I said I wasn't gonna, but here we are...

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MacAR

MacAR

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(Inspired by @LoonWulf and his "Bad Idea" thread... Dang it!)

The other day, I picked up an old Stevens 110 30-06. Pretty bog-standard gun in fair shape, little rust, in a press-checkered stock. Best part, it was dirt cheap. I'm looking at going two ways with it; one a "quick and dirty" project, and the second more long-term.

The "quick & dirty"

I have a wonderful Rem 700 in '06; it shoots great. What I don't have is a "woods carbine". With that in mind, I'm thinking of lopping the factory barrel back to 17 or 18 inches and having the front sight re-installed. This will cost me about $100 from the local gunsmith. Will also have a scout scope mount installed on the barrel and put a peep on the receiver bridge while I'm at it. A 'la Col. Cooper's "scout carbine". While the action is out, I would shorten and re-shape the forend and refinish the stock. Probably get a 2.5x or 4x LER scope, too. Maybe just a red-dot since I'm not looking at shooting very far. I'm aware that a short-barreled '06 will bark fire and have pretty healthy recoil, however that's not an issue to me. I'm also aware that accuracy may suffer, but when considering the rifle will rarely be shot past 100 yards, that's not as big an issue either. All I'm looking for is "minute of critter". Am I nuts for even considering this project?

The "long term"

So, I have a desire to own a "middling" caliber rifle between the .222 and the '06. The 260 Remington really appeals to me, for some reason, as does the 7mm-08. However, the 260 has a better bullet selection thanks to the 6.5 sneezemoor. To that end, here's my idea:

1. Take the 110 action and fit a Shaw 260 factory contour barrel to it.
2. Have action and barrel finished in matching hot blue.
3. Order a nice Boyd's laminate stock in either blonde or pepper laminate.
4. Mount the Nikon Pro-Staff that's been looking for a home for over a year.

Again, am I nuts? I'm not really gaining or loosing anything by going to the .260 other than a bit less recoil. At the same time, I'd also be filling a perceived "gap" in my collection. (Sidebar: a .257 Roberts would fill it "better", but that's not likely to happen.) Would anyone care to suggest a "better" middle of the road cartridge that would be suitable for whitetail deer out to 300? Not interested in the creedmoor, either.

More than anything, this thread is to help me get my thoughts squared away. I'm about 99% certain I want to get the '06 barrel cut down in the near future, then begin saving my pennies to build the .260. Thoughts/opinions?

Mac

And yes, I know I'm crazy, but sometimes I need to be reminded just how crazy I am!
 
TEXASJD said:
My two cents would be long term
Click to expand...

JD, they're both gonna happen. It's just a matter of when on the long term one. The idea of switching back and forth between an '06 carbine and a .260 rifle is really appealing to me, and I realize now I should've made that clear in my OP. So, for now I'm leaning toward going for the short-term project while waiting for funds to build the .260. However, I'm not familiar with the .250 AI... care to enlighten me?

Mac
 
If you go the quick and dirty, I'd skip the scout scope. Peep, red dot, or fixed low power conventional scope.

The more involved version sounds nice, but regarding cartridge choice I'd stick with something 30-06 sized. 25-06, or 280AI. There'll be less work getting feeding and such in order.
 
A 260, (if the barrel is twisted to handle longer 140-150 gr bullets, and if the magazine and chamber are designed for them) is a legitimate elk cartridge out past 400 yards. The SD is going to be about the same as a 180 gr 30 caliber bullet with similar penetration on game. And you can use it as a long range target round out to around a mile if you choose. Recoil will fall between 243 and 308, but closer to 243. You may retire the 30-06 barrel.

Since you're putting together a rifle with components anyway it shouldn't be hard to get everything the way you want it. The only difference between 260 and 6.5 CM is that the CM was designed to do those things in a factory rifle with factory loads.

Remington envisioned the 260 as a whitetail round and designed it around 120 gr hunting bullets. When long range shooters started trying to shoot 260 with the longer bullets they found they worked great as long as their rifles were modified to use them.

At the end of the day a modified 260 and 6.5 CM do exactly the same thing. It's just easier to pick up 6.5 rifles and ammo off the shelf.
 
MacAR said:
JD, they're both gonna happen. It's just a matter of when on the long term one. The idea of switching back and forth between an '06 carbine and a .260 rifle is really appealing to me, and I realize now I should've made that clear in my OP. So, for now I'm leaning toward going for the short-term project while waiting for funds to build the .260. However, I'm not familiar with the .250 AI... care to enlighten me?

