Bully

If you really want to go bananas, look into converting 308Palma brass from Lapua into 243. You will get all the benefits of the 6.5x47Lapua with less expense.

243 is overbore. Meaning the cartridge is bigger than the bullet, kind of. It's also fast. So, it is a barrel burner. Shoot your 243. Save your brass. If you make the switch, the brass is always worth something to someone. "Old School" has done EXTREMELY well with his box/stock 243 BVSS in local competitions. He's a 6mm junkie. Mike at Tier1 has said that IF he had a favorite cartridge it might be 243. If I wasn't so invested in 6.5, I would consider it as well. George Gardener from GAP rifles has won several times with a straight 243. It's an extremely versatile and relevant cartridge. Don't get caught up in all the hype. C

243 is a smokin cartridge. 6's are starting to rule the roost. Great bullets and moderate powder loads. I'd personally keep it the way it is for now and shoot the crap out of it. C

One of those rounds is the 6.5x47. It's so popular that guys were selling brass at inflated prices just a week or two ago. Like Parker said, it comes down to the parameters of what someone wants to do with their rifle. For long distance/PRS type shooting that will take a fair bit of practice to get comfortable with and maintain proficiency, the smallest cartridge that will be effective at a given range with the least amount of wind drift will probably be the choice. If someone has to practice a lot using a cartridge that isn't going to beat them silly, has good or above average brass life and doesn't use a lot of powder makes sense frome a physical and financial point of view. Also, some of the other disciplines have caliber restrictions where only .223 or .308 can be used. Some can be strictly cost-benefit. 308 will reach to 1k with a ton of match ammo readily available and lots more to plink with off the shelf. NATO rounds will always maintain popularity with preppers. Don't ever underestimate the power of a fad either.

Both are nice guns and both companies have good customer service (Ruger's is awesome actually). They will both shoot very well. Personally I like the Ruger for the upgrades. The mi-spec is cool but not my cup of tea. If you were looking to learn to work on a 1911 and do some mods, it's an awesome starting point. Just know, 1911's are extremely addictive. C

Seriously, I would contact Mike at Tier1. He could wind up saving you $$$ C

It's actually unwatchable.

Cosmo caters to folks that do nothing for themselves. Those folks pay someone to do actual labor and they expect the "state" to watch and protect them. These are the folks that pay the handyman to change a lightbulb. I'm not kidding by the way. So yes, to them, firearms are scary death machines with no real purpose and only cops should have them. Blah.

4" S&W 617

I like where you're headed on your build. My next will be a trued Remmy long action for a short action caliber. I've got time for that tho. Do you handload? Or, do you not want to devote the time to it and will stick to factory? What are you planning on hunting? At what distance? As far as smith's go, give "Tier 1 Defense" a call. Mike is a very talented builder. He did a lot of the work on my 6.5 and I am thrilled with the way it came out. Only thing I might say to re-consider with your build is instead of going with a 5/8-24 thread, go with a 3/4-24. Surefire makes a break that fits that thread pitch and you can then thread their can onto that(once your in a place where that's allowed, of course.). http://bulletin.accurateshooter.com/2015/04/muzzle-threading-dont-remove-too-much-steel/ Good luck with it.

I know you picked up a press however I just have to say my CoAx showed up yesterday. It's love. Good luck with your endeavors.

I own that Vortex as well. It's definitely an option.

It's a solid option however I would really like small, light and easy. If I hunt it, less is more as shots won't be much past 100 yards. Thanks for the input. I do appreciate it.

Dammit! I always forget something. 6-700. I'll save longer if necessary. I'm not opposed to used. I have time as the rifle won't be done for a few months. I'm currently collecting parts now.

Hey all. I am beginning another bolt build and am looking for help with optics. The rifle will be an 18" 308 in a chassis (MDT/LSS). This will be my "DoAll" rifle. I will hunt it, shoot paper zombies with it to 300yds and SHTF/TEOTWAWKI it. I'm thinking that a low magnification fixed/variable would be the way to go. Maybe a 1-6 or fixed 3 or 4? Any recommendations? Any questions you need answered before you make a recommendation please feel free to post as I love thinking this stuff thru. Thanks.

Does that mean you'll be treating...?

Emails sent and replied to. He's asking 350 shipped for it. Still a bit steep but it's a really good looking machine. C

That would be a close to 600 dollar "investment" and although it's awesome, I'll have to pass. Thanks for showing it.

Any other info besides the forum post? I'm hoping to learn something and save a few shekels. C

I'm heading up with a buddy in the morning tomorrow (Monday 2/29). Drop me a PM if you would like to meet up. C

I'm considering building an annealing machine. I know there are some plans online. I'll get the parts list from there. Anyone on here done it? C

I usually put my brass on top of my boiler and let it sit for a day or two. Rarely am I in any kind of rush to get it done. In the summer, I put it outside. Works like a charm. C

Thanks Bubba!

Mine.

Thanks all. It's a bolt gun, so no fouling issues. I'll just do FMJ as this is just for giggles. C