Actions for 6BR through ?

[Changeling]

Hello to all.
I am contemplating a build on a custom action! To me the BAT action is the only one I have ever held in my hands and that was several years ago at a gun show.
Since then there seems to be a LOT of manufactures jumping in to the game and viewing the 600 and 1000 yd results confirms that.

One major problem is seeing the different actions on the Internet. BAT's website is totally ridiculous. There are hardly any pictures, just talk! What is wrong with that company?
One has to go to a retailer like BRUNO that is not much better at pictures and explanations!

However it still seems BAT makes one of the better actions available, I really don't know.

Question: What is the best BAT action (by identifying number) for use in building a 6BR type cartridge, 6BR through something like a modified 250 Savage type case. I want the action to be able to accept either of the above in case of another revelation down the road.
I'm asking this because the above mentioned web sites just don't provide information.

I certainly don't mean to be rude or offend anyone but you have to admit when someone is going to spend $1000.00 are much more on an action you would at least expect to see pictures and description/commentary on the cartridge lengths suitable for that particular action of interest. I shouldn't have to come to this web site to vent my frustration.

 

[Phil]

The "B" has a 3" ejecton port and will work just fine.....

 

[Shynloco]

Changeling,
Though I can appreciate your frustrations, it strikes me that certain rifle actions fall into a different category for most folks and those folks would be the ones who are SERIOUS about building a rifle for competition purposes. One of the first things I see most SERIOUS folks who want a custom built rifle, seek out a Gunsmith who also falls into a unique class of Gunsmiths who've established themselves as building the best. And oft times, it is actually their "trusted Gunsmith" who recommends what action to go with. I do not compete, though I seek the best accuracy my rifles can produce, while considering the limitations my equipment can provide. Hence when I recently had a 30BR built for my pure enjoyment yet seeking the best possible accuracy for the money, my Gunsmith recommended a Remington 700SA that would gives me REASONABLE results. But he also said, don't even think about buying that action if you want to compete. He too suggested a BAT or Kelbly action if I wanted to get SERIOUS and a $450 - $1000 action wouldn't stand a chance against either of the previously mentioned actions, in terms of the precision required to produce that necessary accuracy to win. And BAT's start right at $1300 and go up from there which is the going STARTING anty to "get into game."

I'm not trying to give you a hard time in least and understand and appreciate your frustration. But might I strongly suggest you determine your end game, whether it is to compete or just to obtain the best possible accuracy for the money you are willing to invest. A good friend (in his 70's) recently had been shooting a Savage Model 12 Benchrest 6mmbr which cost him in the neighborhood of $1325. He then hooked up with some serious Benchrest shooters and decided he needed better accuracy to compete at 600 - 1000 yds. Upon recommendations from some shooting buddies and even this blog, he contacted a well respected Gunsmith (whose on the list of top Gunsmith's on this site) and they discussed his best options and proceeded from there. Included in the final price was top quality glass that the builder could obtain a little over cost. In the end and $7500 later, he's got a BAT action like so many more on the line of competition.

I'm not sure I've helped you much, but I'm no expert in BAT actions or any of the other TOP QUALITY actions. But I do know that if you want the best, gotta buy the best. And then only the shooter becomes the weakest link. I do wish you well and much success in your search and hope some of the serious and accomplished competitors on this blog chime in with their recommendations in the hopes they can help you or at least, give you more information to ponder ti make the decision as to which way to go.

Alex

 

[ShootDots]

If you are going to shoot "small"ish" cartridges like the 6BR "family" up to a comfortable 6.5 x 47 you really should look at the Pierce Engineering "Single Shot" action. It is designed to handle all "short action" "308" length cartridges, however, it is, in my opinion, perfect for the 6mmBR to 6.5 x 47 length cartridges. It will undoubtedly work for any .308 length cartridge, but it is about like the OLD Remington Mod 7 action.

It is a Remington clone and will fit ANY Rem S/A stock. However, it is 18TPI rather than Rem's 17 TPI.. It is SMOOOOOTH as silk, locks up like a bank vault and it is CONSIDERABLY less $$$'s than a BAT or Kelbly Panda (both excellent actions).. If you are looking at a 6mmBR build, you could not do better than the Pierce..

 

[GSPV]

You are going to get everyone chiming in with their personal favorite action.

I have shot BATs, Pandas, Grizzly, Viper, Borden and a few others. They are all nice.

My advice is to meet your requirements. For example, you might not be able to get a stock for a given action to meet your need date.

With that said, I really like working with Jim Borden. He meets or beats his schedule and it is right the first time.

 

[Erik Cortina]

Shootdots, the Remington's are 16 TPI.

 

[cocopuff]

FWIW..I built my own on a stevens action...Useing a McGowin barrel 26 inch,1 in 8 twist..Weaver 36 x BellCarson stock...Works will for me so far....In fact this is my second barrel..Bull barrel...Did all the work myself...Trigger Basic..as well...If I do my part and watch the wind witch,I can get 3/4 inch at 250 yards.Thats 10 shots...On a good day...lol

 

[MarkS]

Changeling,

I have a Bat B 1.53" round in 6BRX and a Stiller Diamondback in 6BR. Both are great, any of the top name action would be great. As far as Bat the SV, S, and SB would work for a BR build up to 22-250 length. The B would take up to a 30-06.

