338 lapua

450matt

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Nov 5, 2009
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i was wondering what would be the best action to build a custom 338 lapua. it needs to be a repeater action. would a remington 700 work or should i go with a custom action. the gun will be build by a gunsmith. i would just like to get some of the big parts before i find a smith.
 
Hi the 700 action will work,remington make one in 338 lapua,i just picked my new 338 lap it was built on a stiller tac action,i cant be happier.
 
FWIW I guess Remmy now offers a 700 in this cartridge. I was told it was now part of their tactical line.

If it were me I'd opt for the aftermarket receiver. These receivers are becoming more and more popular it seems and the workmanship is far better than a take off from a rack gun.

One that I like is "Defiance Machine" owned and operated by Glen Harrison and his wife Lisa.

Glen is the original founder of Nesika Bay Precision. He's also my friend and a former employer so it's not hard to understand my affection. Prices are very competitive and Glen's stuff just seems to have an elegance/class that I personally am really fond of.

He's a one man band so the QC dept begins and ends with him. That's a plus in my book. Delivery times are probably better than anyone else in the industry. Less than a month in most cases.

Good luck.
 
I almost went with the then Phoenix Machine, now Defiance Machine, action with .750 bolt for the 338 Lapua Imp. A great action, no doubt.

But, by the time I looked at the extra cost for pic rail and recoil lug, that are already integral to the BAT HRPIC action, I just decided to go with the BAT. It seemed like the BAT would be stiffer and the BAT is quite lightweight (lighter than comparable Stiller actions) especially considering that the weight includes the integral pic rail and recoil lug. An integral rail and lug were two less things that I had to order and install as well and being integral, they were a couple less things to worry about as far as them coming loose from the action, not properly aligned, etc. BAT also didn't 'bat' an eye or charge any extra to program their CNC machines so the action would be set up for the 4.010" Wyatt's box. Just my personal experience so far.

Couldn't go wrong with the Defiance action, however, for sure.
 
i think the bat action is the one i will go with. can it be used with the wyatt's magazine box. and one other question would it be best to use a longer barrel. like 30 inches.
 
i was wondering what would be the best action to build a custom 338 lapua. it needs to be a repeater action. would a remington 700 work or should i go with a custom action. the gun will be build by a gunsmith. i would just like to get some of the big parts before i find a smith.

If you could find a Weatherby MK5 action for a reasonable price they are great to build the
Lapua's on and all of the parts needed are available from Weatherby( Center feed mag box,
flat top bullet follower and extractor.

The bolt face will have to be opened up but not much and it is very easy and all you have to do
is install a 378 extractor.

The Custom actions would be My next choice if a MK 5 action was not available for less than
$700.oo To $800.oo with trigger and floor metal.

J E CUSTOM
 
so i ordered the Bat action today. so i was wondering about barrel lenght now i am thinking some where around 32 inches before the muzzle brake. and also what are some good stocks for a gun like this mcmillan A5 tatical. but i am open to other stocks
 
Congrats on the BAT-excellent choice. Barrel...What type of shooting, any particular manufacturer and contour in mind, os weight a concern. Not knowing I'd say 30" but...
 
28-30 inch barrel lengths are most common in this, and similar case capacity, 338 caliber cartridges. The muzzle brake will add about two inches.
 
i was thinking a hart barrel. weight is not a issue i would just like to keep the gun under 18 pounds. this will just be a long range hunting gun. i was thinking a straight taper barrel and was thinking 32 inches would be good i know the muzzle break will add 2 or 3 inches. and i i meaning 32 inches before the muzzle break
 
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for the 338 if you go with a straight taper and a shank of 1.350 for about 4-5 inches and then taper down, that allows one rechamber later on.

That is going to make a heavy blank in the 8-10 lb range with a 30-32" blank

Now go smaller shank and more radical tapers, you can cut weight.

Here is a link for pics of mine with a more radical taper

http://www.longrangehunting.com/forums/f53/snake-2-338-lapua-ack-imp-41682/

Figure stock is 4-5 lbs, and action 2-4 lbs with bottom metal

That is putting you in the 14-18 lb range with no scope

Joel Russos A5Ls are great stocks.

Manners makes some very good stocks that can be made lighter also.

BH
 
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so i ordered the Bat action today. so i was wondering about barrel lenght now i am thinking some where around 32 inches before the muzzle brake. and also what are some good stocks for a gun like this mcmillan A5 tatical. but i am open to other stocks

I was going for a compromise of light weight carry rifle and long range accuracy, so went with a 90% carbon fiber Manner's T2, but that's trying to keep rifle weight around 11 lbs. Also went with fluted, med. palma, 30" finished Rock creek 1-10 twist with the 5R. But, if under 18 lbs. is your goal, you could do just about what you want. Some states won't let you hunt with a rifle that heavy. ID has a max weight of 16lbs, as I recall. Just may want to keep that in mind if you ever plan on traveling to these states. Keep us informed as to how your build goes. Should be fun to watch. Jon
 
I have used the Rem700 for a custom .308 but the action still needed to be trued. The custom actions are ready to build a custom rifle as is. For the extra money to true the 700 I can buy a custom action for just a little more. I recently ordered a .338 Lapua and am building it on a Stiller Predator X (same as TAC) action. That action is designed for that caliber. I think the custom action is the way to go.

Gordon
Niceville, FL
 
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