New Benchrest Rifle

[kbbgood]

Have been thinking about having a new benchrest rifle built and was wondering about how much it costs to build one using a Rem. Model 700 action, having it sleeved, new barrel, stock from McMillen, action trued, you tell me. I realy don't know much about it. Just what I have read. If there is any clubs out their in or around Salem, Mo. please let me know in a tread here. Any help you can give me I'd like.

 

[Augustis]

kbbgood

First of all I would like to Welcome you to Jesse's Site!

My best stab at your question concerning your purchase without knowing any of your background in BR would be to shop for a used rifle from a reputable competitor at a BR meet or from Precission Shooting Mag. if you are new to the sport.

The reason I mention this is first off the rifle would have a proven track record and at the shoot/meet you would most likely get the opportunity to demo the rifle and pick up some useful tips concerning BR and the rifles performance in past competition, brass, load development info and maybe even the reloading dies made to fit the "Tight Chamber" for the spicific rifle you are interested in purchasing. If the person is not willing to let you shoot the rifle, walk away and look elsewhere, he might be a crook or the rifle barrel is gone.

It is most likely a stupid question on my part but I feel it wouth asking anyway, do you already reload?

The rifle you describe I would guess you would have no problems spending $4000.00+ by a reputable BR Smith not exactly the backyard variety Smith, BR is a rich mans game as these rifles "Custom Built" do not come cheap and you might find a used rifle in the $1500.00 price range.

Why the Model 700 and not at leased the 40X or a Custom BR Action...

Sincerely, Augustis ><>

 

[kbbgood]

Yes I reload, for about 30 years now. I wanted to use a Model 700 Rem cause I have a rifle I was thinking of tearing down and using the action.

 

[Augustis]

kbbgood

Well having a M/700 action would make perfect sense to me....

Here is what I already know as I am having a Mauser 98 built for a meet in Wyo. next summer, Not BR grade mind you but a 1000 Yd. shooter.

Barrel to include cutting chamber, set true to action, bolt face machining square to chamber and to include lapping recoil lugs. $600.00

New fire control, single stage, setup engagement that will break at about 5 to 6 Oz. It was recommended to use a set trigger, the rules say for an AD could result in DQ from the compitition and as I already know these systems dont always set and when the set mechinzm is released Ker Boom... Canjar and CZ systems. $500.00 would be down the tube for the 2 man teams entry fee.

Cost $200.00+

New Gas Shield on bolt shroud, to protect my face and eyes from expanding gas in the event of primer/case failure (And it will happen) 32 rounds of extended fire on one course. I am chambering to a 300 Wetherby Mag necked down to .284/7MM loaded hot...
So the barrel will be hotter than twice and chambering a new round in the oven will elevate pressures when the powder is ignited.

$250.00

Stock Undecided at this time, estimate $600.00

Scope, Leo VX III 6.5 to 20X with rings covers etc. about $700.00

Dies cut to fit my chamber as I am deploying with a wildcat chambering, you would utilize a "Tight Chamber" for a BR Rifle and to compete to win you would most likely have to go to BR grade dies and equiptment as well.


I would guesstimate by the time its over I will have about $2600.00 to $2700.00 invested in this rig and the real shame is the barrel will be fried at the end of 3 day's from a thousand yard machine to a respectible hunting rifle.

The Smith building the rifle is taking it easy on me because his son is my partner, Some what of a sponsorship affair you might say...

I hope this helps answer your initial question, mind you all I have to do is hit the steel targets from 500 to 1000 yards and the scores are not based on the smallest group size which would add more expense for the precission machining Etc. and equiptment expected of a fine BR rifle.


Good luck to you sir in what ever you decide ;o)


Augustis ><>