Proper assembly for pre-fit on ARC CDG action?

[lp916]

Afternoon, all. I'm looking to build my first "custom" bolt action in 300 PRC, but I've built a ton of precision AR's and a few USPSA competition pistols, so I'd like to think I'm not entirely clueless when it comes to general gunsmithing. I don't have a reloading setup (or the room for it at the moment), so the 300 PRC seemed like the best widely-available commercial ELR cartridge in .30 caliber, which was another requirement in order to fit a modular can I already have that I'd like to use on it. This will be mostly just a fun shooter and safe queen, as my first full bolt build...no plans for serious competition with it.

Anyway, I'm putting an X-Caliber carbon-wrapped pre-fit on an ARC Coup de Grace LA CIP action. X-Caliber says not to use a barrel clamp on their carbon-wrapped barrels (which is fair), but the CDG doesn't work with any action vices I've been able to find. The barrel nut I'd be using has flats for a standard 1 1/4" wrench, and the CDG action wrench has a hex fitting on the rear to fit a normal socket. Would the proper process for assembling this be to set the headspace and wrench down the barrel nut by hand, then clamp the barrel nut itself in my vice (with some tape on the flats) and use the CDG action wrench to set the torque?

Also - ARC says to torque the action on the barrel to 100-150lb/ft, but most pre-fit instructions with Savage small-shank barrel nuts say to use in the 60-80-ish range. Is there some common tribal knowledge on if I should listen to ARC or to other pre-fits on this, since the ARC action is generally made for shouldered barrels that are already headspaced? Appreciate any help and advice you all can give. Thanks all!

 

[Maurygold]

I’d go with an Zermatt Origin with a proof prefit over this.

Do not pay that much to get a barrel nut. They’re a cardinal sin in bolt guns and recipe for disaster on first time build. Get the origin + proof there’s not one single advantage to the setup you’re looking at over this

 

[Supersubes]

You can put the steel shank portion of the barrel in a barrel vice, just not the carbon portion. Then put a wrench on the nut, and a wrench on the action wrench. Hold the action still and tighten the nut. Exact Torque isn't super important. Think 50-80 ft/lbs. Headspace it close to the Go gauge.

 

[Mike Casselton]

Supersubes is correct. Tighten the nut while holding the action and barrel.
You can even use wood V-blocks to hold the barrel on the steel portion near the action.

I have done nut barrels without an action wrench, it just takes more care.


If you can't find a CDG action wrench, then you can use the one from Northland. You'll only use the lower portion with the 1/4×28 bolt. Just snug the bolt into it, you don't need to torque it to 65 in/lb

 

[lp916]

Thanks for all the input, guys, much appreciated!

 

[Maurygold]

Please don’t spend this much on a barrel nut! I promise it’s not worth it. And x-caliber is a very mediocre barrel company for bolt guns

 

[lp916]

Please don’t spend this much on a barrel nut! I promise it’s not worth it. And x-caliber is a very mediocre barrel company for bolt guns

I don't care about having a barrel nut, and if I can find a pre-fit shouldered barrel that can be made to the exact specifications I'm looking for (Proof does not make what I want in a pre-fit) I'd rather go that route. I just can't find it, and I don't want to have to try to find a local trustworthy gunsmith to chamber and headspace a blank for my first build. I've had bad luck using "trustworthy" gunsmiths on a couple different projects that required far less precision than finishing a barrel, and I had to drive a couple hours to get to them. lol

For what it's worth I have a couple X-Caliber barrels on some AR's that haven't been exceedingly accurized other than using good parts and building it right, and they all hold half MOA with good factory ammo, so I've had very good results with them.

 

[Mike Casselton]

You can get a Proof carbon blank through Front Range Precision.
He'll get it chambered for you and they will drop ship from there.

It'll shoot.

 

[DeathBeforeDismount]

You don't need anymore than 30-40ft lbs. The people who tell you to do more are morons... including the manufactures. You can use a barrel vise with a carbon barrel just make sure it's on the steel portion. It's not hard or difficult.

 

[TheBigCountry]

You don't need anymore than 30-40ft lbs. The people who tell you to do more are morons... including the manufactures. You can use a barrel vise with a carbon barrel just make sure it's on the steel portion. It's not hard or difficult.

So now you’re going to say manufacturers are morons for telling people to follow their torque specs?

You really are a legend in your own mind.

Please don’t listen to this guy OP.

 

[Maurygold]

I don't care about having a barrel nut, and if I can find a pre-fit shouldered barrel that can be made to the exact specifications I'm looking for (Proof does not make what I want in a pre-fit) I'd rather go that route. I just can't find it, and I don't want to have to try to find a local trustworthy gunsmith to chamber and headspace a blank for my first build. I've had bad luck using "trustworthy" gunsmiths on a couple different projects that required far less precision than finishing a barrel, and I had to drive a couple hours to get to them. lol

For what it's worth I have a couple X-Caliber barrels on some AR's that haven't been exceedingly accurized other than using good parts and building it right, and they all hold half MOA with good factory ammo, so I've had very good results with them.