Mark Schronce

 

[Webster]

You did say what you intended to use the rifle for. If you were interested in competition I don't think you would have mentioned a 250 Savage case.

 

[dkhunt14]

It doesn't matter if he wants to shoot competition or not. A Bat is better. It has a solid bottom which helps in bedding and stiffer to hang a barrel on. It's retail value if you ever sell remains higher. By the time you pay to true a REM you are well on the way of the price of a Bat and you still have a REM. The model B should be the choice I would make. You have to tell Bat you want a sako extractor or you will have ejection problems with the slide type ejector. All the actions with the slide type ejector lets the short case go into the lug area once it leaves the chamber. Then the case falls off and lays in there. With the Sako type the case is pulled slightly up and works fine. Matt

 

[TonyR]

You have to tell Bat you want a sako extractor or you will have ejection problems with the slide type ejector. All the actions with the slide type ejector lets the short case go into the lug area once it leaves the chamber. Then the case falls off and lays in there. With the Sako type the case is pulled slightly up and works fine.

+1 on the Sako Extractor. I have a Dasher barrel on my BAT M with the slide extractor and a lot of the cases end up laying in the action after they have been extracted. Not a problem for F-Class because the port is large on the M and we don't shoot fast; but it could be a problem for other applications using the BR case. It has not been a problem with 308 Win and longer cases.

 

[expiper]

OP......as others hav said ,,get a custom action,,,any money spent on a Rem. is just wasted,,,,I shoot Panda/Kelbly actions with both right and left eject and with both M1 and static ejectors ,,,and they all work flawlessly,,,,you decide which side you want to toss em in and it will toss em out either way,,,,there are several variations of the Panda,,,Kodiak and F-class have an integral recoil lug that I like to use with "spunkie" cals bigger than PPC/etc...be shur and get the 20 moa integral rib on whatever you get,,,,Roger
PS,,you can get a turn-key rifle from Kelblys for ~3000$$-without scope in any configuration you like ,,hunting or target stock and bbl sizes (you can spend 500$ for a used target/hunting scope or 3500$ for a March)

 

[dkhunt14]

If the static ejector is the mechanical one like a mauser. It is what you need if you can't get a Sako. I have a Panda F-Class dual port that won't eject Dasher cases. Matt

 

[Judd]

I have 2 of the little BAT SV actions and they are awesome. Great actions that are dual ports and never had an issue with the BR case. I pulled my 30br barrel off and went with a 6.5x47 but that is the biggest case you can use and it still eject. Sorry I didn't look up what the 250 size what but that should give you something to compare too.

Contact savageguy (Chris) on this forum because he normally has a few in stock and a super guy to deal with.

 

[bheadboy]

you have some very good input here, - now my thoughts,

if you intend to hone your skills, have fun shooting very well, maybe shoot pd, or shoot a few local club matches, get one of the good smiths on the list mentioned and have them take a rem 700, Hart, Shillian etc. bbl and build you a rifle. tricked out. be prepared to spend around $2000

if you intend to seriously compete, get the smith of your choice and stand back, let him put the pieces together and make the choices he believes best for you and have at it. be prepared to spend $7-8000.00

Bob

 

[Changeling]

I appreciate all the reply's and especially the things to look out for, like Mark Schronce saying the Model B was a 3006 length type action, and to also check out the Model SV, S, and SB.
I won't really need an action for cartridges as long as a 3006 so I'll try to find out more about the SV, S, and SB models.

dkhunt, thanks for the extractor information, I didn't know that.

expiper, thanks for the 20 moa integral rib information. Very good thing to know.


Now can any one tell me if there is a site that shows all these actions with good pictures and talks about there shortcoming's. I was surprised this site didn't have an area devoted to this type information.

Thanks again to all.

 

[MarkS]

Changeling,

I don't feel the B is to big for the 6BR. I had a M with a 6BR and 6BRX, it was too big. The SV was made for te PPC and BR. A nice action.

Mark Schronce

 

[thekriebles]

Here's an older article, but it provides some info, photos and comparisons:

http://www.6mmbr.com/actions.html#BAT

 

[Changeling]

Judd, do you use the BAT SV action in competition like 600/1000 yd?

Do you have any problems with it whatsoever?

I am more than likely going to go with a 6mm Dasher or 6BRX. Just not sure the 6BRX will get the same/better/lower velocities than the Dasher. I realize a lot of this is dependant on the barrel, however that is a variable that will change from one to another barrel/length.

Other guys here seemed to like the the BAT model B action, is there something about it that is considered better in a competition rifle than the smaller BAT SV action?

These questions are open to all who would like to reply. I appreciate all responses.

 

[MarkS]

Changeling,

The BRX will run the same as the Dasher, and will be just as accurate, but it all does depends on the barrel. All for my BRX barrels run best at 2975 f/s, they will run 3050 to 3100, but shoot best at 2975 f/s. My current barrel is a 8.5 tw Keriger HV cut to 26". Mike Davis said all he used was 8.5 tw and the 26" would be stiffer and shot better. He was correct, it is a hummer. Most pick the action for what weight limit gun you are shooting, the bigger the action the less lighter everything has to be. My B round 1.53" comes in under 17 lbs with a MBR fiberglass stock and NF br scope.

Mark Schronce