Best barreled action on a budget

[Butcherbill]

Totally man you have my vote anyways, I tried one of those sporter models in 308 a year or two ago and hated it, really bad results, but I just picked up one of the 24” Heavy Barrel models, swapped the stock and through a fixed 10 power with a quick bore sight, my first shot was 2 inches high, adjusted and the next 5 shot group was sub MOA, every group since then has been reliably the same. Hands down the most impressive bolt gun I’ve ever owned, a real pleasure to shoot too compared to some other similar configured rifles. Can only imagine with hand loads, very excited for this season to find out.

I bet that 20” rocks the same results, even in just the XRS chassis would make a huge difference. Bet it’s a little snappy thing.

It came with the Houge stock and Howa’s apc chassis when I bought it off a friend, I’ve never been a fan of the apc setup though. I might try to stiffen and bed the Houge stock a bit, I’ve always liked the HS Precision fibreglass stocks with the bedding block. They have one that will fit a 1500, the one mdt I was checking out looked nice as well.

 

[Mysticprecision]

Older Rem 783 with the heavy barrel and large, ball bolt knob. They even came in a very nice laminated stock. Bedded, this may be all that you want/need with sub MOA achievable. I would guess around $700 for this rifle used.

If you prefer a chassis/stock, then get the same rifle in a plastic stock. Drop into an XRS or similar, spin on a quality match barrel, swap out the firing pin spring, Bed, a little TLC on the trigger and you have a fantastic rifle that will shoot and operate with the pricey customs.

 

[TroyR31]

Hey there Gun Nutz, what is the best 6.5cm barreled action around $1500 or less. I’m playing with the idea of putting together my first precision bolt action rifle. I’ve had a lot of fun recently building a 10/22 and now I’m thinking why stop there. I’m looking for a 26” heavy barrel with a threaded muzzle and a smooth action. It’ll likely end up in an oryx chassis to match the 10/22. Any advice would be great!

Best way to do it is to be patient and just watch for used, let someone else take the hit on brand new.

 

[C10]

Best way to do it is to be patient and just watch for used, let someone else take the hit on brand new.

Agreed, there’s not too much that I buy new unless it’s a real good sale and/or the convenience outweighs the price

 

[TroyR31]

Agreed, there’s not too much that I buy new unless it’s a real good sale and/or the convenience outweighs the price

Yeah unless you are dead set on a niche action/barrel there is no need

 

[wallz]

Keep watching the EE for used actions, or complete set ups. The 6.5 CM comes up often as it seems like there are many in use out there. Can always replace a barrel on one that is close to shot out for around $800.

Me, I like using prefit barrels, as you can take off and on easier without special tools or smiths. Most actions are prefit tolerances now, and you just have to match a prefit barrel. Even if you get a full barreled action, before purchase you can look up if it is prefit barrel capable.

The prefit barrels usually use a barrel nut of some sort, like the "savage" nut. This enables you ease of removal without a barrel vice and action wrench, which alone add $500-$600 or more to the project.

Simple go/no go gauges and you can be set up quickly to install your barrels at home. Once you get comfortable you can play with those tolerances as well, within reason.

Recently scored a rem 783 with a heavy 20" IBI barrel, full rifle in 223 for a decent savings. Thing shoots amazing. I already have a 6.5 CM, so this was just a logical step to get next. Plus its cheaper to reload for.

 

[C10]

Keep watching the EE for used actions, or complete set ups. The 6.5 CM comes up often as it seems like there are many in use out there. Can always replace a barrel on one that is close to shot out for around $800.

Me, I like using prefit barrels, as you can take off and on easier without special tools or smiths. Most actions are prefit tolerances now, and you just have to match a prefit barrel. Even if you get a full barreled action, before purchase you can look up if it is prefit barrel capable.

The prefit barrels usually use a barrel nut of some sort, like the "savage" nut. This enables you ease of removal without a barrel vice and action wrench, which alone add $500-$600 or more to the project.

Simple go/no go gauges and you can be set up quickly to install your barrels at home. Once you get comfortable you can play with those tolerances as well, within reason.

Recently scored a rem 783 with a heavy 20" IBI barrel, full rifle in 223 for a decent savings. Thing shoots amazing. I already have a 6.5 CM, so this was just a logical step to get next. Plus its cheaper to reload for.

I definitely like the idea of the Remington 700 pattern actions that use savage short shank barrels. That seems to add a lot of simplicity. It seems like there’s more 308 setups out there for better prices so there’s a possibility I’ll run 308 for a bit until I find another barrel for a good deal. I haven’t gotten into the reloading yet so I’ll be at the mercy of factory ammo for a while.

 

[wallz]

Yea, the 308 and the 6.5 have lots of factory fodder available for good range use. I generally see more 6.5 CM setups for sale used than 308, and more 308 new than 6.5.

You could always ask if new if they would swap to the 6.5 barrel? I think you can get match 6.5 CM for less in bulk, but I could be wrong. Good source I have found is Tenda or G4C for ammo. Remember to keep the brass for later use.

You will want to slowly look at reloading as well. I was at around $1.10 for the 6.5CM reloading based on new brass, cycled "used" 10 times as components only early last year when I priced things out. Then start adding up the equipment you would need, want.

 

[C10]

Yea, the 308 and the 6.5 have lots of factory fodder available for good range use. I generally see more 6.5 CM setups for sale used than 308, and more 308 new than 6.5.

You could always ask if new if they would swap to the 6.5 barrel? I think you can get match 6.5 CM for less in bulk, but I could be wrong. Good source I have found is Tenda or G4C for ammo. Remember to keep the brass for later use.

You will want to slowly look at reloading as well. I was at around $1.10 for the 6.5CM reloading based on new brass, cycled "used" 10 times as components only early last year when I priced things out. Then start adding up the equipment you would need, want.

Interesting, I’ll likely go used or see if I can find a decent custom action for a good price and build off it and buy factory ammo for a bit until I don’t have to buy brass and look into reloading from there. Seems to me that Jim at backfire has a decent guideline on his website for reloading gear.