My first custom rifle

I wanted to start a rifle build but after a while of trying to figure it out,looking and looking at stuff, I have never pulled the trigger or started anything. But a month ago, I caught this rifle on Gunbroker already put together and had to have it. Plus it ended up being a great deal.  

6.5x55 caliber ,Remington 700 .30-06 style action, Timney trigger set at 2.75lbs, 22" #5 Hart or Lilja barrel(according to the previous owner), McMillan stock glass/pillar bedded. It is cerakoted in desert tan. I was having a time with the Talley rings digging into the scope finish so I opted for Luepolds.

I sent my bolt off to Kampfeld to have it fluted, face opened, and campfire knob installed. He cerakoted it too and my rings and bases. Karl does great work(just like everyone says) and fast, I had all of this back in SC within a week of shipping it to him. Can't say enough, awesome service!!

What do you guys think?

Before

After

That's super nice! Love it. 

cheaptrick wrote: That's super nice! Love it.  I've been wanting to do the same to my Rem bolt.  Talley rings "digging into scope finish"??  HUH??? I'm assuming you tightened them to the correct torque specs?

koshkin wrote: cheaptrick wrote: That's super nice! Love it.  I've been wanting to do the same to my Rem bolt.  Talley rings "digging into scope finish"??  HUH??? I'm assuming you tightened them to the correct torque specs?   More likely the bases are not entirely properly lined-up. ILya

The 6.5x55 is a great caliber.  Most of the factory ammo for it is underpowered since it designed for actions whose steel was not as tough as modern steel. Lots of great new powders available for reloading, though. I am currently playing with the new Enduron powders. Check the rifling twist. It's probably a 1:8. The gun looks great!

Nice rifle! I agree; Karl does great work at reasonable prices and fast turnaround. He’s also a nice guy. I’ve had him do a lot of work for me and wouldn’t hesitate to send him more work in the future.

Very nice, would have kept the Talley’s but that just me.

Thanks guys!

Rifledude, I used Karl based on your post a while back on your .30-06 with the Stiller action. That's really what made me want to start trying to put a rifle together. I think I am going to send the barreled action back to him and have the barrel spiral fluted.

On the Talley's, I think the previous owner had lapped them. I'm not sure if it was what was causing me trouble or not, but the Luepolds are working for now at least.

I love the 6.5x55 and I wish I reloaded or knew how to. I also have a Tikka T3 6.5x55 with a BC Medalist stock and Schmidt Bender 3-12x42 L7 scope. I love that gun, shoots crazy good. I have been shooting Nosler Trophy Grade 140 Accubonds 2650 fps and this year some new Swift High Grade ammo in 130 grain Scirrocco II's at 2709 fps. And I just ordered some Hendershot custom ammo in 120 grain ballistic tips, should be around 2800-2850 according to them.

Shot these this morning with the 140 Accubonds.

Edited by cbm - December/04/2017 at 14:41

Does bring home the bacon.