It’s going to be a chassis, long barrel, no extra weights added though. Factory semi-custom of a known brand name is fine if the barrel and trigger are equal to the pieces I would source directly myself. I’m happy with a 1#-ish trigger like I have now in my Tikka. It will be used for hunting and precision rifle practice, but not carrying it up any mountains. No dedicated bench work other than load development. ARCA rail forend required. Not a dedicated prs competition rifle though. The 6.5 vs 300 is a component cost per shot decision. If it’s kind of close it will be the 300. Reloading allows velocity and recoil from mild to wild either way. I do not want my bullet or COAL choice mandated by mag or action length, or twist rate. Is there a “factory” rifle that checks these boxes? Or is this a call to Insite or similar for a sourcing and assembly of parts? Budget is a fit for purpose tool without compromise for savings, but I have no interest in spending more to demonstrate my “manhood”. I do not want something that I have to upgrade because I begin to outshoot it’s capability. Yes, I realize barrels are a consumable just like tires on a work truck. Thanks for the responses in advance. I know many of you have been down this road a few times, so I’m hoping to avoid the common pitfalls by your experience. About the recoil, 338 and 375 hunting rifles are my comfort level, so a braked 14# precision rifle isn’t an issue.
PRS-ish chassis rifle on a diet: Build/buy? 6.5vs 300PRC?
- Thread starter emerson
- Start date
A .300 PRC would not be good at all for PRS. There's no upside to it, with plenty of downsides. I would go 6.5 over .300 all day long.
Trying to build a rifle to do everything well will leave you with having a rifle that's a semi-decent generalist that does nothing particularly well.
I would take a look at what the people in the NRL Hunter Class are competing with, sounds like they have similar objectives as yours. Not sure if there is anywhere to find compiled data on what those competitors are using yet though.
Trying to build a rifle to do everything well will leave you with having a rifle that's a semi-decent generalist that does nothing particularly well.
I would take a look at what the people in the NRL Hunter Class are competing with, sounds like they have similar objectives as yours. Not sure if there is anywhere to find compiled data on what those competitors are using yet though.
I would look at a little 7 SAUM on the new Mac Bros stuff for a budget minded deal
Just ran 5 off on MDT XRS stuff with kreiger and hawkhill barrels and brakes with blended caps and trigger tech diamonds and they came in at sub 13.5 lbs. Cool thing is you can still ad a weight kit or Arca to the little chassis aswell. 7 SAUM is a potent little unit on a SA
Just ran 5 off on MDT XRS stuff with kreiger and hawkhill barrels and brakes with blended caps and trigger tech diamonds and they came in at sub 13.5 lbs. Cool thing is you can still ad a weight kit or Arca to the little chassis aswell. 7 SAUM is a potent little unit on a SA
Mystic Precision
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
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For better or worst, MAGs define any of these type of rifles. If you want to use it for PRS games, how many rds do you need in that mag?
That sets off a cascade of specs to suit the needs of the game.
Me, I would look at a platform that allowed easy barrel swaps and have two barrels.... and maybe even 2 bolt heads.
Trying to lower the recoil to what would be sufficient for PRS may lead to less then ideal performance from any magnum case.
Let me know if I can help.
Jerry
That sets off a cascade of specs to suit the needs of the game.
Me, I would look at a platform that allowed easy barrel swaps and have two barrels.... and maybe even 2 bolt heads.
Trying to lower the recoil to what would be sufficient for PRS may lead to less then ideal performance from any magnum case.
Let me know if I can help.
Jerry
To clarify, I might shoot a prs match if it was close by, but I won’t build a rifle for it. Present unsettled times preclude me from focusing on prs matches. I described the rifle that way for lack of better inspiration. If I did, it would be 6MM.
My understanding of 6.5 ballistic capability means paper/steel to 1200-ish and big game to 400 or so. From some quick google-fu today, it looks like powder and projectile cost would run 20-25% more with a 30 vs 6.5. My 300M elevation for 22LR would take me to 1400M+ with 6.5PRC. Past that into ELR territory, the big 30 and 338’s shine, but the wind is a cruel mistress out there, regardless of cartridge. It makes ELR only a hobby, unless I happen upon a used Frankenstein type rifle that meets the objective. The question stands though; build or buy complete? I need a rifle that will outshoot me in any position besides the bench, regardless of how much I improve. I will not spend the $$ on a rifle that might limit via mag length or twist rate. I’ll be sending heavy for caliber bullets. So for a build scenario; action, barrel, chassis, trigger+ assembly costs for a magnum length PRC action puts me at what, $5K minimum? Sounds like a lot, but I’ve got a 375 that ate up $4K to be hunt ready. Another $6K into 22LR+a few cases of ammo. I’m trying to avoid the costly intermediate steps that usually entail polishing a turd $1K at a time.