LRI
Altus
Sac

All great smiths that can cut a prefit.

Also you should just buy the Zermatt origin and an already cut proof prefit - it’s a better action.

X-caliber is not known to be a good barrel manufacturer for bolt guns. I know they are well regarded in ars. There are significantly better ones for bolt guns - bartlein, kreiger, brux, proof

 

[TheBigCountry]

I don't care about having a barrel nut, and if I can find a pre-fit shouldered barrel that can be made to the exact specifications I'm looking for (Proof does not make what I want in a pre-fit) I'd rather go that route. I just can't find it, and I don't want to have to try to find a local trustworthy gunsmith to chamber and headspace a blank for my first build. I've had bad luck using "trustworthy" gunsmiths on a couple different projects that required far less precision than finishing a barrel, and I had to drive a couple hours to get to them. lol

For what it's worth I have a couple X-Caliber barrels on some AR's that haven't been exceedingly accurized other than using good parts and building it right, and they all hold half MOA with good factory ammo, so I've had very good results with them.

If your in FL look no further then Altus, or even call Joe Walls or even GCP rifles.

 

[TheBigCountry]

You can get a Proof carbon blank through Front Range Precision.
He'll get it chambered for you and they will drop ship from there.

It'll shoot.

I thinks he’s here where we are; we’ve got several good places that can build a barrel and I’m sure you know more then I do lol

 

[lp916]

LRI
Altus
Sac

All great smiths that can cut a prefit.

Thanks!

Also you should just buy the Zermatt origin and an already cut proof prefit - it’s a better action.

What makes the Zermatt Origin better? I like a lot of the engineering that went into the CDG, and have heard good things...

If your in FL look no further then Altus, or even call Joe Walls or even GCP rifles.

Thanks for the recommendations!

I thinks he’s here where we are; we’ve got several good places that can build a barrel and I’m sure you know more then I do lol

I'm in Central FL, between Lakeland and Orlando. Speaking of, if you guys are in the area - where do you shoot at? The only vaguely-LR place I know of is Manatee, and that's a hike.

 

[Mike Casselton]

Thanks!



What makes the Zermatt Origin better? I like a lot of the engineering that went into the CDG, and have heard good things...



Thanks for the recommendations!



I'm in Central FL, between Lakeland and Orlando. Speaking of, if you guys are in the area - where do you shoot at? The only vaguely-LR place I know of is Manatee, and that's a hike.

Well I'm glad you asked.
Real, real soon you'll have a place off off Highway 37 a couple miles south of SR 60.
It's called Bone Valley Range.
Initially, it'll have a 500yd range and a bunch of pistol bays that will allow run and gun stuff.
We're still working on the purchase of the adjacent property which will allow for a mile.
I'll be out there working tomorrow.

This is an old layout design from quite a while back, but it's still fairly close.

If you shoot clays, Polk Sporting Clays has been up and ruining since January.

Lots of changes have happened since these photos were taken.

 

[TheBigCountry]

Thanks!



What makes the Zermatt Origin better? I like a lot of the engineering that went into the CDG, and have heard good things...



Thanks for the recommendations!



I'm in Central FL, between Lakeland and Orlando. Speaking of, if you guys are in the area - where do you shoot at? The only vaguely-LR place I know of is Manatee, and that's a hike.

Origin has CRF and a changeable bolt head so you can swap bolt faces and run different calibers.

Add in the fact that almost anyone makes prefits for them, and their customer service is second to none, it’s an easy choice.

Mike posted it up. Bone Valley will be the spot to shoot at.

 

[Maurygold]

Origin has CRF and a changeable bolt head so you can swap bolt faces and run different calibers.

Add in the fact that almost anyone makes prefits for them, and their customer service is second to none, it’s an easy choice.

Mike posted it up. Bone Valley will be the spot to shoot at.

agree with the above + no trigger hanger it's a phenomenal action.

That and the impact are the best actions out bar none.

 

[lp916]

Well I'm glad you asked.
Real, real soon you'll have a place off off Highway 37 a couple miles south of SR 60.
It's called Bone Valley Range.
Initially, it'll have a 500yd range and a bunch of pistol bays that will allow run and gun stuff.
We're still working on the purchase of the adjacent property which will allow for a mile.
I'll be out there working tomorrow.

This is an old layout design from quite a while back, but it's still fairly close.

If you shoot clays, Polk Sporting Clays has been up and ruining since January.

