In Praise of 3-Lug Bolts

I am very uncomfortable with a two lug bolt having receiver contact with only one lug.

This means that undue stress is placed on the lug in contact AND the bolt face will tilt toward the non-contacting lug during ignition. This latter is not conducive to broker bullet alignment in the throat of the barrel, to say the least.

I go with Gene's recommendation of checking contact area with Prussian blue machinists
marker to check every new rifle for proper lug contact.
 
The bolt is already tilted from the trigger pushing up on the rear of the bolt. The ejector is always tilting the case when in battery. But I agree that both lugs contacting are better. It just doesn't happen all of the time and good results are obtainable, with only one contact during static observation. But when fired both lugs contact. It pushes the trigger pressure down and the ejector in. I know it doesn't seem right, but I have a rifle that shoots very well and the only explanation I can come up with, good barrel,trigger, load and this dynamic happening with in the action and barrel.
 
I just hold the round in my hand and hit it with a hammer.

In all seriousness... they all have pros and cons.
Stick with what feels right to you.... a better hunt, a better shoot/match will come of
it.

I honestly am indifferent to ANY Weatherby action. Why? Just my tastes. Give me a good #1 falling block, or a LA/Magnum model 700.... and Im happy.

As far as "non-standard" actions go... the action that Nosler uses on the M48s I have taken a shine to... as I own a 6.5x284 and a 280 AI in the Patriot line.
gun)

Ummm...Isn't the Nosler action just a modified Howa?? Just sayin...
 
I keep hearing that.
Nosler says no... and my take is that they are correct.
I've handled my share of rifles... be it high end custom or low end trash( aftterwhich a large amount of purell was used).
They don't feel anything like them... nor look like them ( to me anyways).
Nevermind the fact that Nosler is supposedly using Basix triggers and PacNor barrels... overall, for a semi-custom weapon 1499$ out the door is still a pretty **** nice deal...

Your run of the mill coin flip junker M700 is 1000$ now, sans the Long Range model which is about 699. On a side bar, I picked up one of those in 300 RUM... she does about 1/2 MOA @ 200 yards with the 175 TMK and 93 of RL25.
 
I keep hearing that.
Nosler says no... and my take is that they are correct.
I've handled my share of rifles... be it high end custom or low end trash( aftterwhich a large amount of purell was used).
They don't feel anything like them... nor look like them ( to me anyways).
Nevermind the fact that Nosler is supposedly using Basix triggers and PacNor barrels... overall, for a semi-custom weapon 1499$ out the door is still a pretty **** nice deal...

Your run of the mill coin flip junker M700 is 1000$ now, sans the Long Range model which is about 699. On a side bar, I picked up one of those in 300 RUM... she does about 1/2 MOA @ 200 yards with the 175 TMK and 93 of RL25.
Anyway....The Nosler is a Howa, or Vanguard action.

Not debating if a basix trigger or pac-nor barrel makes it worth it. You slammed all Weatherby rifles then praised Nosler, which is the same thing....just wondering...
 
Well, it's been a while since I began this thread so there's an UPDATE:

1. I kept the 6.5 CM RAP and put a Timmy trigger on it and a Boyd's Classic laminated stock. Today at the Boulder City range I was getting 1" to 1.25" groups at 200 yards until the wind picked up to about 15 - 20 mph. Love Ruger barrels and Timmy triggers. And the Boyd's stock is really an accuracy stick with the V-block bedding and weighing exactly 1 lb. more than the plastic Ruger stock.I was shooting 143 gr. Hornady Precision Hunter ELD-X ammo. Soon I'll reload for it but the ELD-X is certainly match grade ammo.

2. Last year I bought that 6.5 CM Ruger Precision rifle and it is easily a 1/2 MOA rifle with 140 gr. Hornady ELD-M cartridges. The scope is a Bushnell ERS 3.5 - 21 x 50 with H59 reticle. Great scope!

I've discovered that I'm as accurate with the RPR using my Atlas bipod and CTK monopod on a bench as I am with my cast iron bench rest and rear bag.The monopod is like having micrometer adjustability in getting back on target after each shot.

Eric B.
 
Just for amusement, here is a short list of the 3-lug actions currently available:

JP Enterprises MR-10™ Bolt Action Rifle

Ultimatum Action has a floating three lug bolt head

Modern Outfitters MR-1 Titanium 3-lug action

GAP Tempest 3-lug action

Curtis Custom Axiom and Vector 3-lug actions

Browning A-Bolt

BAT Machine 3LL or 3L

Browning X-Bolt

T/C Icon & Venture

Badger Ordnance M2008 or M2013


Sako 85, TRG

Sauer 101, 202


Steyr Scout, SSG, Prohunter


Mauser M12


Ruger American


AI AE


Cooper
 
Well, it's been a while since I began this thread so there's an UPDATE:
Last year I bought that 6.5 CM Ruger Precision rifle and it is easily a 1/2 MOA rifle with 140 gr. Hornady ELD-M cartridges. The scope is a Bushnell ERS 3.5 - 21 x 50 with H59 reticle. Great scope!

I've discovered that I'm as accurate with the RPR using my Atlas bipod and CTK monopod on a bench as I am with my cast iron bench rest and rear bag.The monopod is like having micrometer adjustability in getting back on target after each shot.

Eric B.

I have to agree strongly! I never thought much of the Rutgers I owned in the past but I bought the Ruger Precision rifle in 6.5CM after seeing the performance of one owned by a buddy. Not only is it exceptionally accurate, but like yourself, benchrest performance can be obtained just using my Atlas with a rear Triad bag...bench or prone. Great ergonomics!! Mine has a Vortex AMG mounted. I use this rifle for PRS.
One of several groups like this shot off my Atlas with handloads.
 

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Litehiker,

You're welcome. As I stated, this is more than likely a short list as I think there are more that could be on this list but I didn't scour my resources deeply.

CADEX Defense makes a 50 degree 4-lug action (CDX-R7)

DOLPHIN actions (UK)

CST DGC actions

Jarrett Tri-Lock receiver

Fierce Triad action

Barnard model SM

Rowa Titan3 (rifle system)

K.S. Arms

Regards.
 
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