My understanding of 6.5 ballistic capability means paper/steel to 1200-ish and big game to 400 or so. From some quick google-fu today, it looks like powder and projectile cost would run 20-25% more with a 30 vs 6.5. My 300M elevation for 22LR would take me to 1400M+ with 6.5PRC. Past that into ELR territory, the big 30 and 338’s shine, but the wind is a cruel mistress out there, regardless of cartridge. It makes ELR only a hobby, unless I happen upon a used Frankenstein type rifle that meets the objective. The question stands though; build or buy complete? I need a rifle that will outshoot me in any position besides the bench, regardless of how much I improve. I will not spend the $$ on a rifle that might limit via mag length or twist rate. I’ll be sending heavy for caliber bullets. So for a build scenario; action, barrel, chassis, trigger+ assembly costs for a magnum length PRC action puts me at what, $5K minimum? Sounds like a lot, but I’ve got a 375 that ate up $4K to be hunt ready. Another $6K into 22LR+a few cases of ammo. I’m trying to avoid the costly intermediate steps that usually entail polishing a turd $1K at a time.
If it were me, I'd determine my expected "max" hunting range and if it was inside 500 yards (and on deer sized game), I'd just go with a 6.5 Creed. If I felt I absolutely needed more energy downrange (or wanted an ELR-ish capability), I'd get a 2nd barrel in 6.5 PRC or 7SAUM and a magnum bolt. This keeps you in short action, allows you to run 10-12rd mags if ever you end up shooting a match, gives you a caliber well-suited to PRS-type practice with low recoil and plenty of energy for hunting out to medium range. Basically a NRL Hunter (light heavy division) rifle, which funny enough, was kinda the "orthodoxy" (before there really was one) in PRS about 6 or so years ago. Basically a short action with something like a 26" med palma coming it at about 14-16lbs with optic, mag, bipod, etc.
The reason I wouldn't push you towards a magnum (especially not for your main barrel) is that it's really not very well suited to PRS-type practice. There's a few reasons for this: increased recoil makes spotting hits/misses harder from anything but prone, especially at the distances most people get to practice at, say 400 and in (if they even have that much range); it's hard on your targets (more so the smaller they are and the closer they are, the smaller they should be); the more overbore/the bigger the case capacity, the lower the barrel life. For what you're looking to do, a .300PRC would be a total non-starter for me, I'd relegate that to a ELR-ish or long range hunting rig. A 6.5 PRC or 7SAUM would be better but still a think a 6.5 Creedmoor would be the optimal compromise.
As far as what kind of rig to go with, what Harley (furtaker) suggested would be a real nice setup. I don't have any experience with those new Mac Bros actions (I am thinking of trying one out) but everything I've heard is fantastic and they come in at an awesome price point. Since they have a 700 footprint, you can swap around pretty much anything you want later on if you want. With a Krieger or Hawkhill 6.5 Creed spun on by Insite you know it will shoot tiny lil groups (all of mine sure do) and the MDT XRS is pretty much the ideal "crossover" chassis. Polymer panels make it a lot nicer to handle when hunting in colder weather, the Argos are great, it's relatively light but you can also add a bunch of weights to it later on if you get the chance/urge to shoot a PRS-type match. If you really want more jam for hunting, have them do up a 7SAUM barrel as well and get a magnum bolt. I basically have that exact setup (albeit on a Rem 700 cause I had one kicking around) and I swap between a 26" carbon 7SAUM barrel and 20" steel .308. It's my long range hunter(with the 7saum barrel) but I'm most likely gonna put a 26" 6.5 Creed on it and use it for NRL Hunter next year. I put up a thread up on it here somewhere (although I just swapped the LRTS that was on it for an NX8).
The reason I wouldn't push you towards a magnum (especially not for your main barrel) is that it's really not very well suited to PRS-type practice. There's a few reasons for this: increased recoil makes spotting hits/misses harder from anything but prone, especially at the distances most people get to practice at, say 400 and in (if they even have that much range); it's hard on your targets (more so the smaller they are and the closer they are, the smaller they should be); the more overbore/the bigger the case capacity, the lower the barrel life. For what you're looking to do, a .300PRC would be a total non-starter for me, I'd relegate that to a ELR-ish or long range hunting rig. A 6.5 PRC or 7SAUM would be better but still a think a 6.5 Creedmoor would be the optimal compromise.
