.260 build, which action?

C

Creature

Gunny Sergeant
Full Member
Minuteman
Oct 23, 2007
981
4
41
#1
I'm wanting to start a new build and am trying to determine the action I will use. I'm a broke ass collee student so the build needs to be economical(not cheap).

I've already built up a FNH PBR barreled action from CDNN and it's a consistant .5 MOA gun(very happy with it). I'm thinking about buying one of their SPR actions to do this build.

I have a machinist/smith friend who can true the action and put on the bbl and I can do all the bedding. I leaning to a Bartlein barrel and either a Mcmillan or Manners stock. My main hang up is the action. I like the controlled feed FNH/Win actions but I think a Remmy action whould serve to accomidate the economical aspect(in terms of finding parts) of the build. What do you guys think?
 
#3
Re: .260 build, which action?

For rock bottom cost, use a Stevens 200 (it's essentially a pre-Accu-Trigger Savage). An SSS Trigger and Recoil Lug, Ken Farrel 20MOA Base.

Barrels and stocks are available pretty widely now.

A Sandard savage Mod 10 action, or one of their newer 'custom' actions would be more costly, but still rather affordable alternatives to the Stevens. The Savage/Stevens advantage is the barrel nut, and late news suggests the Marlin action uses a barrel nut sucessfully now as well. Not fam with the Marlin, can't say as to whether it's an imoprovement over the basic Savage 10 action.

Greg
 
#4
Re: .260 build, which action?

I already own a Stevens model 200 in .308. I just don't like the stock options for it. I don't care for the magazine system or the extractor really either. They do shoot good and are easy to change barrels on though.
 
#6
Re: .260 build, which action?

I too have been drooling over the Idea of a 260 ai. After much reading I have come to the decision to use a long action because I plan on shooting 140 gn bullets. In order to retain my case volume I will need to seat them out long and a short action just will not do the job if I want to mag feed.

I'm looking at a Templar action. I don't have the luxury of getting the machining done for free so a Templar action would cost the same as a trued factory action.
 
#7
Re: .260 build, which action?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Quicky06</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I too have been drooling over the Idea of a 260 ai. After much reading I have come to the decision to use a long action because I plan on shooting 140 gn bullets. In order to retain my case volume I will need to seat them out long and a short action just will not do the job if I want to mag feed.

I'm looking at a Templar action. I don't have the luxury of getting the machining done for free so a Templar action would cost the same as a trued factory action. </div></div>

You know I've read about people doing this and the majority of .260 owners say it isn't necessary. I would love to do a Surgeon action but god damn they're expensive. I don't think it would make that big of a difference for me as I'm getting everything trued anyway.

Is the ability to seat longer rounds really necessary to achieve optimal accuracy from this caliber(.260 owners)? Maybe I should start a new thread for that question...
 
#8
Re: .260 build, which action?

I just sent a Remington Action to Randy at R&D Precision and a Krieger 1-8.5 twist Barrel to go with it to be bedded in a Mcmillan.....I don't know what you're price range (you said economical but that isn't very specific) is but I was surprised at how much less it was than I expected....
 
#9
Re: .260 build, which action?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: GTr</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I just sent a Remington Action to Randy at R&D Precision and a Krieger 1-8.5 twist Barrel to go with it to be bedded in a Mcmillan.....I don't know what you're price range (you said economical but that isn't very specific) is but I was surprised at how much less it was than I expected.... </div></div>

I will buy the parts incrementally. Here's how I priced it out:
CDNN FN/SPR Action: $375 shipped&transfered
Bartlein BBL: $300-$400
Stock: $400-$650
Total w/out glass= $1075-$1425

 
#10
Re: .260 build, which action?

If your planning on a $375 action budget have you considered a remington sps doner rifle? Its about $450 I think with their rebate. I was talking to glen seekins about a 260 build and he said with his bottom metal you can seat the 140ber into the lands with a short action.
 
