First Custom Build - 6.5x284

[archerben]

In January I stumbled onto a cheap Savage 111 .30-06 in a pawn shop. I had never built a custom rifle before, but the idea intrigued me, so I bought the rifle to use as a donor action.

http://i452.photobucket.com/albums/qq247/ArcherBen/20140111_133951_zps83a7da55.jpg (http://s452.photobucket.com/user/ArcherBen/media/20140111_133951_zps83a7da55.jpg.html)


After acquiring the proper tools, I stripped it down to the action, where it would sit for several months while I saved up money for parts to complete the project.

http://i452.photobucket.com/albums/qq247/ArcherBen/20140322_105806_zps5e417a18.jpg (http://s452.photobucket.com/user/ArcherBen/media/20140322_105806_zps5e417a18.jpg.html)

Over the course of the spring/summer I was able to acquire a new barrel, barrel nut, precision recoil lug, stock, and trigger. Finally the time came to assemble, pillar, and devcon bed the new gun.

http://i452.photobucket.com/albums/qq247/ArcherBen/20140916_190232_zpsa4e4dcdd.jpg (http://s452.photobucket.com/user/ArcherBen/media/20140916_190232_zpsa4e4dcdd.jpg.html)


After bedding, I mounted the scope to complete the gun.

http://i452.photobucket.com/albums/qq247/ArcherBen/20140919_090318_zpsacfc42bf.jpg (http://s452.photobucket.com/user/ArcherBen/media/20140919_090318_zpsacfc42bf.jpg.html)

http://i452.photobucket.com/albums/qq247/ArcherBen/20140919_090142_zps97e99632.jpg (http://s452.photobucket.com/user/ArcherBen/media/20140919_090142_zps97e99632.jpg.html)

http://i452.photobucket.com/albums/qq247/ArcherBen/20140919_090216_zps6c7d95ab.jpg (http://s452.photobucket.com/user/ArcherBen/media/20140919_090216_zps6c7d95ab.jpg.html)


Gun Specs:

Savage 111 Flat Back Staggerfeed Action
Boyds Tacticool Stock - Pillared and devcon bedded
Criterion 24" Light Varmint Barrel - 6.5x284 caliber
NSS Precision Barrel Nut
NSS Precision Recoil Lug
SSS Competition Trigger
Triad Tactical Stock Pad
Vortex Viper 6.5-20x44mm Scope
Wheeler Anti-cant Indicator
EGW 0 MOA Scope Rail
Burris Signature Zee 30mm Rings (installed with 10 MOA shims)


Thanks to all who have contributed to this sight, as it has been my operation manual of sorts over the past few months as I've undergone this project. I had so much fun building this gun that I've already got plans for the next build.

[Rick_W]

Very nice!

[scooterf79]

Looks great! The people here are awesome, they helped me alot on my first build too. Now you know whats next....shooting it! And tellin us how it shoots. I too have a 24in CBI light varmint but in 280AI. I dont quite have 100rd down the barrel yet and its lights out in my opinion.
Keep us posted!
Scooter

[archerben]

I plan to start barrel break-in tomorrow. I can't wait to get to load development. I'm loading 140gr Berger VLD bullets over H4831 in Lapua brass.

[drybean]

great job

[KC223]

Man I just ordered the same thing from Jim waiting on action bought it from a guy here on the forum. Haven't ordered a stock or scope .Thinking about the Super Sniper Scope o and the go gauge. Thats is a all some gun hope mine looks as good

Kelly

[Three44s]

What? Another build? ........... LOL!

How are you going to top your first effort? ......... You did such an outstanding job on this one....................................I am going to have to hide and watch!

Congrats

Three 44s

[archerben]

I've put 140 rounds down the tube so far, and I am really liking this gun. I've worked up two loads that are shooting really well. I like to shoot 5 shot groups at 100 yards for load development. It's seems all too often I have a flyer in the group, so I take both a 5 shot group measurement and a measurement for the tightest 4 shots. Yesterday I shot 5 groups. My 4 shot groups averaged .37" and my 5 shot groups averaged .66". Here are yesterday's targets.

http://i452.photobucket.com/albums/qq247/ArcherBen/Mobile%20Uploads/20141017_234117_zpsogscftvi.jpg (http://s452.photobucket.com/user/ArcherBen/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20141017_234117_zpsogscftvi.jpg.html)

http://i452.photobucket.com/albums/qq247/ArcherBen/Mobile%20Uploads/20141017_234148_zps5mhyvrat.jpg (http://s452.photobucket.com/user/ArcherBen/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20141017_234148_zps5mhyvrat.jpg.html)

[archerben]

I stretched this gun out to 1000 yesterday on steel. Here's my best three groups.

http://i452.photobucket.com/albums/qq247/ArcherBen/Mobile%20Uploads/20141129_121049-1-1_zpsgignwigy.jpg (http://s452.photobucket.com/user/ArcherBen/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20141129_121049-1-1_zpsgignwigy.jpg.html)

http://i452.photobucket.com/albums/qq247/ArcherBen/Mobile%20Uploads/20141129_153617-1-1_zpsdfqqprg0.jpg (http://s452.photobucket.com/user/ArcherBen/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20141129_153617-1-1_zpsdfqqprg0.jpg.html)

http://i452.photobucket.com/albums/qq247/ArcherBen/Mobile%20Uploads/20141129_154023-1_zpsq1k3nqxq.jpg (http://s452.photobucket.com/user/ArcherBen/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20141129_154023-1_zpsq1k3nqxq.jpg.html)

[LoneWolf]

What bullets are you running? I've ran about 100rds through a 6.5-06 using 140 VLDs with good results.

[archerben]

I'm shooting 140gr Berger VLD hunting bullets.

[LoneWolf]

Nice they seem to like the high velocities these cartridges produce.

[LongRange]

Nice riffle and shooting!! I think the 284 may be my next build.

[archerben]

A 284 sounds interesting. I have a 280 Ackley Improved that I really like. A 168 grain bullet yields a great BC for long range shooting, and enough mass and kinetic for anything in North America.

[shovelheadave]

Turned out really nice.

[7stwluvr]

Impressive. Congrats and good shooting !

[bchunter]

Great build! I picked up an axis in 30-06 and my boyds just arrived with the same plan in mind. I hope it shoots as good as yours!

[SouthernStyle]

That is a very nice build. Can I ask the total weight after completion?

[archerben]

Approximately 12 pounds.