Cadex CDX-30 Thoughts/Opinions

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Slug870

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Hey all,

So I am contemplating the purchase of a Cadex CDX-30 TAC in 6.5x47 Lapua. I am hoping to get some feedback from those who own one as I am kind of split between the Cadex and building from scratch through Insite, (if they can do a build for me). Obviously this is a large investment, hence why I'm looking for reviews/advice.

Points to consider:

- I'd like to use this rifle for shooting 100m-1000m be it hunting or PRS competition (I'll never shoot national level matches, just PRS for fun)
- I need the rifle to be dependable in all weather
- there are a ton of options for actions/stocks/etc out there and I'm unsure what to put together for a build, but the CDX-30 looks like it could fulfill the roles I need it to with regards to a target rifle, PRS rifle and a hunting rifle (for sitting and watching medium to long range hunting shots). **Disclaimer* I am not looking at taking hunting shots past 500m**

If you have first hand experience with the CDX -30, please share. I'd love some real world feedback.

Thanks for any input!
 
I have a new to me Couple year old R7- Sheepdog rifle in the field comp build so similar but not the same. I’m sure the CDX30 would work well for everything you want to do. My only caution would be depending on what type of hunting your planning on, my R7 is 16-16 lbs with an Athlon Ares ETR and bipod so fairly porky for carrying around. This should also be taken into consideration if you do a full build with someone else.
 
TRDJer said:
I have a new to me Couple year old R7- Sheepdog rifle in the field comp build so similar but not the same. I’m sure the CDX30 would work well for everything you want to do. My only caution would be depending on what type of hunting your planning on, my R7 is 16-16 lbs with an Athlon Ares ETR and bipod so fairly porky for carrying around. This should also be taken into consideration if you do a full build with someone else.
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Thank you for your reply.

For sure I hear you on the weight; this would not be a "humping through the bush" rifle, but more of a "sitting on a powerline or vast clearing" rifle in the hunting role.
 
I had a similar debate in my head for some time and I ended up going with a custom build by Insite, it has exceeded all my expectations. I posted a write up and pics at the link below. I was leaning toward an Accuracy International at the time, and one day I will have to have one but I am glad I went with the Insite build, as they presented options I wasn’t even aware of at the time.


https://www.canadiangunnutz.com/forum/showthread.php/2035625-Why-Insite-kicks-ass-A-Thank-You-to-Andy-and-Harley
 
I’ve had a Cadex. Very very nice rifle. If you’re looking for turn-key it won’t disappoint as they are very adjustable, very accurate, and have nice triggers. That said, they are heavy. However, if you are hunting off a tripod or something like that it’s a moot point.

If I were to drop 4000$ on a rifle again, I would go custom but only because I’ve gotten picker with my rifles. I would seriously consider a Sheepdog barreled action but would go a different direction with the stock, most likely a Manners or JAE.
 
I have no input on a cadex, but you could always build something yourself. It's the golden age of precision rifles it seems and the accuracy you can achieve from a rifle assembled in your garage is amazing. I build only at this point.
 
Tikka223 said:
I’ve had a Cadex. Very very nice rifle. If you’re looking for turn-key it won’t disappoint as they are very adjustable, very accurate, and have nice triggers. That said, they are heavy. However, if you are hunting off a tripod or something like that it’s a moot point.

If I were to drop 4000$ on a rifle again, I would go custom but only because I’ve gotten picker with my rifles. I would seriously consider a Sheepdog barreled action but would go a different direction with the stock, most likely a Manners or JAE.
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This. I have a $3500 22LR, and I didn’t realize how much I liked or disliked certain options before I used this one a lot. If you might sell, buy a factory rifle. If you already have enough experience to know what you want, build with Insite. I’ve never heard anything bad about the process of building with them. Just be clear what it is you want to accomplish, and don’t get cheap halfway through. Assume $3K minimum for optic and another $500 for mounting. Tripod/bipod will be $1K/$700. My 22 is a $5K setup, and I’m happy with the system for the cost. I could easily go $9K on the next one.
 
I have a Cadex CDX-30 in 308 and like the rifle for several reasons. From a technical perspective it has things that cannot be found elsewhere.

One of the advantages is the stock design. The rifle is set up much like an AR15 with the centerline of the barrel below the top of the recoil plate. This helps reduce muzzle jump.

For the same reason, I strongly advise that you get a folding stock. Since the butt plate is high, you cannot run a cleaning rod through without removing the butt plate, or entire butt stock assembly.

I did bring up this point with Cadex and they now drill a hole in the butt plate so you can bore sight the rifle with a fixed stock, and use the hole as a cleaning rod guide. You do however need a very long cleaning rod.

A folding stock resolves all these concerns.

