custom rifle sold - ready for BR next

[master_photog]

Hello 6mmBR forum, I've recently sold my Nesika .223 and I'm extremely intrigued with the 6mmBR cartridge. From all the research that I've been doing, it seems like this is the perfect round for my next build.

My intentions are to build a light varminter, one that I can carry around somewhat comfortably and be able to knock down anything in my 100 to 300 yard average shot. It seems like the 6BR is the round of choice within these distances - with the correct setup/hardware, of course.

The research and various conversations I've had recently has pointed me in the direction of:

BAT action - SV round

20 to 22 inch barrel with a 12 to 14 tw.

jewell bottom safety trigger

I'm looking at the solid wood stocks, but have heard some concern with the movement of wood in temperature change conditions.

Please feel free to weigh in on your opinions of what I've listed vs. what my intentions are for the rifle. If anyone fears offending anyone or any manufacturer, please send a PM or an email to chuck@cs2photography.com

Thanks!

 

[AlNyhus]

I'd do it on one of the custom 700 'clones'.....Kelbly Atlas or Borden Alpine, for example. The BAT SV's are fine actions, but they're really designed to be 'glue ins'....there are some hassles in fitting them with a decent recoil lug, etc. BAT makes a slick 700 clone if you'd like to go the BAT route. A #2 or #3 profile barrel @ 22' long in a McMillan Remington Classic stock would be a dandy. I've done several of these using the McMillan Hunter pattern (it has a palm swell and a cheekpiece) and they are very well balanced.

Here's a pic of mine...massaged 700 with a 22" Hart #2 in a Remington Hunter chambered in 250 Savage Ackley Improved:

 

[master_photog]

Thanks for offering another option! Mighty nice looking rifle there.

Are all BAT actions designed to be 'glue-ins' and do they all seem to have hassles in fitting decent recoil lugs or is this just a problem you've experienced with the SV lineup?

Thank you

 

[fdshuster]

Just had my second Bat SV action build. It's a traditional bolt-in. The action came from Bat with 2 receiver screws and 1 smaller screw for the front of the Bat trigger guard.

The machined recess on the underside of the receiver fits over the top of the bedding and is every bit as solid as my rifles that have a recoil lug.

 

[master_photog]

Just had my second Bat SV action build. It's a traditional bolt-in. The action came from Bat with 2 receiver screws and 1 smaller screw for the front of the Bat trigger guard.

The machined recess on the underside of the receiver fits over the top of the bedding and is every bit as solid as my rifles that have a recoil lug.

Thanks for the info - much appreciated. Do you mind sharing who did your build? Assuming you commissioned a smith.

Thanks again!

 

[fdshuster]

I'm located in SW Pa. about 12 miles South of Pittsburgh, and am fortunate to have a first-class match rifle builder (been building rifles for 40 years), an easy 25 minute drive from my home.

My gunsmith does not have to advertise: he has more business than he wants, by word of mouth. PM sent.

 

[AlNyhus]

fdshuster: Glad to hear the later SV's are set up like that. The early versions that I saw didn't have a rear action screw hole. BAT certainly makes fine actions and if all the SV's are now coming through as you describe, the SV would certainly be a dandy action for his project.

Good shootin'. -Al

 

[GSPV]

Suggest considering the Kelbly Atlas or Borden Alpine for your action. The extra $ for the SV would be wasted on a walking varmint rig.

Some SVs also are a bit short on ignition. There are "kits" that add a small tungsten weight to the firing pin to cure the issue. They sure are sweet actions. I considered one for my new rifle, but went with a Borden BR action.

Depending on what bullet that you intend to shoot, 12 or 14 twist might be too slow. If you want the flexibility to shoot longer mid-weight bullets you'll need a 10 twist. That's what I shoot in our 300 yard winter varmint league. It's a straight 6 BR (not a BRX, Dasher, etc), Lapua brass, Federal 205M primer, 30.5 grains of IMR 8208 XBR and the Berger 87 grain VLD Hunting. It will anchor groundhogs and coyotes with authority.

BTW, I was confused by the difference between the thread title and the starting post. I thought you were considering shooting benchrest. Guess the "BR" meant "6 BR".

 

[Alex Wheeler]

I would recomend having bat melonite the action. It will make it much more durable, and a must on a field rifle imo.

 

[master_photog]

zfastmalibu, that option is exactly what I intend to do. I've had several people mention this option and Bruce from BAT has also made that recommendation.

It's really coming together on the choice of components that I'm getting. I'm just stumped on finding a good marriage of stock and action.

