Rifle Build Questions *Updated with purchases so far*

Hawkins SA DBM bottom metal and pair it with AI mags (no binder plate). That’s what i used in my rifle build.

MidwayUSA

Mile High Shooting Supply

If you get the short action.

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Assuming any medium action doesn't share a footprint of the short or long variants. So then do you severely limit stock options?

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Yes you want every thing to match. Short action or medium action depending on which action you choose. I know Foundation makes medium action stocks and I think more companies are starting to make medium action components.

[img]Hawkins[/img]

I agree 100% Hawkins M5 DBM bottom metal

Hawkins also has AI magazines that can be modified or spacers inserted to accommodate cartridge OAL

I’ve spoken to Hawkins dozens of times and they are very helpful and will take care of you

I'd like to stick to a shorter action if possible. Already have a 7mag and no current desire to get another "big" caliber. I was leaning towards the Hawkins bottom metal alread, but really didn't understand the differences. Found a good video showing the differences between the Hunter DBM and the regular DMB (seems like it's mostly the location of the mag release). Also found some info on Sniper's Hide that the only reason you should need a medium action is if you have a custom reamer job on your chambering.

I really like my MPA BA chassis, but it's obviously not meant for hunting. Don't know why I'm drawn to a stock on this build, but I am. Messed around with a friend's Bergara Premier Divide which has the AG composite stock and really liked it.

If the magazines were widely available (some people have found which ones work) I'd use long action for everything. There are some posts on SH I think where a guy figured out which magazines worked with 6.5CM through Long Action only calibers, all fired from his long action. I know the guy from Barbour Creek has a video showing him shooting 6.5CM to 6.5 and 7PRC all through his Zeus long action. Just saying, its an option to also run your 7mag through.

The trickiest part about Impact actions will be making sure the stock is cut for the trigger hanger. I've only had one fitment issue so far, on a Bat TR with its hanger hitting a Cadex chassis. I have both Impact and Lone Peak, and for some reason I just prefer the Lone Peak action. Impact short actions are now available with 75 degree throws. Also have a Terminus Zeus QC, and I think that would make a fine hunting action. Smooth, short throw so no worries about scope contact in any situation.

My Hawkins Hunter magnum magazine have around 2.985 inches internal length. I load to 2.94 overall length with no issues.

another option, Manners T4A with Gen 2 mini chassis as the BA will drop right in. Get some AI magazines and you're good to go



or a PRS2

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How exactly does the COAL extend past the SAMMI spec without being jammed in the lands? Are the heavier bullets using a different ogive shape that gives you more COAL length with more of a taper while not getting into the lands? I can understand if you have a custom reamer job that gets you a few more thousandths than spec calls for. But using a prefit barrel, I don't think I'd come across this issue.

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Tip of the bullet is farther from the ogive compared to another "shorter" bullet. Longer bullets (in general) = higher BC.

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do your research and build what YOU want. You don't want to invest $3000-$4000 and have buyers/builders remorse.

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Honestly the reason I'm leaning short action. I familiar with it. Only shoot my one long action gun in a hunting scenario. Not out at the range practicing multiple shots on target cycling the action while maintaining position on stock. There's also the benefits you'll read of stiffer action, more reliable feeding, lighter for hunting applications, etc.. Basically know what I'm getting into with the SA vs. LA. Would hate to drop $4k on a LA build and realize I wish I would have stayed short. And also have more builds I'd like to make on a SA action if I do decide to change up the barrel in the future.

My hang up is I haven't been chasing super fast loads or heavy bullets in my limited reloading experience. Never came close to pushing limits on COAL or anything like that. But in a hunting application, I may want more options. So a bit of a decision to make there. But think I'll ultimately stick with Short Action. And if I determine I should have went medium/long, then I get to build another gun

So, I made a few purchases on this build. Moved a little from what I originally intended. Ended up purchasing a Grayboe Pheonix 2 stock. Was on sale on Tax Day which put it at almost a third of the price of some of the other options I was looking at. Also ended up getting the Impact NBK action instead of the 737r. Same action just skeletonized to cut weight. Will also have the Hawkins Hunter DBM bottom metal.

Next trying to land on a barrel. I want something light and pre-fit for the action if at all possible to not need a gunsmith at all. I see Proof Carbon barrels at ~$1000 and long lead times. Looking for something quality I can take to the range and shoot 1/2 MOA groups, but also light to take in the woods or maybe that once in a lifetime guided hunt out west. Other option I am kind of familiar with the Bartlein, but it's going to be even pricier than the Proof. Any suggestions?

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So, I made a few purchases on this build.

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congrats on your build and components purchase.
Now you have to find the needle in the haystack (pre-fit barrel) or order a barrel and ship to a GS to cut, chamber, and crown.

Any custom barrel manufacturer will provide a barrel that will easily shoot 1/2" or less if you handload, and/or do your part. Kreiger, Bartlein, Pac-Nor, PROOF, Criterion, HART, McGowen, K&P, Benchmark, Schneider, etc ... all make quality barrels. Ballpark price for a S.S. blank is $399-$450 and GS work is around $375 .... total would be in the $800~850 range. CF barrels will set you back another $350 total with prices for a CF pre-fit chambered barrel around $1150~1200.

I'll call around and see what I can come up with for you. On most pre-fit CF barrels, the norm seems to be 22" or 24". Shorter barrels can be custom ordered yet may have a 6-9 month lead time.

FWIW, I located a Kelbly ATLAS light action (black NiTride finish - 24 ozs.) for $1025 and a prefit PROOF 6.5PRC barrel for $999, right at $2000 after tax and shipped to your door. Although you already bought an action, nothing wrong with an IMPACT action as they are solid and respected in the industry. Lots of options today to build what you want.

LRI based out of Sturgis, ID has a 6.5PRC reamer on hand with a 30-60 day lead time should you send them a barrel for pre-fit chambering. I've referred a lot of people to Chad including an OB member whose custom-built rifle shoots lights out. LRI sells/stocks K&P s.s. barrel blanks for $375.

Here are some barrel weights to consider.
#5 contour, S.S. 22" fluted, drop-in ready = 3 lbs 5 ozs.
PROOF CF Sendero contour, drop-in ready = 2 lbs. 10 ozs.
- the CF barrel would weigh approximately 11 ozs. or 3/4 lb. less than the S.S. barrel.

Contours for reference: The black barrel is from a Rem 700 PSS (Sendero contour)




Bartlein 3B 24" fluted. Rifles weighs 8# 13lbs. as pictured with glass.