Title says it all. Not looking to set the world on fire, but would like to be competative in my local matches. I shoot short range BR but live very close to Rainers and Thundervally and looking to try my hand at the 1000 yard range at some point. I am new to the Custome rifle world, so I want to make sure that when I lay my big money down that I have my bases covered. Looking to do a switch barrel rig with a 6BR or 30BR for the short range stuff and then perhaps a 6.5x47 or a 6.5-284 for the longer range stuff. Need some good advice from those of you with more experience than myself.
Need advice - Which action for multipurpose build
- Thread starter rbeckwith
- Start date
Re: Need advice - Which action for multipurpose build
You don't say what your budget is.
Perhaps an AI with extra barrels?
TRG 22 in .260? Loaded with 95 - 123 match bullets for short range and the 130 - 142 for the long range.
Switch barrel trued remington 700.
To be honest with you a good, semi-custom in 6.5x47 or 6.5 CM will work great for your goals without switching barrels.
You don't say what your budget is.
Perhaps an AI with extra barrels?
TRG 22 in .260? Loaded with 95 - 123 match bullets for short range and the 130 - 142 for the long range.
Switch barrel trued remington 700.
To be honest with you a good, semi-custom in 6.5x47 or 6.5 CM will work great for your goals without switching barrels.
Re: Need advice - Which action for multipurpose build
I was thinking in the neighborhood of $3000-$4000 when all is said and done. Have a NF NXS 12-42 waiting to go on the rifle that was purchased used. I was thinking about a BAT for the action but just not sure which one to get.
I was thinking in the neighborhood of $3000-$4000 when all is said and done. Have a NF NXS 12-42 waiting to go on the rifle that was purchased used. I was thinking about a BAT for the action but just not sure which one to get.
Re: Need advice - Which action for multipurpose build
Look at surgeons. His rail and lug are part of the action. with the rail being a part of the action, the action is stronger too. No screws to come loose. Plus, the barrel screws into the action longer to give it a more secure, stronger fit.
Can't loose with a Bat machine either.
Look at surgeons. His rail and lug are part of the action. with the rail being a part of the action, the action is stronger too. No screws to come loose. Plus, the barrel screws into the action longer to give it a more secure, stronger fit.
Can't loose with a Bat machine either.
Re: Need advice - Which action for multipurpose build
The switch barrel aspect seems inviting. I own a platform capable of such. Chasing zero in situation can be enough of a mental hassle. To put into the cost/effort of a custom rifle and proven/known load to add the aspect of a barrel switch with time&doubt is something I find counter-productive.
It takes time to figure out what works for what short range and learning adaptions in long range. Once you have a mental confidence in such <I> don't want to change it, just take notes. The next time, notes reflect rifle as was and one can consider the externals. It's easy to get lost, expecially in duress.
If paper punching rounds were so inherently varied in range that a such change is necessary to be competative; it would also take a more specialized rifle not only in cartidge, but chamber cut, rifle weight, style, and optic for shooting venue. Otherwise, you have something broad in a custom rifle not fit to anything in particular and a good time torquing back it forth to prove out any situation in practice.
My take on it.
The switch barrel aspect seems inviting. I own a platform capable of such. Chasing zero in situation can be enough of a mental hassle. To put into the cost/effort of a custom rifle and proven/known load to add the aspect of a barrel switch with time&doubt is something I find counter-productive.
It takes time to figure out what works for what short range and learning adaptions in long range. Once you have a mental confidence in such <I> don't want to change it, just take notes. The next time, notes reflect rifle as was and one can consider the externals. It's easy to get lost, expecially in duress.
If paper punching rounds were so inherently varied in range that a such change is necessary to be competative; it would also take a more specialized rifle not only in cartidge, but chamber cut, rifle weight, style, and optic for shooting venue. Otherwise, you have something broad in a custom rifle not fit to anything in particular and a good time torquing back it forth to prove out any situation in practice.
My take on it.
Re: Need advice - Which action for multipurpose build
Of your choices, I would go with 6.5x47. Tolerable recoil with quick follow-up shots. Great brass and bullet choices. Less of a barrel burner than 6.5-284 and 6mmBR. Less recoil and flater shooting than the 30 calibers. Good balance between performance and barrel life.
Of your choices, I would go with 6.5x47. Tolerable recoil with quick follow-up shots. Great brass and bullet choices. Less of a barrel burner than 6.5-284 and 6mmBR. Less recoil and flater shooting than the 30 calibers. Good balance between performance and barrel life.
Re: Need advice - Which action for multipurpose build
my for goes to 6br and 260 or just a8 twist 6x47 for everything
my for goes to 6br and 260 or just a8 twist 6x47 for everything
Re: Need advice - Which action for multipurpose build
My 'build' rifle is an older (2002) Savage 10 Action with a McMillan A3 Tactical Stock, and currently has a 28" L-W .260 Rem barrel. It's really too much cartridge for 200-250yd semi-monthly comp, so it's being swapped for a 23" .30BR barrel.
