Putting rifle on a diet

[GSSP]

Currently running a Pierce sa, Broughton 26" #3, McMillan Rem Sporter Edge filled in 6.5x47 Lapua. Gives me consistent 1/2 MOA with either 140 Partitions or 140 Berger VLD's and Rel 17. I'm thinking of having the action lightened and the barrels shank either shortened or turned down, or both! I have a bunch of credit with Chris Matthews, who built the rifle. I understand he will need to refinish the metal and re-bed the stock. Do you see any inherent problems arising which might destroy my accuracy? All this to lighten the rifle and make it more svelt!

Alan

 

[Erik Cortina]

Alan, if it were me, I would sell the rifle and start over. But I know it's hard to sell a tack driver! ;D

 

[watercam]

I agree with Eric. That said I have hacked at a lot of stocks in my quest to lighten an accurate rifle and keep it accurate. I have a Kimber Montana that is a joy to carry, and very accurate, but I wish I had just a touch more weight on the barrel when I settle in to shoot from the side of a hill.
You could lighten the rear part of the receiver and turn the shank down to 1.150" or so. That might reduce weight 1/2 Ib. or so without affecting accuracy. Lose 2" of barrel length, would lose 2-3 oz. and only 50 fps velocity. Your stock is already fairly light I think. Smaller, lighter scope would help. Even a nylon sling vs. leather adds up. All in all you might gain 1 -1.5 Ib.s.
Or carry a little less water when hiking over hill and dale...

 

[BoydAllen]

Before you change your rifle, I suggest that you actually calculate the weight reduction of the dimensional reductions that you are considering.

 

[GSSP]

Boyd,

How does one calculate metal removed from an action/barrel?

Does anyone think my accuracy might change or I might have to work up new loads?

Alan

 

[BoydAllen]

http://hypertextbook.com/facts/2004/KarenSutherland.shtml

The above link will give you the density, then all you have to do is figure the volumes...A little tedious, but really, if you break it down into simple geometric shapes, a piece of cake.

 

[alf]

I'd be hard pressed to whittle away on the present barrel and tempt the accuracy gods.......but.....

I had a Sporter in Edge fill and it weighed in at 26 ounces, with no bedding. I'd look at getting a Classic or a Compact in Edge fill, which should come in at 20-22 ounces, and cut the barrel back to 22". Those two changes should trim 8 ounces or better off, w/o hurting accuracy, and cost little to do.

 

[Robert]

And why not simply consider a titanium action of same shape?

All those alterations cannot be wirhout effect.

R.G.C

 

[Dgd6mm]

Build a new 1, most rifles can be made to shoot 1/2 moa pretty easily.