BigHorn Arms TL3 Multi Calibre Advice - Updated with Pics of Completed Build

Steyr101

Steyr101

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So this is kind of a weird build. A hybrid of sorts.

Bringing in some Big Horn Arms actions to play around with.

Going to get the extra bolt heads (.223, standard, magnum) and play around with swapping barrels at home.. just because well.. why not!

Essentially, the build is a short, compact (fairly lightweight) hunting rig, with a tactical flair.

Here is what the basic plan is so far.

- Big Horn Arms TL3 short action in left hand
- Benchmark barrels in #4 contour at 22'' max. Ordering .223 and 6.5 Creed now, need advice on a larger short action calibre.
- Manners EH6 stock with various rails and extras
- Optics will be a Schmidt & Bender of some sort.. still undecided as of now.

So, this will be my first order of Benchmark barrels, what do you guys think of the #4 contour.. compared to the #3 or 4B.

I've hunted and shot mostly with classic long action calibers most of my life, need advice on what I should do with the larger caliber option for this short action setup. Keep in mind I'll be running AW mags so would likely need something based off the .308 or similar case. Thinking something like .338 Federal.

Well let me know what you think.. open to any advice you may have. This is my first run at building anything "tactical" but almost exclusively for hunting use.
 
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Well, it depends on what your goals and caliber will be. If weight is a consideration, the #3 would be my choice. If you don't mind carrying something in the 10-12 pound range the #4 would be my choice. I generally prefer a slightly heavier barrel and if you are going for the tactical flavor barrel contour is incredibly important. A hunting rifle probably won't get shot more than twice at game (at least I hope it won't) so your not going to much in terms of point of impact shift in the field. At the range that's where a heavier barrel contour can be beneficial.
 
I am thinking of doing something very similar this winter. But I am wanting the gun to finish at 9-10 lbs complete. Either going with a CF barrel or maybe a Bartlien 3B or so. I do have a #3 Benchmark on a 6.5X47. It shoots very good but it is a light contour. As far as a bigger SA caliber, look into the Sherman wildcats. Everything from 25 cal up to 338 with very impressive performance. Rich now has brass available which is nice. He will also rent you a reamer and answer all your questions. I would seriously look into the SHERMAN line if you want top performance out of a short action.
 
Cool build. Look forward to pictures and range reports.

As for caliber selection- I'd do exactly the same as you for the first two, hard to beat a fast twist 223 for fun/volume and the 6.5CM is just a sweetheart. Then, since you have the magnum boltface, and if possible with AW mags (?) a SA Magnum 7mm of some flavour, probably 7SAUM or WSM. The Hornady 7MM 180ELDM is a superb bullet- well worth building a rifle around- and there are tons of great 7MM hunting bullets to choose from.
 
FWIW my Bighorn build weighs in at 8lb 11oz using an SR3 LA with PT&G Oberndorf bottom metal, a Benchmark #4 at 21" (35 cal hole), a B&C sporter stock (34ish oz), and a 13.4 oz scope. Super happy with the balance and the way it carries. Have fun with the build. Looking forward to seeing the results.
 
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wapitiwhacker said:
FWIW my Bighorn build weighs in at 8lb 11oz using an SR3 LA with PT&G Oberndorf bottom metal, a Benchmark #4 at 21" (35 cal hole), a B&C sporter stock (34ish oz), and a 13.4 oz scope. Super happy with the balance and the way it carries. Have fun with the build. Looking forward to seeing the results.
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Awesome. That really helps. Have you played around with swapping barrels at all? Looks like you've built almost exactly what I'm wanting to do, but in a LA.

I just found a few boxes of factory .358 Win, as good a reason as any to choose .358 for my "larger" caliber I'd say.
 
Steyr101 said:
Awesome. That really helps. Have you played around with swapping barrels at all? Looks like you've built almost exactly what I'm wanting to do, but in a LA.

I just found a few boxes of factory .358 Win, as good a reason as any to choose .358 for my "larger" caliber I'd say.
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No extra barrels yet, but that is one reason I bought the Bighorn. I think my second barrel will be a 280 or 280 AI, then maybe a 25 or 6.5-06,......???
 
Steyr101 said:
Awesome. That really helps. Have you played around with swapping barrels at all? Looks like you've built almost exactly what I'm wanting to do, but in a LA.

I just found a few boxes of factory .358 Win, as good a reason as any to choose .358 for my "larger" caliber I'd say.
Click to expand...

358 Win is a cool choice espicially if you want more of a brush gun, not the greatest at longer distances but the 358 Win packs a punch up close.
 
I have never owned a custom bolt rifle before until this summer. I have my first bighorn tl3 223 rem with a 24” benchmark heavy varmint contour barrel. The barrel is a beast. It’s insanely heavy. Looks like m24 contour to me. Stock is on the cheaper end. Krg bravo but looks and feels super nice. Still looking for a scope for it. You won’t be sorry with the bighorn tl3. I sold my tikka 223 after and was never gonna sell that rifle. The bighorn action feel put my smooth tikka to shame. I’m also debating on getting a barrel vise and bighorn action wrench and do barrel changes myself. Maybe try a 308 or 204 ruger barrel in between for fun.
 
Neither had I but trust me when I say it’s an impressive piece of art. You will likey this action big time. Mine got even smoother in a short time and I haven’t had mine long. Got it this summer. After that you will have no desire for a factory 700 or tikka haha just a guess anyhow. Light years ahead
 
Well that wasn't too long of a wait at all.. should be in my hands next week or so.

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I sold my precious tikka 223 after I got my bighorn 223 build completed lol. What an amazing action. Sitting in krg bravo chassis. Wouldn’t mind doing a defIance deviant 308 build. I’m sure the deviant is also very nice
 
The Deviant is really nice. One of my 6.5X47 is built on the Deviant action. Was built by RBROS in Washington. It has become my favorite gun. Wow Mike112288 I just seen your location. We are really close together. Give you one guess. I'm just west of you. IF my 280AI and 7 Dakota sell I may send you a PM to possibly come see your Bighorn TL3 in person.
 
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