First Build Questions: B14/Bravo - Mags, Bipod?

[apex32]

Building my first ever LR oriented rifle, which I will primarily use for hunting. I do want to take some LR intro courses and see where that goes mainly to develop a solid foundation and understanding.

So far here's what I have:
- Bergara B14 Ridge SP 18" 6.5CM
- KRG Bravo Chassis
- Talley 20 MOA Pic Rail
- Vortex Viper HD 3-15X with NF low rings

I'll be pulling my Omega 300 from another rifle to run on this when I use it, hence the 18". Hunting will be probably 300yd and in on White Tail.

Curious what mags to go with, and if the magpul bipod is a decent option? I will keep it off most of the time, I think and just utilize the stud in the KRG unless that is a bad idea. Can't seem to get good info on mags.

Anything else I am forgetting or should focus on? I plan to research rounds but planning to buy off the shelf for the foreseeable future. Appreciate any input

 

[TicTacTex]

I would avoid the magpul bipod. I have a few of them on AR’s and they’re okay for a lighter non-precision platform like an AR-15, but I would not use them on a heavier more precision-minded build.

Atlas, MDT, Accu-Tac, TBAC is where I would be looking. Atlas being the best bang for buck.

MDT makes great AICS mags, as well as Accurate mags.
Really the Magpul P-mags work great for what they are, if on more of a budget.

 

[Char'ed Cuterie]

That receiver is not cut/notched for anything longer than SAAMI, therefore, there's no need for anything fancy. I'd expect good funtion out of any of the following AICS magazines: Magpul, MDT Polymer, Amend 2. I'm sure there's more. I'd actively stay away from anything "Binderless" or anything that advertises you can load long COAL rounds - your receiver can't accept them.

I used the magpul bipod for a bit - the fast deploy is neat, but it "bounces" under recoil and when on uneven terrain, so I moved on shortly afterwards. I prefer adding an ARCA rail and using an Accu-Tac, tons of folks enjoy the Atlas CAL, the TBAC is popular now, and since you mentioned hunting, the MDT SkyePod has some unique capabilities that come along with a premium price tag.

For off-the-shelf ammo, check out Berger factory ammo. I've had fantastic luck with the 130, 140, and 153.5 grain offerings in factory rifles.

For other things to focus on: fastener torque. Some overwhelming percentage of issues with budget rifles is probably fasteners that were never torqued, or that backed off somehow. Pull the action screws, optic base, and scope rings, degrease all the threads, and then re-torque everything down to OEM recommendations and give yourself some witness marks that you can inspect before each range trip.

 

[apex32]

Thanks fellas - all good info and aligns with what I am finding. I have a lot to learn, appreciate it!