Help me with my first bolt action build (High End)

C

CascadeReigns

Private
Minuteman
Nov 6, 2023
5
6
Oregon
#1
Hi,

I recently got into a gun club where i have access to 200-600 yard ranges and id finally like to get into shooting a bolt action. I've mainly been a AR,AK, and pistol shooter. I just want to have one super nice 308 bolt action rifle. Since I have a SCAR17 I think another 308 would be nice. In terms of action, so far I'm liking the Defiance anti. What other companies should i be looking at for actions? What a good all-around length barrel I should get? i was thinking 18" or 20". In terms of chassis i have a buddy who has a barely used Accuracy International AICS 2.0 he's going to give me for a really good price. Do you guys have any recommendations for a website that does barreled actions built to order? Any other recommendations you guys have? Budget is on the higher side.

Noob question
Once i get a barreled action made all i have to do is drop it into a chassis?

Thanks
 
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#5
CascadeReigns said:
Hi,

I recently got into a gun club where i have access to 200-600 yard ranges and id finally like to get into shooting a bolt action. I've mainly been a AR,AK, and pistol shooter. I just want to have one super nice 308 bolt action rifle. Since I have a SCAR17 I think another 308 would be nice. In terms of action, so far I'm liking the Defiance anti. What other companies should i be looking at for actions? What a good all-around length barrel I should get? i was thinking 18" or 20". In terms of chassis i have a buddy who has a barely used Accuracy International AICS 2.0 he's going to give me for a really good price. Do you guys have any recommendations for a website that does barreled actions built to order? Any other recommendations you guys have? Budget is on the higher side.

Noob question
Once i get a barreled action made all i have to do is drop it into a chassis?

Thanks
Click to expand...
You will need a trigger and a magazine
 
#7
Rocketvapor said:
200 to 600 for fun? or some type of competition?
What are your plans, once you get used to midrange?
Click to expand...

I want it to be a good all-around rifle. It's going to be my only one. For fun bench shooting, Competitions eventually, and hunting. If I want longer distance then that I have to drive 2 or 3 hours but once i get better I'd like to shoot those distances as well. Extreme for first bolt action, but if I'm going to just have one I don't mind splurging on the good stuff even though I don't need it.

If I'm just going to be using it with AICS magazines would BDL be fine? Since i wont be using AW mags no need for DBM cut right? I ask because this site has a black nitride BDL in stock.
 
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#9
CascadeReigns said:
I want it to be a good all-around rifle. It's going to be my only one. For fun bench shooting, Competitions eventually, and hunting. If I want longer distance then that I have to drive 2 or 3 hours but once i get better I'd like to shoot those distances as well. Extreme for first bolt action, but if I'm going to just have one I don't mind splurging on the good stuff even though I don't need it.

If I'm just going to be using it with AICS magazines would BDL be fine? Since i wont be using AW mags no need for DBM cut right? I ask because this site has a black nitride BDL in stock.
Click to expand...
Can't tell you how many start with "this be my only one" and end up with six full size gun safes stuffed full :ROFLMAO: I like the idea starting with the best (unlike me that justifies an entry level and then upgrades five times). My current toy is the Impact /Bartlein/Manners carbon fiber/Trigger Tech/ Spur/Night Force ATCAR and I absolutely love it!
 
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#11
Proof Research if you want Carbon Fiber, Bartlein if you want steel for the barrel. A triggertech trigger, and whatever action you want.

My recommendation would be to get a longer barrel unless you want a proof research pre-fit. More barrel = free velocity.
 
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#12
My next action will either be an Impact or a Kelbly

But if I starting brand new without any other custom rifle. I would just buy the new MPA offering with their MPA Elite / ARC CDG action.
It's almost a no brainer.
Either the barreled action option
masterpiecearms.com

MPA Elite Barreled Action - MasterPiece Arms, Inc.

The MPA Elite barreled action includes the MPA Elite Action, built by American Rifle Company (Coup de Grace Action) with an MPA Handlapped Hand Chambered Match Grade Barrel. They are available in a multitude of configurations, including with or without a trigger and in a black cerakote or...
masterpiecearms.com
or the full rifle
masterpiecearms.com

Matrix Pro PMR Rifle - MasterPiece Arms, Inc.

