Precision/Hunting Rifle Build HELP

[ar15barrels]

Or would it be practical since I'm new to buy a Remington 5R for $1200 and put a new trigger and some good glass on it?

That's a very good option.
Another would be a 700P.
Either could be rebarrelled later into a 6.5mm if you wanted to get more serious about longrange shooting and feel that the 308 is holding you back.
The 308 will be an excellent all purpose hunting and target shooting cartridge.

[ar15barrels]

is the remington 5r just a marketing thing for the most part?

You can call it whatever you want, but the 24" barrelled 308 model 29663's are the most accurate factory rifles you can get without going to a full custom build.
They routinely shoot 1/3 moa groups with factory match ammo and better with handloads.

[007]

You can call it whatever you want, but the 24" barrelled 308 model 29663's are the most accurate factory rifles you can get without going to a full custom build.
They routinely shoot 1/3 moa groups with factory match ammo and better with handloads.

Thanks for the info Randall, I was going to pick your brain about it at my next appointment. How hard are these to find? Am I going to have trouble finding a shop that can order one?

[TMB 1]

That one looks good…even better with a jewell trigger and some good glass…is the remington 5r just a marketing thing for the most part? I read that the barrels used are the ones that didn't cut it for the M40 rifle?

I posted that one because you said you were new and I figured you'd be re-barreling soon anyway.

You can call it whatever you want, but the 24" barrelled 308 model 29663's are the most accurate factory rifles you can get without going to a full custom build.
They routinely shoot 1/3 moa groups with factory match ammo and better with handloads.

If your going to be hunting paper at long range 308 will be fine. Hunting Elk you'll want to limit your range with the 308.

[calshipbuilder]

Just crusing snipershide I saw this that may be a good match for a crossover target / elk hunter:

http://www.scout.com/military/snipers-hide/forums/5552-firearms-px/14644518-300-win-mag-for-sale-remington-mcmillan-benchmark

[Stumpfenhammer]

6.5 Creedmore (if you want accuracy without reloading). It's a little more shot-placement sensitive than 300WM on Elk, but it does the job fine. Defiance Deviant Hunter action, PROOF Research barrel (steel or carbon fiber depending on budget), and Magpul Hunter 700 stock. The stock is only $250 but it's actually a phenomenal stock and viable for long-range precision shooting.

[milotrain]

I get that you are making the point that you are comfortable humping gear but think about it this way. A remington 700 CDL in 7mm Mag weighs less than my competition long range barrel, not less than my rifle, less than the barrel. We aren't talking oz or grams here we are talking humping an extra >10lbs, which isn't that big of a deal until you are coming home with meat.

Also consider that a used 700 CDL is your +-$300, so a specific hunting rifle doesn't appreciably affect your budget but it saves you 10lbs.

[MongooseV8]

You can get one of Remingtons new Long Range model. They are available in 7mm Mag which is an excellent elk round I have been told.

Plan ahead and build something that will shoot Lead Free ammo well. Barnes TTSX are my favorite so far, but Ive never shot an elk. Soon in CA you wont be able to shoot a spider with a leaded bullet.

[007]

Well it's coming down to...

Remington 700 5R series 24" 308 ($1300)
Remington 700 Long Range M40 26" 7mm mag ($800)

...and customizing from there

[Whiterabbit]

then get the cheap one since you'll be customizing anyways. Who cares what the base is if you'll be doing it up.

[007]

Customizing = trigger, bipod, scope, rings, sling..

Keeping the barrel and action as is for now

[LynnJr]

If those are your two choices get the 7 mag.
The 308 is a good blacktail gun to 350 yards but it isn't a elk gun at all.

[thegamettt]

I was in your same shoes/budget like a month or 2 ago. Ended up with a 5r. Love it. Like Randall said, probably one of if not the best factory rifle out there. I'm holding steady half moa now(other people have shot it better since I'm new and I suck), with factory match after all the add ons. The trigger upgrade is what really made it shine.