Thoughts on first tactical build?

[slm9s]

I've mainly been a benchrest/target guy but have started shooting long range and would like to purchase a rig to use for 'tactical' shooting. I won't compete at first, but would like this rifle to be useful for that when I do compete.
I will get a custom repeater action, I'm spoiled by my two Nesika bench guns so I know that only the slickest actions will be ok with me. I recently had a stiller tac30 that I bought and sold as the action was unacceptably "sticky" to me. Here's where I need input, I know that guys who drag their rifle thru the dirt can't have a super-tight BAT action, it just wouldn't function. But guys who shoot a tactical match every month or two, is that tight of an action really not going to work? From what I understand, BAT, nesika, and borden are the slickest. Maybe Defiance as well.
Next comes chambering. I need input on the rules most matches go by. I don't want to spend all this coin on a gun I can't even use because of some rule I didn't know about. Are most all matches not allowing magnums? Do most have a certain "speed limit"? I love short accurate rounds like the 6ppc and 6br/dasher, but these aren't going to feed well from a mag right? If you guys were starting from scratch what would you choose for 200-1200 yards? 6.5x47L? Creedmoor?
Does it make more sense to choose a chassis that comes w/ detachable mag instead of a stock that needs to be bedded and then bottom metal?
For a trigger I'll use a Jewell w/ safety and BR.
For a barrel, I'm not brand loyal at this point and I'm sure most of my shooting will be done from a bench or prone so I'm leaning toward a pretty heavy contour. I'm a fan of muzzle brakes. Are the $30 Harrells brakes just fine, or do I need to buy the $200 models?
I've got badger rings, and I'll probably choose a NF or Farrell 20moa base. I've got optics covered.
Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

 

[Barney88PDC]

Re: Thoughts on first tactical build?

As you know you will get varying opinions but Yes there are typically speed limits. Usually about 3100 fps and limited to .30cal or smaller. If it were your personal steel that 60+ guys were going to come bang on for 2 days you would agree with it.

Actions Surgeon 591R end up in the winners circle pretty damn often. Stiller and Bighorn actions as well as anything made by Defiance Machine such as the Templar or LA Precision action are GTG. I would say Kreiger / Bartlein are what most guys run but Rock and others preform well also. So guys stay away from Jewell triggers as they supposedly lock up more in adverse conditions although that is what I run. Timney triggers are very popular and have a reputation to be able to handle more sand / mud ect. As far as stocks that is a personal choice as everyone's ergonomics and biomechanics are different. I will say the 4 most popular options are McMillan, Manners, AICS and KMW SENTINEL stocks.

I can't speak for brakes as I do not use them. But defenately one of the 6.5cal is what most competive guys are running. The cliff notes are 6.5 Creedmore if you don't hand load and 6.5x47L or .260Rem if you do. IMO if you do .260Rem is the easy choice.

I like Surgeon DBM and Seekins rings and bases. That's my .02 YMMV.

 

[The_FNG]

Re: Thoughts on first tactical build?

Any tactical action is going to feel sticky compared to a bench action, Stiller,Surgeon are both great actions.
I think the Stiller would've been fine with a bit of elbow grease, some guys sit watching tv cycling the action just to smooth them out.

 

[skeetlee]

Re: Thoughts on first tactical build?

I do! I work my bolts daily. Sorta like therapy for us ill people!! Lee

 

[WhiskeyWebber]

Re: Thoughts on first tactical build?

Well I have a Barnard repeater action with a CG Jackson trigger. It feels like a sewing machine in the 150 rounds I have through it so far but that's not running around with the bolt open and jumping in the dirt with it yet. I'll have to get back to you on reliability in match conditions. My back-up gun is a stock Rem 700-5R that never ever malfunctions but it is not high on the slick action list

I picked 6XC chambered to shoot the 115g DTACs. I read the feeding on the 6XC was rock solid and my example has yet to have a hiccup . I could have gone with .243 but I wanted longer barrel life and you usually start bumping up against the 3200fps limit for most matches(.243AI and 6CM). Most matches I've seen are no magnum deals plus the recoil from a magnum would have me dragging ass after a long hot day of shooting. For 6.5mm choices, I've seen either .260 Rem or 6.5 CM with people saying they chose 6.5 CM for the factory ammo option. They both get the job done.

I know how fun the custom route is as I have one that I loved picking out all of the components for but why not consider an AIAE or TRG22/42? I just bought a TRG 42 a while back and honestly if I had started there I would probably only own one gun right now. There's something to be said for the total system in a box feeling that you get from the TRG and AIAE platforms.

 

[turbo54]

Re: Thoughts on first tactical build?

A TRG22 in 260 would be a really, really good choice... but if you're bent on a custom, I can't offer any intelligent info, other than my partners fully worked Rem700 built by SAC is exceptionally smooth.

Cartridge-wise, most comps are either 223/308 only, or anything between 223 and 300WM, with a 3100fps speed limit.

That said, if you've already got your marksmanship "down", and want a supreme cartridge, I think the 7WSM or 7RSAUM are it. Both will launch ridiculously high BC bullets right to the comp speed limit. Both are tough on barrels. Scaling back from them will give more barrel life, less recoil, but less performance. There are certainly lots of 6.5s out there, and they are WAY more "practical", while not giving up a whole lit of performance, but NOTHING allowed in the rules can ballistically match a high-capacity 7.

You should consider how much recoil, barrel life and component cost you want to deal with and go from there.

On muzzlebrakes, the harrels works well, but I personally prefer a brake that only vents out the sides, so it doesn't kick up so much shit.

 

[trilogymac]

Re: Thoughts on first tactical build?

I'm with WW above.
How about an AI in .260? Probably not going to find a better solution for reliability and mine is as accurate as any custom I have had.

hope this helps.

Trilogymac

 

[slm9s]

Re: Thoughts on first tactical build?


Thanks for all the input.
Harrells now make side discharge brakes also
Do most matches allow semiautos? I have medesha built ar10 6mmX kreiger and ar15 grendel WOA.
If i buy an aiae or trg, i have no access to handle them for fit/feel. Thats a big purchase to hope i like it.

 

[BigNoise]

Re: Thoughts on first tactical build?

Regarding actions, I think you'd be plenty happy with how slick the Bighorns run.