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NV, USA
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Posted: 11/22/2022 3:11:38 PM EDT
I've assembled AR-15s, 10s, 9s, and none of it was all that difficult. The online resources are endless. But what about bolt actions? I'm having trouble figuring out where to even start. Anyone have any resources? Or just a quick-and-dirty, this is how you do it, kind of thing?
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Posted: 11/22/2022 5:07:42 PM EDT
[#1]
It kind of depends on the action used. If using a factory action like a Rem 700 or Savage then you will be using a barrel nut and have to set headspace in what's called a Remage build. Just do a search for Remage and you will find a ton of info.
If you use a custom action then you can buy shouldered prefit barrels that are just screwed on and the should stops it at the recoil lug. Some check their headspace there too but I just buy from people I trust and never an issue. Screwing in a shouldered prefit is super simple. For both builds you will need a barrel vice and for the barrel nut wrench and for a custom an action wrench. |
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NV, USA
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Posted: 11/22/2022 5:12:48 PM EDT
[#2]
Can you elaborate on what a custom action is? (I happen to be interested in pre-fit barrels, if they're not insanely extra expensive.)
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Posted: 11/22/2022 6:30:23 PM EDT
[#3]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By Shinobi15: Can you elaborate on what a custom action is? (I happen to be interested in pre-fit barrels, if they're not insanely extra expensive.) Custom action is just that. An action made by a company who is not a factory rifle. Companies like Zermatt/Bighorn, Defiance, Impact, Lone Peak, Terminus etc. As an example here is the page for some 6.5 prefits from Patriot Valley Arms. You can click on the receiver options and see which are prefits, which are barrel nuts required and which require you to send in the action. https://patriotvalleyarms.com/osprey-6-5mm-prefit-barrels-all-actions/ |
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NV, USA
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Posted: 11/22/2022 7:28:54 PM EDT
[Last Edit: Shinobi15]
[#4]
So, when I see on brownells a...
REM 700 ANTI LONG ACTIONS RIGHT HAND DEFIANCE MACHINE That's obviously made by Defiance, but it would fir a Rem 700 pre-fit barrel? Also, how does sizing work? Is it specific for the most part to one round or another? |
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Posted: 11/22/2022 8:27:52 PM EDT
[#5]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By Shinobi15: So, when I see on brownells a... REM 700 ANTI LONG ACTIONS RIGHT HAND DEFIANCE MACHINE That's obviously made by Defiance, but it would fir a Rem 700 pre-fit barrel? Also, how does sizing work? Is it specific for the most part to one round or another? Post a link to that action. Sizing what? Action length? Short actions are for shorter cartridges like .223, .308, 6.5 Creed etc. and long actions are for longer cartridges like 30-06 and most magnums. There are different bolt faces too so you have to find the right bolt face for the cartridge you plan to use. Or pick an action like the Bighorn Origin that you can change the bolt face easily. |
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NV, USA
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Posted: 11/23/2022 2:08:45 AM EDT
[#6]
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Posted: 11/23/2022 9:15:01 AM EDT
[Last Edit: Rob01]
[#7]
I think that is a Brownells confusing labeling. You can see the Anti below at Defiance and info on it. If ordering a barrel for that you would tell them it's a Defiance Anti and it would be made correctly. If you look at the site I linked at PVA they have the Defiance Anti in the drop down menu for actions.
https://defiancemachine.com/actions/ If you look at the link Defiance lists the Anti as: Receiver barrel threads are 1.0625” X 16 T.P.I. (Rem. 700 thread dia. and pitch) So you could use a 700 barrel nut style Remage barrel if you went that route. |
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NV, USA
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Posted: 11/23/2022 11:35:03 AM EDT
[#8]
Aha... things are starting to become (a little) clear now...