This is incredibly cool. I shot at PSC a few times back at the Firetower Road location (I live close to there), but haven't been to the new spot yet. Tenoroc is a little closer than the new PSC spot, so I've been going there mostly since (and their newish blue/red courses are damn good). I'll have to check PSC out, and I'm really glad to hear about Bone Valley. Is there a rough ETA for the 500 yard opening?

 

[Baron23]

@lp916

LRI
Altus
Sac

All great smiths that can cut a prefit.

Also you should just buy the Zermatt origin and an already cut proof prefit - it’s a better action.

X-caliber is not known to be a good barrel manufacturer for bolt guns. I know they are well regarded in ars. There are significantly better ones for bolt guns - bartlein, kreiger, brux, proof

@AccuSol-ERN - Ern at Altus (or his own shop) does absolutely beautiful work. Send him a blank and he'll send you back a CDG pre-fit.

@FisherT&C - did a CDG prefit for me from a Bartlein blank I sent him. Beautiful work, reasonably priced, fast turn-around.

Or go to Southern Precision (Bugholes) and they will make a pre-fit out of any blank they have in stock (and they have a LOT of stock). IMO, this is a very good option if you don't already have a blank.

I'm with Maury on this one....screw the barrel nut, get a shouldered pre-fit made with a premium blank. It is ELR you want to shoot, right? Barrel is is a huge part of shooting at that kind of distance, no?

Oh, and why a carbon barrel on an ELR rifle...its not like your going to drag it up a mountain or a tree stand. I'd personally would go for heavy and long SS single cut barrel.

 

[Baron23]

If your in FL look no further then Altus, or even call Joe Walls or even GCP rifles.

All good. Had work from Ern at Altus, Joe made a 6.5 cm hunting gun for a good friend of mine and it was beautiful. Gulf Coast Precision are also great guys and I have had great customer service experience with them.

 

[Mike Casselton]

September for a very limited 50 members.
Then, in October it'll get opened up an additional 200, and probably November/December for the rest.

More info to come...

 

[Mike Casselton]

All good. Had work from Ern at Altus, Joe made a 6.5 cm hunting gun for a good friend of mine and it was beautiful. Gulf Coast Precision are also great guys and I have had great customer service experience with them.

@lp916 you should just build a 6-BR and be part of the cool gang.

Do you reload?

If not, we can help you spend your money. We're really good at it.

 

[lash]

Origin has CRF and a changeable bolt head so you can swap bolt faces and run different calibers.

Add in the fact that almost anyone makes prefits for them, and their customer service is second to none, it’s an easy choice.

Uhm, not to argue because the Origin is a great action, but ARC CDG is also controlled round feed and exchangeable bolt heads. And truly, anyone can make a prefit for the CDG also. Most especially any of the better places already mentioned.

As to BVR, I’m pumped to get out there even though I’m a member at Volusia and it’s a bit of a drive for me.

 

[lp916]

Is Preferred a known/reputable barrel maker? They have some interesting build options and shouldered prefits for both CDG and Zermatt actions.

 

[Baron23]

@lp916 you should just build a 6-BR and be part of the cool gang.

Do you reload?

If not, we can help you spend your money. We're really good at it.

Hey Mike...close but no cigar. I think you meant 6 Dasher....but I'm not in the cool gang so what do I know! haha

And best of luck with your new range!

Cheers

 

[lp916]

Oh, and why a carbon barrel on an ELR rifle...its not like your going to drag it up a mountain or a tree stand. I'd personally would go for heavy and long SS single cut barrel.

I don't have a good answer, other than just 'because it's cool' and I like building guns. This is really just a fun-gun. If I decide to get serious with LR/ELR I'll build another one probably in a more wildcat-ish cartridge with a stainless bull barrel and a weighted chassis and all that.

September for a very limited 50 members.
Then, in October it'll get opened up an additional 200, and probably November/December for the rest.

More info to come...

Can't wait!

Do you reload?

If not, we can help you spend your money. We're really good at it.

LOL I'd like to eventually, but just don't have the room for it. My home just doesn't have the unused space. Once we're empty nesters (should be any day/week/month/year now, I swear...) I'm planning on getting a nice setup and diving in. That's one of the main reasons behind going for the 300 PRC, I wanted something 30 cal and seems like that's the best LR/ELR cartridge right now that has very wide commercial availability.

 

[TheBigCountry]

Uhm, not to argue because the Origin is a great action, but ARC CDG is also controlled round feed and exchangeable bolt heads. And truly, anyone can make a prefit for the CDG also. Most especially any of the better places already mentioned.

As to BVR, I’m pumped to get out there even though I’m a member at Volusia and it’s a bit of a drive for me.

