My First New Rifle in Forever

[Winchester]

I've been hunting my whole life with the pre-64 Model 70 Winchester my Dad bought in the '50s.
I'm happy with it and I'll still use it but after spending a few years reading everyone's posts about other interesting rifles I finally decided to try one. In coordination with a local gunsmith we just finished building this one.
I hope to get it out to the range this weekend.

.28 Nosler
8 lbs with scope
McMillan hunter stock with ultralite edge technology
Proof Research Carbon Barrel
Bighorn Action / Bolt Model SR3
Trigger Tech trigger
Hawkins Precision Obenrdorf bottom metal with mag follower
Watt?s Outdoor Mag box
March Optics 3-24x42mm FFP Tactical Knob Scope
Hawkins Precision Scope Rings with 25 MOA Taper

 

[AKaviator]

Wow, that's great. We'll all be anxious to hear how it performs! That big bull moose in the photo behind it may be in serious trouble!!

 

[Timberstalker]

That’s a fine looking rifle. I’m sure it will serve you well.

 

[Colorado Cowboy]

You need to get out and bust some primers.....

Really looks great. Custom rifles are wonderful. My custom.300 Wby is unbelievable, hope yours meets all your expectations.

 

[Winchester]

Thanks !!
I hope to get it out later today if the weather holds, if not, then tomorrow.
I can't wait to see how it shoots.
Bought a couple boxes of factory ammo to start ... and get some brass.
Then I'll start hand-loading for the first time ... in forever.

 

[mallardsx2]

Nice looking gun. Are you planning to reload for it?

 

[Winchester]

Yep, first I'll shoot the factory ammo to get some brass then I'll start hand-loading.
I want to try some Berger Bullets.

 

[penak]

Great looking gun guys

 

[Catahoula12]

Very nice build. Hope it performs “lights out” for you.

 

[Slugz]

Great looking gun!!! I'm really interested in how the 28 Nosler shoots and have been looking to build one for some time now. Cant wait to hear about it. Congrats

 

[BAKPAKR]

That is a nice looking rifle and a great list of components!

 

[DRUSS]

Good list of components for this build. Looking foward to seeing how it shoots? Congratulations on a nice looking setup! Should perform well for another generation of hunting.

 

[Winchester]

I shot 2 boxes of Factory Loads this weekend ... 175gr Nosler ABLRs.
The rifle really felt great !!
Here's one group at 100 yards ... not terrible but not what this rifle should be capable of.
Now I have the brass and will start working up some handloads.
Going to try some Berger bullets.

 

[wy-tex]

That Bighorn action out of Wyoming? Looks like it will shoot well, congrats!!

 

[Winchester]

Yes sir. It seems like a great action.
It has replaceable bolt head so if I wanted to I could change the bolt head to a new caliber, thread on a matching barrel, and have a completely different caliber rifle.

 

[Winchester]

I reloaded using some Berger Bullets using RL 33 powder.
For the 180gr Berger's I used 83.0 grains of powder.
For the 195gr Berger's I used 81.0 grains of powder.
Both loads were about in the middle between min and max.
I loaded 3-shot groups varying the bullet seating depth by 0.005 back from the lands.
It shot the 180grs pretty well at 0.005 back and the 195grs at 0.015 back ... see pics.
Next time I'll probably use those seating depths and vary the powder loads.

 

[mallardsx2]

Sweet Jesus thats accurate.

Anyone would be happy with that.

Way to go!

 

[AKaviator]

Outstanding! Groups as well as it looks! Congratulations!

 

[Winchester]

Thanks guys.
I chose the type of power and bullet based on what another local guy had luck with in his .28 Nosler.
Looks like it's working in mine also!
I'll try a couple of other things but it can't get much better ... unless I get someone with younger/sharper eyes to shoot it.

 

[Hilltop]

Thanks guys.
I chose the type of power and bullet based on what another local guy had luck with in his .28 Nosler.
Looks like it's working in mine also!
I'll try a couple of other things but it can't get much better ... unless I get someone with younger/sharper eyes to shoot it.

Good shooting! How fast are they flying?