Thinking of a new build

[Fast14riot]

Do you want to be able to buy factory ammo for this?

Maybe once to get some brass, but not as a regular habit. I know 6.5x47 ammo isn't cheap, but if buying only once or twice it's not a big deal.

 

[favload]

I have a new 6.5x47 FS in a Manners EH4 carbon stock with mini chasis. Its SS SA Rem 700 action new and a sporter ss Krieger barrel. Rem trigger, all black. Built it as a ultra light carry/ target gun. Shoots 1/4 moa less than 100 rds fired. Comes with 50 cases and load data. $1300 if your interested. Give me a call 518-7035783

 

[Fast14riot]

I've been thinking about this build more, especially being behind enemy lines here in CA and my devotion to shooting AR15 match rifles.

Stocky's so far have not been very highly recommended, though the only reason I mentioned them is because of the pattern is what I want for a less expensive price in laminate wood. Something similar to their LR/T shape would be ideal for me.

Barrel is another category I've been stuck on, will a CBI remage be adequate for me? I currently compete out to 500m and do well, so my wind reading is ok and ability gets me on the podium every now and again. Probably could swing $500 for a barrel, installed. Would like to keep it rem heavy varmint taper at 28."

I'm pretty sure now of going single shot, most the matches I shoot are single feed anyways.

So, keeping in mind my budget cap at right around $3k

Stiller Tac30
Tuned rem trigger
6.5x47L
Stock???
Barrel???

I'm specifically not discussing optics in this thread, that will come at a much later date.


-Alexander

 

[Pulpit]

Regarding your barrel purchase and budget, a CBI Remage setup may indeed be a great fit for this build. As an alternative, I see high quality barrels in the classifieds for $320ish shipped. You could have it drop shipped to Lee Gardner, "Skeetlee", have him do the barrel work and fitting to your action, while still being under budget possibly. I've been very pleased with jobs he's done for me, and his price and turnaround is excellent.

Just a thought, and keep us updated as this sounds like a great build!

 

[GSPV]

The T3 action will not need an aftermarket trigger unless you are shooting benchrest. You can get a lighter trigger spring from Ernie The Gunsmith. Works great.

Below is my current toy. It is a 99% factory T3 with a Broughton barrel. Sits in a Manners "drop in" stock with CBI bottom metal using AI mags. Single rounds feed great from the top of the mag. Below that are some results. Won't go into the cartridge as that is another kettle of fish.

 

[Fast14riot]

The Tikka action keeps coming up, I may have to look into it, but I'd also like this gun to be able to be upgraded later on and I am left wondering where the upper limit for a factory T3 action is. There is also the fact that my uncle has the tools for R700 (and clone) actions, so that saves me on some smithing fees. I'm pretty set on using a Stiller action as they can be had for right around a grand, and if taken care of are worth very close to that on the second hand market. A true R700 I doubt I'd get my money back out of it, beyond the $400 they cost, never mind the money to true it.

When the time comes for me to buy a barrel, I may do like pulpit suggests, find a 30" blank and have it shipped to a smith.

I'll keep an eye out for blanks. BTW, which twist would be suggested for shooting 140gr hybrids? I'd most likely shoot either the 130 or 140 only. Thinking maybe 1:7?


-Alexander

 

[wapiti25]

The 6mm Dasher is easy now with the Norma brass from Bullets.com. The 6.5X47L is excellent brass and would do what you want both are the std bolt face (.473). I have a savage target action gun, all of the savage triggers suck compared to a Jewel. My savage has a Rifle Basix in it now, not great. Go with a Rem 700 lots of good things to put on it. I just bought a couple of X-caliber barrels to try, I have seen good groups shot with their blanks and the price is right. I have not chambered any yet but the 6mm 1-8 looks good inside with my bore scope, will be another Dasher. Stiller makes nice actions. Have fun

 

[Wingnut00]

I've been wanting to build a mid sized caliber rifle for a while now, but I've been going back and forth on what to start with.

Parameters: something no smaller than 6mm, no bigger than 7mm. Barrel will likely be a varmint type taper, probably around 28". Factory action for a working man's budget. Ease of finding an accurate load a plus, and decent barrel life (3k or so) This will be built paycheck by paycheck.

Intended purpose: general range toy, possibly predator hunting from a blind (not spot and stalk type hunting), 1000 yard maybe, but most likely 600 and under. Not built for any specific class type shooting or competition, but may be used for various club level steel matches from a bipod. Hope to keep weight under 14 pounds.

So far, I'm thinking either Savage or R700, but with the Savage I'm not sure if single shot or repeater is what I want. I guess I'd be fine with single shot, but my uncle has the tools for truing 700 actions. Barrel would likely be McGowan or BHW as I have owned both and had good results for the budget I can afford.

I've been intrigued by the 6.5x47L cartridge recently and it seems to fit in this particular set of parameters. I have also been considering .260 or plain-jane 6mmRem, but my dad has two 6's and my mom has one 6 that will be mine eventually. I DO NOT want a .308, as I'm a .30-'06 guy who doesn't want another 30 to feed as well as it being over 7mm like I stated earlier.

No highly involved wildcats, I'd like to be able to buy some factory ammo or brass and do not want to neck turn. I'm fine with having a chamber for a specific weight class of bullets, as well as sending fired brass off for custom dies, but beyond basic neck up/down with a bushing die, I don't want to deal with that much brass prep for this rifle.

