Bulding a Bolt Action Rifle

[ca_fireman19]

I have finally finished my "AR" and find myself with too much free time. I have always wanted a "custom" long range bolt action rifle and I figured why not build it?

I have several questions I would like some feedback on. Rather than make this a huge discussion, I'll just number my questions to make them easier to answer.

1) Should I go with a Remington 700 style action or a Mauser style?

2) Where can I find the receiver?

3) What would be the most versatile round? I am looking for something readily available for plinking and fairly cheap...my thought is either .308/7.62x51, .30-06 or .300 WinMag.

4) What barrel should I go with?

I don't know much about this type of rifle, so if I've tipped my hand that I don't really know what I'm doing, go easy on me. And lastly, without trying to sound cheap, I am not looking to spend a fortue on this...I saw receivers on Brownells for $1800...that AIN'T happening...Thanks for the help.

[maximus83]

I'm in a similar situation and not an expert on precision bolt actions. I currently own a Savage 10 FLP in .308 which I've had customized somewhat, and it will drive tacks. But some guys on this forum convinced me that as lefty, I might consider getting a RH action (there are several reasons why, when shooting prone or benched, this makes sense). So I decided to try a Rem 700 RH SPS Tactical in .308, just picked it up. I got the Rem because, even though there are other accurate and reliable actions out there, the Rem is a very well known action that a lot of folks build on. So you'll have no problem finding folks to work on it, and there are lots of aftermarket parts options which will make it fairly easy to upgrade it any way you want. Of course, Savage is no slouch in that category either, but I was ready to try a Rem. If I end up liking one of these two rifles a lot better than the other, I'll sell the other one. Bottom line, if starting today I'd suggest the Rem action, to answer your first question.

As for question (3), I chose .308 because similar to the Rem 700 action, it is so widely used (in both mil and civilian markets), there are lots of factory loads, ballistic info, and a large supply of relatively affordable ammo for it. Plus, .308 is inherently easy on barrels; you'll get the longest barrel life out of a .308 before your accuracy starts to degrade. Finally, I wanted something with softer recoil that was still capable of going 800 to 1000 yards, and .308 fits that pretty well.

[ca_fireman19]

After starting this thread, I did a little shopping. I found the "Remington 700 SPS Tactical". It looks almost like a cheaper reincarnation of the old Remington 700P (police sniper rifle). Does anyone have anything solid on this rifle? For $550 it seems too good to be true.

And thank you to Maximus83 for the input.

[a1fabweld]

After starting this thread, I did a little shopping. I found the "Remington 700 SPS Tactical". It looks almost like a cheaper reincarnation of the old Remington 700P (police sniper rifle). Does anyone have anything solid on this rifle? For $550 it seems too good to be true.

And thank you to Maximus83 for the input.

I had a SPS Tactical but sold it earlier this year. I started shooting to 1K, & while it could be done with handloads & lighter bullets, a 20" barrel is not ideal for that distance. Factory FGMM 175grain ammo would go subsonic around 900yards. I ended up with a Rem 5R which has a 24" barrel for shooting 1k matches. Go with a longer barrel if you are trying to go out past 900yds. Also, building a bolt gun is not like bolting together an AR. You need a lathe & chamber reamer to get your headspace correct among other specialty tool & lots of experience on how to do all this. Either have someone who knows how to build a bolt gun build it for you or buy a factory rifle. Good luck.

[Gutshot John]

While a slightly longer barrel will make it easier, shooting an SPS out to 1000 yards is certainly doable with decent ammunition and practice, I've done it. I can hit 900 (12x12" steel) with Hornady 165gr TAP Barrier consistently.

[austinN4]

I found the "Remington 700 SPS Tactical". It looks almost like a cheaper reincarnation of the old Remington 700P (police sniper rifle). Does anyone have anything solid on this rifle? For $550 it seems too good to be true.

Reviews of different rifles including the 700P, 700P LTR and 700 SPS tactical: http://www.snipercentral.com/rifles.htm

I am looking to buy, not build, and the price difference I am finding between the 700P LTR and the 700 SPS Tactical is significant:
700P LTR = $919
700 SPS = $557

Looks like I am in for a SPS Tactical.

[m24shooter]

After starting this thread, I did a little shopping. I found the "Remington 700 SPS Tactical". It looks almost like a cheaper reincarnation of the old Remington 700P (police sniper rifle). Does anyone have anything solid on this rifle? For $550 it seems too good to be true.

And thank you to Maximus83 for the input.

I went from this:



to this:



The SPS T is a great project gun, as it does very well right out of the box. It can certainly push out to 1K with some work and the right round. The stock that comes on it is not that great, and will flex enough to contact the barrel if you shoot from a pod or rest. the Hogue stock is not of a conventional construction, and it shows in the amount of flex.
You can go as far as you want with it. If you simply put it in a better stock, you can stop there with the result being a very good rifle.
I think there are several threads on it here.

[ca_fireman19]

Can you give me a list of the modifications you made and an approximate cost for each one? Thanks.

[m24shooter]

H-S LTR stock: got it off the Hide, it was a take-off. About $150.
CDI DBM kit: About $300 with a 10 round mag, $60 for inletting.
Badger one piece base: About $130.
Badger medium rings: About $140.
SWFA SS 3-9x42 FFP: About $600.
Badger bolt knob: About $30. Install was about $15.
SEI Vortex: About $60. Install was about $30.
Bobro Gen 2: About $200. Rail adapter, I don't know.
I also replaced the trigger with a standard 700 model that was tuned to about 3.5#.
Sling is a Turner M1907, which I think runs about $50.
Extra mags are about $75-80 for the 10 rounders, a little less for 5.

[Artos]

here are some $$$ figures to ponder


Rem 700 donor action ... $400

Bell & Carlson* stock ... $200 (i'd recommend other brands such as McMillan - cost $450)

pillar bed action to stock ...$200

SS match grade barrel ... $300 ; (fluting add another $150)

chamber, thread barrel to action ...$200

duracoat , ceracoat, or Birdsong black finish to barrel ... $60 for barrel , $160 for barreled action


a custom rifle can be built on a Rem 700 action for $1000 to $1700 + depending on options