Ultra Light Arms Build Cartridge Choice

[Hoss Delgado]

The recoil isn't something I am worried about. I have a 280ai in a 5.75lbs rifle, a 300wm 6.6lbs rifle and a 300 rum in a 7.7lbs package, they will all get your attention, but I don't shoot them off the bench very much.

I am leaning to the 30-06. If I ever get a second one in a short action, the 284 Rem is his pet chambering, so that would be at the top of the list. That is followed by the 6.5x55 or maybe the 6.5x57 that was mentioned earlier.

Go for it , then . .30-06 is all my dad uses and he's taken everything from White tail to Indian Shiliguri Gaur bison with it .

 

[YancyW]

30-06

I have a Colt light rifle (Melvin’s design) that has been back to Melvin and received his lightweight stock (colt skimped and went with a cheesy plastic one), upgraded trigger and firing pin. With the barrel being 24” and the excellent stock design for recoil mitigation, it is an easy shooter.

The rifle is perfectly balanced and is a joy to shoot and carry.

What trigger did you go with?

 

[Edge]

Believe it

What trigger did you go with?

Believe it’s the standard trigger Melvin uses for his custom rifles, Timney?

 

[YancyW]

Believe it


Believe it’s the standard trigger Melvin uses for his custom rifles, Timney?

That's right, the Jewell is the upgraded trigger.

 

[Michael Dean]

Melvin Forbes is one of the most talented gun smiths I've met. Melvin has built two rifles for me, a 270WSM and a 338 Federal. If you're going to keep your shots at under 300 yards the 338 Federal is a great choice. It's essentially a 308 necked up to 338. I shoot a 225 grain Hammer bullet in mine. Both my rifles are extremely accurate, developing loads for the two rifles was easy. Both of mine like the bullet touching the lands. He designed the Talley rings that go with the rifles. I opted for the Jewel trigger and couldn't be happier.

The great thing about Mr. Forbes is his willingness to work with you after your purchase. I had a bullet jam, (my fault) and I ended up popping off the bolt handle. Melvin repaired the rifle for very little money and walked me through my issues as to what I was doing wrong in loading the cartridges.

His recoil pads are outstanding, the 338 is a lightweight sporter model and the recoil is very manageable. He's known as the father of ultralight rifles. I plan on having him build me another rifle, a 7x57 Mauser AI. My guess is that he's in his early 70's so I wouldn't wait on getting your order in. I don't know how much longer he's going to be building rifles. If you've got any question regarding which cartridge to chose from I'd call him directly. Tell him what you want the rifle for and he'll recommend the appropriate cartridge. Mine are two rifles I'll never part with.

 

[Von Gruff]

Does that need the long action? .

This question was in answer to my suggestion of the 6.5x57 and as your action is for the '06 family of cartridges, the x57 is a simple fit.

 

[ian-bradley]

7x57 can’t go wrong