PRS Talk Another PRS Build Question

[HogsLife]

Well I mulling over building a rifle for PRS next year and going back and forth on a couple things. So far this is what I’m going for,

Action : Defiance Deviant Tactical .308 BF
Brake : APA Little Bastard
Barrel : Hawk Hill Customs / Bartlien Marksman contour 26” in either a 6mm or 6.5, or Proof CF in 6mm
Chassis : AICSAX

I was planning on a 6.5x47 Lapua due to the fact that I already have all the brass, dies etc. if I go this route I’d definitely be going with a Hawk Hill Customs or Bartlein in a Marksman Contour 1:8 26” finished length the APA Little Bastard Brake.

Here’s my issue, if I decide to go with a 6mm (6x47), could I run with a 26” Proof CF Barrel with the Brake? I like the idea of the maneuverability of a lighter rifle. Is the 6mm recoiling enough with a brake to really warrant the heavier contour S.S. steel barrel for recoil management?

What do you guys think? Anybody running a Proof CF on a 6mm for PRS? Thoughts on caliber and barrel?

Thanks guys

 

[jordan0317]

I would stick with a heavier contour steel barrel if its gonna be a match rifle solely. More weight, more stable, less recoil, mo bettah. 6.5x47 is solid and will always be on one of my rifles for matches. Having a BR spun up to use at certain places that are more heavily weighted towards the positional side of the house and because I really like the BR, and it's on an mtu contour barrel, because, fuck recoil haha

 

[HogsLife]

I would stick with a heavier contour steel barrel if its gonna be a match rifle solely. More weight, more stable, less recoil, mo bettah. 6.5x47 is solid and will always be on one of my rifles for matches. Having a BR spun up to use at certain places that are more heavily weighted towards the positional side of the house and because I really like the BR, and it's on an mtu contour barrel, because, fuck recoil haha

Haha! Yeah man I dug my 6.5x47. Wish I hadn’t sold it. Surgeon 591 with a braked 30” Krieger on an AX. Fuck recoils right! Lol. Thing hammered and recoiled like a BB gun.

Im leaning towards the 6.5 because I have everything I need already to start pumping rounds out. Never ran a 6mm but it seems pretty popular in the PRS game and now I’m kicking it around a little bit.

 

[Alpine 338]

My concern would be a barrel burner cartridge (6mm) in a high cost CF barrel. But if you have the funds, go for it.

 

[HogsLife]

My concern would be a barrel burner cartridge (6mm) in a high cost CF barrel. But if you have the funds, go for it.

Yeah thats a good point. $800 barrel plus gun smithing fees every 1k rounds is a no go for me. Think I’ll roll with a 6.5 x 47 and the S.S. Barrel.

 

[Colt1776]

I ran a 6.5 Creedmoor all this year in a 20ish pound rifle and it worked quite well depending on what I was shooting on sometimes it was hard to see my misses. Weight is your friend when it comes to being able to spot your hits and misses because a lot of the times you are shooting two to three rounds a target and if you can’t see your misses it can get frustrating to see what you need to do to correct. For next year I am going to be running a 6BR so I can better see my misses and hits and still have really good barrel life around 3000 rounds I’ve heard so we shall see what I can get out it. I would definitely look at using a heavy barrel contour not only for three added weight but the cost savings per blank.

 

[HogsLife]

I struggled with this same question. I made a compromise and made two rifles! One with a CF barrel for hunting and one with a steel barrel for PRS.

This is the route I’m gonna go. Gonna build my 7mm Mag with CF Barrel for hunting and the Heavy Palma for the comp gun.

 

[kthomas]

Well I mulling over building a rifle for PRS next year and going back and forth on a couple things. So far this is what I’m going for,

Action : Defiance Deviant Tactical .308 BF
Brake : APA Little Bastard
Barrel : Hawk Hill Customs / Bartlien Marksman contour 26” in either a 6mm or 6.5, or Proof CF in 6mm
Chassis : AICSAX

I was planning on a 6.5x47 Lapua due to the fact that I already have all the brass, dies etc. if I go this route I’d definitely be going with a Hawk Hill Customs or Bartlein in a Marksman Contour 1:8 26” finished length the APA Little Bastard Brake.

Here’s my issue, if I decide to go with a 6mm (6x47), could I run with a 26” Proof CF Barrel with the Brake? I like the idea of the maneuverability of a lighter rifle. Is the 6mm recoiling enough with a brake to really warrant the heavier contour S.S. steel barrel for recoil management?

