Help with new rifle $3k budget.

[dchi]

I just sold my custom 6.5cm built ~2016. I didn't want to sell it but I was made an offer I couldn't refuse. I don't know what's great these days in precision rifle. So I can spend a max $3000 for rifle, stock/chassis, dies and tools if needed.
I kept my Razor 4x27, badger mount and rings. I do reload.
I do not compete in PRS but have shot competition for close to 25 years at a high level. Mostly action pistol and multigun.
1. What cartridge? I want something that kicks less than a 6.5cm, efficient, easy to load not picky, can get to 1100 yards but this not likely to get used past 1000. Have factory ammo available or brass that is easy to find and doesn't cost a lot, last decent barrel life (2500 rounds?). 6GT ?
2. What action or complete rifle? I want something smooth and fast. Light bolt lift, effortless feeding and cycling. I do not have access to a lathe so the barrel has to go on with vise and action wrench, gauges, if buying action only. Would like to use unmodified AICS type mags. It doesnt need to be the best action, just something that pretty good, popular and has a good reputation.
3. Stock/chassis I like the looks of a stock, had the manners T4A and liked it, but I've shot ARs so long now maybe a chassis would be better for me. I like the ideal of adding weight to it when I wanted also. I'm not sure on the weight yet, maybe 12-18lbs without optic.
4. Barrel 24-26" M24 profile I guess. .5 moa consistently 5 shots. I know this depends on shooter load and conditions. Didn't know how to ask but I can shoot 1/2" at 100 from the bench without too much effort with the right rifle and loads. Finding the 2 together is the hard part. Hence all the questions and knowledge you folks have to offer.

 

[CK1.0]

I run/use and can recommend going with 6GT, an Origin for the action ($900), using Proof prefit barrels ($550), and a Manners TCS (~$1500). Then choose a top-shelf trigger, either a TriggerTech Diamond or Bix N' Andy Tacsport Pro X (~$300), all within your budget.

The 6GT acts/shoots just like a slightly bigger Dasher (which it pretty much is) so you can run normal unadulterated AICS mags and IME is just as easy to load for (I don't think I've ever had an SD that wasn't in the single-digits with every powder/bullet I've tried).

An Origin has swappable bolt-faces (so you can use it for just about everything down the road), and is controlled-round-feed, so you can either get your brass out gentle-like when on the bench or launch it into the next zipcode during a match.

Proof prefits are plentiful and easy to find and shoot as good as any custom barrel I've ever had IME. You can put them on in your garage/reloading room with a barrel vise (~$50) and an action wrench (~$80).

The Manners TCS is more homogenous (with nothing to really come loose on you) and stock-like than a true chassis, but you can still adjust LOP, cheek riser height, and weight using its configurable weighted ARCA rail system.

Good luck.

 

[oldrifleman]

Welcome back to the rabbit hole. 6GT is probably your best bet. You want a 6mm and god barrel life. Remember barrels a consumable items a these days can be replaced at home easily. Not sure any 6 will get 2500 rounds, my creedmore is no where close. Action you want one that accepts shouldered prefits, I when Impact, CDG is a good action, really most are you just need to decide what your price feature list is.

 

[Rob01]

I run/use and can recommend going with 6GT, an Origin for the action ($900), using Proof prefit barrels ($550), and a Manners TCS (~$1500). Then choose a top-shelf trigger, either a TriggerTech Diamond or Bix N' Andy Tacsport Pro X (~$300), all within your budget.

The 6GT acts/shoots just like a slightly bigger Dasher (which it pretty much is) so you can run normal unadulterated AICS mags and IME is just as easy to load for (I don't think I've ever had an SD that wasn't in the single-digits with every powder/bullet I've tried).

An Origin has swappable bolt-faces (so you can use it for just about everything down the road), and is controlled-round-feed, so you can either get your brass out gentle-like when on the bench or launch it into the next zipcode during a match.

Proof prefits are plentiful and easy to find and shoot as good as any custom barrel I've ever had IME. You can put them on in your garage/reloading room with a barrel vise (~$50) and an action wrench (~$80).

The Manners TCS is more homogenous (with nothing to really come loose on you) and stock-like than a true chassis, but you can still adjust LOP, cheek riser height, and weight using its configurable weighted ARCA rail system.

Good luck.

Good recommendations but I would say look at the 6mm ARC for what you want. Will get longer barrel life for a 6mm and make 1000 no problem.

 

[powdahound76]

6BR is a great round too.

