First time build

[seanhagerty]

I am new to bolt guns. I have built a couple AR's and am fairly comfortable with my smithing abilities. (If I am allowed to call it smithing to put parts together in the right order.)

I just bought a Savage 112 BVSS action with a 223 bolt head. I want to build this for long range fun, 1000+yds, mostly paper. Cartridges I am considering are: 243 WSSM, 6.5X55mm and 308. (I picked the 308 because I know the reloading components would be easy to obtain.) (I am not even sure the 6.5 will work in the action because of how long it is.)

Are there any other cartridges I should consider?

Sean

[rundownfid]

The Rem 260 has the length and approx case capacity of the .308; however it has the lighter 6.5 mm bullets of which a number have exceptional BCs. So I'd consider 260 Rem for a long range rig.

[jwpark]

I'd suggest you go with a .260 or 6.5 CM ( maybe the 6.5x47L if you have money to burn). With a good heavy grain 6.5mm bullet will get you out past 1000 yards much easier than a 308.

The long action would be doable if you're gonna do bench rest shooting. If you're doing any prone or tactical style shooting. get a short action as the long action will have the bolt coming into your face.

Jay

[seanhagerty]

Long action being to long for prone shooting......That was an important thing to know before I bought this!!

Haha. Ah well. I guess I get to figure that out.

I like the 6.5 bullet. I will look at the Rem 260, It is something I didnt think about.

[bootsmcguire]

Couple of shooters here have said that the 6.5x55 will out do the 260 velocities when chambered in Modern Rifles. Apparently the 6.5x55 data is reduced from the rounds true potential to allow for the use in older mil-surplus rifles from Europe. No first hand experiance here, but thought I would throw out what I have seen discussed here before, so you could look into that and see for yourself.

[seanhagerty]

I have an old swede mauser. I know the pain about being concerned with pressures. This may be the way I go, as long as this action will be long enough to handle this cartridge.

[bootsmcguire]

It should be plenty long enough. The Sweede has an OAL of 3.150". A Savage long action is built for 30-06 length cartridges, the 30-06 has a OAL of 3.340". I believe the Savage LA mag can handle an OAL of 3.400".

[sinman]

build your rifle with a barrel in each caliber and have a swap barrel rifle

[Senderofan]

Couple of shooters here have said that the 6.5x55 will out do the 260 velocities when chambered in Modern Rifles. Apparently the 6.5x55 data is reduced from the rounds true potential to allow for the use in older mil-surplus rifles from Europe. No first hand experiance here, but thought I would throw out what I have seen discussed here before, so you could look into that and see for yourself.




This is very true. And a guy would have to work up loads to take advantage of modern rifles. But with a .260 improved....velocities are up in the neighborhood of the 6.5-284. Just another option....to muddy the waters.

Have a Great Holiday weekend all ( Those of us in the US of A! )

Wayne

[seanhagerty]

I spent about 25 minutes talking to Jim from NSS this morning. (Very nice and a smart guy too.) Once I get the action in hand I can work the details with him, but it sure looks like I am going with a 260 Ackley Improved. He talked me into it based on barrel life and long distance abilities.

Plus, (as mentioned here) I can always get other barrels.....

[Samdweezel05]

.22-250AI

[sinman]

One thing to look at when doing the 260AI is the cost of the dies, that could change your mind right there.

[seanhagerty]

I saw that. Expensive. This may be a once in a lifetime build. I dont think I want to let the cost of support items stand in the way.

Famous last words.

[bootsmcguire]

As far as dies go might I suggest what I have been doing with my 243AI. In your case of a 260AI get the Lee Collet Die Set for the 260, and get a Redding Body Die just in case you need to bump back the shoulder. Then you are all set. That's what I have been doing with my 243AI and it works great.

260 Lee Collet Dies http://www.midwayusa.com/viewproduct/?productnumber=280495

260AI Redding Body Die http://www.midwayusa.com/viewproduct/?productnumber=757867