Build or buy

[94toy22re]

My very first rifle was a 111 package rifle with a Bushnell scope (lasted 10 rounds) 30-06 no accu-trigger and redfeild 3x9 revolution. It's extremely accurate, I have shot several deer and a few elk all under 200yds. But I want a long range bench gun now, Should I build my current 111 30-06 or go buy a 308? I don't want to take a a rifle that I have a lot invested in the woods and get it scraped up.

[scope eye]

Just build it, and if ever you want to go play in the woods again, swap your original barrel and stock back, 15 min worth of work and a lot of bucks saved, to put towards a scope which you are obviously going to need.

Tanks Dean

[JCalhoun]

Toy,

What kind of budget and requirements do you have for rifle?

[94toy22re]

If I stick with the 06, around 1500. I would like to have a 600-800 yd rifle

[jpdown]

+1 on getting a bench stock and switching it out. If you reload, take a look at the LR ballistics and performance of a 6.5x284 verses 3006 or even 7mmRM with factory loads. The BC/SD of the 6.5mm 140 gr bullets are impressive. A CBI 26" light varmint contour barrel would be a good compromise barrel for hunting and LR bench since you already have a LA to build on. My LR hunting build in 6.5x284 with 26" CBI LV barrel is very accurate. The MV with 140gr Berger VLD Hunting bullets and H4350 or R17 is around 3000 fps. And less recoil does wonders for LR accuracy and shot placement.

[94toy22re]

I just stared to reload, but have yet to play with rifle calibers. I think I want to stick the with the 06 for now.I want to get a better stock, trigger and scope and see how accurate the factory barrel is.

[rmdailey]

We have the exact same gun. I never even shot it with the Bushnell scope it went to my 22 mag, and I put a Nikon on it that's the same class as your Redfield. I put a Rifle Basix SAV-1 Trigger on it I think it was $85 shipped. It was straight forward enough on the install and I love it. It definitely improved my accuracy, not the gun's obviously. My plan is to keep it as is, get a good scope than a great stock. Then I'll probably wait till I shoot out the barrel before changing it, but if money allows I'll put a nice barrel on it. But that's the last thing on my list, but I'm no expert.

http://robertdailey.files.wordpress.com/2013/01/photo7-e1358113318107.jpg

after a paint job

[ellobo]

Do not ever denegrate the 30-06 as a long range cartridge. It will fling those high BC bullets as well as a .308 or better. There are many older cartridges that will do very well with the newer powders and high BB bullets. For those who have a long action but would love a 7-08 go to the 6.5x55. or 7x57. Remember, the old matches like the creedmore were shot with black powder cartridges out to 1000 yds with just peep sights and did very well.

El Lobo

[palerider338]

Might find this interesting : A 260 shooting factory ammo + 140gr smks and a 30-06 shooting same factory ammo + 180gr smks........drop difference at 1000 yds is about 2 inches.

[CAPTBEACH]

Ditto on keeping the 30-06...better long range cartridge than the 308...but very overlooked...

[scope eye]

My 30-06 is the most accurate of my 30 cals, which really throws a monkey wrench into my buddy's 308 theory,

Tanks Dean

[Hosted]

I think you are doing the right thing on building what you have for now. I am doing the same thing with a Stevens 223. You'll be able to do a lot of good shooting and learn a lot with that 06. By the time that barrel starts getting tired you will have a good idea what you really want for a bench gun and hunting rifle. Or by that time you'll probably have the bug and have another rifle!! Before spending to much on accessories I would work on reloading and your marksmanship skills. Not saying you're a bad shot, but I'm sure you know what I mean. So far I've been able to shoot 5 shot groups at 100y well under an inch with factory barrel, adjusted factory trigger, $70 scope, and Choate stock. Will start replacing other things when I feel it's holding me back, but I need more trigger time first.

[USMarine1108]

Do not ever denegrate the 30-06 as a long range cartridge.
El Lobo

This is a very good point. The 178s and 208s when handloaded are very impressive.

[keeki]

anything a 308win will do, a 30-06 will do, only a little faster and farther

[BoilerUP]

Might find this interesting : A 260 shooting factory ammo + 140gr smks and a 30-06 shooting same factory ammo + 180gr smks........drop difference at 1000 yds is about 2 inches.

Switch the 260 to the more LR-appropriate 142gr Matchking and that difference opens up by a significant margin.