What do you guys think? Anybody running a Proof CF on a 6mm for PRS? Thoughts on caliber and barrel?

Thanks guys

My critiques/suggestions:

Action: Defiances are pretty decent, I own two of them. One of them has been very unreliable in dusty conditions, the other is an ELR rig and doesn't spend as much time exposed to adverse conditions as my PRS rifle, so in all fairness I can't yet speak to it's reliability. I changed out the Defiance on my PRS rifle to a Mausingfield, and couldn't be happier. I would also suggest looking at Lone Peak Fuzion or Impact. If you do stick with the Defiance, I would recommend getting the rails polished (pre-application of coating) with a DLC finish.

Brake: Insite Heathen is my suggestion. Although the APA is good at mitigating recoil, it sends a lot of concussion to the shooter. Also, it requires a wrench to tighten, better carry a crescent wrench if it comes loose during a match. Not fun to have it come loose during a match and not having a wrench to tighten it. Ask me how I know. The Insite is just as good for recoil mitigation, a lot less obnoxious for the shooter, and doesn't require a wrench. I replaced my APA little bastard with an Insite Heathen - I don't miss the APA at all.

Barrel: Good brands, but I would suggest a heavier contour. I tried the Marksmen contour for a season, didn't like it. Heavier contours balance out the rifle much better on barricades, and you can make the argument that they reduce recoil (may or may not really be noticeable). I use MTU (6.5 creedmoor) and Heavy Varmint (6BRA) contour barrels on my PRS rifle.

Chassis: AI's are pretty unergonomic, IMO. Fits most people OK, but not an excellent or best fit for most. I have two JAE's and absolutely love them (PRS & ELR rigs have them). By far the comfiest chassis I have been behind, and I've been behind most of the popular ones. Great customer service, astounding quality, and they are always coming out with new and innovative accessories. They are pricey though. Other worthwhile options to explore would be MPA, KRG, Foundation andMDT (their new chassis looks pretty nice - wasn't a fan of their previous products).

Cartridge: Nothing wrong with the 6.5x47. If you are already setup for it, then I would stick with it. The differences between a 6mm and 6.5mm are not big enough to justify a jump to a 6mm IMO. You can always get a 6mm barrel for you rifle later on down the road anyways if you do decide to try a different caliber. I have both a 6.5 Creedmoor and a 6BRA barrel for my PRS rifle, and would feel equally as capable at a match with either.

Triggers: You didn't ask, but I would suggest BixnAndy TacSport for a two stage, and for single stage the trigger techs are really nice. My PRS rifle went from a single stage TT to a 2 stage TacSport, and I like 2 stage (and the tacsport) trigger more. A lot more trigger control with a 2 stage trigger.

 

[Colt1776]

This is the route I’m gonna go. Gonna build my 7mm Mag with CF Barrel for hunting and the Heavy Palma for the comp gun.

Good idea! There is not a perfect one rifle that can do both haha my buddy and my brother both have light weight 7mm Mags that they use for hunting and both have taken elk out to 700 yards no problem. My comp gun and my buddies are both MTU contours which helps balence the gun overall as well as add a little weight which is nice for the 6.5 Creedmoors.

 

[Greene]

Well I mulling over building a rifle for PRS next year and going back and forth on a couple things. So far this is what I’m going for,

Action : Defiance Deviant Tactical .308 BF
Brake : APA Little Bastard
Barrel : Hawk Hill Customs / Bartlien Marksman contour 26” in either a 6mm or 6.5, or Proof CF in 6mm
Chassis : AICSAX

I was planning on a 6.5x47 Lapua due to the fact that I already have all the brass, dies etc. if I go this route I’d definitely be going with a Hawk Hill Customs or Bartlein in a Marksman Contour 1:8 26” finished length the APA Little Bastard Brake.

Here’s my issue, if I decide to go with a 6mm (6x47), could I run with a 26” Proof CF Barrel with the Brake? I like the idea of the maneuverability of a lighter rifle. Is the 6mm recoiling enough with a brake to really warrant the heavier contour S.S. steel barrel for recoil management?

What do you guys think? Anybody running a Proof CF on a 6mm for PRS? Thoughts on caliber and barrel?

Thanks guys

Actions: Defiance Deviant Ion bond or Impact.

Barrel: I'm with others I personally don't like the CF for match setup. Good steel Marksman contour will work great.

Caliber: 6.5x47 is a fantastic round.... Proven consistency..

Brake: I run suppressed these days. I have an APA Lil B', good break but you do get some blast from it. My buddy just put an Insite arms on his 6.5 creed and its a nice balance.

