First rifle build

[BuzzH]

Decided to try a rifle build for the first time, and since left handed rifles are pretty slim selection wise, decided to build one for my wife.

I think the rifle came out pretty good, other than being wrong-handed.

My buddy Monty did all the work putting it together, although I did get in the way a couple times.

Specifics:

Rem. 700 LH short action.
#2 contour pacnor barrel super match grade SS 1:9 twist, 3 groove, 11degree crown, finished at 23 inches 7mm-08
action trued, lugs lapped, spiral flute bolt, holland recoil lug
Timney trigger, 2 pounds 14 onces
speed lock firing pin assembly
B&C Alaska II stock, full aluminum block black/gray webbing
Talley LW low rings/bases.
3-9x40 leupold dot, m1 elevation turret, custom etched antelope on scope bell
bedded/floated

All in at 7 lbs 6 ounces. Shot a box of factory through it, 1 inch groups with Winchester power points.

Couple close ups:

 

[MinnesotaHunter]

Sweet looking rifle Buzz! I love those fluted bolts.

If you don't mind me asking, what did they get you to install that turret over the cost of the base scope?

 

[noharleyyet]

Nice Buzz...like the etching.

 

[BuzzH]

Right around $60 IIRC

 

[DRAFTSTUD]

Very nice. I have really grown to love the 7mm08. Is this a replacement for the Model 1? John

 

[noharleyyet]

IIRC, the #1 is a leftie also, right Buzz.

 

[d-bone20917]

She's a beauty. Nice job.

 

[AZ402]

Nice looking set up!

 

[sluggo6850]

very nice looking rifle, nothing wrong with lefties!!

 

[canvsbk]

I love those helical flutes. E R Shaw does the flutes on the barrel that way. Very cool.
Nice rifle.

 

[Muleyfanatic]

Thats a nice rig. You will be hooked on custom rifles once you shoot it.

 

[ashersdad]

She's a beauty Buzz!

 

[Papa-Zulu]

Very nice! I never have owned a 7mm-08 but have shot a custom 7 X 57 since the late 1980s. Splendid cartridge!

 

[thecrittergitter]

Sweet looking setup there buzz.

 

[BuzzH]

Tried 4 different loads tonight, 5 shot strings.

H380 shot the worst 1.5 inches.

H4350 1.4 inches:

RL 19 shot .91

Finally RL 17 .78

Kind of a toss up between RL 17 and 19 right at the moment, but I'm going to give RL 15 and Varget a try in the morning.

 

[thecrittergitter]

Hey buzz, how did that RE 17 compare in velocities, or did you check it? Just curious as I'm about to try it in my 7mm short mag.

 

[Ben Lamb]

I probably missed it but what bullet weight?

Rl-17 seems to have a sweet spot over 19. I bet RL-15 performs close to it, but with slower velocity.

Nice rig. Very nice.

 

[BuzzH]

CG,

I didnt check the velocity yet, but will. Books list it at 2820-2850.

Ben, shooting 140 Ballistic Tips. I'll probably switch to 140 accubonds though.

 

[Ben Lamb]

That 1:9 twist might like some 154's as well. With rl 17 you could hit 2800 - 2900 fps as well.

I've found that RL -17 has the same or similar burn rate as IMR-4350 with he added bonus of anywhere from 150-300 fps in heavy for caliber bullets. It's an ackley improved in a can.

But .8 ain't ad either.

 

[sbhooper]

That rifle will do everything she needs. That looks like quality workmanship to me. Great gun, great caliber and good choice with the Accubonds. I think that the 7-08 is very under-rated especially with quality bullets like the Accubond as an option.