No arguments here bud. I havnt followed the CDG much so I didn’t know it had the exchangeable bolt head. Would love to try yours one of these days.

 

[lash]

Hey Mike...close but no cigar. I think you meant 6 Dasher....but I'm not in the cool gang so what do I know! haha

And best of luck with your new range!

Cheers

Meh. Dasher is for the high speed PRS guys. Us low, slow and cool kids find the 6BR easy button to be just too much fun, with very little powder or loading effort.

 

[Maurygold]

@lp916 here's a Proof (the king of carbon) 24" 300 PRC in stock for zermatt origin

https://evolvedballistics.com/barrels/proof-research-carbon-fiber-zermatt-long-action-pre-fit-300-prc/

they also have 7 prc in 22" and 24"

https://evolvedballistics.com/barrels/proof-research-carbon-fiber-zermatt-long-action-pre-fit-7-prc/

 

[lash]

No arguments here bud. I havnt followed the CDG much so I didn’t know it had the exchangeable bolt head. Would love to try yours one of these days.

I’m finally getting around to trying the 195 EOL in mine. It’s a fun rifle and cartridge. Maybe once BVR is up and running. 500 yards is a chip shot for the 7PRC.

 

[Mike Casselton]

Hey Mike...close but no cigar. I think you meant 6 Dasher....but I'm not in the cool gang so what do I know! haha

And best of luck with your new range!

Cheers

I say "we" an awful lot when I refer to this range.
Let me be very clear, it's not my money.
I'm just helping out whenever and wherever I can.

Lately, my contribution has simply been Mick's/Miguel's/Mike's lawn and garden services. It's something that needs to be done and I'm available for it.


There are at lot of great people responsible for the design, implementation and pure labor to get this place up and running.

We were having a hell of a time trying to figure out how to get the mile range laid out.
@lash came up with a simple design that we couldn't, because we were literally just to close to see it.

 

[lash]

I say "we" an awful lot when I refer to this range.
Let me be very clear, it's not my money.
I'm just helping out whenever and wherever I can.

Lately, my contribution has simply been Mick's/Miguel's/Mike's lawn and garden services. It's something that needs to be done and I'm available for it.


There are at lot of great people responsible for the design, implementation and pure labor to get this place up and running.

We were having a hell of a time trying to figure out how to get the mile range laid out.
@lash came up with a simple design that we couldn't, because we were literally just to close to see it.

I’m good at the simple stuff…

 

[TheBigCountry]

I’m finally getting around to trying the 195 EOL in mine. It’s a fun rifle and cartridge. Maybe once BVR is up and running. 500 yards is a chip shot for the 7PRC.

That’s exactly my train of thought as well. I may only have a rock and a stick, but I can throw that rock pretty far and accurately

 

[TheBigCountry]

I don't have a good answer, other than just 'because it's cool' and I like building guns. This is really just a fun-gun. If I decide to get serious with LR/ELR I'll build another one probably in a more wildcat-ish cartridge with a stainless bull barrel and a weighted chassis and all that.



Can't wait!


LOL I'd like to eventually, but just don't have the room for it. My home just doesn't have the unused space. Once we're empty nesters (should be any day/week/month/year now, I swear...) I'm planning on getting a nice setup and diving in. That's one of the main reasons behind going for the 300 PRC, I wanted something 30 cal and seems like that's the best LR/ELR cartridge right now that has very wide commercial availability.

Take this as a grain of salt, but if this is your first jump into this game, and you don’t reload yet, run a standard non-magnum. 6.5 Creedmoor easily gets you to 1K and more, with significant less barrel wear, and it’s a more cost efficient matter.

Once you fully get the itch, you can swap a bolt head and barrel and use the same chassis to rock a 300PRC.

Easy button is order a barreled action from Altus, drop a Triggertech trigger in it, with a KRG bravo and you’ll be shooting in no time.

 

[TheBigCountry]

I say "we" an awful lot when I refer to this range.
Let me be very clear, it's not my money.
I'm just helping out whenever and wherever I can.

Lately, my contribution has simply been Mick's/Miguel's/Mike's lawn and garden services. It's something that needs to be done and I'm available for it.


There are at lot of great people responsible for the design, implementation and pure labor to get this place up and running.

We were having a hell of a time trying to figure out how to get the mile range laid out.
@lash came up with a simple design that we couldn't, because we were literally just to close to see it.

I got the easy button

Det cord and a bulldozer.

Easily have a lane to punch out to 1mile with a berm in no time.

 

[Mike Casselton]

I got the easy button

Det cord and a bulldozer.

Easily have a lane to punch out to 1mile with a berm in no time.

The bulldozer would sink...
You've seen the mile layout.

Although, I like the blowing shit up theory, the guys over at Troy Ammunition might have an issue with us playing like that.