Build options for TRG-S 6.5x55 AI

[bwahl]

Came home with a TRG-S today. It's a 270 and I plan to convert it to a 6.5x55 AI. Running some build options through my head and want to make sure I have my options straight and have some questions. This will be my first custom build.


Bartlein #4 or #5 /McMillan A5 or A3 with McMillan TRG-s bottom metal. I presume these take the factory mags? Is there any option or mod to accept aics mags? I've also heard they can be made to accept TRG mags? What about tikka Ctr mags? Would be shooting for mid to long range hunting set up here. Think I could keep rifle weight around 9-10 lbs.

 

[CerebralDistortion]

CTR mags are too stort, so use factory mags. Other than that, you seem to be heading in the right direction...

 

[bwahl]

trying to shoot for a rifle weight under 9 lbs. planning for a scope weight in the 29-33 oz range.

As of now I'm thinking my best option for a stock is an McMillan A3 with edge fill and no adjustments. Anyone have a basic A3 with the edge fill that can post the weight?

The barrel has me a little twisted up though...not sure on the actual worthwhile weight difference when comparing a lightly fluted bartlein #3 or a more heavily fluted #3b, both in 24".

Thanks

 

[bwahl]

Back to top... Any input on this would be helpful since it's my first build.

I'm considering a light Palma or a 3B in a Bartlein now... Or maybe a Wilson barrel.

 

[BangBangBlatBlat]

I built mine in 300 Winchester Magnum, and made it super-heavy with a KRG Chassis. I had the gunsmith open up the bolt because the TRG/S is the size of the TRG42 action, so leaving it in a standard caliber seemed silly. And it was more or less to be used as a "my gun is bigger than yours/shoot elk across mountain tops" gun. I really like the action because it's one of the most svelte super-magnum actions out there.

I can't remember if the McMillan bottom metal takes the original TRG/S mags, or plain TRG mags. You would have to call them.

If I was going the hunting rifle route, I would consider the McMillan Gamescout/GameHunter series of stocks, the HTG, or even the Sako Varmint stock depending on what your preference is. There is weight to be saved by going lighter than the A3 that might make a more packable rifle. I have a Winchester Model 70 in an A3 with a Medium Palma barrel, and I think it's just a touch too heavy for me to want to hunt with it all the time. The Sako would be within 1/2 pound of it I think.

I really like the Lilja 3 Groove Remington Varmint barrels 1:8 twist for 6.5mm. I only use a Bartlein or Kreiger on my match gun now because I needed more weight in the barrel for PRS. But my previous 3 Groove barrel was able to get 2930fps with a 140gr bullet in 260 Remington and eroded less than my Kreiger barrels. The barrel I had seemed to give an extra 50fps compared to cut-rifled barrels. My Mk.13 barrel on the 300WM is also a Lilja and has shot incredibly well.

You might also consider going the 6.5-284 route if you want to shoot at 140gr bullet around 3000fps without fire forming.

 

[bwahl]

I built mine in 300 Winchester Magnum, and made it super-heavy with a KRG Chassis. I had the gunsmith open up the bolt because the TRG/S is the size of the TRG42 action, so leaving it in a standard caliber seemed silly. And it was more or less to be used as a "my gun is bigger than yours/shoot elk across mountain tops" gun. I really like the action because it's one of the most svelte super-magnum actions out there.

I can't remember if the McMillan bottom metal takes the original TRG/S mags, or plain TRG mags. You would have to call them.

If I was going the hunting rifle route, I would consider the McMillan Gamescout/GameHunter series of stocks, the HTG, or even the Sako Varmint stock depending on what your preference is. There is weight to be saved by going lighter than the A3 that might make a more packable rifle. I have a Winchester Model 70 in an A3 with a Medium Palma barrel, and I think it's just a touch too heavy for me to want to hunt with it all the time. The Sako would be within 1/2 pound of it I think.

I really like the Lilja 3 Groove Remington Varmint barrels 1:8 twist for 6.5mm. I only use a Bartlein or Kreiger on my match gun now because I needed more weight in the barrel for PRS. But my previous 3 Groove barrel was able to get 2930fps with a 140gr bullet in 260 Remington and eroded less than my Kreiger barrels. The barrel I had seemed to give an extra 50fps compared to cut-rifled barrels. My Mk.13 barrel on the 300WM is also a Lilja and has shot incredibly well.

You might also consider going the 6.5-284 route if you want to shoot at 140gr bullet around 3000fps without fire forming.

Unfortunately, I'm not really interested in any magnums. I'd like a 280 ackley someday but as of now I have a Sako 85 in 7 rem mag and that is as much magnum rifle as I need. The 6.5x55 improved got my attention because of easily obtainable brass (albeit fire formed), seemingly good barrel life, good external ballistics and efficiency when compared to a 6.5x284. My first mission here is to try the 147 ELD-M and get around that 2900 mark if I can. we'll see how the loads work up.

Based on my inquiry to McMillan the only stocks available for that action today are the A3 and I believe the A5, the game scout and the sako stocks were not something they offered. They also told me I'd have to send the barreled action in upon completion and they would custom fit the stock with their bottom metal kit which accepts factory TRG-S mags.

The barrel seems to be my biggest hold up right now. Trying to find that balance of a decent rifle weight to pack around and still not suffer from the pencil barrel syndrome. My ultimate goal is to have a rifle only weight around 9 lbs give or take. Right now, based on my novice and uninformed research, that looks to be a combination of the action, an edge filled A3 stock (If I remember Correctly McMillan quoted me around 2 lbs for this stock), 24"/26" light palma or bartlein 3B tube. Since It's my first look into barrels and I haven't been around that many customs, I'm having some difficulty deciphering the difference in weight between a 3B and Light palma. at 26" it seems they'd both hover around or just over 4 lbs at 26". Personally, I'd like to go with a 24" but I have a strong feeling that doing so may be counter productive to trying to shoot a heavier bullet upwards of 2900. Then again, that case may not need all 26" if I go with a H4350 or H4831SC. Again, I have no experience with this caliber nor do I know anyone who does, so I'm looking for some personal experience feedback there if someone could share some of their ballistics regarding barrel lengths in that caliber.

 

[bwahl]

i stand corrected, they do offer the Sako hunting stock for the TRG-S....I was hoping for a little more of awider platform LR hunting Setup though.

 

[BangBangBlatBlat]

I am not going to say unequivocally that one McMillan stock is better than the other. There is a wide variety of McMillan hunting stocks that have various shaped for ends, that may be better suited for a long-range hunting rifle. That is if you are more focused on keeping weight down, as opposed to shooting rifle matches / long strings of Fire.

My personal preference would be to go on the lighter side, especially in the stock. However the A3 McMillan is not a bad stock.