#11
Re: .260 build, which action?

Creature.........DUDE allow me to hold your hand, yes the other can stay on your pocketbook......you are 1/2 way to a switch barrel....just get a straight 6.5 barrel and chamber it and screwitontheaction..........damn near priceless!!!!!
 
#12
Re: .260 build, which action?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Creature</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: GTr</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I just sent a Remington Action to Randy at R&D Precision and a Krieger 1-8.5 twist Barrel to go with it to be bedded in a Mcmillan.....I don't know what you're price range (you said economical but that isn't very specific) is but I was surprised at how much less it was than I expected.... </div></div>

I will buy the parts incrementally. Here's how I priced it out:
CDNN FN/SPR Action: $375 shipped&transfered
Bartlein BBL: $300-$400
Stock: $400-$650
Total w/out glass= $1075-$1425

</div></div>

Unless they are included in the action, you'll still need a recoil lug, bottom metal, a scope base and a trigger...... plus $ to have the work done to the rifle....BTW Remington action's are in the 350$ price range if you can find one just in case you were considering one....
 
#13
Re: .260 build, which action?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: GTr</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Creature</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: GTr</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I just sent a Remington Action to Randy at R&D Precision and a Krieger 1-8.5 twist Barrel to go with it to be bedded in a Mcmillan.....I don't know what you're price range (you said economical but that isn't very specific) is but I was surprised at how much less it was than I expected.... </div></div>

I will buy the parts incrementally. Here's how I priced it out:
CDNN FN/SPR Action: $375 shipped&transfered
Bartlein BBL: $300-$400
Stock: $400-$650
Total w/out glass= $1075-$1425

</div></div>

Unless they are included in the action, you'll still need a recoil lug, bottom metal, a scope base and a trigger...... plus $ to have the work done to the rifle....BTW Remington action's are in the 350$ price range if you can find one just in case you were considering one.... </div></div>

It comes with BM, recoil lug , trigger and scope mount.
 
#14
Re: .260 build, which action?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I already own a Stevens model 200 in .308. I just don't like the stock options for it. I don't care for the magazine system or the extractor really either. They do shoot good and are easy to change barrels on though. </div></div>

Earth to creature, Earth to Creature...;

I'm beginning to understand why you're broke...

The stock options for the Stevens 200 are precisely the same as the stock options for the Savage pre-Accu-trigger model 10, <span style="font-style: italic">and you already own one</span>. The Stevens 200 308 already has the right bolt face for the .260. The barrels are interchangeable with anything that will fit on a Savage. I'm not completely certain about this, but I think SSS can set your Stevens up with a trigger, recoil lug, scope base, detachable mag, and oh yes, a Stockade stock. And guess what, you can (I'm a bit hazy on this...) simply buy all the parts from them and install them yourself. I can't think of anything that will give you your heart's desire any cheaper, or quicker, or easier, or....
 
#15
Re: .260 build, which action?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Greg Langelius *</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> <div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I already own a Stevens model 200 in .308. I just don't like the stock options for it. I don't care for the magazine system or the extractor really either. They do shoot good and are easy to change barrels on though. </div></div>

Earth to creature, Earth to Creature...;

I'm beginning to understand why you're broke...

The stock options for the Stevens 200 are precisely the same as the stock options for the Savage pre-Accu-trigger model 10, <span style="font-style: italic">and you already own one</span>. The Stevens 200 308 already has the right bolt face for the .260. The barrels are interchangeable with anything that will fit on a Savage. I'm not completely certain about this, but I think SSS can set your Stevens up with a trigger, recoil lug, scope base, detachable mag, and oh yes, a Stockade stock. And guess what, you can (I'm a bit hazy on this...) simply buy all the parts from them and install them yourself. I can't think of anything that will give you your heart's desire any cheaper, or quicker, or easier, or.... </div></div>

Thanks for the slap in the face, I needed that. It's so easy to get wrapped up in a complicated new build. I will research this for sure.
 