So, while on the subject of actions... How important would you say the action is, and to what, as compared to the rest of the thing? Seems to me the lower receiver (box? what do you call it?) would be the least important to spend extra dollars on (not that it's nothing, I know), whereas the barrel would be the most important... Actually, let's just ask this: where's the biggest return from putting extra money, and where can you skimp without ruining your rifle's abilities? |
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Posted: 11/23/2022 1:11:53 PM EDT
[#9]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By Shinobi15: Aha... things are starting to become (a little) clear now... So, while on the subject of actions... How important would you say the action is, and to what, as compared to the rest of the thing? Seems to me the lower receiver (box? what do you call it?) would be the least important to spend extra dollars on (not that it's nothing, I know), whereas the barrel would be the most important... Actually, let's just ask this: where's the biggest return from putting extra money, and where can you skimp without ruining your rifle's abilities? The action is important to the rifle overall. A crappy action will give feeding issues and possibly accuracy info with parts not fitting right. A bolt gun is action, barrel, trigger and stock. All important to accuracy but you can get away with less expensive but still quality parts. Don’t go bargain basement and expect accuracy. As to what you have to spend, there is where you can get muddy. Now talking only custom actions and not factory you can get great results with the lesser expensive actions like the Bighorn Origin and others. The Origin is a good buy at $900 as it comes with a 20 moa base and a pinned recoil lug which are things you have to add to a standard 700 action. You also get the ability to easily change bolt faces so you can have multiple calibers on one action with the change of a barrel and boltface. If you wanted to get into putting together a bolt gun I would highly recommend starting with an Origin. |
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NV, USA
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Posted: 11/23/2022 6:22:53 PM EDT
[#10]
Cool, thanks for the recommendation.
You wouldn't happen to know of any nitrided 300 norma mag barrel makers, would you...? |
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Posted: 11/23/2022 8:05:04 PM EDT
[#11]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By Shinobi15: Cool, thanks for the recommendation. You wouldn't happen to know of any nitrided 300 norma mag barrel makers, would you...? No sorry not off the top of my head. Any particular reason you want it nitrited? Remember these aren't ARs. I run straight stainless barrels on my match rifles. Also if you plan to build a magnum then the Origin long action is $1000. They are in stock though with magnum bolt face. To that, why the magnum? https://www.altusshooting.com/products/zermatt-arms-origin-long-action |
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NV, USA
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Posted: 11/23/2022 10:37:11 PM EDT
[#12]
I just like the fact that nitriding makes a barrel last a lot longer and doesn't require break in, for that matter.
I'm currently fantasizing about 300 norma mag because distance shooting is super fun, so super distance shooting should be even more fun. So far as I can tell, I think that round would suit me the best. (Feel free to tell me I'm wrong.) |
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NV, USA
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Posted: 11/24/2022 1:14:50 AM EDT
[Last Edit: Shinobi15]
[#13]
Here's another thing I'm not certain about: is this...
https://www.altusshooting.com/products/bartlein-cut-rifled-barrels-30-cal ... a barrel that can handle any 30 cal? Including a big ol' 300 norma mag? And if so, how do you know, as compared to something that maybe only goes as high as a 300 win mag? Second question: do these actions also include the part that receives the magazine? It looks to me like it doesn't, maybe I'm not looking at it right. |
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Posted: 11/24/2022 9:45:15 AM EDT
[#14]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By Shinobi15: I just like the fact that nitriding makes a barrel last a lot longer and doesn't require break in, for that matter. I'm currently fantasizing about 300 norma mag because distance shooting is super fun, so super distance shooting should be even more fun. So far as I can tell, I think that round would suit me the best. (Feel free to tell me I'm wrong.) Again not an AR. Precision long range rifles are very rarely nitrated. As to caliber, what have you shot and how far? Also how far you want to shoot and for what use? A lot of guys just getting into long range jump to magnums because they think they are the coolest and they find the recoil and cost of feeding them is not as fun and the rifles sit unused and sold not long after. |
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Posted: 11/24/2022 9:49:02 AM EDT
[#15]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By Shinobi15: Here's another thing I'm not certain about: is this... https://www.altusshooting.com/products/bartlein-cut-rifled-barrels-30-cal ... a barrel that can handle any 30 cal? Including a big ol' 300 norma mag? And if so, how do you know, as compared to something that maybe only goes as high as a 300 win mag? Second question: do these actions also include the part that receives the magazine? It looks to me like it doesn't, maybe I'm not looking at it right. A .30 barrel is a .30 barrel. They are set up to shoot from 300BO to .30 magnums. Especially those Bartleins. They are excellent barrels. Have used them for years in multiple calibers. That link though is just for a barrel blank. You will have to have a smith chamber and thread it so $400 is just the starting point. No the actions do not include the detachable bottom metal for magazines. That can be bought separate if the stock or chassis you buy doesn't come with it. What stock or chassis are you looking at? |
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NV, USA
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Posted: 11/24/2022 1:53:53 PM EDT
[Last Edit: Shinobi15]
[#16]
Right now I'm really getting into the 308, have gotten to 800 yards without much problem (and ammo that isn't as good as I originally thought...) The goal is 1000 yards, then I want to start looking at longer.
