MontanaRifleman
Well-Known Member
I would definitely build a big 338 on it. I have been working with a accumark 338-378 at long range and it will match what I could do with my customs.It is a excellent action to work with.A guy that holds some word records at 1000 yards has a Lapua improved on a Mark V action and it has shot unreal to even past 2000 yards.Guys that bad mouth the Mark V action don't know what they are talking about... It is a very capable action and is very strong. It would be tough to beat a 338-378 or Lapu AI
You are wrong on at least 2 counts. First is, I have had conversations with some very experienced smiths regarding the Mark V actions and I know a little something about them.
Second is, I am not at all "bad mouthing" the Mark V. It is a fine factory action. that said, It was not 'designed for a Lapua class case, although you can certainly build a Lapua on one.
As for strength, I think you'll find that is not significantly any more strong than a 700, M70 or Howa. It does have some good features like a beefy integral recoil lug and one piece bolt. My biggest beef with the Mark V is the 9 locking recoil lugs. While that allows for a short bolt lift, you will almost never be able to get them all to contact their mated surfaces which defeats the strength design theory and results in uneven contact.
The Lapua has a a .589 bolt face which is larger than the standard magnumum bolt face the the Mark V was designed for. The larger bolt face results in greater bolt trust which the Mark V was not designed for. That said, 338 Lapua's have been built on the Mark V.
If and when I do build a 338 Lapua class rifle, it will be on an action that was designed for it like a TRG or Custum. You do as you wish and please be careful not to misrepresent what I say.
Thanks
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