#16
Re: .260 build, which action?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Creature</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Quicky06</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I too have been drooling over the Idea of a 260 ai. After much reading I have come to the decision to use a long action because I plan on shooting 140 gn bullets. In order to retain my case volume I will need to seat them out long and a short action just will not do the job if I want to mag feed.

I'm looking at a Templar action. I don't have the luxury of getting the machining done for free so a Templar action would cost the same as a trued factory action. </div></div>

you can have your chamber cut so that the lands can be reached while keeping The coal within mag length. But the downside is that the bullet will be seated deep and this lowers your powder capacity and your max. Velocity

short awnser is that it does not hurt accuracy it hurts velocity
You know I've read about people doing this and the majority of .260 owners say it isn't necessary. I would love to do a Surgeon action but god damn they're expensive. I don't think it would make that big of a difference for me as I'm getting everything trued anyway.

Is the ability to seat longer rounds really necessary to achieve optimal accuracy from this caliber(.260 owners)? Maybe I should start a new thread for that question... </div></div> <div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Creature</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Quicky06</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I too have been drooling over the Idea of a 260 ai. After much reading I have come to the decision to use a long action because I plan on shooting 140 gn bullets. In order to retain my case volume I will need to seat them out long and a short action just will not do the job if I want to mag feed.

I'm looking at a Templar action. I don't have the luxury of getting the machining done for free so a Templar action would cost the same as a trued factory action. </div></div>

You know I've read about people doing this and the majority of .260 owners say it isn't necessary. I would love to do a Surgeon action but god damn they're expensive. I don't think it would make that big of a difference for me as I'm getting everything trued anyway.

Is the ability to seat longer rounds really necessary to achieve optimal accuracy from this caliber(.260 owners)? Maybe I should start a new thread for that question... </div></div>
 
#17
Re: .260 build, which action?

I apologize, my manner was crass and my tone was abrasive. I am pleased that I managed to get the idea across, and that's what counts.

I am not absolutely certain that the SSS/Savage DM will work on the Stevens receiver without mods; there are some variations out there vis-a-vis magwell opening dimensions and screw spacings. The best approach would be to call SSS and talk, Lisa and Fred are nice people who do good work, sell good products, and are inundated with customers' work. Be patient.

The rifle I describe is actually a lot like mine, being built for .260 on a pre-Accu-Trigger Mod 10 action.

Mine uses a McM Pillar bedded A3 Tac, and L-W 28" 1:8" LW50 Stainless barrel, but is otherwise pretty similar to what I described. Rather than go with a DM, I chose to employ a single feed follower and be done with it. I am simply downright ecstatic about my rifle; I call it The Ghost Dancer, and it's my chosen implement for doing knock-down, drag-out battle with the F Class Target at 1000yd. Usually, I get to go home, lick my wounds, and plan my next campaign. I'm not the rifle's equal, but I digress...

Saving more money, it uses a Tasco VAR624X42M Mildot Target/Varmint 6-24 variable. Mine cost $80 new, has held up for going on 3 years, and is one of four I bought at the same time, use the heck out of, and am still waiting for the much predicted first failure. Works, period; no muss, no fuss, no plying the manufacturer with hard won buckage. Oh, and it has 75MOA plus of elevation adjustment. Covered target knobs, 1/4" clicks, and aside from the obligatory braggable pricetag, it's got just about everything you'd be needing. Besides, if it fails, buy another one, you're still ahead of the game. With my 4, bought (with ample change left over) for the money obtained by selling a used Leupie, I figure I have 3 'hot spares' waiting in the wings.

Nothing along the order of a Leupold, etc., it's not at its best in dim light, but otherwise, I'm quite happy with mine.

Since it focuses down to 15yd, it's not bad for a .22LR, either, and I'd suggest a simple, reliable .22LR bolt gun as a 'whipping boy' trainer, to take the beatings that lavish practice can dish out to a centerfire.