I know it's a jump, but I've shot a 300 win mag before, back when I had no idea what I was doing, recoil didn't bother me. Maybe it's because I lift weights a lot? I dunno. But I do plan on getting a good pad and whatnot also. Anyway, I figure next gun might as well go big because I want to (methodically) stretch it out to maybe a mile or more. Also plan on learning about reloading, but that's a different thread... The chassis is a good question, too. I don't know yet. I like the tactical adjustable guys, Masterpiece Arms I saw had a nice looking one, the Woox thing maybe...? Really not sure yet. I guess the wish list would include (beyond the obvious stability and all that), adjustable stock, vertical or close to grip, and I was thinking a barrel shroud would be good, but that might require me to hold the scope up higher so maybe not... |
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Posted: 11/24/2022 4:28:35 PM EDT
[#17]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By Shinobi15: Right now I'm really getting into the 308, have gotten to 800 yards without much problem (and ammo that isn't as good as I originally thought...) The goal is 1000 yards, then I want to start looking at longer. I know it's a jump, but I've shot a 300 win mag before, back when I had no idea what I was doing, recoil didn't bother me. Maybe it's because I lift weights a lot? I dunno. But I do plan on getting a good pad and whatnot also. Anyway, I figure next gun might as well go big because I want to (methodically) stretch it out to maybe a mile or more. Also plan on learning about reloading, but that's a different thread... The chassis is a good question, too. I don't know yet. I like the tactical adjustable guys, Masterpiece Arms I saw had a nice looking one, the Woox thing maybe...? Really not sure yet. I guess the wish list would include (beyond the obvious stability and all that), adjustable stock, vertical or close to grip, and I was thinking a barrel shroud would be good, but that might require me to hold the scope up higher so maybe not... Yeah .308 will go well past 800 with the right ammo in a good bolt gun. I shoot factory 168 ELD-Ms in mine and shoot to 1250 yards in matches. I shoot my .223 to 1150. A mile is easy with a magnum and the right load. I have shot my 6.5 Creedmoor to a mile with factory ammo. If you don't load now then you might want to look which magnum will allow you to buy ammo that is sufficient to hit a mile. Not talking lightweight hunting ammo. The 300PRC wouldn't be a bad choice if shooting factory ammo. Hornady loads it with a very good bullet. If you are set on a long action magnum then right now is the time to buy a chassis with the Black Friday deals. Same for trigger, brake and barrels. Pretty sure MDT, MPA etc are all having sales. And there is no need for a barrel shroud. Only one would be if using night vision and having to put it out in front of the scope. |
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NV, USA
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Posted: 11/24/2022 4:48:15 PM EDT
[#18]
If you have particular chassis recommendations, I'm all ears.