I run one with an Origin and MDT BR mags and love it.

Im running a bartlein barrel that was chambered and threaded by @AccuSol-ERN and it is a hammer.
Boringly shoots low .3s for 5 shot groups.
The days I dont suck (rare), I can get it to the high .1s.

Lot of great stocks.
My favorite Manner’s is the EH1 still. Just works for me. Also love my KMW Sentinel and Terry Cross is a fine gentleman.
I dont care for a chassis feel or look most of the time, but do shoot well with them. Caveat to this is when KMW releases their Zealot chassis to the general public….

 

[dchi]

Thanks for the info. Looks like the Origin action fits the bill for quality rep and price. The CDG would be a consideration if it was $1000. The 6arc looks interesting but I think that cartridge will die off like the 6.8spc, 22 nos, 224val. 6gt seems to be the best choice for me based on my needs. Any distributors offer veterans/le discounts or good black Friday deals? What prefit barrels does everyone like?

 

[Rob01]

I don’t see the 6 ARC going anywhere with its popularity but your money and now that Hornady is selling the 6GT ammo themselves and not just through GAP it will be easier to get.

Check out Patriot Valley Arms for a prefit for the Origin. @bohem Josh is a member here and does great work. I have a bunch of his barrels and just ordered another the other night.

Osprey 6mm Prefit Barrels - All Actions

Precision rifle prefit barrels for all actions, custom ordered and ready to install. No machining or gunsmithing required. Match winning Osprey barrels by Patriot Valley Arms; we Engineer Repeatability. 100% Made in USA

patriotvalleyarms.com

 

[Chickentoast]

25 creed or 22 gt for some non-6mm's.

 

[AccuSol-ERN]

6BR is a great round too.

I run one with an Origin and MDT BR mags and love it.

Im running a bartlein barrel that was chambered and threaded by @AccuSol-ERN and it is a hammer.
Boringly shoots low .3s for 5 shot groups.
The days I dont suck (rare), I can get it to the high .1s.

Lot of great stocks.
My favorite Manner’s is the EH1 still. Just works for me. Also love my KMW Sentinel and Terry Cross is a fine gentleman.
I dont care for a chassis feel or look most of the time, but do shoot well with them. Caveat to this is when KMW releases their Zealot chassis to the general public….

Thanks for the kind words. Great shooting and reloading too.

I love me some 6BR and it is the easy button for rediculous accuracy. You wanna check your fundamentals......get a 6BR......it will show you everything you are doing wrong......haha.

I am no fan of Hornady as of late, but I can see the appeal of 6gt factory ammo for the non-reloader.

Ern

 

[powdahound76]

Lots of places to get 6GT barrels

Ern and Altus, as noted
Proof
Keystone accuracy
PVA

I have or have had one or more from each of these companies and all were plenty accurate.


Fritz at Black Canyon Customs does excellent work, though not sure if he will do a prefit yet or still wants action in hand.
Fun part with him, is you talk and deal with one person.
And guarantee you that rifle will hammer.
He has done a few for us.
Accuracy is always there, Lasers every one.

 

[Delicatessen]

6gt is a good choice or 6cm if you can take a slight hit to barrel life at the convience of more factory ammo if that is important to you. Origin would be good as there are tons of barrel option. CDG, impact, lone peak all good but pushing budget if you go higher on the stock/chassis cost. The krg options are nice on the more budget end as you can get a bravo with adjustable lop etc for fairly cheap.

 

[oldrifleman]

6gt is a good choice or 6cm if you can take a slight hit to barrel life at the convience of more factory ammo if that is important to you. Origin would be good as there are tons of barrel option. CDG, impact, lone peak all good but pushing budget if you go higher on the stock/chassis cost. The krg options are nice on the more budget end as you can get a bravo with adjustable lop etc for fairly cheap.

Check the PX folks here buy and change stocks/Chassis a quick rate and sell extras on the PX daily.

 

[FuhQ]

.25 Creedmoor is an awesome round with the Berger 133 Elite Hunters. I love mine. Zero recoil, and pushing 133's at 2,800 FPS MV from a 20" barrel is moving.

 

[R_A_W]

Black Friday is right around the corner.