Lavish practice, with a .22LR, makes Jack a sharp boy.

Greg
 
#18
Re: .260 build, which action?

I would save a little on the barrel and go with a shilen ss barrel for about 236 bucks. Take the money saved and buy a rem 700 action. Savage are simple and fun but in the end its still a clunky savage!!!! Dont do!!! Fight the urge!!!! LOL!!! Good luck! Lee
 
#19
Re: .260 build, which action?

Well I think I've figured out a way to expedite this build in a affordable way. Am probably going to use my Stevens 200 as a donor rifle and use a Shilen bbl, sharp shooters supply trigger, and Duramaxx stock. Not sure about optics yet but will probably go with a Leupold in the 4.5-14 range.

If anyone has any been down this road and could possibly shed a little light I would appreciate it.
 
#20
Re: .260 build, which action?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: skeetlee</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I would save a little on the barrel and go with a shilen ss barrel for about 236 bucks. Take the money saved and buy a rem 700 action. Savage are simple and fun but in the end its still a clunky savage!!!! Dont do!!! Fight the urge!!!! LOL!!! Good luck! Lee </div></div>

OUCH! Man, that hurts.....no way is it true either
 
#21
Re: .260 build, which action?

I have three Stevens builds two 260's and a 284win. both 260's shoot .25-.35moa out to 500yds. I would also recommend a Stockade stock. They are MUCH better than the Duramax and about on par with the medalist. If you have never shot a 260 they will flat out spoil you. Mine shoot circles around about anything I have ever shot. I would recommend a better 1/4" recoil lug, lap the bolt/receiver lockup, polish the raceways and install a longer (tactical) bolt handle. I have done this to mine and man it makes night and day difference on the feel of the action.
grin.gif
 
#22
Re: .260 build, which action?

I bought a new 200 Stevens for $260 out the door on clearence. Called SSS and got a Douglas Barrel, trigger, and recoil lug. Bought a Choate Varmit on sale and topped it off with a Bushnell 4200 6x24 Tactical in Burris 30mm rings on top of Farrel 1 piece 20MOA base. Best shooter I have ever owned and I did it myself.

Sure I would love to have a custom built with top of the line optics, but it ain't happening on my salary. The way this shoots I don't think I need to.

Good luck with your build.
 
#23
Re: .260 build, which action?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Triggerhappy</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I have three Stevens builds two 260's and a 284win. both 260's shoot .25-.35moa out to 500yds. I would also recommend a Stockade stock. They are MUCH better than the Duramax and about on par with the medalist. If you have never shot a 260 they will flat out spoil you. Mine shoot circles around about anything I have ever shot. I would recommend a better 1/4" recoil lug, lap the bolt/receiver lockup, polish the raceways and install a longer (tactical) bolt handle. I have done this to mine and man it makes night and day difference on the feel of the action.
grin.gif
</div></div>

Thanks a bunch Trigger, real informative post. What load are you using, and are you seating to the lands? If so, do they fit in the magazine?
 
#24
Re: .260 build, which action?

I am using 43gr H4350 with Remington brass Fed primer and 139gr Lapua .015" off lands and it will fit the magazine. That is the load for the Shilen barrel I ran out of bullets on load development on the Lothar barrel. It is shooting good but going to try for faster.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

CEO10KaDAY
Help me with build options (338 LM)
Replies
5
Views
368
jbuck88
jbuck88
C
FNH SPR Action
Replies
11
Views
881
Basher
Basher
tlsmith22
Recommendations on a 7 saum build
Replies
2
Views
381
Maurygold
M
kravi
Blueprinting actions!?
Replies
26
Views
809
R_A_W
R_A_W
T
Help Needed - The Curse of the "Free" Gun continues- Stiller Vs Defiance & other 700 action clones
Replies
4
Views
456
Tikkad
T
Top Bottom
Back
Home
Forums
Merch
Alerts