.300 Dakota
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What bottom metal are you using?
Blue Mountain Precision upgrade
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.300 Dakota
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We're about to find out. Eric has finished it since this post was started and sent tracking info. That gave me time to get a Kelbly action wrench to do the install myself. I'm use to Savages, so it's the same deal, just tighten the crap out of it and ensure the headspace was set correctly.
I contacted Eric about another project I'm discussing in another thread. I want a .300 SAUM in a 20" Proof to go on the NEW Kelbly Lite I just picked up for cheap (didn't need it, but couldn't pass on the price). Blue Mountain doesn't offer the SAUM as a standard they keep onhand, so Eric agreed to get a rental from 4D and just add it to the price of the work. That's what I'd do if I had it done locally. I also asked him about the bottom metal conundrum. He MAY talk me into going with another Hawk Hill 3B and having it deeply fluted and coated. He also offered a Benchmark CF barrel in 1:9. I know Benchmark is probably a better and faster barrel than Proof, but probably isn't quite as light or contoured exactly the same to drop in as the Proof. Weight is of the essence. I can use the Kelbly Lite action, a Proof 20" barrel, and a Mesa/Pure Precision (by AG Composites) stock and STILL not have a sub-7lb rifle of I'm not very judicious on brake and bottom metal selection.
I guess the 1:9 would still do ok in that chambering and a 20" length with 125 - 130gr bullets (Nosler, Barnes, and Hammer)?
.300 Dakota
Well-Known Member
I was so impressed with Eric and the fact that he didn't try to sell me something he had that I didn't need/want by not questioning, "Well why are you doing that, why not do THIS; it's better..." that I paid him for a 2nd project today. Instead of trying to talk me into/out of something, he simply asked, "I have this; will this work for you?" When I replied, "I don't think so, but if you think it will, I'll entertain the notion," and explained what I was doing, he agreed, "No, I don't think it will. We need to get you what you asked for." I was blown away! Finally! Somebody who listens to what I want and only focuses on making THAT thing happen! And he gave me choices! That's amazing!!
So what we're doing is taking a Benchmark Sendero Light 20", .30 cal, 1:10 barrel, cutting the shank to duplicate a Proof Sendero, threading 5/8x24 and installing a Ghost 4-port lightweight brake, threading the shank for a Kelbly Atlas Lite, chambering in 300 SAUM with a reamer from 4D Rentals, and Cerekoting to match the DLC on the Kelbly. He didn't try to talk me into a different chambering and didn't question why I wanted to shoot Nosler 125 grain Ballistic Tips and Accubonds in the mix. He simply said he located a Proof Sendero 20" 1:10 and a Benchmark Sendero Lite 1:10 20". I'm sure the BM was $100 more, but I told him I was calling the Benchmark. He carries BM, but not Proof. He didn't try to disparage Proof or insinuate they weren't any good. He said he uses lots of them when requested and said since Andy is back with the company, their warranty and warranty service is among the best out there. He did tell me how infrequently there are problems with BM and how consistent they were from one to another. He spent lots of time listening to why I wanted this chambering in this configuration, and agreed on my choices and went over every aspect before asking for payment. This .300 SAUM project is going to be my treestand and hiking gun, and may end up in the hands of my wife before the season is over. With a barely 7lb rifle in .300 SAUM running Nosler 125gr BTs or 124gr Hammers with 60 grains of Norma 203B or even less TAC with a 4-port brake that doesn't punch you in the face with every trigger squeeze, she'll never have any fear of recoil as long as she has a good set of ear muffs on. Then I can run 190s in the same gun out West over long distances on pretty much whatever game I want and never get tired of carrying it. I'll retain lots of the muzzle velocity and have one heck of an all-purpose rifle!
So what we're doing is taking a Benchmark Sendero Light 20", .30 cal, 1:10 barrel, cutting the shank to duplicate a Proof Sendero, threading 5/8x24 and installing a Ghost 4-port lightweight brake, threading the shank for a Kelbly Atlas Lite, chambering in 300 SAUM with a reamer from 4D Rentals, and Cerekoting to match the DLC on the Kelbly. He didn't try to talk me into a different chambering and didn't question why I wanted to shoot Nosler 125 grain Ballistic Tips and Accubonds in the mix. He simply said he located a Proof Sendero 20" 1:10 and a Benchmark Sendero Lite 1:10 20". I'm sure the BM was $100 more, but I told him I was calling the Benchmark. He carries BM, but not Proof. He didn't try to disparage Proof or insinuate they weren't any good. He said he uses lots of them when requested and said since Andy is back with the company, their warranty and warranty service is among the best out there. He did tell me how infrequently there are problems with BM and how consistent they were from one to another. He spent lots of time listening to why I wanted this chambering in this configuration, and agreed on my choices and went over every aspect before asking for payment. This .300 SAUM project is going to be my treestand and hiking gun, and may end up in the hands of my wife before the season is over. With a barely 7lb rifle in .300 SAUM running Nosler 125gr BTs or 124gr Hammers with 60 grains of Norma 203B or even less TAC with a 4-port brake that doesn't punch you in the face with every trigger squeeze, she'll never have any fear of recoil as long as she has a good set of ear muffs on. Then I can run 190s in the same gun out West over long distances on pretty much whatever game I want and never get tired of carrying it. I'll retain lots of the muzzle velocity and have one heck of an all-purpose rifle!
I'm not sure what bottom metal it is. Here's pictures of the clip. I bought this rifle on here when Len was selling rifles.
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.300 Dakota
Well-Known Member
Now that looks like it should work fine! My COAL will be shorter, though.
That was the long action. My short action is on a Hawkins hunter dbm.
.300 Dakota
Well-Known Member
I'm going to stop b*tching bout the 6.5 SAUM now. Tweaked charge with N565, that was showing promise, just slow. Increased charge 3% and got into the high-mid 3100s and was nowhere near the ceiling on pressure/velocity. But the gun did this (see photo), so I think I'm going to stop complaining and fretting and go hunting. And the 6.5 SAUM feeds just fine from the long action Hawkins Hunter Ultra Mag magazine with 120 grain Ballistic Tips stuffed way down in there with COAL of like 2.789". The Kelbly Atlas Lite accommodates the feeding extremely well. No worries... I'm good...
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.300 Dakota
Well-Known Member
BTW: I did get the Blue Mountain Precision 7mm PRC pre-fit Hawk Hill 27" and mates it to another Kelbly Atlas Lite LA. Have it in a McMillan Game Warden with BDL bottom metal. Going with a Micro Bastard Gen II brake (9/16x24) and Bix'n Andy TacSport Pro X single stage trigger. The current 6.5 SAUM has a Bix TacSport Pro 2-stage. The X model is suppose to be even better if that's possible.
.300 Dakota
Well-Known Member
Update. Finally have everything finished. Eric left me 27 1/2" of barrel there. Hawkins BDL bottom metal with Wyatt box (not necessary for 7mm PRC, but...), and went with TacSport Pro single stage. Have Pro-X model reserved for my lightweight .300 SAUM project that's about to go together. Absolutely in love with it. We'll see how it shoots!