As for the cartridge 6.5x47 Lapua, well I'm not a fan of this cartridge in any way shape or form.

You need to consider the reason why they use a small primer. Most will say its more accurate. Well, exactly how does the primer affect accuracy? It doesnt... The barrel and stiffness of the action take care of that.

Then guys will say better brass life at high pressure... Okay, why do you need such ridiculously high pressure, and not just go with a larger case capacity at moderate pressures?

The biggest hiccup is is igniting 38 grains of powder with a small primer, particularly in cold weather. It may be imperceptible to most, depending on their diligence during load development and evaluation, but found velocity spreads to be more consistent when using large primers. I formed cases using both large and small primers and evaluated them side by side over a chronograh. Large primers produced the most consistent velocity spreads on any given day and more importantly over wide temperature ranges.

Guys will often come in and argue they use small primers for their 308 for F Class and it wins matches... Well, the 308 is in FTR division where they have to use a 308 (or 223), and F Class is only in the summer time. Rarely over wide temperature ranges. The important point here is they run small primers to jack up the velocity past what they could with large primers to gain that little advantage. In FTR, they simply don't have the option of simply going with a slightly larger case without getting classed as F Open.

My advice would be to select a different cartridge like the 6.5 Creed.
 
What Can anyone say about that gun in 6.5X47 it would be a solid gun, it would be nicer in 6.5Creedmoor since ammo is available.
 
I have a Cadex Kraken in 6.5x47 lapua, It loves 140 gr hybrid target Bergers. Its a tack driver. I regularly shoot it out to distances of 1 km and have taken coyotes with it at 500 and 700 yds. My cold bore shot at 700 yds is 2" high every time, after that its bang on every time. I would 100% recommend one. I use the backpack bag it comes with to carry it and shoot off a tripod or prone depending where I am. The weight is not a concern for me because in the backpack its not bad to carry. Walking 700 yds to get a coyote though sure sucks haha.
 
An AI rifle will beat a CADEX every day of the week. The quick change barrel option is also very nice to have - I had an Insite 6.5X47 barrel that shot incredibly well.

They are bulletproof, have excellent resale value, and as accurate as you need it to be.

If you lean more towards PRS competition I would get a custom put together by Insite - they know what they are doing and can point you in the right direction. Pick an action (Defiance, Bighorn, Impact), slap it in a Manners, throw on a TT trigger and you are GTG.
 
I'd also suggest getting a custom build done by Insite. Although the amount of options out there these days with regards to chassis/stocks, actions, etc can seem quite daunting, the guys at Insite will be able to steer you into a build that will suit your intended purposes. The upside also being that since the vast majority of custom actions require the same inlet as a Remington 700, you'll be able to try different stocks/chassis or triggers later on, if you want to try something new.

If you want to stay in the realm of a high end factory rifle, I'd personally prefer an AI but I also get that the least expensive AI is about $1k more than the Cadex CDX-30.
 
Ryan.M.Anderson said:
An AI rifle will beat a CADEX every day of the week. The quick change barrel option is also very nice to have - I had an Insite 6.5X47 barrel that shot incredibly well.

They are bulletproof, have excellent resale value, and as accurate as you need it to be.

If you lean more towards PRS competition I would get a custom put together by Insite - they know what they are doing and can point you in the right direction. Pick an action (Defiance, Bighorn, Impact), slap it in a Manners, throw on a TT trigger and you are GTG.
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now that everyone is talking about AI, I have one and I will say it is an absolute pleasure to shoot, between the two I'm looking for another AI not another Cadex if that tells you anything. Although the nice thing about cadex is they are made in Canada so parts are never too far away AI on the other had.... has to come from the UK, even though the US has tons of support and parts... silly IMO
 
Custom rifle built by Insite spec'ed the way you want, or an AI AT-X.

I'm personally a fan of customs, as then you can get a rifle built specifically to you and your tastes. It's essentially a custom built suit that's made to perfectly fit your body with the materials and features you want. A high end factory rifle (AI, PGW, CADEX, etc.) are off the rack suits. Nice features and quality, but may or may not fit you just right, and have the exact features or materials you want.
 
Any updates to your purchase?

I figured I'd chime in here too as there has been a lot of good information so far.

First, the custom vs Cadex dilemma. I have both and use both of hunting, PRS, plinking, etc. I will only ever buy Cadex rifles again. Are they heavy? yes Are they accurate? probably one of the most if not the most CONSISTANTLY accurate rifles I've shot. I say consistently because they will always function and fire. If you have not yet been to a PRS match, go and have a look. You will without a doubt see a wide array of rifles there. I can guarantee though, 1 or more customs will fail due to the elements (Dust...sounds dumb but yes). The actions wont cycle, triggers will not engage/dis-engage, firing pins gum up, etc. The Cadex (and AI's) are made for MIL/LE applications to always work. Last point, any good custom maker will have a heck of a wait time right now. If you are impatient like me, I cannot stand to wait 6-8 months for a rifle.

