6mm204 best action options

[Josh_]

Hi everyone!

I would like to make a lightweight (sub 6.5lbs bare) rifle in 6mm204.

Anyone have experience with the best action/magazine's to go with?
Length seems to be somewhat of an issue...
I see some using the T3, I would prefer an internal mag though.

Cheers
Josh

 

[bheadboy]

I am using a short 700 rem which was originally 223, no sweat. ? to keep the weight down, and I assume that to be without scope, what bbl length and taper are you looking at. mine I kept 222m not 6mm but the length is the same.

I used the HighTech stock which is very light but also stiff and works well for PD purposes.

Bob

 

[Josh_]

G'day bheadboy

Thank you for your reply, you are correct - bare rifle, no nothing. If I am able to use the rem 700 SA that would make life VERY easy.
How much room does the rem short action allow?

 

[th82457]

It all depends on what weight /length bullet you want to use. If just loading for varmint bullets, then more options available due to shorter OAL of cartridge. A CZ 527 or older Sako Vixen or A1 would be nice. If looking for bullets 80 gr or over, then action length will be an issue. Howa just introduced a short action at the Shot show that may be worth checking out. Good Luck, should be a great cartridge.

 

[alf]

If I am able to use the rem 700 SA that would make life VERY easy.
How much room does the rem short action allow?

You can take out the .450" factory spacer in the mag box, and replace it with a .250", which can be made out of aluminum stock, cut w/ a hacksaw & hand filed, if that's all you have for tools. It can be glued in w/ JB Weld, or drilled & tapped for a small screw.

Or take out the spacer completely and you can run up to the full 2.80" mag box length. This is what I do for all my 22-204 guns running 75-80 grain Berger VLD's.

 

[Josh_]

You can take out the .450" factory spacer in the mag box, and replace it with a .250", which can be made out of aluminum stock, cut w/ a hacksaw & hand filed, if that's all you have for tools. It can be glued in w/ JB Weld, or drilled & tapped for a small screw.

Or take out the spacer completely and you can run up to the full 2.80" mag box length. This is what I do for all my 22-204 guns running 75-80 grain Berger VLD's.

Thanks alf

After some research, I see I will need to have my smith make me a new follower and use a larger spring such as the .308 ones.
How did you go about making a new magazine follower?

 

[alf]

After some research, I see I will need to have my smith make me a new follower and use a larger spring such as the .308 ones.
How did you go about making a new magazine follower?

If you put in a .250" spacer, you can run the regular 223 follower and spring without any problems.

If I take out the spacer completely, I just narrow up a machined (not stamped) follower to fit in the factory mag box, and use a 308 spring.

Which direction you go depends on your bullets, freebore, and relationship to the lands you want to run.

 

[Josh_]

I would like to be able to use the entire 2.80
Where would one get a machined follower?

Thank you so much for this information, it is extremely helpful.

 

[alf]

I would like to be able to use the entire 2.80
Where would one get a machined follower?

Thank you so much for this information, it is extremely helpful.

The machined followers show up for sale occasionally. I know the 5R 700's have (had?) them, but I don't know what others they may have come in. Best bet is to place a WTB ad for one.

Another bonus is I can get 6 rounds down plus one in the chamber....

 

[th82457]

You can probably get a machined follower from Remington if you can nail down the correct part number.

 

[muleystalker]

Why not go a rem mod 7, Im building one right now. And PTG offers the M5 DBM that uses AICs mags if you want DBM.

 

[Catfish]

For the last 15 years I have done all of my builds on Savage actions. The main reason is because you can change barrels and head space them so easily. With any Savage chambered in 222, 223, 222mag, or any round on one of these cases you need only unscrew the barrel and screw in your new barrel, and head space.

 

[5spd]

I do all my builds on Savage actions as catfish above but 30+ yrs.
A standard SA Savage .223 has a magazine you can easy load at 2.290" and could go to 2.300" & that's with the factory block in it.
No looking for magazine parts, do the build in your home with the barrel of your choice.
Actions can be easily found with blind mags or detactable mags.

 

[Josh_]

Thanks Catish & 5spd
I will look into the savage - I honestly don't know much about savage rifles, there are a lot of models on their website. I don't suppose any come with an internal mag?
Can you load the mag through the action?

 

[redrockranger]

Thanks Catish & 5spd
I will look into the savage - I honestly don't know much about savage rifles, there are a lot of models on their website. I don't suppose any come with an internal mag?
Can you load the mag through the action?

Buy a Savage action and build it with aftermarket parts.

 

[5spd]

Thanks Catish & 5spd
I will look into the savage - I honestly don't know much about savage rifles, there are a lot of models on their website. I don't suppose any come with an internal mag?
Can you load the mag through the action?

Blind magazines (internal/solid), they feed & empty from the top by hand (thumb) or running the bolt.
The detactable mags drop out from the bottom via a latch.
The can be had either way depending on model..

 

[savagedasher]

Savage easy build and you can do it your self
Larry

 

[Josh_]

Blind magazines (internal/solid), they feed & empty from the top by hand (thumb) or running the bolt.
The detactable mags drop out from the bottom via a latch.
The can be had either way depending on model..

I can see how that post may have been confusing - I meant to ask if the dbm can be loaded through the action/ 'top fed'?

I will make some enquiries about the savage action availability here in Aus.

 

[fredo]

If I were wanting to go "all out", would prolly get one of these from Defiance Machine:

The "short" version of that Ultralight action is the same length as a Rem. Model Seven, would be perfect for a cute little 6-204!
http://defiancemachine.com/deviant-ultralight/

Love my Sevens, but wouldn't mind stepping up into to that Defiance action! With an action wrench & vise, could have a few barrels spun up for it...

Good luck with your build!

 

[fredo]

P.S.
Accuracy International's "AX" magazines are double stack/double feed, and can be loaded from the ejection port like a blind mag.
Caveat being, only certain actions with modified feed ramps can run AX mags. Defiance makes "AX" friendly ramps on request, but likely only for the 'medium' length Ultralight (which is the same footprint as Rem700 SA)