Thread: New ultra lite bush build - your thoughts?

Hi guys, I’m planning on embarking on an ultra lite bush build. Yes I have a limited budget so carbon barrel is out lol.
So here’s what I’m thinking:

Howa superlite in 308 1.5kg or less if I shorten the barrel..
Shorted barrel… what length?

Alloy rings - ideas? Weight?

My own custom carbon wrap stock 450g with butt pad. (Why not use the one that comes with it? Well for starters the comb is way way too low, especially due to the rail height and then rings on top. It also has flex. The bottom inletting is also poor and my friend who supplies them has broken mag/trigger plate with 2turns still to go on the action screws… also had 2 stocks he sent back that screw holes were on too much angle and wouldn’t engage the action.

Do I need a bipod? Thinking not but your thoughts?

Leupold vx1 scope 275g

Maniatis alpine suppressor 270g

So we are at an estimated 2.5 kg or there abouts

So if I was shooting that I’d want light projectiles cause I hate recoil.. but this isn’t a target rifle and will only shoot animals, am I being soft?

Are my maths any good?

Other options?

Old school guys would do open sights and no suppressor.. but I want to shoot out to 300 and I value my hearing…

Any last requests?

you are suppressed so recoil isnt a problem with .308 unless you intend to load it stupidly hot.
plenty of options for a good,capable and cheap load...
out to 300 maximum you arent going to need a lot of scope....wee 2x7 would be ideal
the barrel is reasonably short to begin with but yeah .308s can take it a bit shorter...
now I personally would DEFINATELY duel load it..big fat soft hornady 180grn round nose for up close and maybe a 125-130grn faster hotter load for out further...with option of 130grn hp speer for varmit type stuff or down loaded for young folks.
and keto diet ..you will loose a kg or three yourself easier than grams on rifle

Why light weight for a bush shooter? I would of thought balance, quickness to shoulder and a solid half cock would be the priority

[QUOTE=Gkp;1450668]Why light weight for a bush shooter? I would of thought balance, quickness to shoulder and a solid half cock would be the priority

Guess I should have called it a general purpose hunting rifle. No need for 300 in the bush. After lugging heavy rifles around for years I build a light Grendel bolt action… a dream to carry but 150y is about all I’ll do with that rifle. Scoped and suppressor it weighs just over 2.5kg I’ll post some pics

[QUOTE=Scott Cowan;1450690]

Originally Posted by Gkp

Why light weight for a bush shooter? I would of thought balance, quickness to shoulder and a solid half cock would be the priority

Guess I should have called it a general purpose hunting rifle. No need for 300 in the bush. After lugging heavy rifles around for years I build a light Grendel bolt action… a dream to carry but 150y is about all I’ll do with that rifle. Scoped and suppressor it weighs just over 2.5kg I’ll post some pics

Gotcha. The Howa that @MB suggested looks pretty sweet. Although I reckon stainless and 18 inches in any of the 08 cartridges is the sweet spot.

I also have a "budget" lightweight bush rifle in mind, just haven't got around to it, or if I'm honest, have no need at present. I can't add much to your wish list, but I'll go Tikka in a Kroseg carbon stock. Barrel around 16" and over-barrel suppressor, probably DPT, but open to suggestions. I'll add a VX2 3-9x33 that I have sat around doing nothing. Nice, small and light. I think some folk put too much scope on a bush rifle, but each to their own. Also plan to use "Lite" rounds initially. Nothing ground breaking, but no need to reinvent the wheel.

Can you get the Superlite as a barreled action or do you have to buy the whole thing with the factory stock? If you're on a budget wouldn't you save a load by using the 1500 Lightweight version? With your ultralight stock and a chopped barrel the weight would be fairly low anyway? And you can fit a set of Talleys and a nice light scope to keep the balance in the right place.

I'm assuming the rail on the new Superlight is screwed on? Can it be removed to fit conventional mounts like Talleys etc or have they made the top of the action proprietary in some way?

Originally Posted by Steelisreal

Can you get the Superlite as a barreled action or do you have to buy the whole thing with the factory stock? If you're on a budget wouldn't you save a load by using the 1500 Lightweight version? With your ultralight stock and a chopped barrel the weight would be fairly low anyway? And you can fit a set of Talleys and a nice light scope to keep the balance in the right place.

I'm assuming the rail on the new Superlight is screwed on? Can it be removed to fit conventional mounts like Talleys etc or have they made the top of the action proprietary in some way?

No mounts available yet just the rail. Yes you can buy barrelled action at reloaders for $1050?

Originally Posted by Scott Cowan

No mounts available yet just the rail. Yes you can buy barrelled action at reloaders for $1050?

Ah yes, right you are! When I looked the other day they had listed the stocks but there was no sign of barreled actions as yet. I'll be interested to see one in the flesh to see if it's a tuned/lightened 1500 action or if they've invested in a load of new parts and it is actually a whole different action.

Originally Posted by Steelisreal

Ah yes, right you are! When I looked the other day they had listed the stocks but there was no sign of barreled actions as yet. I'll be interested to see one in the flesh to see if it's a tuned/lightened 1500 action or if they've invested in a load of new parts and it is actually a whole different action.

It’s a different action, lighter than the mini too. Barrel shank thread is also different.
What a pain as I’d love to just stick with the Tikkas lol

Get an illuminated reticule scope. You won't regret it.

Originally Posted by Shearer

Get an illuminated reticule scope. You won't regret it.

Yeah the Grendel wears one

You might be better off going 708 or 260 or Crudmore for less recoil. All will get you to 300 no problem. Definitely need a suppressor if you going with short bbl

Originally Posted by chainsaw

You might be better off going 708 or 260 or Crudmore for less recoil. All will get you to 300 no problem. Definitely need a suppressor if you going with short bbl

Yes if I was going custom barrel I’d not choose 308. Just that the new howas only come in 6.5creedmoor and 308 and I want a short barrel so thought 308 would better suit that

Originally Posted by Scott Cowan

Yes if I was going custom barrel I’d not choose 308. Just that the new howas only come in 6.5creedmoor and 308 and I want a short barrel so thought 308 would better suit that

I've got a 16 inch creedmoor. Factory 129 Interlocks are going 2600, and factory 143 eldx 2530 ish. Both kill deer super well even at those speeds. Can squeeze an extra 100fps out of each with reloads but the factory shit kills so well I haven't bothered loading. The 143 will carry velocity out to 400 no drama
Even starting at the more sedate speed.

It's a kimber hunter with goop removed, dpt muzzle forward, and vx3 1.75 - 6 about 2.7kg all up so nice to carry and no drama to shoot. Hops around a bit on a bipod but recoil is comfy as and can spot shots no problem shooting over a pack.