Mac
Click to expand...
Its a 250-3000 with the shoulders blown out to 40 degrees with no body taper.
jFKjSiFq7pYPVhNYirX6Zp_ityocvMPissiY3KRAecCaw4_p-p4kH7FrdZM3x2FiJpXlhxIm71Q6Tw7BaCHJ5ZFlbQ.jpg https://www.americanrifleman.org/ar...hwhile-wildcat-the-250-savage-ackley-improved
 
Thanks guys, lot of information here to process!

gotboostvr said:
If you go the quick and dirty, I'd skip the scout scope. Peep, red dot, or fixed low power conventional scope.
Click to expand...

That's not a bad idea... and it'd be easier anyway. The rifle already wears a 2.5x scope on it now, and may wear a peep before it's over with honestly. I don't think there is a need for a lot of scope on a short range rifle, to be honest.

gotboostvr said:
but regarding cartridge choice I'd stick with something 30-06 sized. 25-06, or 280AI
Click to expand...

Care to recommend one? I had a 25-06 and wasn't terribly enthused with it. To be fair, I couldn't really tell a lot of difference between it, the .270, and the '06. I was wanting something a little "tamer", if you will. Such as the .260.

jmr40 said:
At the end of the day a modified 260 and 6.5 CM do exactly the same thing. It's just easier to pick up 6.5 rifles and ammo off the shelf.
Click to expand...

Ok, I said I wasn't interested in the 6.5, but you've started my wheels turning. Do you think the 6.5 would perform ok in the long action?

TEXASJD said:
Its a 250-3000 with the shoulders blown out to 40 degrees with no body taper.
Click to expand...

How very, very interesting.... something for me to look into.

Mac
 
MacAR said:
Thanks guys, lot of information here to process!



That's not a bad idea... and it'd be easier anyway. The rifle already wears a 2.5x scope on it now, and may wear a peep before it's over with honestly. I don't think there is a need for a lot of scope on a short range rifle, to be honest.



Care to recommend one? I had a 25-06 and wasn't terribly enthused with it. To be fair, I couldn't really tell a lot of difference between it, the .270, and the '06. I was wanting something a little "tamer", if you will. Such as the .260.



Ok, I said I wasn't interested in the 6.5, but you've started my wheels turning. Do you think the 6.5 would perform ok in the long action?



How very, very interesting.... something for me to look into.

Mac
Click to expand...
I like my 280AI tooo:thumbup:
 
MacAR said:
(Inspired by @LoonWulf and his "Bad Idea" thread... Dang it!)

The other day, I picked up an old Stevens 110 30-06. Pretty bog-standard gun in fair shape, little rust, in a press-checkered stock. Best part, it was dirt cheap. I'm looking at going two ways with it; one a "quick and dirty" project, and the second more long-term.

The "quick & dirty"

I have a wonderful Rem 700 in '06; it shoots great. What I don't have is a "woods carbine". With that in mind, I'm thinking of lopping the factory barrel back to 17 or 18 inches and having the front sight re-installed. This will cost me about $100 from the local gunsmith. Will also have a scout scope mount installed on the barrel and put a peep on the receiver bridge while I'm at it. A 'la Col. Cooper's "scout carbine". While the action is out, I would shorten and re-shape the forend and refinish the stock. Probably get a 2.5x or 4x LER scope, too. Maybe just a red-dot since I'm not looking at shooting very far. I'm aware that a short-barreled '06 will bark fire and have pretty healthy recoil, however that's not an issue to me. I'm also aware that accuracy may suffer, but when considering the rifle will rarely be shot past 100 yards, that's not as big an issue either. All I'm looking for is "minute of critter". Am I nuts for even considering this project?

The "long term"

So, I have a desire to own a "middling" caliber rifle between the .222 and the '06. The 260 Remington really appeals to me, for some reason, as does the 7mm-08. However, the 260 has a better bullet selection thanks to the 6.5 sneezemoor. To that end, here's my idea:

1. Take the 110 action and fit a Shaw 260 factory contour barrel to it.
2. Have action and barrel finished in matching hot blue.
3. Order a nice Boyd's laminate stock in either blonde or pepper laminate.
4. Mount the Nikon Pro-Staff that's been looking for a home for over a year.

