Combo hunting/range action suggestions

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Minuteman
Feb 17, 2017
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#1
Fellas. Looking for some help. Far from an expert and I've read alot of reviews, just making sure there is nothing I'm missing

I'm building a range/hunting rig, would like to start shooting some local matches for fun, but also want a lightweight/long range rifle for high country muley hunts.

I had surgeon 591r on a .308, but would like to try out some other actions for a new 6.5cm build, just to see what's out there. I'm looking at:
Defiant Deviant Hunter
Impact
or, ARC Nucleas

It will be paired with a proof CF. Weight and durability are my two primary concerns. As are availability (even used/resale) and price. I know I cant go wrong with any of those options. The Hunter is the lightest, the Impact reviews seem say it has a reputation for being being able to handle dirt/dust/rain/ice, etc and function flawlessly (not to say the others cant), and the nucleas seems to be the most budget friendly of the 3, but I cant find an any reviews on how it would handle the more extreme environments on a hunt.
 
#3
Trying to build a rifle that will do matches and hunting is going to result in a rifle that does neither well. Weight is your friend on a match rifle (especially in 6.5), and you don’t want to drag a 15+lbs rifle around hunting in most scenarios.

I’d either accept this fact and build two rifles, or build one with both a heavy contour match barrel as well as a proof carbon barrel. The latter would kill two birds with one stone because you don’t want to be burning up $900 barrel blanks, just like you don’t want a light rifle for matches. Stock and optic choice will be paramount going this route, and again, you’re going to make sacrifices where it may not lend itself as well to one task or even both.
 
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#4
To clarify, I'm not looking to build a rifle designed specifically for matches. If I shoot any, it will be just for fun. Sacrifising a ton of weight in order to have a more well suited match rifle isnt something I plan to do.

I'd like to stick to 10-12lbs with optics (planning on the S&B 3-20 ultra short). I had an AIAX chassis, surgeon/bartlien heavy barrel, and a 6-24 optic and it was simply too heavy for my taste.

I realize everything is a compromise/trade off, and a one-sized fits all rifle is a myth. If I can get somewhere in the middle of a standard PRS build and a ultra lightweight hunter, I'll be happy.i dont mind carrying a little extra weight if it translates to a better range rifle, but 18lbs or whatever that AI weighed was just too much.
 
#6
10-12lbs is a very acceptable weight, that’s actually what I prefer for a hunting rifle. Ultra light rifles aren’t anywhere near as forgiving when it comes time to take a shot. I’d say what you’re looking for isn’t difficult and you don’t have to be nearly as picky with chassis to do that. You should be able to run a rem varmint or medium Palma barrel and stay in that ball park. No need for a CF barrel to do that.
 
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#7
Already ordered the proof...had a chance for a big discount on one and couldn't let it pass.

Thanks for the QC on the weight. Glad to know I'm in the ballpark of 'acceptable' for an all around hunter/range rifle.

Does anyone know if the nucleas compares to impact in terms of its ability to function well in all environments. That was the one knock that I found in reviews on the defiance was that some felt it didnt handle dirty and dust as reliably as the Impact.
 
#8
Heat_PCB said:
To clarify, I'm not looking to build a rifle designed specifically for matches. If I shoot any, it will be just for fun. Sacrifising a ton of weight in order to have a more well suited match rifle isnt something I plan to do.

I'd like to stick to 10-12lbs with optics (planning on the S&B 3-20 ultra short). I had an AIAX chassis, surgeon/bartlien heavy barrel, and a 6-24 optic and it was simply too heavy for my taste.

I realize everything is a compromise/trade off, and a one-sized fits all rifle is a myth. If I can get somewhere in the middle of a standard PRS build and a ultra lightweight hunter, I'll be happy.i dont mind carrying a little extra weight if it translates to a better range rifle, but 18lbs or whatever that AI weighed was just too much.
Click to expand...

It's doable. My "do it all" rifle weighs 12lb 8oz with optics and bipod. It's a Stiller Tac30 with a 22" Proof CF sendero contour in a Manners Prs2 with barricade mini chassis. Weight includes the RRS dovetail for the mini chassis, Atlas CAL with RRS BTC Pro, and a 5rd mag. Cutting out the mini chassis and RRS dovetail would shave about 9-11ounces and without the adjustable cheek piece probably shave even more weight.

I don't mind shooting it and dragging it around how it is (6.5cm) but eventually I'll get another Manners without the Mini chassis to cut back on the weight.
 
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#10
Still waiting on the nucleus I ordered in February. Big Horn said origins should be 6-8 weeks out if ordered now (last time I checked). Not sure what timeframe you're on.