As you can see from previous posts, there seems to be concern with the BAT SV action that I like and pairing it with a stock due to the SV being intended for a 'glue-in' and that a recoil lug can be problematic as well.

Anyway, I'm really drawn to the African Obeche stocks by Bill Shehane. Has anyone built around any of these beauties? http://scopeusout.com/custom-rifle-stocks/obeche-colors/

Thanks for your help and suggestions on my 6mmBR hunter!!

 

[AlNyhus]

As you can see from previous posts, there seems to be concern with the BAT SV action that I like and pairing it with a stock due to the SV being intended for a 'glue-in' and that a recoil lug can be problematic as well.

Master_photog: I hope I didn't confuse the issue re: the BAT SV's recoil lug when I posted earlier. They have a cutout on the bottom of the action that acts as the recoil bearing surface....just not a standard front mounted lug like a 700 does. The BAT site doesn't show a very good picture of it from the side, but here's what they say regarding it:

Our smaller actions have a cut in the bottom of the receiver that when properly bedded acts as a recoil lug, sometimes refered to as an XP cut.

Also, here's a pic of one from the side that shows the cutout:



I prefer a traditional front mounted lug (for several reasons), but that's neither here nor there.

Sorry if I muddied the waters...hope this helps. -Al

 

[master_photog]

Al, what action would you recommend from BAT that would suit my 6mmBR varminter needs? One that contains the traditional front mounted lug?

Thank you,

 

[RJinTexas]

If I was going to build a new walking varmint rifle I use a Defiance Machine action, they are as smooth as anything I've ever handled or shot and the workmanship is 2nd to none. You'd be getting a 700 Remington footprint which would open the door for all the great stocks available that are inletted to fit a Rem 700 S/A. There are just so many great accessory available for the 700 footprint actions. I agree with AINyhus it hard to beat a McMillan Classic Hunter stock for a light balanced walking rifle.

Good luck with your build and please let us know what you decide to use.
RJ

 

[AlNyhus]

Al, what action would you recommend from BAT that would suit my 6mmBR varminter needs? One that contains the traditional front mounted lug?Thank you,

If you want a front mounted lug, BAT offers the VR. It's a 700 footprint with an integral front lug. They only list it as a repeater version on their site but maybe they could do one in a single shot, if that's what you prefer. They also offer the same action with a Picatinny scope rail, the VRPIC. Both of these are longer than the SV and longer than you'd need for a 'dedicated' BR case action, but they sure would offfer a lot of flexibility down the road should you wish to rebarrel to another (longer) cartridge. Both of these use conventional trigger pins to hold the trigger on, rather than the trigger hanger that Kelbly uses on their Atlas 700 clone. Believe me, there will be a time when you'd rather remove the trigger from the bottom rather than taking the barrelled action out of the stock to remove it.

Give BAT a call and see what they suggest....they are good people that make good stuff.

Let us know what you decide and have fun with your build. -Al

 

[GSPV]

700 footprint. Trigger hanger. Sounds like http://bulletin.accurateshooter.com/2009/09/kelblys-new-atlas-rem-700-clone-action/ .

 

[master_photog]

Al, what action would you recommend from BAT that would suit my 6mmBR varminter needs? One that contains the traditional front mounted lug?Thank you,

If you want a front mounted lug, BAT offers the VR. It's a 700 footprint with an integral front lug. They only list it as a repeater version on their site but maybe they could do one in a single shot, if that's what you prefer. They also offer the same action with a Picatinny scope rail, the VRPIC. Both of these are longer than the SV and longer than you'd need for a 'dedicated' BR case action, but they sure would offfer a lot of flexibility down the road should you wish to rebarrel to another (longer) cartridge. Both of these use conventional trigger pins to hold the trigger on, rather than the trigger hanger that Kelbly uses on their Atlas 700 clone. Believe me, there will be a time when you'd rather remove the trigger from the bottom rather than taking the barrelled action out of the stock to remove it.

Give BAT a call and see what they suggest....they are good people that make good stuff.

Let us know what you decide and have fun with your build. -Al

Al, I like this suggestion, this certainly would give me some wiggle room for another cartridge down the road. I'll touch base with BAT to see if I can get that VRPIC in a single action flavor.

Thanks for the input!

 

[Killshot]

If this is really going to be a WALKING gun, you owe it to yourself to look at X-Treme's titanium actions. Their short action weighs just 9 ounces. It uses a traditional in-front recoil lug, too.

A custom-builder friend made one in a McMillan carbon fiber stock. With scope it was under 7lbs. Felt like a .22 in your hands.