As far as what kind of rig to go with, what Harley (furtaker) suggested would be a real nice setup. I don't have any experience with those new Mac Bros actions (I am thinking of trying one out) but everything I've heard is fantastic and they come in at an awesome price point. Since they have a 700 footprint, you can swap around pretty much anything you want later on if you want. With a Krieger or Hawkhill 6.5 Creed spun on by Insite you know it will shoot tiny lil groups (all of mine sure do) and the MDT XRS is pretty much the ideal "crossover" chassis. Polymer panels make it a lot nicer to handle when hunting in colder weather, the Argos are great, it's relatively light but you can also add a bunch of weights to it later on if you get the chance/urge to shoot a PRS-type match. If you really want more jam for hunting, have them do up a 7SAUM barrel as well and get a magnum bolt. I basically have that exact setup (albeit on a Rem 700 cause I had one kicking around) and I swap between a 26" carbon 7SAUM barrel and 20" steel .308. It's my long range hunter(with the 7saum barrel) but I'm most likely gonna put a 26" 6.5 Creed on it and use it for NRL Hunter next year. I put up a thread up on it here somewhere (although I just swapped the LRTS that was on it for an NX8).
Super helpful responses all, thank you. The extra energy of a 7 Saum over a 6.5CM does matter to me considering what I will really be doing with this rifle most of the time. I’ve got an ACC for a T3SA already, so I can drop a used 6.5CM in without much cost if the T1X practice isn’t giving me what I need.
Question about the 7 SAUM on a SA, will the COAL limitations be an issue with 180’s? The last 50fps aren’t that critical to me, but if the action length is a significant handicap that’s not ideal.
You'll be jumping quite a bit with the 180s and you definitely lose case capacity. That being said, I've pushed 180s at just shy of 2900 in mine (with H1000, H4350 and H4831SC). I'd say ideally a dedicated 7SAUM would be built on a "medium" action like a Defiance XM but then you get pretty limited by what actions are available. A 7SAUM in a SA is a pretty good compromise all around but a 6.5 PRC would be real nice too.
Mystic Precision
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Summerland, BC
Easily under $2k for the rifle no optics or accessories... plenty accurate for any PRS game. No issue shooting to 1500yds.... keeps up with 408's just fine. Low recoil as well... but it is not a big game hunting cartridge. Unless you really need to launch a big bullet for plinking, that is a lot of cost, recoil and noise I don't need nor want.
Swap in a barrel catering to hunting and away you go.
You dont have to spend alot of money to build a tack driver today. Your Tikka would make a fantastic base. The key is do you NEED a magnum cartridge for your hunting goals?
And if you do need a magnum, do you really want a SA mag?
there is a lot of personal likes and dislikes to work through. FYI, I have repurposed my FTR rifle in 308win to shoot towards 1mile. Was just out before the big smoke and 1540yds was no problem at all.. even with some wind.
Merritt will be the closest centerfire PRS match... then Kamloops... then Heffley Creek.
Jerry
Attachments
If you want to brush up on the 7 SAUM, head to snipers hide in the reloading forum. Whole thread dedicated to the 7 saum. I run my SAUM on a long action and had the barrel chambered with a custom reamer. I can push the 183 matchking at 3050 without issue. Problem with the SAUM is components. Brass is scarce, atleast quality stuff by ADG. Dies aren't very common either
Roger that on snipers hide, will do. Brass and dies wise I would only need to find them once, but I’m not sure yet if the ease of finding 6.5PRC stuff would outweigh the punch of 7 SAUM. I’ll keep ruminating.
The Insite LP1 rifle package really looks good. I think the MDT XRS Chassis System will accept these Accurate Mags. You would have room with their WSM / PRC mag to shoot 180's.
There is probably other mags out there but these are usually readily available in Canada.
https://accurate-mag.com/shop/magazines/300-winchester-short-magnum-dssf-magazine/
Insite LP1
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The Insite LP1 rifle package really looks good. I think the MDT XRS Chassis System will accept these Accurate Mags. You would have room with their WSM / PRC mag to shoot 180's.
There is probably other mags out there but these are usually readily available in Canada.
https://accurate-mag.com/shop/magazines/300-winchester-short-magnum-dssf-magazine/
Insite LP1
Yes, I went back and looked again at the email from Insite. A couple more paydays and I may have to call and get started.
The Insite LP1 rifle package really looks good. I think the MDT XRS Chassis System will accept these Accurate Mags. You would have room with their WSM / PRC mag to shoot 180's.
There is probably other mags out there but these are usually readily available in Canada.
https://accurate-mag.com/shop/magazines/300-winchester-short-magnum-dssf-magazine/
Insite LP1
The XRS works with any AICS pattern mag including those binder-less Accurate WSM mags, as well as MDT's binder-less WSM mags (which is what I use in my 7SAUM that's in an XRS). That LP1 really is an awesome package.
It’s a tough call. I can buy a Howa 7mmRM, put in a Timney, drop it in a ESS, for less than $2500. Another $1K for an IBI barrel if that’s the plan. Brass, dies, etc no problem. Factory ammo 30-06 level common. Time to eat I guess.
I’ve got a Howa 300 PRC (with very basic optic too), 200 Lapua brass, components for 1K shots, dies, 2 3.8xx mags, a 20MOA rail, and an Oryx chassis on the way for $4K. I don’t have a 300WM, so this fills in under my 375.
