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What would you do with an FN SPR action?

stiletto raggio

Sergeant
Full Member
Minuteman
Apr 14, 2010
237
5
43
Colorado Springs, CO
I recently called up CDNN and, enticed by bulk pricing, picked up several of their FN SPR actions. I have already decided that my first build--under the watchful eye and assistance of an experienced gunsmith--was going to be a .308 with a 20-22" barrel and a McMillan stock. That leaves me with other actions, and I want to know what you think I should do with them (besides send them to you). Also, depending on how feeding goes with factory DBM, I may or may not be upgrading one or several to CDI bottom metal eventually.

I have my sights set on at least one but maybe two .260s and, depending on feasiblity, a 7WSM or 7SAUM. This would be several builds over a couple of years. Ideas? Inspirational photos or stories? Any feedback or comments are appreciated, as I am still deep in the brainstorming part of the decision-making process.
 
Re: What would you do with an FN SPR action?

I would build the 308, the the 7mm, and then I would take the third and make one just for big subsonic bullets, like a 338, or 375 whisper.
 
Re: What would you do with an FN SPR action?

how about a 243,6x47 lapua, 22-250 and plan on them all having cdi the factory setup will frustrate you over time.

maybe look into www.xlrindustries.com chassis they make a stock for the fn that will already use aics mags and is about same price as adjustable manners or mcmillan without a dbm.
 
Re: What would you do with an FN SPR action?

IMGP6815.jpg

IMGP6139.jpg


Middle one is fn also
IMGP6529.jpg
 
Re: What would you do with an FN SPR action?

Would I have to replace the bolt to go to a 7mm or would I be able to have the bolt face opened up to accept a SAUM or WSM? I ask because the SAUM looks like a much more efficient cartridge (you give up 2-3% velocity but burn 11% less powder than a WSM) but I don't think Winchester makes factory bolts with the SAUM case head. They are very close, but I don't know if a SAUM would work with a WSM bolt face. I suppose that is a topic for another thread...

Also, do you think replacement bolt knos are in order? I know that the 700 I sold to my dad would get a replacement bolt if I ever intended to shoot it quickly. Any opinions on the best place to get that done? Thanks for the pics and responses so far!
 
Re: What would you do with an FN SPR action?

Stiletto,

If you go with a WSM, you will have to replace the extractor and ejector from the original .308 equipment after you have opened the bolt face. The SAUM will require new extractor as well, but the WSM extractor from FNH/Winchester may not work, either. I've not seen an SPR or M-70 in SAUM, so I can't say for sure.

Too bad CDNN is out of the WSM actions they had.

Whoever does you bolt handle should know that it is very hard. They are very hard on the outside, but once past the outer portion, no big deal. Just so you know.

Good luck with your builds and let us know how they turn out. I am turning one of mine into a .260 Remington.

Semper Fidelis,
 
Re: What would you do with an FN SPR action?

I bought mine from CDNN as well. Mine is getting modified by CDI Precision right now for their bottom metal. It will be going to GAP after that. I thought long and hard about a .260 Rem but decided on a 24" 308 in a Manners T4A since I already reload for a M1A. Didn't feel like reloading for a new caliber yet.
 
Re: What would you do with an FN SPR action?

After the 308, I would go with the 6.5 or 7mm calibers. I am a fan of the 260 Rem. Just started work on my second one. Thought about building a 6.5x47 on one of the FN actions, and still haven't ruled it out.
 
Re: What would you do with an FN SPR action?

6.5 is a winner... I have a Creedmoor that has really impressed me. If you don't have a 6.5 already, I'd look into the CM or the .260Rem for sure.

I actually am planning on picking up a SPR action and thinking about doing a 7-08, although I might just do another Creedmoor since I think a variety of calibers isn't necessarily the way.
 
Re: What would you do with an FN SPR action?

I thought of a 7-08 but it won't do anything a 6.5 won't do. If/when I go up to a 7mm, it will be a magnum. I have thought about a .338 Federal, too, but I would want to be able to shoot the 300 grain Sierras and I think OAL and case capacity would be limiting factors.

I am thinking a lightweight sporter might be in the future, too, but I am torn between .308 and a .260. I think the .308 would perform better (relatively) from an 18-22" barrel, but I haven't played with the .260 yet. When I do a heavy-barreled .260, I am thinking 24-26" or so, with 26-30" for the 7mm. The longer barrels are partly for velocity but also partly for weight. A suppressor is a ways off, and I don't want to be sore after two boxes of 7mm.