Light weight Longrange Shooter

RHarris · May 31, 2010

I an starting the process of building my own rifle. I have a model 700 action in a 7mm. When done I may rechamber to an STW but for now will stick with the 7mm. I would like to get some opinions from all of you on building a sensable light weight rifle. I want to go as light as possible since all my hunts consist of a lot of hiking. So my questions would be Can I get to a 7.5# rifle and still have a decent shooter?
What barrel? been looking a #3 SHilen match grade
WHat stock? HS or McMillan
SHould I change the floor plate to aluminum?

Thanks
RH

oregonmuley · Jun 1, 2010

LAST EDITED ON Jun-01-10 AT 12:15PM (MST)[p]Ok, I'll play and I'm sure you will get a million other answers since building a rifle especially a custom can be a rather personal thing.
You should be able to get to your weight no problem, I have a 7mm08 model 700 with a fluted #3 Select Match Shilen and my gun weighs 6lbs 10ozs in BDL. Granted, its had a lot of work done to it including having the action lightened, bolt fluted. Its currently in a B&C Alaskan Ti take-off stock, I have a McMillan Classic Edge coming that will shave off another 7-8 ozs. So if you want to get your weight try these parts and you should get there no problem and if you have a good smith screw it all together is should shoot great. Check Kampfeld Customs for some ideas, Karl is fantastic but currently he is 2+ years out on taking new builds.
McMillan Edge fill stock in Classic pattern maybe or Hunters Edge

On barrel, I'd go Mike Rock #3 fluted or Lilja #3 fluted, or I've been hearing great things about Brux barrels and may try one soon on a 25-06 lightweight rifle.

Go with a 700 action since thats what you have, maybe go ADL versus BDL to shave a little weight, plus I prefer ADL but thats me. Get a good trigger and your good to go.
Good luck on your build - but realize if you get a custom you will be addicted to building more

Hardway · Jun 1, 2010

Forget HS stocks if lightweight is what your after. McMillan Edge, Bansner, Brown, MPI, and Lone Wolf are a few that specialize in lightweight handles. To get under 7lbs scoped on a LA.....Especially a Mag its going to require serious lightning of the action, ADL config, A Leupold lightweight scope, Talley lightweight mounts, a lighter barrel than a #3, and maybe a flip flop recoil pad. It can be done, I just think 7.5-8 lbs is more realistic for a LA Magnum unless you go Titanium.

"A well regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed."

Hardway · Jun 1, 2010

Heres a thread from another forum full of rifle blueprints that may help........http://24hourcampfire.com/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php/topics/1252702/RIFLE_BLUEPRINTS_ONLY#Post1252702

"A well regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed."

RHarris · Jun 1, 2010

Thanks guys, I will read up on your suggestions. Once I put all together I will get back t you with results.

RH

muleymaddness · Jun 2, 2010

I'll be anxious to hear what you end up doing to it. I've got the same caliber and model and considered doing some tweeking to it myself. So far, all I've done is put the lightweight Leupold on it with Talley's and McMillan stock. Barrell will be next I guess...

440sixpack · Jun 2, 2010

You can do it and a lot lighter than 7 1/2 lbs.

Look at the Rifles inc strata and Bansner sheep hunter, copy what they're doing because it works.

Unless you're going for a bore over 30 cal there is no reason to look at anything over a #2 barrel, then flute it. Lilja is my favorite but you can't go wrong with Shilen.

uphill · Jun 2, 2010

Free advice. Forget about rechambering it to 7mm STW. I am assuming your current chambering is 7mm Remington Mag. If you don't like the way it shoots then rechambering will most likely result in zero improvements. Why spend money rechambering when that $$$ could be applied towards a new higher quality barrel? Your current rifle has a magazine box .3 inches shorter than the STW...so you would have to remedy that or put in a plate and make it a single shot. Your current barrel is probably 24 inches and a STW really needs more length to yield any gains over the 7mm Rem mag.

If you decide to go the rebarreling route keep in mind that big cartridges need long barrels and that works against your goal of a lightweight rifle.