That's my solution to this question.
I would say that .30BR is an excellent chambering for the shorter regimen, but it's also a fairly expensive one, dies and brass-wise.
The Savage lends itself to bolt head swapa, and even bolt swaps, and one alternadive to the .30BR is the 7.62x39. Configuring the bore and bullets as a .308 version, it's not half bad out to the above distances, and can be quite accurate when handloaded into a decent barrel. Lapua even makes brass for it.
I'm currently working with a relatively decent firearm (Savage Scout Rifle - AccuStock and AccuTrigger)) in this chambering, and my initial load development projectile is the 110gr V-Max. Sierra also makes a 135gr MatchKing that might be interesting out of this case.
All my load developement projects go on hold this time of year, it's down below freezing for the next few month out there in the Loading Lab..., er..., Garage... (I don't know why I call it a Garage, there's no room for cars in it...).
Greg
My 'build' rifle is an older (2002) Savage 10 Action with a McMillan A3 Tactical Stock, and currently has a 28" L-W .260 Rem barrel. It's really too much cartridge for 200-250yd semi-monthly comp, so it's being swapped for a 23" .30BR barrel.
That's my solution to this question.
I would say that .30BR is an excellent chambering for the shorter regimen, but it's also a fairly expensive one, dies and brass-wise.
The Savage lends itself to bolt head swapa, and even bolt swaps, and one alternadive to the .30BR is the 7.62x39. Configuring the bore and bullets as a .308 version, it's not half bad out to the above distances, and can be quite accurate when handloaded into a decent barrel. Lapua even makes brass for it.
I'm currently working with a relatively decent firearm (Savage Scout Rifle - AccuStock and AccuTrigger)) in this chambering, and my initial load development projectile is the 110gr V-Max. Sierra also makes a 135gr MatchKing that might be interesting out of this case.
All my load developement projects go on hold this time of year, it's down below freezing for the next few month out there in the Loading Lab..., er..., Garage... (I don't know why I call it a Garage, there's no room for cars in it...).
Greg
Re: Need advice - Which action for multipurpose build
I have several Savages as well and love them. I have a Target Action/SSS HBR stocked 6mmBr with a Brux barrel that I love and a Model 110 in 260AI that I also love. Savage makes great rifles, but you have to put some cash in to them to get them to compete with the custom rigs...and it is almost the same expense to build one from a BAT or Stolle to begin with.
The Reason I am doing this is to see if I can buy a really nice action and build 1 rifle that will allow me to change barrels and work well for all of the different shooting opportunities that I have. If I can make it work, I will sell my other rifles and just have the 1 rifle.
I have several Savages as well and love them. I have a Target Action/SSS HBR stocked 6mmBr with a Brux barrel that I love and a Model 110 in 260AI that I also love. Savage makes great rifles, but you have to put some cash in to them to get them to compete with the custom rigs...and it is almost the same expense to build one from a BAT or Stolle to begin with.
The Reason I am doing this is to see if I can buy a really nice action and build 1 rifle that will allow me to change barrels and work well for all of the different shooting opportunities that I have. If I can make it work, I will sell my other rifles and just have the 1 rifle.
Re: Need advice - Which action for multipurpose build
There is no do it all cartridge but for what you have described you should really take a hard look at a 284Win. Excellent bullets are readily available with high BC's for paper punching from 100 to well past 1000 yards, Winchester makes pretty good brass (with proper prep and sorting) that is reasonably priced. If you decide to go hunting with it the 284 will easily knock deer down. Lastly barrel life is pretty good (better than a hot loaded 260 or 300WM) and the round holds a record or two http://www.6mmbr.com/gunweek088.html
Just my .02
There is no do it all cartridge but for what you have described you should really take a hard look at a 284Win. Excellent bullets are readily available with high BC's for paper punching from 100 to well past 1000 yards, Winchester makes pretty good brass (with proper prep and sorting) that is reasonably priced. If you decide to go hunting with it the 284 will easily knock deer down. Lastly barrel life is pretty good (better than a hot loaded 260 or 300WM) and the round holds a record or two http://www.6mmbr.com/gunweek088.html
Just my .02
Re: Need advice - Which action for multipurpose build
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Training Wheels</div><div class="ubbcode-body">There is no do it all cartridge but for what you have described you should really take a hard look at a 284Win. Excellent bullets are readily available with high BC's for paper punching from 100 to well past 1000 yards, Winchester makes pretty good brass (with proper prep and sorting) that is reasonably priced. If you decide to go hunting with it the 284 will easily knock deer down. Lastly barrel life is pretty good (better than a hot loaded 260 or 300WM) and the round holds a record or two http://www.6mmbr.com/gunweek088.html
Just my .02 </div></div>
I remember reading that article some time ago...but had forgot about it until now. That is almost exactly the same set up that I am looking to build. I will have to look more in to the Bat MB. I am wondering if they make it in a repeater?