My area of match rifle experience has been with AR'S and I have everything I need and want covered there, with all the accuracy I could want, but for bolt guns I've always been more of the "hunter" mindset. Light, honest 1.5 MOA with cheap factory ammo, etc.

So, what do the collective great minds of these board have to say, am I on a snipe hunt? Or, am I headed down a reasonably simple path?


-Alexander

So I'm brand new member so hope I'm doin this reply correct. But anyway two calibers that would fit you perfectly would be 243 Winchester or 6.5 creedmore. Awesome bullet selection for both calibers with excellent bc's. 243 doesn't get quite the barrel life that you want but can help that by using h1k and 105 class bullets. Still probably won't get 3k through the tube but still a good round. The creedmore is amazing little round to and very much fits the bill. Probably better for what you are after cause of barrel life. Bullet selection is awesome because of high bc's and bullet manufacturers like Berger, Hornady and several others. Berger and Hornady are the easy ones. Hornady brass has been very good for the creed and affordable. I have had good luck with Hornady brass for 243 but lapua is my choice for it but it is a little more pricey.
Two of my shootin buddy's shoot savages with criterion barrels in 6.5 creed and they really shoot incredible for the little bit of money into the rifles. Just simply buy a savage model 10fcp I believe it is and screw the barrel off and spin new barrel on. Check with go/no go gauges and there ya go basically. Fairly cheap and accurate.
243 I would go with the R700 and have your trusted gunsmith put it together. I would recommend long rifles Inc./Chad Dixon hands down for that. Awesome work. Fast turn around. Accurate as hell.

Just my two cents. Good luck.

 

[Fast14riot]

I appreciate the reply, but only way I'd build a 243 is if I wanted to start with a factory gun, besides I have two 6mmRem that do just fine for factory rifles in that category. Also, from my reading, seems the 6.5x47 (also 6x47) are more accurate carts holding many more titles and winning more high level matches than Creedmoor. Factory ammo is not a concern for me, I am a reloader.

This project is as much about the build for me as it is about the round and shooting it. I really enjoy building guns. Even if I went with a R700, it would be action only, but by the time I have it trued I'm right near the cost of the Stiller action with much more secondary market value. I can still do the Savage barrel nut on a CBI barrel on the Stiller.

I'm pretty set on a Stiller action with a tuned rem trigger and 6.5x47L, now it's down to barrel choice, stock choice and potentially a smith.

-Alexander

 

[Wingnut00]

I appreciate the reply, but only way I'd build a 243 is if I wanted to start with a factory gun, besides I have two 6mmRem that do just fine for factory rifles in that category. Also, from my reading, seems the 6.5x47 (also 6x47) are more accurate carts holding many more titles and winning more high level matches than Creedmoor. Factory ammo is not a concern for me, I am a reloader.

This project is as much about the build for me as it is about the round and shooting it. I really enjoy building guns. Even if I went with a R700, it would be action only, but by the time I have it trued I'm right near the cost of the Stiller action with much more secondary market value. I can still do the Savage barrel nut on a CBI barrel on the Stiller.

I'm pretty set on a Stiller action with a tuned rem trigger and 6.5x47L, now it's down to barrel choice, stock choice and potentially a smith.

-Alexander

I think you are off to a awesome start with your build. Action and caliber are excellent. Look into K&P barrels. My gunsmith really fricken likes em and I have my first one of em though can't give honest opinion yet cause it's fairly new but so far I really like it. With stocks I think it's kind of ford Chevy kind of stuff. There r so many good ones almost how do you choose.

 

[Dgd6mm]

Dang auto correct.... Northland.....

Northlake Shooters Supply, My Accurate Barrels.

 

[Fast14riot]

Dang auto correct.... Northland.....

LOL, I knew what you meant when you typed it.

 

[Dgd6mm]

I'm sure you did. I just couldn't leave it alone, it bothered me. Now back to your build.

 

[Fast14riot]

Ok, as I get my planning further along on this project, the new laws here in CA are kind of making me want to get this new build going sooner rather than later.

With finances, kids sports, etc, getting a Stiller action is looking like a long shot unless I sell some other gear. So, my next options are R700 or Savage target action. I know triggers are the big drawback to the Savage actions, but I plan to keep this trigger no lighter than 1# as that's what the matches I shoot typically require as minimum.

I do want single shot, but now have to weigh the differences between a Savage based build and a rem based build. Any tips regarding either? Barrel selection? Bolt upgrades? Port options if applicable? Both would be trued on the face and other places.

 

[Dgd6mm]

There is a Savage in the classifieds, 24" 260 Rock Creek barrel, hs precision stock with accurate bottom metal. 70 rounds down it. Shipped to your ffl for $950. The only drawback is I doubt 3000 rounds of accurate barrel life. This is why I have shot 6mm Competition Match chambering since '07 for barrel life and accuracy.

 

[boltfluter]

I would be taking a hard look at the Tikka rifles. Most are so true that nothing needs to be done. Great trigger, great barrels, and great aftermarket support. Seems like a win, win to me. My next rifle will be a Tikka in stainless for hunting in the snow. Tikka's are the hidden gem and are up and coming. Just my personal opinion.

Regards, Paul

www.boltfluting.com

 

[Fast14riot]

Can you buy a Tikka action by itself? I really don't want to start with a complete gun and tear it apart. Unless it is in the caliber I want, 6.5x47L.