Triggers: I have ran the Bix Tac Sport single stage all season for 2018 and really like it. I'm not a 2 stage fan, I tend to pull thru second stage sometimes. But that's personal preference.

 

[HogsLife]

My critiques/suggestions:

Action: Defiances are pretty decent, I own two of them. One of them has been very unreliable in dusty conditions, the other is an ELR rig and doesn't spend as much time exposed to adverse conditions as my PRS rifle, so in all fairness I can't yet speak to it's reliability. I changed out the Defiance on my PRS rifle to a Mausingfield, and couldn't be happier. I would also suggest looking at Lone Peak Fuzion or Impact. If you do stick with the Defiance, I would recommend getting the rails polished (pre-application of coating) with a DLC finish.

Brake: Insite Heathen is my suggestion. Although the APA is good at mitigating recoil, it sends a lot of concussion to the shooter. Also, it requires a wrench to tighten, better carry a crescent wrench if it comes loose during a match. Not fun to have it come loose during a match and not having a wrench to tighten it. Ask me how I know. The Insite is just as good for recoil mitigation, a lot less obnoxious for the shooter, and doesn't require a wrench. I replaced my APA little bastard with an Insite Heathen - I don't miss the APA at all.

Barrel: Good brands, but I would suggest a heavier contour. I tried the Marksmen contour for a season, didn't like it. Heavier contours balance out the rifle much better on barricades, and you can make the argument that they reduce recoil (may or may not really be noticeable). I use MTU (6.5 creedmoor) and Heavy Varmint (6BRA) contour barrels on my PRS rifle.

Chassis: AI's are pretty unergonomic, IMO. Fits most people OK, but not an excellent or best fit for most. I have two JAE's and absolutely love them (PRS & ELR rigs have them). By far the comfiest chassis I have been behind, and I've been behind most of the popular ones. Great customer service, astounding quality, and they are always coming out with new and innovative accessories. They are pricey though. Other worthwhile options to explore would be MPA, KRG, Foundation andMDT (their new chassis looks pretty nice - wasn't a fan of their previous products).

Cartridge: Nothing wrong with the 6.5x47. If you are already setup for it, then I would stick with it. The differences between a 6mm and 6.5mm are not big enough to justify a jump to a 6mm IMO. You can always get a 6mm barrel for you rifle later on down the road anyways if you do decide to try a different caliber. I have both a 6.5 Creedmoor and a 6BRA barrel for my PRS rifle, and would feel equally as capable at a match with either.

Triggers: You didn't ask, but I would suggest BixnAndy TacSport for a two stage, and for single stage the trigger techs are really nice. My PRS rifle went from a single stage TT to a 2 stage TacSport, and I like 2 stage (and the tacsport) trigger more. A lot more trigger control with a 2 stage trigger.

Thank you for all the suggestions. Yeah, since I’ve made this post I’ve done some more research and have decided on either an Impact or a Fuzion action, probably an M24 Contour barrel @ 26”. I had an AIAX and liked it but I’ve really been eyeballing the MPA and Cadex Comp Lite Chasis. Trigger I was planning on a Tomney 510 but I’m gonna check out the Trigger Tech. I’ve never messed with a 2 stage. Good advice on the Heathen Brake.

Originally, when I was thinking of a CF Barrel, I thought there was a lot more “unsupported” positional shooting in PRS and I know from experience that can be a PITA with a 20lb front heavy rifle. I shot a few local matches that incorporated quite a bit of slinged unsupported positions and it was a bitch. I figured a CF Barrel in a 6mm would have been a good compromise but after hearing a lot of good adivise here, 26” M24 Contour it is!

 

[HogsLife]

Good idea! There is not a perfect one rifle that can do both haha my buddy and my brother both have light weight 7mm Mags that they use for hunting and both have taken elk out to 700 yards no problem. My comp gun and my buddies are both MTU contours which helps balence the gun overall as well as add a little weight which is nice for the 6.5 Creedmoors.

Originally I thought there was a lot more “unsupported” positional (sling) shooting in PRS, I know from experience that can be a huge PITA with a 20+ lb front heavy rifle. I shot a few local matches awhile back and had to deal with that. Everybody else was shooting unbraked 6mm in Medium Palma contours. I figured a braked 6mm with a CF Barrel would have been a good compromise but scratch that!! To much $$$ For expendibles and sounds like all the advise here is go with the heavys for barricades etc.

