Custom actions for a 338 Lapua build

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dfrombc

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I've just sold my old 338 Lapua just so I can turn around and have another built (I've seem to have caught the custom bug). I am having trouble deciding what I want to build the rifle on. I want a custom action. I'm leaning towards a single shot but wouldn't rule out a repeating action. I already have one custom built on a Pierce and I'm not overly fond of the Stillers. The rifle is going to be built for banging steel and general target shooting. I'm not planning to hunt with it. I was looking for some advice as to what people are running out there, why they like it and where they got it from.

Any input would be greatly appreciated.
 
Have you thought of buying Canadian made?

The 338 Lapua when loaded up with 300 gr bullets tends to be too long for mag feeding in our experience. So would suggest considering going the single shot route if the rifle is to be extreme long range target use.
The other question is have you considered 338 Lapua Improved, you get an extra 10% horsepower and velocity. It is a hand loading proposition only however, but for anyone serious about shooting 338 Lapua handloading is the only affordable way to shoot much anyway.

We build our actions to true benchrest tolerances and in any configuration you wish.
Check this out.
http://albertatacticalrifle.com/hik...product/290-atrs-infidel-and-maverick-actions
 
alberta tactical rifle said:
Have you thought of buying Canadian made?

The 338 Lapua when loaded up with 300 gr bullets tends to be too long for mag feeding in our experience. So would suggest considering going the single shot route if the rifle is to be extreme long range target use.
The other question is have you considered 338 Lapua Improved, you get an extra 10% horsepower and velocity. It is a hand loading proposition only however, but for anyone serious about shooting 338 Lapua handloading is the only affordable way to shoot much anyway.

We build our actions to true benchrest tolerances and in any configuration you wish.
Check this out.
http://albertatacticalrifle.com/hik...product/290-atrs-infidel-and-maverick-actions
Click to expand...

I'm always in favour of buying Canadian made. I have been looking at your actions and it's an option I'd seriously consider. How long is your average wait time on one of the Mavericks? What are your thoughts on using a dual port configuration for a cartridge the size of the 338?

I hadn't considered going with the 338 improved. Have you noticed any significant decrease in barrel life over the standard 338 Lapua? I hand load already so that is not an issue.
 
savage.3006 said:
I am running a Barnard Action and love it. Check out Hirsch Precision, Peter carries them
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I had looked at the Barnard and they get a lot of great reviews. Do you have a single shot or repeater? Are you using the Barnard trigger? Rail included? Do you mind if I ask what the cost ended up being for the action? Feel free to PM if you'd prefer.
 
dfrombc said:
I'm always in favour of buying Canadian made. I have been looking at your actions and it's an option I'd seriously consider. How long is your average wait time on one of the Mavericks? What are your thoughts on using a dual port configuration for a cartridge the size of the 338?

I hadn't considered going with the 338 improved. Have you noticed any significant decrease in barrel life over the standard 338 Lapua? I hand load already so that is not an issue.
Click to expand...

We do not offer a dual port as we do not believe it is the answer to ultimate accuracy in a cartridge that big. We do offer opposing bolt and port configurations as well as standard right bolt right port or left bolt left port.

We have not been seeing any shortage of barrel life at all, 2500 rounds plus seems to be average barrel life on Non Nitrided stainless steel barrels. So far of the barrels we have had nitrided, none have been shot enough to see any throat erosion or fire cracking, the 1 with the most rounds through it so far has only about 1200 rounds through it. Casing life is incredible, as in 30 plus reloadings.

Dies are only slightly more expensive, comparing Type S Match bushing die sets from Redding, which we keep in stock for the rifles we build in this proprietary wildcat caliber. There are several versions of the 338 Lapua Improved. Redding makes dies for us to the spec of our reamer so they will not work with other variations of the Improved cartridge.


As with everything in the firearms business, timing is everything. We have just started the latest production run of actions, they should be complete and ready to build on in the next 6 weeks.

Something else to ponder when it comes to custom actions is which stock you plan to use. Many of the modern chassis systems will not work well or at all with some of the custom actions. Although most custom actions share the 700 footprint for action screw spacing, bolt handle sweep and placement may be slightly different and the actions on many of the custom actions are dimensionally larger. Both McMillan and Manners inlet for our actions.
 
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We can offer repeater Timberwolf action from inventory or complete Timberwolf 338 Lapua rifles from inventory as well....

The Timberwolf repeater receiver is extraordinarily stiff compared to the 700 type clones and stocks are available inlet from McMillan.
 
I like to get one made in canada for sure, any of the folding timberwolf available, if not what the wait for that.
 
We have folding stock Timberwolf rifles in stock as well as COYOTE 308 and LRT 3 50 cal...
 
There is a lot of food for thought on this one. To further confuse things anybody have any comments about Defiance or Nesika actions?
 
dfrombc said:
There is a lot of food for thought on this one. To further confuse things anybody have any comments about Defiance or Nesika actions?
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Both are US made. The Defiance actions we have used many of and they are decent quality to be sure. They also offer a few options that some of the other custom makers do not, which depending on what you are needing may or may not be a big deal.
Nesika we built many rifles on and had nothing but issues. There quality is all over the map now and incidence of bolt lug galling almost 100%. They used to be a fabulous action, but that was back prior to Glenn selling out in about 2003 IIRC
Since they were bought out several years ago they have hit the bottom as far as quality goes in my opinion. We sent the last few back rather than to continue to deal with the problems surrounding that brand. Possibly if the Nesika actions were nitrided the galling issue would diminish, but that would not solve the tolerances or tool marks.
Both however Defiance and Nesika, like our own actions employ a true 1 piece bolt, where others like Stiller, which is also a decent action but they solder their bolt handles on like Remington does. Others like BAT screw the bolt handle into the bolt.
 
alberta tactical rifle said:
Both are US made. The Defiance actions we have used many of and they are decent quality to be sure. They also offer a few options that some of the other custom makers do not, which depending on what you are needing may or may not be a big deal.
Nesika we built many rifles on and had nothing but issues. There quality is all over the map now and incidence of bolt lug galling almost 100%. They used to be a fabulous action, but that was back prior to Glenn selling out in about 2003 IIRC
Since they were bought out several years ago they have hit the bottom as far as quality goes in my opinion. We sent the last few back rather than to continue to deal with the problems surrounding that brand. Possibly if the Nesika actions were nitrided the galling issue would diminish, but that would not solve the tolerances or tool marks.
Both however Defiance and Nesika, like our own actions employ a true 1 piece bolt, where others like Stiller, which is also a decent action but they solder their bolt handles on like Remington does. Others like BAT screw the bolt handle into the bolt.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the information. Would you have time to further discuss this on the phone ?
 
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