BAT makes a great action! However, they would not be my first choice for a hunting gun in normal hunting environments which I think is the key question here.
For BR and other limited applications, they are absolutely one of the very best.
They by nature are extremely tight and have slightly softer metal which IMO is a detriment on a hunting repeater.
Specifically, I locked up one of my BATS with one very small piece of grit that got between the lugs and we had to take the barrel off to unlock the bolt. It actually scored the lug and back of the barrel.
IMO those are qualities that are not conducive to hunting environments and repeating hunting guns.
There are too many high quality actions that make better and just as accurate hunting guns. My first choice now would be the Tooley Orion with the melonited fluted bolt and M16 or Sako extractor for $850 with thicker trued recoil lug. Wyatts extended mag or DBM goes right on also, rem trigger, rem bottom metal, magazines etc..
Dave also sells the 20MOA bases if you want.
My Orion is as smooth as my BATs and has all the same qualities. I like the M16 extractor better than the Sako.
For a hunting gun, a great action for $850 that is probably in stock or a $1200 that has a 6 month wait. Your call, but that is my take owning both.
here are some pics and info
http://www.longrangehunting.com/forums/f37/tooley-orion-action-pics-requested-56798/
BH