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Post by Shadetree on Dec 5, 2020 8:26:56 GMT -5
Hello, I am looking to have built, a long-range hunting smokeless muzzleloader preferably under 14lbs. if possible. I would like a configuration that would give me the highest percentage of impact rates out to 1,000 yards. My favorite place to hunt has shots ranging from 650 yards to 850 yards which would be my longest shot on an animal if the rifle proves to be consistent enough to make a clean kill at that distance. I’d also like to bust some milk jugs at 1,000 during the off-season with it. I’d greatly appreciate any opinions on Bullet, Barrel Length & Twist, Ignition System and Powder choice from anyone that has 1st hand experience with a similar setup. Thanks
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Post by hillbill on Dec 5, 2020 10:06:50 GMT -5
Such a set up would need to fire a 300 or 325 Aeromax at 3000+ assuming you are taking.45 caliber
To stay under 14 lbs scoped my recommendation would be this
Any single shot 700 footprint action of choice Or a 700 action w/single shot follower. Action face squared if 700
Machined recoil lug
Jeff’s 5/8 plug and modules (aluminum/ bronze)
A good cut rifled barrel @ 28” finished and really good brake
Profile: 1.250- 5-6” straight taper to .800@28”
A #17 will also work but might be a little heavier than your spec
A good stock such as a Manners T4-A
Optics and rings of choice
Can be much more specific with more details and known budget
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Post by Shadetree on Dec 5, 2020 10:58:26 GMT -5
Such a set up would need to fire a 300 or 325 Aeromax at 3000+ assuming you are taking.45 caliber To stay under 14 lbs scoped my recommendation would be this Any single shot 700 footprint action of choice Or a 700 action w/single shot follower. Action face squared if 700 Machined recoil lug Jeff’s 5/8 plug and modules (aluminum/ bronze) A good cut rifled barrel @ 28” finished and really good brake Profile: 1.250- 5-6” straight taper to .800@28” A #17 will also work but might be a little heavier than your spec A good stock such as a Manners T4-A Optics and rings of choice Can be much more specific with more details and known budget Thank you! I’m leaning towards the .40 caliber bullets because of the higher B.C. to Weight Ratio. I don’t really have a budget ceiling but I don’t want to waste money either. Example-I’m willing to buy a custom action if there is any benefit over a 700 with the face trued up. I already have a scope and rings-DNZ 34mm 20 MOA Rings and Leupold VX6 HD 4-24 which I plan to put a custom dial on after load development. |
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Post by hillbill on Dec 5, 2020 11:59:26 GMT -5
Tonight when I have time I will do a .40 vs .45 comparison.
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Post by Richard on Dec 5, 2020 12:27:49 GMT -5
Don't waste your money on a custom action. period! In a smokeless muzzle loader it will not improve accuracy one bit. Accuracy comes from the barrel, forward of the
breech plug. Squared bolt face and locking lugs do not figure in the accuracy equation of a muzzle loader. Your firing pin just has to strike the primer. All the good triggers ( this is important) will be available for Remington footprint actions. Stocks are not even a big deal? As long as it is stuff and pillar bedded, a $200 Boyd's will be as accurate as a $600 Manners. Now maybe you just like to spend money to say you have these high dollar parts but the rifle is not going to be more accurate.
Buy a good mount, rings and scope along with a good trigger. These are the parts to spend more money
on. I can personally speak from 1,000 and 600 yard benchrest experience with rifles I have built.
Remember, I did say Muzzle loading rifles. Long range CF is another subject.
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Post by hillbill on Dec 5, 2020 14:16:49 GMT -5
Yes Richard is correct
However with the demise of Remington the used action market is going up, already seeing it myself.
No you don't need a custom action BUT a custom action holds it's value relatively well and most come ready for a good quality base with 8-40 screws and pins, is it necessary to enlarge a factory Remington action for 8-40s? for what you are wanting to do I thinks it's very necessary.
How much bling do you desire? Most guys willing to spend the coins to do a custom SML also want it to be sexy, that's the reason I suggested a custom action and stock, necessary? NO
back to what you are willing to budget for the build? Yes you can put a factory Remington action in a Boyds stock and save some money but IF you plan to hunt with it I would strongly suggest a Fiberglass or carbon fiber stock, why? Stability in all weather conditions.
Yes I have used plenty of laminated wood stocks over the years but I have also had a couple warp with changing conditions, even If they were sealed well, that's the reason I no longer use wood, everyone has their own opinion on what to use and how to get it done, That's the reason you are asking the right questions.
You will likely get several different approaches and advice, roll it all around in your head and make an informed decision.
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Post by esshup on Dec 7, 2020 17:31:33 GMT -5
Agree with everything said here. A good trigger will help shrink your group size. You might need to go with a Carbon Fiber stock to allow you to put the weight in other places that give you more bang for the buck so to speak than a wood or laminate stock would. Bigger muzzle brake, a barrel that is a few inches longer, will allow you to be under 14# with a bipod on the rifle, etc., etc.
I built a 10# Long Range CF rifle (bare weight - no optics or bipod) because I knew I'd be packing it around out West on my back. If I do my part it's at most a 1/2 moa gun out to 1K, and it's a 1/4 moa gun if I can wrap my head around the wind conditions.
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