Gunsmithing 260 and 7WSM builds and questions.

[QuarterBore Loader]

Hello all,

I have been a lurker for quite some time. I figured I would go ahead and jump on in and post up some questions. I am sorry if some of these have been asked before. Actually I'm sure some if not most have been. So thanks in advance.

Both 700 actions:

I currently have a 260 being built off of a 308 vssf that was beginning to open up. I can't decide whether to go with a AICS 1.5, TAC21, or McMillan A5. I am building this gun to get into LR -ELR, it will most likely not be used for hunting, only shooting from bipod and/or bench. What do all of you seasoned folks prefer (I know everyone has an opinion but please explain why you have your opinion).

The 7WSM is going to be on a McM HTG stock. It will be used for LR and ELR hunting, bipod and bench work. My smith was out today so I haven't asked him yet, so I figured I would put it out here. Is it ok to open up a .223 bolt face up to accept a 7wsm shell? Or would I be better off opening up a spare .308 bolt face that I have in the safe. I know that some are going to say use a LA. However, I have the SA action already and I am really wanting to save my LA doner for another possible project down the road.

Also, bottom metal? Wyatt's, Badger, PTG, which do you all prefer and why?

When answering these questions, please don't ask about budget. I'm not wealthy. However, I have no problem spending more for quality and reliability. BTW, I am sort of a newb on builds. I have reloaded for 15 yrs, just never got into custom builds other than 10/22's

Again, thanks in advance.

 

[ugsly]

Just built a 260 on a rem 700 brux barrel, shoots like a house of fire. Used GAP .260 reamer from PTG and running 130gr bergers in AICS mag. This is my opnion, sell your old bolt and buy a PTG once piece with the upgraded extractor. I think you'll be happier with it down the road. Bottom metals, I have been buying the PTG's stealth and they're great and the price the great. The badger bottom metal is alittle beefier but I dont think is has any real advantage over the PTG. Someone else may chime in with alittle more experience, just my .02

Kc

 

[mcfred]

Is it ok to open up a .223 bolt face up to accept a 7wsm shell?

This is fine. In fact I think a 223 bolt is preferred for opening up and converting to a sako or m16 extractor because when the face is opened up the old extractor grove cleans up and doesn't need to be filled in. If you want the rem extractor, then I think a different bolt would be easier. See what your smith offers or prefers. Good luck with the builds.

 

[sinarms]

I like to use PT&G bolts, you can get a body and handle for around $140 and add what extractor you like.

 

[QuarterBore Loader]

Thanks, yeah I will talk to him and find out which course of action he prefers. Also, I thought the PTG bolts were quite a bit more expensive. I will check into it again.

 

[ugsly]

bolt bodies run about $116 + handle. A 1 piece bolt (with handle machined into it) run about $197. On a 2 piece bolt he just needs to time the bolt and if he can tig the under side of it then your gtg.

 

[kjoens]

As far as stocks go that's a personal preference. I have two A-5's one adjustable ones not. I like them. I have a PTG and APA bottom metal. I prefer the apa rtg it has a much more streamlined design with the latch integrated Into the trigger guard. But it is more expensive. The PTG is good, I just don't care for the latch sticking down, but you can't beat te price and the function and finish is great.

Kj

 

[2Shots]

I have built both the 260 and the 7wsm as well as several others. As far as the stock it's up to your own choice and feel. I really like the mcmillan, A3-5 and A5 with the adjustable cheek piece. Manners are ok, XLR are ok but not for me, tried an AICS also its ok, especially with the new skins. The chassis are nice because you don't need to bed the actions in. As far as bottom metal the PTG are my choice, price is good, I think the mag well protruding is an advantage for reloading and rifle reliability. As far as the bolt I agree with the PTG option, much easier than modifying yours. If you are like me, use the 260 for shots to 1K, then go to the 7, saves powder and the 260 is a great round for most shots.

 

[QuarterBore Loader]

Ok, I got the 260 reamer from Dave Kiff and purchased the stealth bottom metal from him as well. Being my first build he was very patient and guided me through the process of what works and what doesnt(tooling). A big thanks to him and CeCe who has put up with my additional emails and phone calls. My barrel (Brux MTU)and action are at the smiths and I am gonna drop off the reamer in the next week or so. Now, on to the stock, I posted about wanting to buy one or two in the b/s/t forums and have recieved several responses. I have decided that for both build I am going to us McMillan A5's. I want the adj thumb wheel on both. However, my question is from a bipod or bench which pad would be best suitable? I.e. Deceleration, limbsaver, etc.. Is there a true benefit with the 2 way and 3 way pads?


Next foil to unkrinkle, I have a 300WM sendero now. I am thinking about rebarreling it, trueing the bolt, and putting it in an A5 as well. And/or taking my 7RM sendero and turning it into a 7-300WSM that way I already have the boltface and can stretch those VLDs out and keep the 300WM. What says you all, 300 or 7/300? Both be shot from bipod or bench. Very seldom if ever hunted, unless it is somewhere I could really utilize the distance. Around here as far as hunting is concerned, I can hunt with a 22-250, *25-06*, or 7-08 and still not utilize even their full potential. 300-400 yards is about the farthest game distance on all of our family properties.


Thanks guys..

 

[QuarterBore Loader]

Oh and I would defiantly consider an HTG stock if I could use the MTU contour barrel in it.

 

[19Scout77]

Oh and I would defiantly consider an HTG stock if I could use the MTU contour barrel in it.

I run an htg with a bartlein MTU without problem. The only limit is no flushcups on the side of the fore end as it is too thin after the barrel inlet.

I suggest you take a look at an A1-3.

 

[kiff]

I have started offering a low cut T latch on the Bottom metal , Let the Gals know and they will fix you up . Do you think I should offer both or switch over to the T latch ?

 

[QuarterBore Loader]

I have started offering a low cut T latch on the Bottom metal , Let the Gals know and they will fix you up . Do you think I should offer both or switch over to the T latch ?

Thanks again for all the help you and your staff have given me.

I like both, I will order one with the t latch when I call to get the other reamer put in production.

Thanks,

Ryan