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Training Wheels</div><div class="ubbcode-body">There is no do it all cartridge but for what you have described you should really take a hard look at a 284Win. Excellent bullets are readily available with high BC's for paper punching from 100 to well past 1000 yards, Winchester makes pretty good brass (with proper prep and sorting) that is reasonably priced. If you decide to go hunting with it the 284 will easily knock deer down. Lastly barrel life is pretty good (better than a hot loaded 260 or 300WM) and the round holds a record or two http://www.6mmbr.com/gunweek088.html
Just my .02 </div></div>
I remember reading that article some time ago...but had forgot about it until now. That is almost exactly the same set up that I am looking to build. I will have to look more in to the Bat MB. I am wondering if they make it in a repeater?
Re: Need advice - Which action for multipurpose build
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: rbeckwith</div><div class="ubbcode-body">That is almost exactly the same set up that I am looking to build. I will have to look more in to the Bat MB. I am wondering if they make it in a repeater? </div></div>
I don't have much info either way on the Bat actions other than knowing alot of the bench rest guys love them, I have heard repeatedly that the really tight tolerance actions are not appropriate for field use. Tight tolerances make for an action that is much easier to bind up in a dirty environment. Lots of guys running Surgeon and Stiller actions in tac matches without much issue (the sandstorm known as Steel Safari would be an exception).
One thing that you need to know is the 284 case is a rebated rim meaning the widest part of the case is wider than the base (.473) which may cause feeding issues from a magazine, the bolt may not catch the base every time it cycles forward. Member KPK is running a 284 repeater if memory serves, you may want to hit him up for info on mag feeding a 284.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: rbeckwith</div><div class="ubbcode-body">That is almost exactly the same set up that I am looking to build. I will have to look more in to the Bat MB. I am wondering if they make it in a repeater? </div></div>
I don't have much info either way on the Bat actions other than knowing alot of the bench rest guys love them, I have heard repeatedly that the really tight tolerance actions are not appropriate for field use. Tight tolerances make for an action that is much easier to bind up in a dirty environment. Lots of guys running Surgeon and Stiller actions in tac matches without much issue (the sandstorm known as Steel Safari would be an exception).
One thing that you need to know is the 284 case is a rebated rim meaning the widest part of the case is wider than the base (.473) which may cause feeding issues from a magazine, the bolt may not catch the base every time it cycles forward. Member KPK is running a 284 repeater if memory serves, you may want to hit him up for info on mag feeding a 284.
Re: Need advice - Which action for multipurpose build
I agree, there's no 'doitall' chambering, but if I had to choose one anyway, it would be the .30-'06.
Better to bring too much gun than too little gun.
Lately, I've allocated the .280 Rem (effectively a 7mm-'06) some of my play time.
It can permit the case capacity to be shared over a larger range of BC's while keeping the projected weights down, along with their attendant recoil. Again, fractional load charges can be employed; and alternatively, repectable long range performance with 150gr bullets can be a reality.
Standard 1:9" twists can work with weights of up to at least 168gr.
I have been working with Nosler BT 120, 140, and 150gr weights and find them pretty easy to find accuracy with when using somewhere around 50-55gr of H-4350/H-4831SC. For the various additional applications, there are also AccuBonds, Partitions, and Combined Technology projectiles.
If you don't handload, the .30-'06 is the better choice of the two.
Issues related to rebated bases are not issues with the .280; and obviously any '06-based chambering will be happier on a practical basis in a long action.
Greg
I agree, there's no 'doitall' chambering, but if I had to choose one anyway, it would be the .30-'06.
Better to bring too much gun than too little gun.
Lately, I've allocated the .280 Rem (effectively a 7mm-'06) some of my play time.
It can permit the case capacity to be shared over a larger range of BC's while keeping the projected weights down, along with their attendant recoil. Again, fractional load charges can be employed; and alternatively, repectable long range performance with 150gr bullets can be a reality.
Standard 1:9" twists can work with weights of up to at least 168gr.
I have been working with Nosler BT 120, 140, and 150gr weights and find them pretty easy to find accuracy with when using somewhere around 50-55gr of H-4350/H-4831SC. For the various additional applications, there are also AccuBonds, Partitions, and Combined Technology projectiles.
If you don't handload, the .30-'06 is the better choice of the two.
Issues related to rebated bases are not issues with the .280; and obviously any '06-based chambering will be happier on a practical basis in a long action.
Greg