Savage thread pattern is a huge plus for me. Being able to buy savage prefits or shouldered without sending the action in is nice. As far as track record, nucleus is still new but there's some reports of light strikes with the stock spring (see recent thread). Origin has a lot of carry over from the TL3. TL3 and impact both seem to have stacks of rave reviews. Find a shop or someone local with one at a match and get a feel for what you like.

Another thing to consider is if you ever plan on changing calibers, replacement bolt faces run sub $200, replacement bolts for the impact run $450. Comes down to how you want to use it and what you want to spend.
 
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#11
I had kinda the same idea, just finished it. Wanted a lightweight hunting rig, and switch barrel capability to practice with the rifle in the off season (without burning up the proof barrel), and if I wanted to shoot a local match or something I'd be able to. Went with carbon 28 Nosler and then for my range/practice barrel I decided on a heavy steel 6.5x55 swede. Will give a little better performance than 6.5 creed since I wont be limited by mag length, should be pretty easy on the barrel, and it's about the cheapest cartridge out there for Lapua brass.

I settled on the Big Horn TL3 for the action. Every one of their actions head space the same, so many reputable smith's make shouldered prefits they can ship to your door and you just torque it on. It also uses savage threads, so if you wanted an even quicker "to get in your hands" and cheaper option for a barrel you could get a savage prefit and use a barrel nut. Floating bolt head of the Bighorn means I just have to change it to go between rounds, the standard bolt head was $125.

Went with Manners EH1 (non adjustable to save that 1lb) with CIP length mini chasis, trigger tech special, proof 26", Vortex AMG and ARC rings. As its sitting right here with empty mag its 10.2 lbs.
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#12
There are a few TL3s that are for sale on the hire for $1100 or so, open box.

I read up on the TL3 too and seems it is one of the smoother actions, but tolenraces arent so tight thay it can bind in the blowing dust/dirt. Mau be another option to add to my list. Have you had a similar experience with it?

I need to do some research on mil/Leo discounts direct from the manufacturer, that will most likely be the deciding factor if I cant find a clear cut choice simply reading reviews.
 
#13
I'll throw my hat in for the Bighorn. They also have Mil/Leo pricing for the TL3/SR3.

My buddy has a TL3 and I have an Origin. Can't go wrong with either but I like the Origin a tad more. The savage small shank threads and cheaper swappable bolt heads are a huge plus in my book with all the pre fit options, shouldered and barrel nut. Right now, X-caliber has their pre-fits 25% for a little longer so that may be worth checking out. I just payed $288 for mine with muzzle threads and may order more just for fun on their black friday sale.

Proof also makes pre fits for savage small shank too.
 
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#14
Remington 700 5r.
Leave the bdl bottom metal in place. If you want a lighter trigger put in a Timney 510. Buy direct mounts for your scope. Now you have a medium weight rifle that will shoot with the best of them and will cost you less than half of any custom build. Now I will come forward and say that I don’t have a 6.5 creedmoor 5r but I have two .308 5r Remington’s that are great rifles that will shoot 1/2” with match ammo.
 
#16
Heat_PCB said:
There are a few TL3s that are for sale on the hire for $1100 or so, open box.

I read up on the TL3 too and seems it is one of the smoother actions, but tolenraces arent so tight thay it can bind in the blowing dust/dirt. Mau be another option to add to my list. Have you had a similar experience with it?

I need to do some research on mil/Leo discounts direct from the manufacturer, that will most likely be the deciding factor if I cant find a clear cut choice simply reading reviews.
Click to expand...

TL3’s are badass, and I love mine. Now that the origin is out, it’s probably a little hard to justify the price of a TL3 with your application though. You might actually appreciate the swept handle of the origin for a hunting gun. They seem to run identically.
 
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#17
Bandit31 said:
I'll throw my hat in for the Bighorn. They also have Mil/Leo pricing for the TL3/SR3.

My buddy has a TL3 and I have an Origin. Can't go wrong with either but I like the Origin a tad more. The savage small shank threads and cheaper swappable bolt heads are a huge plus in my book with all the pre fit options, shouldered and barrel nut. Right now, X-caliber has their pre-fits 25% for a little longer so that may be worth checking out. I just payed $288 for mine with muzzle threads and may order more just for fun on their black friday sale.

Proof also makes pre fits for savage small shank too.
Click to expand...


The bolt heads for TL3 and Origin cost the exact same, and the TL3 is Savage small shank also. Tl3 has integral recoil lug, origin has pinned. That's probably the biggest difference between the 2. Just takes a lot more machining and a much larger piece of bar stock to make an action with an integral recoil lug, that is a huge chunk of that price difference.