 

[Hollywood 6mm]

Originally I thought there was a lot more “unsupported” positional (sling) shooting in PRS, I know from experience that can be a huge PITA with a 20+ lb front heavy rifle. I shot a few local matches awhile back and had to deal with that. Everybody else was shooting unbraked 6mm in Medium Palma contours. I figured a braked 6mm with a CF Barrel would have been a good compromise but scratch that!! To much $$$ For expendibles and sounds like all the advise here is go with the heavys for barricades etc.

I've seen a few matches that have thrown in sling only (or given more points for sling only) for one stage of a match. If your rifle is balanced well, it's not hard to do even with a heavy PRS rig. My match rifle is just shy of 18# loaded, and I can shoot with it slung up just fine because the center of gravity is right at the recoil lug. It also helps on barricades, too. It's something worth practicing from time to time, but not anything I'd be overly worried about either.

 

[HogsLife]

Actions: Defiance Deviant Ion bond or Impact.

Barrel: I'm with others I personally don't like the CF for match setup. Good steel Marksman contour will work great.

Caliber: 6.5x47 is a fantastic round.... Proven consistency..

Brake: I run suppressed these days. I have an APA Lil B', good break but you do get some blast from it. My buddy just put an Insite arms on his 6.5 creed and its a nice balance.

Triggers: I have ran the Bix Tac Sport single stage all season for 2018 and really like it. I'm not a 2 stage fan, I tend to pull thru second stage sometimes. But that's personal preference.

Thank you man. Yeah I wish I could run suppressed but Commiefornia it’s a no go.

I’ve never played with a double stage trigger either, I’ve always been a single stage guy. Timney is what I’ve always used in the past but I’m gonna take your advise and check out the Bix Tac. That’s the 2nd time someone has brought up that trigger so it must be worth taking a look at. Yeah the Insite Arms Brake keeps coming up too. That’s another I’m gonna look at.

Appreciate your reply bro! Thanks for the advise ??

 

[Greene]

Thank you man. Yeah I wish I could run suppressed but Commiefornia it’s a no go.

I’ve never played with a double stage trigger either, I’ve always been a single stage guy. Timney is what I’ve always used in the past but I’m gonna take your advise and check out the Bix Tac. That’s the 2nd time someone has brought up that trigger so it must be worth taking a look at. Yeah the Insite Arms Brake keeps coming up too. That’s another I’m gonna look at.

Appreciate your reply bro! Thanks for the advise ??

Anytime. Idk your time frame. But I think OTM tactical was running a trigger sale

 

[Colt1776]

Originally I thought there was a lot more “unsupported” positional (sling) shooting in PRS, I know from experience that can be a huge PITA with a 20+ lb front heavy rifle. I shot a few local matches awhile back and had to deal with that. Everybody else was shooting unbraked 6mm in Medium Palma contours. I figured a braked 6mm with a CF Barrel would have been a good compromise but scratch that!! To much $$$ For expendibles and sounds like all the advise here is go with the heavys for barricades etc.

I’ve shot at one PRS 2 day match that they did a single sling stage and that was it out of the the 2 large 2 day shoots and 10 smaller club shoots that I’ve attended this year. Run a brake on a heavy barrel 6mm and you’ll be able to all your misses and hits. My rifle is an 6BR Impact action 26” Benchmark MTU barrel, Triggertech Diamond, Area 419 Hellfire brake, Vortex Gen 2 Razor, it weighs 21.8 lbs unloaded and it shoots like a B.B. gun.

 

[HogsLife]

I’ve shot at one PRS 2 day match that they did a single sling stage and that was it out of the the 2 large 2 day shoots and 10 smaller club shoots that I’ve attended this year. Run a brake on a heavy barrel 6mm and you’ll be able to all your misses and hits. My rifle is an 6BR Impact action 26” Benchmark MTU barrel, Triggertech Diamond, Area 419 Hellfire brake, Vortex Gen 2 Razor, it weighs 21.8 lbs unloaded and it shoots like a B.B. gun.

Nice bro! Sounds like a bitchin setup. Are you running a Chasis?

 

[Colt1776]

Nice bro! Sounds like a bitchin setup. Are you running a Chasis?

Yeah it’s a pretty sweet setup been running a KRG Bravo and it works great and is priced really well for an entry level chassis I’ve been running the ARCA rail which I can switch my bipod back and forth as well as run it on my tripod. I’ve got my first rifle a trued Remington 700 I’ve built in one as well.

 

[Rexwagon]

Send bullet central an email for a Bix n Andy trigger and see if they can do you a better price. Tell them you seen me on snipers hide.