1. @rob01’s 6arc suggestion is probably perfect for you. Increasingly available factory ammo. You can later get an AR in the same cartridge. If cheap brass is a big factor, Starline makes 6arc brass. Hornady’s 6gt brass isn’t cheap enough to warrant consideration over Lapua or Alpha. I personally would go Dasher over 6gt, but the difference is de minimis.
2. I’d go CDG. Origins are great actions but factor a $100 rail into the price.
3. Chassis. Love my TCS and Foundation, but neither are as configurable as a chassis. TCS balances easily/well, but rifle with an optic will end up >16lb & you’ll struggle to get >21lb. You’ll also you need a L or XL glove size. Foundation MG2 & Centurion generally require a good bit of internal weight up front to balance well, not as versatile IMO. If you go w/ Foundation, you should get the hollowed out stock/cheek rest.
4. 1/2 MOA isn’t a very tall order for a 6 ARC, GT, or Dasher when using quality brass & bullets and chambered by a quality smith.

 

[diggler1833]

Most if what I'd offer an opinion on had already been covered.

Big fan of the Origin action (mine came with the scope rail unlike the post above). Proof prefit, or you can spend a couple hundred more on a prefit made with a different blank. I'd probably look to a less expensive initial chassis option since your $3K budget includes dies etc... So I'd probably look at the KRG Bravo to get you statrted.

Cartridges are going to be a personal flavor. I will say this owning 6.5CM, 6CM, and 6GT: At some point you will have to balance performance with barrel life. With your desire to get 2,500 rounds that's going to eliminate the 6CM and almost all .224 diameter options. You ask 10 guys what to get, and you'll probably have 8 different answers.

With factory ammo being important, I'd probably stick with the 6GT. It is the easy button for compatability with everything. If you use an action with interchangeable bolt face, maybe 6 ARC as factory ammo is probably easier to come by.

 

[R_A_W]

mine came with the scope rail unlike the post above

Yeah I think they all do, corrected. Need to finish coffee.

 

[redneckbmxer24]

$1500 will get you an origin and a Proof SS prefit in 6 dasher or 6GT. That leaves $1500 for a chassis of your choosing, trigger, and dies which is a pretty decent budget.

2. I’d go CDG. Origins are great actions but factor a $100 rail into the price.

Why would he need to do that when it comes with one?

The Origin is the better action and it costs $300 less too.

 

[krumfola]

Even though you’re not competing in PRS, have you considered just going with one of the factory class rifles like the GAP PPR or one of the MPA chassis rifles? They would hit right at the top of your budget but that wouldn’t matter much since you won’t need any tools for barrel swaps right away.

I’ll echo what everyone is saying about the 6GT, it’s a no brainer.

 

[dchi]

Thank you everyone for your time and knowledge. I won't shoot factory ammo that much but I want it to be available. I would likely get about 10 boxes to start so I could get a benchmark for accuracy, consistency, dope and brass. I have a 6.8, 357max and a few other odd balls. Sometimes I just want to buy ammo when I don't have time to reload or when components are scarce. I quit loading 5.56 and 9mm since 2020. My powder and primers are too valuable. I can buy .223 match for less than what it cost to load it now.
I have looked at the GAP PPR, cost nearly as much in parts to build yourself. Seems like a good deal. Its about perfect for me but how do you add 5-6 pounds of weight to it? Also I don't hear a whole lot of positives about the Curtis action that is used in it. As far as the MPA, they did not look very well finished to me. I've worked on one their 2011 also. Not impressed.
I have not put a lot of thought into the stock or chassis. I've heard KRG mentioned a few times. Do you give up some accuracy with one when its $500 cheaper compared to the more popular options?

 

[4O6shootist]

I'd prob suggest the 6gt as well. Ive ran 3 barrels to 2500 Rd cta prior to swapping. Had one 236 bore kreiger that became a problem child at 900-1200 rounds. Do NOT get a tight bore 6mm barrel.

The zermatt Orgin action is a solid recommendation, TT Special turned all the way down to 1#, or a tacsport X. They do feel lil nicer than a TT with the overtravel and lack of wall.

Barrels are all over, nice thing about the origin, you can run tl3 barrels using the hunts long range recoil lug. I've done a few this way and headspace is perfect.

I personally would suggest a foundation centurion stock. They have the least amount of vibration, require no bedding, inlets are great. You mention you don't plan to but may shoot competition, and this is a very popular choice, but a pleasant stock to shoot no matter what. Manners TCS is probably next best for lack of harmonics. All aluminum chassis are gonna have some twang and vibe from recoil. Happens with rifles in alloy chassis.

 

[LR1845]

PMR Rifles - MasterPiece Arms, Inc.

 

[dchi]

Thanks all. I think I have the info I need. Will update when I get everything together.