Masterpiece Arms builds World Class Rifles. We start with our industry leading Chassis System, utilize the Best Actions and Triggers produced, and our MPA/Spencer 416R Handlapped Barrels provide some the best shooting, most accurate rifles in existence. Designed, Built and Enhanced by Long Range...
masterpiecearms.com
 
#13
LuvDog said:
My next action will either be an Impact or a Kelbly

But if I starting brand new without any other custom rifle. I would just buy the new MPA offering with their MPA Elite / ARC CDG action.
It's almost a no brainer.
Either the barreled action option
masterpiecearms.com

MPA Elite Barreled Action - MasterPiece Arms, Inc.

The MPA Elite barreled action includes the MPA Elite Action, built by American Rifle Company (Coup de Grace Action) with an MPA Handlapped Hand Chambered Match Grade Barrel. They are available in a multitude of configurations, including with or without a trigger and in a black cerakote or...
masterpiecearms.com
or the full rifle
masterpiecearms.com

Matrix Pro PMR Rifle - MasterPiece Arms, Inc.

Masterpiece Arms builds World Class Rifles. We start with our industry leading Chassis System, utilize the Best Actions and Triggers produced, and our MPA/Spencer 416R Handlapped Barrels provide some the best shooting, most accurate rifles in existence. Designed, Built and Enhanced by Long Range...
masterpiecearms.com
Click to expand...

So i pulled the Trigger on a Defiance Classic black nitride action, 22 inch ACE barrel 3B contour (ordered barreled action from JAoutdoors). I Just picked up a NightForce NX8 4-32x F1 MIL XT first focal plane (10% off black Friday deal) and triggertech diamond flat trigger. And ill drop this into an AICS chassis that my friend pretty much gave to me. He doesn't use it at all. Pretty insane first bolt action. Really excited.
 
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#14
I suggest for those closer distances to get a 223 instead but get a faster twist barrel, perhaps a 7.5 twist for the longer bullets with the higher BC's. The trick is to shoot the heavier bullets from 75gr on up to 88gr. 80gr is a sweet spot.
These are a joy to shoot and self spotting is easy.

Or go 6.5 Creed if you don't reload and plan on doing comps later on.

I fully admit I have no love for 308 at all, so there you go.

If you reload there are some awesome cartridges to be had that offer even greater attributes.
 
#15
steve123 said:
I suggest for those closer distances to get a 223 instead but get a faster twist barrel, perhaps a 7.5 twist for the longer bullets with the higher BC's. The trick is to shoot the heavier bullets from 75gr on up to 88gr. 80gr is a sweet spot.
These are a joy to shoot and self spotting is easy.

Or go 6.5 Creed if you don't reload and plan on doing comps later on.

I fully admit I have no love for 308 at all, so there you go.

If you reload there are some awesome cartridges to be had that offer even greater attributes.
Click to expand...

I plan on reloading later on. I will probably throw a 6.5 creed barrel on this build when I need a new barrel. I have a bunch of 308 I stocked up over the years because of my SCAR. One of the reasons i went with 308 for now.

Once tax returns hit i may put together another one to be honest. :ROFLMAO: I like your idea for 223
 
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#19
CascadeReigns said:
I want it to be a good all-around rifle. It's going to be my only one. For fun bench shooting, Competitions eventually, and hunting. If I want longer distance then that I have to drive 2 or 3 hours but once i get better I'd like to shoot those distances as well. Extreme for first bolt action, but if I'm going to just have one I don't mind splurging on the good stuff even though I don't need it.

If I'm just going to be using it with AICS magazines would BDL be fine? Since i wont be using AW mags no need for DBM cut right? I ask because this site has a black nitride BDL in stock.
Click to expand...
You want a tac ops.

IMG_5764.jpeg

IMG_5820.jpeg
 
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#22
I'd also check out the Solus. Best deal going right now, unfortunately just available with the m24 profile at the moment. Could do the action and build out the rest though.

Or just get a 6.5 which is what I'd do. I don't have much interest in shooting 308 after getting into 6 and 6.5 rounds...
 
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