custom that shoots fantastic.

Seems like a crap shoot to me. I have seen far to many shooting results. That throwing money at a rifle doesn't always result in a great shooter.

I have several Savage 110 varmint rifles that given me .375 to .750 out of the box. with the first loads I shot in them.

So decide what accuracy is acceptable.

Is 1 inch to 3/4 very doable.

3/4 to 1/2 can be done.

1/2 and under a lot harder.

What weight to you want it to be.

Is it going to be a walking around rifle or carry in the truck rifle.

I have yet to find the one rifle that meets all my needs all the time.

I blew a chance at a really nice mule buck in the plains of eastern Montana this fall.

Because I wasn't carrying one of my thick brush rifles.

Dang buck got up less then 20 yards in front of me in a brush filled gully.

My 9lb 300WM wasn't the best choice for a fast running shot at close range.

But then the buck I shot past 300 yards it was just the ticket.

My 300sav 99 with a 1.5 to 4 was for the very nice 10pt white buck I killed at 10 feet.

The 99 is a 2 inch rifle the 300WM is a solid 3/4 or under rifle.

I have killed dozens of deer with those two rifles.

But that doesn't make them each a perfect rifle.

You make some very valid points, certainly cant fill all the needs with one gun. I would be looking for something around that 6.5-7.5Lb range, will be used for back country mule deer and elk hunts. I am no stranger to toting around a 8.5lb rifle with a suppressor for miles each day so it wont be huge shock when I take it hunting each time. However, If I can get it to shoot 4" groups at 500-600yds I will be happy. I handload for one of my (mostly stock)Ruger Americans currently and can get sub MOA at 300 yds but it spreads out after that so I need something that will continue to group at the longer ranges. So in summary-I have quite a few rifles that work for closer range but need something that will do the long range stuff

quote:

However, If I can get it to shoot 4" groups at 500-600yds I will be happy. I handload for one of my (mostly stock)Ruger Americans currently and can get sub MOA at 300 yds but it spreads out after that so I need something that will continue to group at the longer ranges

4 inch and under groups at 500-600 yards yea that is happy groups.


I have 4 out of many that are capable of that or better. A 243 10lbs best group 5 rounds 1.75 400 yards, 30-06 12lbs 5 shots 600 2.5, 223 12lbs 1.25 5 shot 400 and a 300WM at 9lbs 3.5 600.

But only if I am up to it and the conditions allow for it. It is far more about me then the rifle.

Spreading out pass 300 yards sounds far more like a optic/aiming/rest, shooter problem then the rifle and load.

Good luck in your quest some times it can be easy other times very frustrating.

Look at the browning hells canyon rifles.

Lightweight, chambered in 6.5 creedmore.

I’m in the process of buying one in either .308 or .300 win mag.

GO find a Remington 700 Sendero 1990's vintage and buy it.
Once found, report back to me. try to keep your purchase close to 1k. +_ $250.00
This is a rebarrel. K&P 1-8 i do this build.
Need a few references no prob. PM me.
This is the fast track to a long range killing machine in 28 nos. with load data for a 195gr Berger.
stunning kills to 1000.
no shit!!

Very impressive bullet Timan.
At .755 this 195 BC is off the charts.
Random C/P-
Berger 7mm 195 Grain Elite Hunting Bullets 284 Caliber, EOL Hybrid Hollow Point Boat ... Ballistic Coefficient G1: 0.755

I've watched clients shoot the 195's into deer, antelope, elk. It kills with authority. Like a bull Elk just getting the rug jerked out from under him at 400yds....chilling!