Rifle build info/help

[HunterEng]

My first post. Been reading for a couple years now. Would like ur guys opinion.

I was given a lefty rem 700 7mag, nothing special to it, All stock,except a plastic black stock on it. I think it's an ugly, fat, heavy gun. The guy that gave it to me asks all time how's the hunting with it. I never take it so I decided to give myself a reason. Going to customize it.
I have a timney already purchased. Plan on getting a hunter edge stock. I want to rebarrel the rifle, as the barrel is in rough shape, scratches, little pitting. I want to go stainless and flute the barrel and get the bolt fluted as well. I plan on getting the action cerakoted and leave the barrel as I think it will look unique. Couple questions.
1. What weight will I end up with. I would like to have it weigh in the 7.5lbs range or less with the scope I already have a vx3 3.5x10 and talley light weight rings for it. Is this possible? My calcs are putting me close
2. Barrel recommendations? I know what I have read on different forums and that about it. Was thinking hard bout a shaw. Was going to stay with the 7 mag.
3. Based and the answers to 1and 2 what else am I missing to meet my goal. Or should I rethink my plan?

 

[Shrek]

Have you weighted the current stock to see what the weight savings will be for the Micky edge ? Several barrel maker websites have barrel weight calculators that will give you a rough idea of the barrel weight. If I was rebarreling I'd get a better barrel than a Shaw. Do you have a smith ? If not then you need to find one to chamber and install the barrel and they often have strong opinions on what barrel they will work on. There's a guy doing bolt fluting for $35 over on accurateshooter.com but I know nothing about him. I think I'm going to send one of mine to be done.

 

[HunterEng]

I did do all the weight calcs and comparisons. I also found some of the estimators on the barrels, as far as weight. Didn't really find anything on the fluting the bolt but can't really think I would save over 2oz max. I'm an engineer and I know u can do math till ur head spins but what happens in the real world doesn't always match. Was just wondering if I missing anything or if someone had done something similar out there.

 

[handwerk]

I'd suggest going with a #2 contour, or on most of my custom rigs I like the winchester fwt contour, in mcm edge stocks they end up between 7.5-8 lbs. the sweet spot in my experience for carrying/shooting.
I've had great luck with barrels from pac-nor, lilja and krieger.

 

[30338]

Yep, go lighter contour barrel and skip the fluting. If I was building right now, it'd be a Bartlein 2b contour with 8 twist and I'd be shooting 195 bergers, 180 scenars, or 168 berger hybrids in that order. Finished at 24-25 inches.

My budget idea would be to cut the existing barrel to 23" and see how it shot as is. If not good, I'd get the stock and barrel ordered. Sometimes the Remington factory barrels will surprise you. What's to lose?

 

[KMD]

I'd also suggest keep the existing barreled action (for now) and upgrading the stock
You can get a Rem Mountain rifle stock off Stocky's for <$300, they're ~25oz. and have an aluminum bedding block.
Drop your BA in there & see how it does...

As always, try before ya buy! See if you can handle a few stocks and see which style you gravitate toward. If you just fall in love with a custom style, then drop the coin and go for a light fill version of it. McMillan makes EDGE and Manners has some lightweight "Elite Hunter" stocks that are very nice, also. Personal preference, just don't discount your stock choice! That is the physical connection to your rifle & means alot...

As for bullet choice, how far ya wanna shoot? If <500yds, you could easily stick with a 120-140gr hunting bullet @ warp speed from a 7RemMag. In a 7-8 lb. rifle, recoil will be noticeably less than from >160gr bullets, and the benefit of the high b.c. bullets inside of that range would be marginal, at best.

Heavy bullets for caliber bullets are all the rage right now, and I'm a proponent of them for certain applications. However, it's easy to forget how wickedly efficient a standard weight bullet can be if you're just wanting to whack a critter at 'normal' hunting range...


Have fun!!!

 

[30338]

Very good points. I get stuck on my hunting area and make suggestions that reflect that a lot. Lot of good bullets less than 160 grains out there.

 

[HunterEng]

I hadn't found many left handed options out there. But will take a look. Part of the build is is to lighten the load. Currently gun weighs 8.67lbs no scope. I figured in order to get down to 7.5ish scoped changing the barrel would be the best option. I will have to look at some of the lighter contours and see what I can get to.
I currently hunt antelope and mule deer every year in the plains so farther shots could be there.....I usually don't take them though. I am currently working on booking elk and goat hunts for the future. Along with eventually getting a moose and caribou. So I will shoot a range of bullet choices I'm am guessing.

 

[scott]

Do yourself a favor
and take my advice.
Buy a Tikka