Action questions for a new 30 cal build

[jb1023]

So I'm looking at piecing together a new LR rifle. I am looking at building something such as a 30 Nosler, 300 Norma, 300 WM, 300 PRC. The purpose of this thread however is not about which caliber but rather which action. My question is 3 parts but depending on the answer to part 1 part 2 and 3 might be irrelevant.

1. I know the Tikka T3 action does not come in a .580 bolt face so the 30 Nosler is out. I also know the T3 action is rather short but is it long enough to run the other cartridges listed at their optimal length for bullets such as the Berger 215/225, 3.7" is the number I have in my head but not sure if that is truly optimal or just something I am confusing with something else? I know an aftermarket DBM would also be needed and is in the budget.

2. I love the Tikka action but if that is not an option for this project, what action should I go with? I'm not a fan of the Remington, Savage or Howa as they just don't feel as smooth as a Tikka, IMO. Maybe with some work they can be? If they can be improved from stock, how much are we talking to get them there?

3. What custom actions would be a good choice? I've never operated any custom action so I have no experience here. I would like to keep the action under $1k if possible. The Curtis Axiom is an option but are their others?

 

[Bandit31]

1. 300 Norma is a LM bolt face. 30 Nosler is .540 +/-.

You will not be able to mag feed any of those outside of 3.600" in a Tikka and that requires modification to your action. Aside from the one from Tikka performance that allows the 3.6ish coal, the majority of Tikka long action DBM's only allow 3.500".

Could also consider 300wsm in the Tikka. Being able to load long in the Tikka and paired with some of the Alliant powders, I think it'd be plenty competitive.

2. I wouldn't build a Norma on a 700 action. Nor would I go out of my way to build on one for anything else at this point with all the great options out.

3. Kelbly Atlas, Stiller Tac, Defiance tenacity and Arc nucleus are all in your price range.

 

[ChadL]

I know you said this isn’t a cartridge specific thread, but you may want to get your cartridge choice narrowed down. I say that because depending on which cartridge you choose it could have an impact on which action(s) you look at. 300 Norma for example requires a lapua mag bolt face and therefore actions like the arc nucleus and bighorn tl3 are out as that bolt face is not available on those actions.

 

[jb1023]

1. 300 Norma is a LM bolt face. 30 Nosler is .540 +/-.

You are absolutely correct, and I knew that I just mistakenly interchanged them. Thank you for pointing it out though cause I did not catch it.

I'm just not sure the WSM has quite the capacity that I am looking for. I want to get a 215 to 3100. The reason for this is due to JBM calculations of supersonic distances.

 

[Bandit31]

I want to get a 215 to 3100

That's going to be a stretch for all but the 300 Norma.

 

[b6graham]

300 Norma or 300 PRC

pick a boltface

but...even then your expectations are pretty lofty

 

[jb1023]

I only even started looking at the 30cal after watching a Broz vid on his 300WM vs 30 Nosler. He was getting 3100 with both. Obviously they were both warm loads and no guarantee my rifle would match but at least shows it can be done. Essentially I am looking for 2k cartridge. If 3100 with a 30 cal is so uncommon I will go back to looking at a 338 of some flavor.

 

[WeiserBucks]

300 Norma will absolutely send a 215 over 3100 , mine got them to 3200 with RE 33 in a 26" barrel. Peterson brass is your friend.

 

[aard3]

I went with an ARC Nucleus LA. LRI is just finishing chambering it up in 300WM... the action is $1k