AI vs Cadex vs PGW
The fact that PGW wants $8000 for their rifles now is insane. They are good rifles, but not $8000 good. The AI-AX is still the best rifle out there if money was no option. Going rate for them is $8-9000 though. Really the selling feature for them is the quick change/prefit barrels. You can get the Cadex for $5-5500 (less the Kraken). That being said, you can get the Cadex and a $3000 scope for the price of just the AI that has 99% of the features.
 
TJW said:
Any updates to your purchase?

I figured I'd chime in here too as there has been a lot of good information so far.

First, the custom vs Cadex dilemma. I have both and use both of hunting, PRS, plinking, etc. I will only ever buy Cadex rifles again. Are they heavy? yes Are they accurate? probably one of the most if not the most CONSISTANTLY accurate rifles I've shot. I say consistently because they will always function and fire. If you have not yet been to a PRS match, go and have a look. You will without a doubt see a wide array of rifles there. I can guarantee though, 1 or more customs will fail due to the elements (Dust...sounds dumb but yes). The actions wont cycle, triggers will not engage/dis-engage, firing pins gum up, etc. The Cadex (and AI's) are made for MIL/LE applications to always work. Last point, any good custom maker will have a heck of a wait time right now. If you are impatient like me, I cannot stand to wait 6-8 months for a rifle.

AI vs Cadex vs PGW
The fact that PGW wants $8000 for their rifles now is insane. They are good rifles, but not $8000 good. The AI-AX is still the best rifle out there if money was no option. Going rate for them is $8-9000 though. Really the selling feature for them is the quick change/prefit barrels. You can get the Cadex for $5-5500 (less the Kraken). That being said, you can get the Cadex and a $3000 scope for the price of just the AI that has 99% of the features.
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The difference in reliability between customs and high end factory rifles is not as stark as it used to be.

A well built custom should be every bit as reliable as an AI or Cadex. I haven't really been around much Cadex rifles, but I've seen more then a few AI's go down at PRS matches. As more Cadex rifles get into the field, more will fail. All man-made equipment is prone to failure given the right combination of elements and conditions.

That said, there's more potential for failure in rifles in which parts are sourced from multiple different manufacturers, tolerance stacking is definitely a thing. Sometimes those tolerances between parts can create issues, especially if you don't have a qualified gunsmith that can identify and diagnose that. Outfits like AI control the manufacturing of every part that goes into their rifles, which gives them an advantage to ensure that all parts are designed and manufactured to work with each other.

In some ways it can be a gamble to go custom, if your rifle builder is not the most experienced. My first custom was built off an older Defiance action, and it really struggled in adverse conditions. My newer customs have no issues at all, actions and components have come a long ways in the past ~5-10 years.
 
kthomas said:
The difference in reliability between customs and high end factory rifles is not as stark as it used to be.

A well built custom should be every bit as reliable as an AI or Cadex. I haven't really been around much Cadex rifles, but I've seen more then a few AI's go down at PRS matches. As more Cadex rifles get into the field, more will fail. All man-made equipment is prone to failure given the right combination of elements and conditions.

That said, there's more potential for failure in rifles in which parts are sourced from multiple different manufacturers, tolerance stacking is definitely a thing. Sometimes those tolerances between parts can create issues, especially if you don't have a qualified gunsmith that can identify and diagnose that. Outfits like AI control the manufacturing of every part that goes into their rifles, which gives them an advantage to ensure that all parts are designed and manufactured to work with each other.

In some ways it can be a gamble to go custom, if your rifle builder is not the most experienced. My first custom was built off an older Defiance action, and it really struggled in adverse conditions. My newer customs have no issues at all, actions and components have come a long ways in the past ~5-10 years.
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This is true, one thing to keep in mind as well (and the EE reflects this) if you are unsure of what you want, Get a factory rig! The resale on factory rigs is generally pretty consistent. Custom you will not get your money back. Why would someone pay you the same price or 10%-20% less for your custom rig when they could just have one built myself for the same money? Don't expect to get any more than 50% of the value of the custom when you go to sell it. Custom is to build exactly what YOU want. it has no value to anyone else but you. Don't believe me? look at the EE a lot of rigs will sit on there forever. I don't care how special you think your gun is, it's special to you, no one else. I like to try new guns and I'm not set on a exact set up yet so I'm sticking to factory for right now. Once I know exactly what I want, thats when I'll spend the money on a custom rig.
 
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