Again, am I nuts? I'm not really gaining or loosing anything by going to the .260 other than a bit less recoil. At the same time, I'd also be filling a perceived "gap" in my collection. (Sidebar: a .257 Roberts would fill it "better", but that's not likely to happen.) Would anyone care to suggest a "better" middle of the road cartridge that would be suitable for whitetail deer out to 300? Not interested in the creedmoor, either.

More than anything, this thread is to help me get my thoughts squared away. I'm about 99% certain I want to get the '06 barrel cut down in the near future, then begin saving my pennies to build the .260. Thoughts/opinions?

Mac

And yes, I know I'm crazy, but sometimes I need to be reminded just how crazy I am!
Click to expand...

I would leave the 700 alone and modify the 110. It would be easier and probably better. I am a fan of the 7-08 for hunting but that's your choice. I could see a red dot sight but not a fan of scout rifles, again your choice. I like scopes to pick out detail and for lower light conditions but again your call. Be crazy, It's your stuff and your money.
 
d2wing said:
I would leave the 700 alone and modify the 110. It would be easier and probably better. I am a fan of the 7-08 for hunting but that's your choice. I could see a red dot sight but not a fan of scout rifles, again your choice. I like scopes to pick out detail and for lower light conditions but again your call.
Click to expand...

Good points, D. I fully intend to leave the 700 as is; Dad gave it to me some years ago, and it's been far too good a rifle to "modify" in any way. It currently wears a 3-9x40 Leupold and will shoot .251" at 50 yards with my handload; I haven't tried it any further but I doubt I'd be disappointed. I too like the 7mm, and wouldn't mind going that route. More than likely, I could find a bullet to suit my needs easily enough. I'm looking more in the 110 - 120 grain range; the '06 can handle the "heavy" stuff with the 150's and 180's. The scout rifle is a concept I like on paper, but I've never tried one and would be interested in doing so; same with the red dot. However, I agree on the scope; they are a big help to aging eyes like mine! On the other hand, the carbine iteration would be used in close quarters, while doing deer drives and thicket hunting. Distances would likely be no further than 50-60yards, more likely closer to 25-30.

Mac
 
MacAR said:
Care to recommend one? I had a 25-06 and wasn't terribly enthused with it. To be fair, I couldn't really tell a lot of difference between it, the .270, and the '06. I was wanting something a little "tamer", if you will. Such as the .260.

Mac
Click to expand...

I don't have much experience with either to be entirely honest. I'm heavily interested in a 280AI due to the wide range of bullets from 120gr-175gr it can run at nearly 7mag velocities.

Although, I'm also considering 6.5-06. It can push the 140's to 3k which will be very flat shooting, with just a small increase in recoil over the 260/6.5C. However, it'll still be gentler than the 30-06.

The 25-06 is just an absolute laser gun though. It can struggle with wind if you're shooting the light and fast stubby bullets though.

The 270win is also worth a consideration, but the 6.5-06 and 280AI will do the exact same things by have better bullet selection for handloaders (but worse selection if you're stuck with factory ammunition).
 
jmr40 said:
A 260, (if the barrel is twisted to handle longer 140-150 gr bullets, and if the magazine and chamber are designed for them) is a legitimate elk cartridge out past 400 yards. The SD is going to be about the same as a 180 gr 30 caliber bullet with similar penetration on game. And you can use it as a long range target round out to around a mile if you choose. Recoil will fall between 243 and 308, but closer to 243. You may retire the 30-06 barrel.

Since you're putting together a rifle with components anyway it shouldn't be hard to get everything the way you want it. The only difference between 260 and 6.5 CM is that the CM was designed to do those things in a factory rifle with factory loads.

Remington envisioned the 260 as a whitetail round and designed it around 120 gr hunting bullets. When long range shooters started trying to shoot 260 with the longer bullets they found they worked great as long as their rifles were modified to use them.

At the end of the day a modified 260 and 6.5 CM do exactly the same thing. It's just easier to pick up 6.5 rifles and ammo off the shelf.
Click to expand...

This, I’d go Creedmoor or 6.5x55.
 
gotboostvr said:
I'm also considering 6.5-06
Click to expand...