Also, what about that detachable bottom metal for the magazine? Is that like getting a fancy AR lower vs a PSA/Aero lower (i.e., they all work)? |
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Posted: 11/24/2022 5:27:11 PM EDT
[#19]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By Shinobi15: If you have particular chassis recommendations, I'm all ears. Also, what about that detachable bottom metal for the magazine? Is that like getting a fancy AR lower vs a PSA/Aero lower (i.e., they all work)? Stocks and chassis are personal preference. Just find one with a good name you like and get it. A chassis will have a DBM as part of the chassis. Nothing to add. |
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NV, USA
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Posted: 11/24/2022 5:54:48 PM EDT
[#20]
Oh, and what about magazines? What do I need to know there? I'm guessing that "long action" magazines won't work?
I.e., something like this? https://magpul.com/pmag-5-ac-l-magnum.html?mp_global_color=118 |
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Posted: 11/24/2022 6:45:43 PM EDT
[#21]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By Shinobi15: Oh, and what about magazines? What do I need to know there? I'm guessing that "long action" magazines won't work? I.e., something like this? https://magpul.com/pmag-5-ac-l-magnum.html?mp_global_color=118 Most chassis use AICS style mags so any mags that are AICS and fit the cartridge being used should work. They will be long action for a magnum as the action is long action. You need to look at the specific cartridge fit though. |
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NV, USA
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Posted: 11/25/2022 2:47:23 AM EDT
[#22]
Hm.
So after poking around a bit, I'm looking at... An MDT XRS: https://mdttac.com/xrs-chassis-system/ And... Christensen Arms MPR: https://www.brownells.com/rifle-parts/stock-parts/rifle-stocks/modern-precision-long-action-chassis-prod147119.aspx And... Possibly a Magpul: https://www.brownells.com/rifle-parts/stock-parts/rifle-stocks/remington-700-long-action-stocks-prod125124.aspx And... Maybe even this Brownells: https://www.brownells.com/rifle-parts/stock-parts/rifle-stocks/mdt-brn-1-m-lok-chassis-prod146177.aspx With a stock something like: https://magpul.com/prs-gen3-precision-adjustable-stock.html?mp_global_color=118 (or whatever stock?) Thoughts on any of these? |
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Posted: 11/25/2022 9:38:08 AM EDT
[#23]
They will all work. I wouldn't use one with an enclosed barrel channel like the Christensen Arms. You want the barrel to be able to cool especially with a large caliber burning a lot of powder.
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NV, USA
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Posted: 11/25/2022 6:16:24 PM EDT
[#24]
so i just discovered that the .585 bolt faces, and apparently prefit barrels and/or barrel nuts to go with, are not very common... dammit...
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NV, USA
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Posted: 11/25/2022 10:05:48 PM EDT
[#25]
And I find another question: what's going on with this magazine length stuff? There are options?
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Posted: 11/26/2022 9:56:13 AM EDT
[#26]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By Shinobi15: so i just discovered that the .585 bolt faces, and apparently prefit barrels and/or barrel nuts to go with, are not very common... dammit... Well between that and the price of ammo it's another reason to look at the 300PRC. 300NM ammo is about $110/20 from a quick search for ammo that will do what you want. 300PRC ammo is about $60/20. |
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Posted: 11/26/2022 9:57:31 AM EDT
[#27]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By Shinobi15: And I find another question: what's going on with this magazine length stuff? There are options? Just need to look at what the action can take for OAL and the OAL of the internal of the magazine and the round being used. Just another part of buying the right parts to put it together. |
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NV, USA
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Posted: 11/26/2022 11:24:06 AM EDT
[#28]
well for what it's worth i do intend on making my own hand loads for both cost and precision reasons.
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NV, USA
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Posted: 11/26/2022 11:25:36 AM EDT
[#29]
oh, and i did find this...
https://snakeriverrifles.com/product/kelblys-atlas-tactical-338-lapua-action-bolt-face-action-coming-soon/ so i'll have to see if maybe criterion or someone will make a prefit for me. |
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NV, USA
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Posted: 12/2/2022 12:04:37 AM EDT
[#30]
and then i learn about this...
https://pacifictoolandgauge.com/ptg-custom-actions/17741-b-52-la-repeater-action-ptg.html |
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