300NM Action Recommendations

[wkarma]

I'm in the planning stages for a 300NM build, and I'm looking for recommendations for an action.

Already in consideration:

• Defiance Deviant
• Stiller TAC338
• Curtis Axiom?

Repeater nice but not required.

I've read a bit that the Deviant doesn't do well in dusty conditions, and if there's one thing we have in Vegas it's windy/dusty days out on the lakebeds. Is this a real problem, or something that can be solved with a rag and a few seconds?

Currently planning to run an XLR, so the Deviant (and Curtis?) opens up more options (as you have to use the Evolution HD for the TAC338). I need to verify the Curtis will fit XLRs 700LA inlet, but it seems to work in other chassis. I just came across the Axiom while reading tonight, and it seems to be available with the Lapua bolt face, but haven't found anyone running one in that config yet outside of the MPA 300NM.

Plan is for 230 Hybrids with a ~30in tube. Is a normal 300NM reamer OK for the 230s, or does it need to be throated out a bit more?

I know I can get more out of an Edge or 33XC or whatever for roughly the same cost, but I generally shoot suppressed and not having to spend 1k+ on a new can as well as the new rifle is a nice thing.

This is my first foray into building long action/magnum stuff so I don't have as good a feel of whats out there as I usually do. Appreciate any wisdom the Hide can impart!

 

[Alabusa]

Watching this thread. I just posted a thread about my choice between a Sako TRGS action and a Rem LA for a .300 Norma build. I have both action on hand.

Best if luck to you.

 

[Precision Underground]

I used a 700 ultra mag action. RWS tweaked it a bit and it shoots great so far. Just starting load development but my random break in loads are shooting .6. Everyone says using a 700 for a large bolt head is so bad but mine works fine and I trust that RWS would not do it if something was dangerous about it.

 

[kthomas]

While I agree and have experienced Defiance Deviants not liking the fine dust - I don't think it's a deal breaker for ELR rifles.

For a PRS rifle, I don't like Defiances for that reason - in fact I swapped out the Defiance action on my PRS rifle for a Mausingfield, largely in part for that reason.

My ELR rifle happens to be built off of a DLC'ed Defiance Deviant. For this purpose I think it works great - the ELR rifle doesn't spend as much time in demanding conditions as a PRS rifle over a 2-3 day match, and it's easy enough to wipe the bolt down while shooting ELR and just carry on. The conditions and demands on a rifle are more onerous in PRS shooting then they are in ELR.

Out of the options you listed, I would go Defiance. Stillers fill very rough for a so-called custom action, and I would personally avoid the company Curtis Customs from what I've seen and those around me have experienced.

Other options to potentially look into is Mausingfield and Surgeon. I think Lone Peak has a .338LM option as well.

 

[bjay]

Curtis makes action with 338LM boltface?

 

[nexusfire]

Surgeon XL

 

[wkarma]

Oh I forgot to mention...the ability to buy a second bolt/replacement bolt head (as the action may require) so I could repurpose it to an edge or 33xc down the road would be nice.

 

[Terry Cross]

Properly spec'd Defiance runs excellent. Just have your builder do what is necessary to make sure your bolt body diameter is not too tight inside the receiver once complete.

I have built between 15 and 20 rifles in .300NM on them and all are running excellently. Krieger Extra Heavy Palma contour in 1-9" twist seems to be the shitz.

Short action Deviants will run just fine in PRS or other dirty conditions when same details are attended to.


./

 

[gnatmm]

Curtis makes action with 338LM boltface?

Yes they do. I am waiting on a build made by Keystone Accuracy based on a Curtis Axiom, Krieger 26” sitting on a Cadex chassis.

 

[Jowens]

BAT HR
Surgeon XL
Stiller Tac 338

In that order.

BAT will fit a standard R.E.M. 700 stock. The other two will not without modifying the inlet.

 

[Terry Cross]

Also have to add that the Badger M2013 magnum
has been really easy to build these on. Finished rifles are accurate and seem to run great.

 

[-Claybuster-]

AXMC

 

[Tony1320]

Properly spec'd Defiance runs excellent. Just have your builder do what is necessary to make sure your bolt body diameter is not too tight inside the receiver once complete.

I have built between 15 and 20 rifles in .300NM on them and all are running excellently. Krieger Extra Heavy Palma contour in 1-9" twist seems to be the shitz.

Short action Deviants will run just fine in PRS or other dirty conditions when same details are attended to.


