Lots of confusion on a .308 build.

I am looking into getting into semi long range 1000k is probably max. I am wanting to stick with a .308 just for the ease of components and factory ammo. I am confused on what gun to start of the build? My LGS has a 10 FCP-SR that I can get for about $600 but that seems like a waste to me. I will be putting it in a chassis so paying for the savage drop mags is a waste. The only thing that I need is the action and a heavy barrel and want it to be threaded. That's why the 10FCP-SR caught my eye.

The rifle will be use for long range precision training and range work. Badlands Tactical is pretty close to my so I am planning on training with them some more. I have only done pistol classes with them.

$2500 budget is about max for the record. I am open for suggestions on what components as well.

This is what I have planned so far:
Rifled action (Unknown)
KRG 180 Alpha chassis (really expensive for me though) or the XLR element with extreme butstock
Vortex Viper PST 6x24 FFP or SWFA 10x42 fixed for the cheap budget
TPS one piece 20moa base and rings
Harris bipod

Many others on here with more experience will chime in. I will say this, however, don't overthink it. Just get any Savage short action as a starting point. Doesn't matter if it's a 10,11, or 12 action. You base everything else off the action so it's a good 1st item to purchase. $600 is a lot, although you can sell off the barrel and the stock. Also, I would buy an after-market barrel and not use the factory barrel. Look into Shilen and CBI (Criterion). There are others but those are what I know. $2500 can build a GREAT Savage. I think I'm into mine less than $1,000 and it rings steel at 1100 yards no problem and capable of farther. With a $2500 budget you'll have money left over to have the action timed and trued. Hope this helps.

I have been looking at the hog hunter as a build guide as well. Not looking to spend all of my 2500 if I can help it but I am starting from scratch and will need several odd and ends things.

I would go with the hog hunter for your build donor action. It has the top bolt release. The 20" threaded heavy barrel will fetch top dollar as a new take off. Or, if it is like my hog hunter .308 build, you might find that 20" heavy factory barrel will shoot 1/2" or less with hand loads.

I would look at a used action. I haven't been in the classifieds yet, but there are actions that are put up for sale quite often.

Is the hog hunter the same action and will work in all of the stocks/chassis?

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Originally Posted by Kadams1563

Is the hog hunter the same action and will work in all of the stocks/chassis?

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Modern Savage short actions have 2 screw lenghts. One is 4.275" and one is 4.41". There is a chasis that allows you to determine the screw length, the mdt chasis. I am building a rifle around this chasis now. Unless I'm mistaken, the other chasis systems would require you to specify what action length you use. You would also need to specify if your action is a top bolt release or bottom bolt release. Most hog hunters to my knowledge are top bolt release.

Is the hog hunter action a 4.275 or 4.41?

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Originally Posted by Kadams1563

Is the hog hunter action a 4.275 or 4.41?

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The Hog Hunter is a 4.4" spacing. I used one for one of my long range rigs. I wouldn't hesitate to use another one. I had planned on upgrading the barrel, but the stock heavy 20" barrel shot far better than I imagined, so I kept it. Cheapest way to a long ranger I know of.

Thanks. I originally wanted a 22 or a 24 inch barrel for the extra velocity. I'm going to be shooting 175 FGMM for a little while until I get a set up for .308 reloading. Figured I would break the rifle in with factory and ise the brass to reload later one. If the 20 inch barrel will work I'll shoot it for awhile and then upgrade later on.

I also went down the very road you are on now. I think you'd be surprised. Josh Wayner did a very extensive study about velocity and barrel length. It's worth looking up. His findings using a 308 are eye opening. Using the data for his 26" vs 18" barrel numbers (longer than you mentioned vs. shorter than the Hog Hunter) to illustrate my point.

The 175 Sierra Match King is used for this data:

26" Barrel - 2575 fps, @1000yds: -419" or -11.6 Mils
18" Barrel - 2501 fps, @1000yds: -448" or -12.5 Mils

This data is only closer with the 168 gr., -11.7 Mils with the 18" barrel, and -11.1 Mils with the 26" barrel.

This example using a bit more difference than 20" vs 24" illustrates that you won't gain much. This information that Josh worked so hard documenting helped me save a few dollars. I had planned on a new Palma contour 24" barrel, but with the so similar drop results AND the stock barrel shooting half inch groups with factory ammo, I happily stayed with the stock barrel. The money I saved on keeping the barrel went into a Boyd's stock and CDI DBM.

So long story short, don't discount that 20 inch barrel. It's a keeper!

Wow thanks again. I'm going to try and find a Hog hunter and build and keep the original barrel if I can shoot it well. What's a good price on one?

This is just my opinion and what I would do if I had the $2500 budget. I would call Jim at Northland shooter supply and buy a nice brand new target action and match grade barrel to start with. Probably looking at $800 or so for the barrel and action, then I would buy whatever chasis you are wanting to put it in say another $500-$600 and that still leaves $1100-$1200 for a nice Leupold VX3 8.5-25X50 and Burris Signature Zee Rings. If there is any money left I would start buying components for relaoding because once you start getting into the long range game factory ammo just aint going to cut it.

