Custom actions

[tlockyer]

I am looking to have a custom .223 varmint rifle made. I am not looking for a rifle that I can shoot paria dogs at 40 yards I am looking at shooting varmints at 700 yards and further. I am looking for the best but also one that will stand the test time while laying out in a field.

What action do you recommend, Bat, Lawton, Sergon, etc etc... I am wanting to build a rifle that is way under sub moa. One that would be great for varmint hunting with the accuracy of a bench rest. What actions do you recommend and also do you build these rifles? If not can you recommend someone. I have read tons of guns smith that state .25moa. However, I am sure there are few that can build one like. However, I am wanting one like that.


Thanks

Thomas

 

[bozo699]

Thomas,
Welcome to the forum.
There are smiths can build a true .025 moa rifle but there is a lot more to holding quarter minute of angle then a capable gun, you the driver, the bag or rest setup, the ammunition, and being able to read the conditions and make the necessarily changes to hold that group, there are a lot of us trying but only a few succeeding so don't hold your expectations quite so high or you may be disappointed. Any of the custom actions are nice, I have a 7500 Lawton and I like it but there business has been shaky since it's founder Passed you can't ever go wrong with a Bat, nor a Sergon although I have never owned a Sergon I haven't read many complaints, I really Like my Bat and I like my Stiller's although stiller hasn't been on the ball lately either, I know people that have had Viper's on order for more then two years :-\ Are you a accomplished shooter and reloader or are you just getting started in the game? let us know a little more about your self, there are some very talented Smiths on this forum, but I have none that I can personally recommend unless you live in the pacific northwest, S.E Washington state or Northern Idaho,...hope this helps some.
Wayne.

 

[tlockyer]

hI wayne,

I have been shooting my entire life. First rifle when I was in the first grade and now 46 years old. I take my son to egg shoots where he he using my rifle. Its now time to introduce him to varmit hunting. I guess you can say I can shoot OK.The rifle I will be passing down to my son can shot .25 and sometimes a little better. I consistly shoot paria dogs out to 700 yarda and beyond. I am wanting a rifle that will shot just sa well. As my son improves I want our second rifle "custom rifle" to be able to keep up with the older rifle.

So I am just asking around what type of action, barrels etc that people are recommending and a couple of guns smith that can really build a rifle to my needs.

I have found several builders online that claim the world but we all know a lot of that IS bs. But on the other hand there are a few that are capable of building a rifle to fit my needs.

 

[WayneShaw]

I don't think I would use a .223 to 700 yards.

 

[Rustystud]

If I were building a rifle for myself for varmints. I would select and action from one of the following: Borden, Kelbly, Bat or Pierce. These action makers are in a class of their own both their products and customer service.

I would not choose a 22 caliber for varmint hunting over 600 yards. I would go to the 6mm.

Just my opinion and 2 cents worth.

Nat Lambeth

 

[clowdis]

If I were looking for a .25 minute rifle I would start with a 6PPC, but that wouldn't be the best for 700 yard shooting. 700 yard shooting would require a heavy bullet such as the 105, 107 grain 6mm bullet and some of the best cases for delivering these kinds of bullets are 6XC and .243. But while these can be quite accurate calibers they aren't the ones that shooters select when shooting benchrest. My suggestion would be to go with a 6mm Dasher or 6BRX. Not the best for either but a good compromise. Almost any 'smith that builds benchrest rifles can build this one for you, but it's up to you to develop your loading and shooting skills to attain consistent .25 minute groups. Go to a benchrest match and look around, .25 groups aren't easy!

 

[SS427]

Lester Bruno could build you one on a BAT, Hall or Kelbly action and you shouldn't have to wait very long. He often advertises rifles capable of that kind of accuracy on BR Central and you can get them within a week or so. All he has to do is ream the chamber to your specs and get it shipped.

At those distances I too would suggest a different caliber like the 6mmBR, .243 Win or 6mm Rem.

 

[bozo699]

Lester Bruno could build you one on a BAT, Hall or Kelbly action and you shouldn't have to wait very long. He often advertises rifles capable of that kind of accuracy on BR Central and you can get them within a week or so. All he has to do is ream the chamber to your specs and get it shipped.

At those distances I too would suggest a different caliber like the 6mmBR, .243 Win or 6mm Rem.

Thomas,
Otter has a point, give his shop a call, Amy will probably answer the phone tell her your interested in a tack driver and would like to ask Lester ( her Dad) some questions, often times she will put you through, sometimes he is busy and will have to call you back but he is real good about calling you back, he is very easy and very knowledgeable to talk to and usually has several rifles in stock that could do what you want, I have a 6ppc on a three lug bat that came from Lesters shop that will shoot consistently better then I can shoot, on my own range where I could shoot conditions of my choosing I have shot several 5 shot groups in a row in the teens and it never less then low threes,probably averages low twos with Berger 68 fb bullets you can buy off the shelf, I have never shot it in real world matches where you can't really pick your conditions, his prices are fair and you can get it now and as Otter said you can see pics of some of them on Bench Rest Central's classified section, He even sometimes has some tuned up Savage # 12's that would shoot very well, check it out.
Wayne.

 

[wapiti25]

I suggest you look at the calibers that the 600 yd BR competitors are shooting. Most shoot 6mm and bigger as well as the heavy for the caliber bullets, such as 105-107 in the 6mm's. you are wanting a 600 yd benchrest rifle with the F class rest. When you say 1/4 MOA are you saying 1/4 MOA @ 600 yds (1 1/2" groups ) or 1/4 MOA @ 100yds ( 1/4" groups ) , the later is easier to do.