DTA SRS - Short overall length, long barrel. Problem solved.
Did I mention I’m a dealer? lol
What is going to be the primary use for this rifle (e.g. hunting, tactical competitions, etc). If you want to soon matches/competitions, I’d consider going with something other than 308. I’ve talked to some tactical competition shooters and none of them shoot 308 unless that is the required caliber for a match. If you don’t reload, then 6.5 Creedmoor is the way to go. It has a very high BC, compared to 308, and as a result won’t get pushed around by the wind nearly as much. I’m not trying to change this to a caliber discussion, but I thought it was worth a mention.
If you are considering a custom build, you might look at Surgeon actions. They are expensive, but you’d be hard pressed to find something better.
I agree with what rudy said. For factor ammo, it’s virtually impossible to beat the 6.5 Creedmoor. If reloading, the 7WSM rules the roost.
I’ll say that my knowledge of the subject is more research than practical at this point (I’m working on that ;)), so I’m asking you about your statement here more to pick your brain than to give opposing view points.
So when you say the above about a sub-20" barrelled .308, is this because the round will go subsonic before it hits 1,000 yds? Or is that statement just meant to say that it’s “less easy” to hit consistently at 1,000 with that setup? Due to wind, trajectory, or both?
What about when using the heavier projectiles? Would that be of any help?
First, don’t ever make a statement like you did if you don’t have first hand experience. There are enough windbags on the internet. Trust me. I’ll forgive you and move on, since you were man enough to admit you don’t know what you are talking about. 
In my AO under typical conditions, using an 18" krieger barrel firing 175SMK’s at 2550fps… at 1000yds the bullet is going 1160fps. That could be subsonic (borderline) on some days.
However, its a question of wind, more than trajectory. The difference between a 10mph wind and a 11mph wind is 0.3 mils. That is a ton. That results in misses. A 10mph wind isn’t even a stiff breeze in south dakota.
Umm, not sure which statement you’re making reference to (since I didn’t make one, as it was a question)…unless I missed some sarcasm 
But thanks for the response.
Yeah, I was just poking fun. Hence the
Gotcha…internet and all ya know…
With a 24 inch 308 and 168 SMK I had a chance to shoot unknown distance out to a bit past 1000 yds. We had variable winds. Even with a 24 inch barrel the 168 SMK was not too predictable as targets got closer to 1000. Furthest hit I got (2 chances per target) was 940 yards. For serious use at that range I’d want to use 175 SMK’s and keep every inch of that barrel if you are trying to make first round hits in variable wind. I’ve got an 18 inch 308 on order but it wouldn’t be my first choice if I seriously wanted to increase my odds of a first round hit at serious distance, not that you can’t hit, not that the bullet won’t travel that far, but when it goes subsonic you can’t count on any consistancy. I see all kinds of folks touting the virtues of 16 inch barrels at 1500 yards and I can only say they cannot be talking about reliable first round hits with unknown distance and variable wind etc.
Run away from those people and their “advice.” Don’t walk… run.
Yeah, I love how they always post up Frank’s video as proof…
That’s my favorite too. Cracks me up. 
I am not dead set on .308, I just figured it was a good “all around” caliber and I have a good amount of 175grain SMKs. Since I will most likely eventually reload, I have been pondering the 6.5, 7 and .300wm. Any advice on caliber selection here?
My smith is recommending a Badger action. Any thought on a Badger vs a surgeon?
as for ammo…
http://demigodllc.com/articles/the-case-for-260-remington/
if u reload, i would say 260 due to cheeper and more brass… if you dont, creedmoor
http://demigodllc.com/articles/6.5-shootout-260-6.5x47-6.5-creedmoor/
surgeon is better…