Is a LA/SA multi caliber rifle possible with a Terminus Zeus?

Islas82

Supporter
Supporter
Full Member
Minuteman
Dec 18, 2019
2,524
1,051
North Las Vegas
So am currently brainstorming if I can make a multi caliber rifle out of a Terminus Zeus QC LA. The calibers I intend to run are 300 PRC, 7 PRC, 6.5 creedmoor. This will be running out of a AX AICS chassis or Foundation Stock, I know that there is no issue with the PRC cartridges besides barrel changes so it comes down to the 6.5 creedmoor. As of now magazines that will feed reliably are the main concern as am sure Terminus has .308 LA bolts. I know theres AXSR magazines that are designed to feed 6.5 CM but I believe those are double stack and the magazines on the AX chassis and Foundation are single stack.

Are there single stack magazines out there that will feed 6.5 CM reliably on a LA? maybe inserts?

Are there other issues I should be worried about?

Does this make any sense? can it be done?
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: richthe1
Haven't tried one myself.

 
  • Like
Reactions: Islas82
Haven't tried one myself.

So they do exist. Thanks 🙏
 
So am currently brainstorming if I can make a multi caliber rifle out of a Terminus Zeus QC LA. The calibers I intend to run are 300 PRC, 7 PRC, 6.5 creedmoor. This will be running out of a AX AICS chassis or Foundation Stock, I know that there is no issue with the PRC cartridges besides barrel changes so it comes down to the 6.5 creedmoor. As of now magazines that will feed reliably are the main concern as am sure Terminus has .308 LA bolts. I know theres AXSR magazines that are designed to feed 6.5 CM but I believe those are double stack and I the magazines on the AX chassis and Foundation are single stack.

Are there single stack magazines out there that will feed 6.5 CM reliably on a LA? maybe inserts?

Are there other issues I should be worried about?

Does this make any sense? can it be done?
Are you planning to run the QC or the FT Zeus Action?
 
  • Like
Reactions: Islas82
You might ask to make sure 300/7 PRC are cool on the QC. Sounds like they are, but I asked on 300NM and got this response: “…We recommend the FT option for the NM and Lapua based cartridges…”
Good info. I already have a 7 PRC QC barrel so am hoping it won’t be an issue, I don’t think it would be since it’s a off the shelf proof pre-fit and I would think they’d do their research.
 
  • Like
Reactions: richthe1
You can there is a mag that fits into the long action but is designed for short action cartridges I don’t remember the name off the top of my head I think it’s accurate mag. Just google it lol…. But it should work now I really want to sell my S.A. zues and get an long action lol 😂
 
  • Like
Reactions: Islas82
You can there is a mag that fits into the long action but is designed for short action cartridges I don’t remember the name off the top of my head I think it’s accurate mag. Just google it lol…. But it should work now I really want to sell my S.A. zues and get an long action lol 😂
Let’s start a trend lol. @FimRire RongLifle confirmed it on his post accumag makes them.
 
James Eagleman from Barbour Creek Outfitters has a few videos of using the Zeus QC Long Action for both and doing a barrel swap.

I think the key was the mags.

Hope this helps.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Islas82
Holler at the MKM boys in this thread, they are working on a better solution for this!
@Tyler Kemp

1718849589798.jpeg


I run a 6 CM (Proof CF), 6.5 CM, 308 Win, 300 Win and 300 NM through my Zeus LA QC using the mags already mentioned. Trying to stay strong and not add a 6.5 PRC or 25 CM to the mix!

If you’re going to run a clip on and need the maximum versatility in an optic, I’ve enjoyed the MK8 3.5-25 TMR (easy to see at min power, great glass, good tracking, lightweight, better FOV than the MK5 3.6-18)
 
Holler at the MKM boys in this thread, they are working on a better solution for this!
@Tyler Kemp

View attachment 8442486

I run a 6 CM (Proof CF), 6.5 CM, 308 Win, 300 Win and 300 NM through my Zeus LA QC using the mags already mentioned. Trying to stay strong and not add a 6.5 PRC or 25 CM to the mix!

If you’re going to run a clip on and need the maximum versatility in an optic, I’ve enjoyed the MK8 3.5-25 TMR (easy to see at min power, great glass, good tracking, lightweight, better FOV than the MK5 3.6-18)
6.5 prc I don’t see a gain for you but I think you definitely need a 25 creed I run a 6 creed and 6.5 prc in my sa zues qc I like to go fast 😂
 
Holler at the MKM boys in this thread, they are working on a better solution for this!
@Tyler Kemp

View attachment 8442486

I run a 6 CM (Proof CF), 6.5 CM, 308 Win, 300 Win and 300 NM through my Zeus LA QC using the mags already mentioned. Trying to stay strong and not add a 6.5 PRC or 25 CM to the mix!

If you’re going to run a clip on and need the maximum versatility in an optic, I’ve enjoyed the MK8 3.5-25 TMR (easy to see at min power, great glass, good tracking, lightweight, better FOV than the MK5 3.6-18)
You’re using accumag single stacks?
 
