Hey 300,
We are pretty close to the same wave length I'm doing a 7 RemMag. That decision was made for me by the available brass at the start I got 75 virgin and 125 once fired. I can anneal so thats good. I got a barrel (Kreiger) from a gunsmith that had lots. I found Northwest Action Works just before they listed here. Got my action in 90 days Evan Pine is a good guy. Ordered a Manners stock ('cause Len says they are good) They have stuff on the shelf ready to deliver. Got my MCS-T3 in 4 days. That is a hunting/tactical model. If you order from them be sure to go through the stockbuilder program as it'll come up with stuff you didn't think of that you might want. Mine came through as an ADL single shot and I expected a magwell. Brownell has the parts and I have the machine shop. I ordered the reamer from PT&G, FB of .188 per Dave Kiff for use with 180gr VLD hunting.
I'm thinking your leade time on the action is going to be rude. I just got my order in before the SHOT show after which it seems everyone took orders to production capacity. I heard Defiance was buying more capacity but do not know. Wish BigHorn would.
Me and hired took the same class. I keep taking them whenever I run into a teacher. I think doing your own work is more satisfying. Amazing how many gunsmiths start out that way.
John