Another big plus for Bighorn, their customer service is unmatched in my opinion.
 
#18
jda2631 said:
The bolt heads for TL3 and Origin cost the exact same, and the TL3 is Savage small shank also. Tl3 has integral recoil lug, origin has pinned. That's probably the biggest difference between the 2. Just takes a lot more machining and a much larger piece of bar stock to make an action with an integral recoil lug, that is a huge chunk of that price difference.

Another big plus for Bighorn, their customer service is unmatched in my opinion.
Click to expand...


I'm aware that the TL3/SR3 and Origin share bolt heads and all have savage small shank threads and the other notable differences between the two. As I said, I have experience with both and currently own the Origin because I preferred it over the TL3.

I was referencing the features of the Bighorn or why I prefer them vs other actions where they either have tenon thread specs that aren't available on off the shelf pre-fits, which are a hot desire for most people now or an additional bolt/head cost considerably more than the Bighorns.
 
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#19
Well, heck. I started out with 3 seperate options and now I'm leaning towards the TL3 which wasnt even in my original 3. Guess that's why this forum is so great.

The tolerances on the TL3 seem to be better suited for a hunting rig in its ability to handle dirt and dust. Combine that with a factor mil/Leo discount and a reputation for quality customer service and the smoothest bolt lift around, I think im sold. Thanks fellas for the inputs.
 
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#20
Only thing I'll point out, and it may not be relevant to you, is the Bighorn's don't work well with Timney triggers. But that's about it in the "negatives" department from me. But if you weren't planning on a Timney then it's no issue at all.
 
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#21
I've got a triggertech sitting in the safe, but thanks for the heads-up! Had the Timney calvin elite previously, just wanted to try something new.
 
#24
jda2631 said:
Only thing I'll point out, and it may not be relevant to you, is the Bighorn's don't work well with Timney triggers. But that's about it in the "negatives" department from me. But if you weren't planning on a Timney then it's no issue at all.
Click to expand...

I have both for a rifle I am putting together, What kind of problems are there?
 
#25
aBetterTomorrow said:
I have both for a rifle I am putting together, What kind of problems are there?
Click to expand...

I don't remember what exactly was going on, but it was causing very light primer strikes that wouldn't ignite the powder. I talked to bighorn about it and they knew exactly what the issue was when I mentioned light primer strikes and CE trigger. They had a solution to fix it. And I tried it, I shipped just my bolt to them. They did the work and shipped back to me, from the day I mailed to the day it was back in my hands was 6 days.

I was still getting a few light strikes so I ditched it for a trigger tech, no issues since.
 
#26
jda2631 said:
I don't remember what exactly was going on, but it was causing very light primer strikes that wouldn't ignite the powder. I talked to bighorn about it and they knew exactly what the issue was when I mentioned light primer strikes and CE trigger. They had a solution to fix it. And I tried it, I shipped just my bolt to them. They did the work and shipped back to me, from the day I mailed to the day it was back in my hands was 6 days.

I was still getting a few light strikes so I ditched it for a trigger tech, no issues since.
Click to expand...
When's TT gonna make a 2 stage sigh
 
#28
I think it all depends on what constitutes "hunting."

If all you're doing is walking a few hundred yards to a tree stand or calling in some predators, then a moderately heavy barrel and stock may not be a big hindrance. Indeed, such attributes may be preferred for certain types of hunts.

If you're walking up and down the mountains of Alaska looking for sheep, or hauling butt through the Adirondacks looking for whitetail, anything much beyond 9lbs for a rifle is too much. Anyone who would tell you otherwise more than likely hasn't been on one of those hunts.
 
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#31
jda2631 said:
I don't remember what exactly was going on, but it was causing very light primer strikes that wouldn't ignite the powder. I talked to bighorn about it and they knew exactly what the issue was when I mentioned light primer strikes and CE trigger. They had a solution to fix it. And I tried it, I shipped just my bolt to them. They did the work and shipped back to me, from the day I mailed to the day it was back in my hands was 6 days.

I was still getting a few light strikes so I ditched it for a trigger tech, no issues since.
Click to expand...

The CE single stage in my Mausingfield sucked. It caused a heavy bolt lift and to adjust the sear to get the creep out the safety wouldn't engage.

TT Diamond pro is so far ahead of anything else it's ridiculous and all other problems I had were solved immediately. Man I love that trigger!
 
#32
lf there is any sort of budget limitations, the tikka receiver has many of the things people look for in a custom receiver and are as slick as owl $hit to boot. also has a great trigger that doesnt need to be replaced.
 
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