6.5 prc I don’t see a gain for you but I think you definitely need a 25 creed I run a 6 creed and 6.5 prc in my sa zues qc I like to go fast 😂
If I did a 6.5 PRC it would be a ~20” to shoot the 100 ELD VT’s as close to 3500fps as I could!

ETA: hard to get away from factory 6 CM slinging the 80 ELD VT’s at 3150fps and very accurate (good enough for 300 yds at midnight anyway)

1718850892762.jpeg
 
If I did a 6.5 PRC it would be a ~20” to shoot the 100 ELD VT’s as close to 3500fps as I could!
Oh ok lol that would be cool I just love the prc and the creed just for long range stuff I figured the prc would be easier to get out to a mile… I mean hell it’s just barrels lol there just like tires for your truck
 
  • Like
Reactions: rlsmith1
You might ask to make sure 300/7 PRC are cool on the QC. Sounds like they are, but I asked on 300NM and got this response: “…We recommend the FT option for the NM and Lapua based cartridges…”
It would be cool if they are. Or they come out with a Gen 2 that is. A cheaper option for QC compared to the MRAD and AXSR.

I want to build a magnum again eventually. The Zeus has been on my radar
 
  • Like
Reactions: Islas82
Well at this point this project has hit a brick wall. Still waiting to hear any news of my Zeus we are on week 16 originally quoted 7. I got everything else. It’s a shame because I really want the QC feature.

Any LA recommendations I should be looking at as a substitute?
 
Well at this point this project has hit a brick wall. Still waiting to hear any news of my Zeus we are on week 16 originally quoted 7. I got everything else. It’s a shame because I really want the QC feature.

Any LA recommendations I should be looking at as a substitute?
There was one in the PX the other day. It may still be available
 
  • Like
Reactions: Islas82
Ok so after a 21 week wait it seems like it’s finally at its end. I been told that the action should be shipping from terminus today.

Also I email Joel and he says that all proof prefit barrels are I interchangeable between LA and SA and there should not be any issues feeding .308 SA based carriages using the accurate mag magazine recommended above.

This might happen guys. I’ll keep you posted everything is in place.
 
  • Like
Reactions: rlsmith1 and Modoc
GTAC grip mods just came back from cerakote. Just got notification that action has shipped to my FFL. It’s coming together.
 

Attachments

  • IMG_6976.jpeg
    IMG_6976.jpeg
    669.2 KB · Views: 38
  • IMG_6973.jpeg
    IMG_6973.jpeg
    757.5 KB · Views: 36
  • Like
Reactions: rlsmith1
A little off topic, but I have a Zeus QC and was thinking of buying an extra bolt with Lapua bolt face for a future 300NM barrel, that’s not recommended by Terminus?

Keith at PCR was sketchy about the short amount of threads on the tenon when he chambered my 300WM.

@rlsmith1 any concerns with your 300NM in QC option?
 
A little off topic, but I have a Zeus QC and was thinking of buying an extra bolt with Lapua bolt face for a future 300NM barrel, that’s not recommended by Terminus?

Keith at PCR was sketchy about the short amount of threads on the tenon when he chambered my 300WM.
Unsure what’s the caliber cut off, if contact Joe. I’d be interested on his answers as I plan to move to 300 PRC in the future.
 
A little off topic, but I have a Zeus QC and was thinking of buying an extra bolt with Lapua bolt face for a future 300NM barrel, that’s not recommended by Terminus?

Keith at PCR was sketchy about the short amount of threads on the tenon when he chambered my 300WM.

@rlsmith1 any concerns with your 300NM in QC option?
I've not had issues but also have shot about 50 rounds through the Norma barrel. From what I've read, the 300NM shouldn't be an issue.

For rifles in general, I'd be more concerned about hanging a suppressor off a heavy contour 26" barrel of any caliber but people have been doing that for a long time with no issues.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Islas82
A little off topic, but I have a Zeus QC and was thinking of buying an extra bolt with Lapua bolt face for a future 300NM barrel, that’s not recommended by Terminus?

Keith at PCR was sketchy about the short amount of threads on the tenon when he chambered my 300WM.

@rlsmith1 any concerns with your 300NM in QC option?
When I emailed earlier this year:

“We recommend the FT option for the NM and Lapua based cartridges.“
 
  • Like
Reactions: rlsmith1
I've been thinking about doing this very thing but with a bighorn origin. Been looking at the zeus as well. Can't wait to see how the short action cartridges perform. I don't think you'll have any issues.
 
So is there a mag solution that lets you get more than 5rd in either LA or SA are you stuck with 5rd LA CIP type mags and Accurate’s 5rd LA footprint SA mags? To me that’s always been the LIMFAC.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Islas82
So is there a mag solution that lets you get more than 5rd in either LA or SA are you stuck with 5rd LA CIP type mags and Accurate’s 5rd LA footprint SA mags? To me that’s always been the LIMFAC.
Unsure. I purchased a .308 single stack LA CIO magazine to try out. I did see anything other than 5 rounds tho. We’ll see if it works.