I was looking at that one, too. I've got oodles and gobs of '06 brass and it wouldn't be much of a trick to neck it down, then back the load off to where it still killed at 300 but didn't beat your shoulder to death. However, that would require a custom barrel, and I've been looking at Shaw pre-fits on EABco's website. I missed out on a 7mm-08 barrel last week that was $60 locally, so I might do well to wait and see if I could find a used one.

cdb1 said:
This, I’d go Creedmoor
Click to expand...

As bad as I hate it, I'm beginning to wonder if I shouldn't go that route.

Mac
 
MacAR said:
Am I nuts for even considering this project?
Click to expand...

No.

You may not be realistically gaining anything in the way of performance, and the "filling the gap" theory if we're honest with ourselves is most of the time just an excuse to get another rifle. And that's okay.
I've always been of the mind that me simply wanting something is enough reason to get it.

I have a .30-06 and a .243 and only hunt whitetails. But I still want a nice .280 Rem. It wouldn't really gain me anything over my .30-06, but I want it.
 
TEXASJD said:
http://www.shilen.com/savageBarrels.html
Click to expand...

Damn it... you've just doubled the project budget! :D Seriously though, a barrel that good would be a plus, but like you said I don't know if I want to spend quite that much. I've been known to change my mind, though.

Arkansas Paul said:
It wouldn't really gain me anything over my .30-06, but I want it.
Click to expand...

Same reason for the 6/6.5/7mm desire; My old 700 has put more meat on the ground for me than any other rifle and I should likely leave well enough alone. But, I want something different, just like you.

denton said:
260 vs 6.5 CM vs 6.5x55: No contest, if you hand load. 6.5x55 loaded to modern pressures is outstanding.

Shorty 30-06: Nasty to shoot. Even a short 308 will wake you up.
Click to expand...

The Swede interests me, and I do handload. So, I suppose that's another one I should consider. As to the short '06, I had a Mexican Mauser in '06 with a 16" barrel; I ain't too spooked of one... :eek:

Mac
 
I have never had a savage before but last year I did all the stock work en letting,bedding and load work on a 250 AI with one of those Shilen select match barrels on it was a screamer. All of my stuff is off Remington/Shilen/Mauser Actions.
 
Just my general opinion on barrel lengths for hunting rifles but, even in heavy cover, I don't like them any shorter than the one on a Winchester Model 94 carbine-20 inches. I don't think anything shorter merits the loss (albeit, not much) in velocity and the increase in muzzle blast (maybe a lot) in exchange for a very slight, if any, maneuverability advantage.
 
Get a 30-30 for your 100 yard rifle and then start building what you want for the long term.

may 100 yards a 30-30 will take down anything I ever hunted with open sights. Then set up your long range in your favorite caliber. I picked 6.5 creedmoor but there are a lot of options.

d
 
If it was me:
I’d stick with the 30-06,
cut the barrel to 18”,
install a Williams peep sight.
Shoot heavy cast Bullets at around 2000fps. Won’t blast you so hard and plenty of power for anything you will encounter in your neck of the woods.

second thought a rebarrel to 35 Whelen would also be fun, again heavy cast loads to mitigate and recoil and muzzle blast concerns, plenty of power and if I’m not mistaken you can neck up your 30-06 brass to use.
 
MacAR said:
(Inspired by @LoonWulf and his "Bad Idea" thread... Dang it!)

The other day, I picked up an old Stevens 110 30-06.
The "quick & dirty"

The "long term"

So, I have a desire to own a "middling" caliber rifle between the .222 and the '06. The 260 Remington really appeals to me, for some reason, as does the 7mm-08. However, the 260 has a better bullet selection thanks to the 6.5 sneezemoor. To that end, here's my idea:

1. Take the 110 action and fit a Shaw 260 factory contour barrel to it.
2. Have action and barrel finished in matching hot blue.
3. Order a nice Boyd's laminate stock in either blonde or pepper laminate.
4. Mount the Nikon Pro-Staff that's been looking for a home for over a year.

Again, am I nuts?

More than anything, this thread is to help me get my thoughts squared away.

And yes, I know I'm crazy, but sometimes I need to be reminded just how crazy I am!
Click to expand...

Crazy, No Worries. My wife after 29 years has me convinced "I'm an Idiot" But she loves me anyways.

From the sounds of it you have little invested in the gun and it holds no real value so I say hack it up the way you want and then proceed to decide which direction and caliber you want to go with it. I too have been yearning to find a used up or abused Savage 110/10 and do the same thing.
 
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