Well I just realized a bummer. SWFA is located in Texas. I was planning on ordering scope, bipod, base, and rings from them. Anyone have a good online place out of Texas? I'm wanting TPS steel 20 moa base and TPS steel rings. They seem hard to find.

I guess I should have clarified that I'm in texas and do not want to pay for the taxes.

Wow! and I thought I was a cheep bast..........Suck it up, SWFA is still going to be worth it.
I have used hog hunter actions to build my whole crews rigs......every one shot 0.4" or less with handloads from a factory barrel and every one under 0.2" with ($300-) pre-fit "custom" barrels, good stocks and scopes.

Yes I am cheap. Trying to get quality for as cheap as possible.

Kadams. Going to pm you a little information on SWFA and Texas residents.

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Originally Posted by Robinhood

Kadams. Going to pm you a little information on SWFA and Texas residents.

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I'd like to know this information too.

I feel the same way on sales tax.

Cabelas has a 308 heavy barrel Savage on sale for $389. Just restock, optics, and go shoot. Replace barrel if you feel the need. Cant get any cheaper than that, short of a used gun find...

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Originally Posted by ScottReb

Cabelas has a 308 heavy barrel Savage on sale for $389. Just restock, optics, and go shoot. Replace barrel if you feel the need. Cant get any cheaper than that, short of a used gun find...

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What model? I'm not close to a cabelas so ir would be a drive.

It's a Cabelas exclusive called 12FV

It has a 26" varmint contour barrel,
Target recessed crown,
top bolt release,
slotted barrel nut,
steel trigger guard,
blind mag.
Crappy plastic stock.

oh, well, 6/7 ain't bad. $389 is sensational. When they aren't on sale, they are $419, if you can find them. ALso, you MUST go to the store for purchase, they will not ship to your FFL.

What Foxx said...

Cabelas also has a Remington exclusive for a Remage conversion option, the 700 ADL Varmint. 308 heavy for $399

Also our local Cabelas will help you locate one or see when/if one is arriving. You cannot pre pay for it though..

For the conversion you use a Remington action but put a barrel nut on if for future barrel changes? Is the Remy action better than the savage?

Rem vs Savage is whole 'nother question. Ill leave that up to others. Mostly just different, both will do what you ask them, IMHO.

Yes you put a Remage barrel with nut on the 700 action, just like the Savage.

So I have been looking at the 12FV. Do you all think this is a better build rifle compared to the hog hunter? Or is hog hunter the way to go?

I can still put that rifle in a chassis and get bottom detachable mags and everything. It is the same action as the HH correct?

Also where and how much to get the barrel cut down and threaded for a muzzle break? If that's gonna cost several hundred then I believe the HH would be the way to go.

Actions on all the Savages, except Avis, are the same. Differences in them are action length, single shot vs magazine, blind mag, detachable mag, center feed vs bottom feed(?). The FAQ has a review of how the number break it down that helps. But basically they are all very similar and you can find stocks and chassis for all of them.

Re:cutting down a barrel, if you're looking for a short barrel already threaded I think the HH will be cheaper. Figure around $100-150+ for that. Not sure how heavy the barrel is on the HH vs Varmint, so something else to consider

I suppose this deal is better than Hog Hunter, even if you end up cutting the barrel down and thread it. That cost might be $35-50 if you shop around. (cutting and crowning). Threading another $50-75

If you don't want shorter barrel and threaded, definitely go 12FV

The action is identical.
The 12 fv has slotted barrel nut, which is better when you remove the barrel. Not a deal breaker by any means.
The 12 fv has steel trigger guard, about $25 value vs. the HH plastic trigger guard.

BOttom line, if you can get 12FV on sale, get it.

Otherwise, it's kind of a toss up if you want a shorter barrel that's threaded.

If someone can chop and thread the barrel cheaper then I will go with the 12FV. Is the barrel on the 12FV heavier then the HH? I do not have any local gunsmiths so I would have to mail it off. Having to pay $150 or $200 getting the barrel cut won't be worth it in the long run.

If you have the means, tools and know-how to remove the barrel, I would suggest getting the 12fv. otherwise, just get the HH.

PM coming your way.

Well I have tinkered with my CZ pistols and lego built several AR'S. So I would have to look it up to see ho to remove the barrel from a bolt action as I have never owned one.

Need an action wrench or barrel wrench (either one, about $50 for either) and a special nut wrench (about $30). I think they are a must-have for any savage owner b/c barrel swapping etc. is at the heart of the joy of Savage.

If you get those, they are easy to remove and swap. Without them, it's virtually impossible.

Get the tools, make the switch. Otherwise, go with the HH and don't worry about it. The two guns are essentially the same.


Another consideration, if you are certain you will not want to play around with more Savage and barrel swapping, it's not worth the extra cost for the tools.

Well cabelas is out of stock on the 12FV and local gun shop wants $519 for the hog hunter.

For the sake of price comparison, the best price for Hog Hunters is always Budsgunshop.com. About $475 shipped. Add $25 FFL x-fer charges and you're right about there with your LGS.

Get there's and run with it. :)