./View attachment 6958635

Hi Terry, I think you told me before but I can't remember. What do you ask for when specing a Defiance properly and what do you tell your gunsmith. I'm going to be ordering my Defiance action soon. I got the stock on order a while ago but couldn't make up my mind with so many options on the Defiance

 

[jonthomps]

Deviant or Surgeon XL.

 

[Edds]

Maybe if enough people would ask Defiance to build a 1.40" diameter version of their Deviant Tactical action with 1.125" tenon threads, they would build one. They could make a standard length long action for the Norma cartridges and an XL version, like the XM version of their medium action, for the Lapua cartridges.

I have suggested it to them a couple of times but me wanting a quantity of one doesn't get them interested.

 

[lte82]

I have a 338 Norma on a Deviant with a .750 bolt and it runs and feeds great. I would also say the "binding in dust" thing is very overstated. With enough dust and the wrong lube you can make a surgeon action run slow.

 

[wkarma]

Thanks for the feedback, the Deviant seems like the easy choice, although the Curtis does still intrigue me for some reason. Terry, looking at the M2013 is what lead me to the Curtis, as it seems to do the 3-lug/60 degree thing better. Am I missing something?

 

[stalwart300]

I just bought a mausingfield auction off the exchange hoping to have it chambered in a300 norma. Still haven't spoken to any smiths about it... I've seen back and forth on having a mausingfield changed in 338lm. Any experience?

 

[b6graham]

I just bought a mausingfield auction off the exchange hoping to have it chambered in a300 norma. Still haven't spoken to any smiths about it... I've seen back and forth on having a mausingfield changed in 338lm. Any experience?

well the 300/338 norma boltface is an option directly from ARC. they probably dont list LM because they assume mag fed but maybe someone with more experience will chime in.

 

[jetmd]

The Badger 2013 will work just fine.

I know 3 rifles have already been built in this action/caliber combination.

I am not sure on current availability of
The actions.

Best to call Badger Ordnance and ask them directly.

 

[stalwart300]

I bought a mausingfield long action off the exchange for the purpose of having a self 300nm. First is axmc which is very heavy. The mausingfield will be the lighter field rifle. As far as using a mausingfield for a 300 norma the are several out there using it...fb group 300nm several have pictures and shot groups displayed.

 

[roamin]

*300 PRC* Action Recommendations.

FIFY

 

[wkarma]

After doing a ton of reading and considering cost/availability, I settled on a Curtis Axiom as the basis for this build. This will be the first 300NM my smith has done, so now I 'm looking for recommendations on reamers and freebore. I see PTG has 3 different reamers listed, but they don't really explain the differences.

Tube will be a 30in finished, 1:9, in a heavy target contour. Plan to shoot the 215/230 hybrids. XLR chassis with their CIP length mags which allow for 3.750 COAL.

Thanks for the help!

 

[moosemeat]

First suggestion is dont use PT&G. Use someone else.

 

[b6graham]

First suggestion is dont use PT&G. Use someone else.

Manson or JGS

 

[wkarma]

Noted. Any specifics on throat length for the 230s or just use the normal reamer?

 

[b6graham]

Noted. Any specifics on throat length for the 230s or just use the normal reamer?

I'd look awfully hard at the 215 instead if the 230.

Havent shot either. But theres a reason they chose the 215

 

[Barney88PDC]

Another vote for the Surgeon XL. I have a Surgeon built rifle and it shoots the 215 Bergers EXTREMELY well. It's one if the most accurate rifles / barrels I've ever owned. Running them at 3045fps.

 

[Ian A. Kelbly]

If you are wanting to run the 300NM in a Long Action Remington 700 footprint, we have the New Long Atlas Tactical 338LM, features a 20 MOA Picatinny and Sako Extractor with a TG Mechanical Ejector. It works great and is only $1099. We also offer our .338LM Panda with an integral 35 MOA Picatinny and recoil lug for $1500.

 

[wkarma]

Ian,

Thanks for the heads up, but I just ordered the Curtis last week! I didn't realize you were offering that combo now.

 

[Ian A. Kelbly]

Ian,

Thanks for the heads up, but I just ordered the Curtis last week! I didn't realize you were offering that combo now.

We are getting them out to dealers now and going to do a video on them soon. We had them down at the Precision Rifle Expo for some real world testing and they are the nicest feeding action we have. It feeds like butter!