How have the ARC built Nucleus 2.0 rifles performed?

[TacosGigante]

For those of you with ARC built Nuke rifles: how do you like them? How have they performed for you in terms of accuracy, dependability, and fitness for purpose, especially for PRS style shooting? I saw lots of posts talking about how great a deal these guns are, and that is clearly true on paper, but relatively little in the way of field reports. (Though my search-fu may just be poor.)

second question, is upgrading to the Arch rifle worth it? There seems to be a significant up-charge.

thanks,

 

[Kimber.204]

I don't have an ARC built Rifle, but I'm running an Archimedes in a XYLO.

I think it's safe to say that the Nucleus action is fairly well vetted at this point. No real issues to be worried about here.
They Xylo is a great do all stock/chassis. I don't like aluminum chassis...I much prefer the feel of a McMillan or Manners stock, but for the games I currently play the Xylo is the most well rounded/best suited for the tasks at hand. Our shooting seasons in Pennsylvania start late and end early....so hands on a cold aluminum chassis is not really an issue for me. Further, ARC has done a lot in the last couple years to establish a better reputation for reliability and good customer service....I don't think they would jeopardize that by putting out a lack luster $2500 rig. Buy with confidence.

Now, as to your question of the significant upcharge for the Archimedes package...After a quick look at the specs....I can't say if it's worth it (even on paper). For me, I love the way my Archimedes runs. I've sold off quite a few other rifles this fall without any regrets because the Archimedes runs the way I want a bolt action to run. If I had bought all new components when I assembled my Archimedes/XYLO/Tubb T7T/Barloc/Keystone Accuracy barrel/ARC 10 round magazine....I would have paid around $3870 (before tax or shipping)....this also does not include my time (or ARC's time) to assemble the rifle. (Note that I have a Barloc which the ARC rifle does not, but I do not have a muzzle brake, which the ARC rifle does).

Good luck.
Ross

 

[Ledzep]

Similar boat here. I bought a Nucleus 2.0 and Xylo separately and built the rifle myself.

Runs just fine. I used it most of this season for NRL and local matches. No complaints on the action, only minor complaints with the chassis. Some matches require off-side shots (right-handed shooter to shoot lefty or visa versa) and the cheek piece on the Xylo doesn't necessarily lend itself to comfort in that scenario. It works, just not ideal.

Otherwise, it's a chassis that you can do all the cool chassis stuff (weight kits, built in ARCA, etc..) that feels like a traditional stock on the back end. Plenty of useful adjustability and it's comfortable for me.

I think the Nucleus 2.0 action is the best deal going for custom actions, and I think the Nucleus 2.0 Rifle is hands down one of the best deals going for a custom/semi custom rifle.

 

[Steel head]

My nucleus has been excellent.
I definitely plan on getting another in a long action at some point.
Archimedes is cool but I like the simplicity of the nucleus.

 

[hereinaz]

I don't think I have ever seen a used ARC built rifle in the PX...

 

[Forward543]

Had a buddy just pick up the ARC rifle. I run a nuke 1.0 and an Archimedies. None have had a functional issue. The Archimedes is a cool action, but the Nucleus is a functional monster. Would recommend all of the above.

 

[B_w.]

Don't have a lot through my 2.0 yet but it's been great so far. 224 valk w. Paradigm carbon barrel.

 

[Halfnutz]

Looking/wanting the Nucleus rifle.
Watching all the videos and comments on the action and chassis and as a machinist, I am intrigued by the design and the amount of thought Ted has put into this. The $2499 seems like a good deal and the sourced components like the barrel and trigger have solid a reputation.
What kind of accuracy are you guys seeing and with which bullets. I'm guessing this is a sammi chamber/throat. Wondering about Hornady vs Sierra vs Berger when it comes to handloading.

 

[celltech]

What kind of accuracy are you guys seeing and with which bullets. I'm guessing this is a sammi chamber/throat. Wondering about Hornady vs Sierra vs Berger when it comes to handloading.

I am loving my rifle so far. I have about 170 rounds down the pipe and am getting ~1/2" with 140 ELD-Ms pushing 2771fps. I need to play with the seating depth and try and dial it down lower. For what it's worth the BTO measurement with those rounds is 2.22" with an OAL ~2.85".

 

[jeffl838]

I have a gen 1 nucleus. Never had an issue. I do wish that I didn't need forward pressure on the bolt to send it home. Seems like a weird and unnecessary design feature

 

[Halfnutz]

Not wanting to hijack...
I have a 4.5-27x56 Gen2 Razor on order and am waiting for a couple weeks before ordering a complete Nucleus rifle.
ARC mags are out of stock, hopefully this is temporary.
Am guessing I will need the highest ARC Rings, any one know if the next lowest will still give decent clearance?

 

[Blackrifle1]

Not wanting to hijack...
I have a 4.5-27x56 Gen2 Razor on order and am waiting for a couple weeks before ordering a complete Nucleus rifle.
ARC mags are out of stock, hopefully this is temporary.
Am guessing I will need the highest ARC Rings, any one know if the next lowest will still give decent clearance?

I always use this scope height calculator - http://www.mil-rad.com/scope_ring_calculator

 

[Halfnutz]

I always use this scope height calculator - http://www.mil-rad.com/scope_ring_calculator

Without the rifle I don't know the rail to barrel height.

 

[spife7980]

Not wanting to hijack...
I have a 4.5-27x56 Gen2 Razor on order and am waiting for a couple weeks before ordering a complete Nucleus rifle.
ARC mags are out of stock, hopefully this is temporary.
Am guessing I will need the highest ARC Rings, any one know if the next lowest will still give decent clearance?

It’s a normal xylo right? No night vision bridge to worry about? I imagine the mediums will be fine.

 

[celltech]

Not wanting to hijack...
I have a 4.5-27x56 Gen2 Razor on order and am waiting for a couple weeks before ordering a complete Nucleus rifle.
ARC mags are out of stock, hopefully this is temporary.
Am guessing I will need the highest ARC Rings, any one know if the next lowest will still give decent clearance?

This is the 4.5-30x56 Tract Toric on .92" Vortex PMR rings and it still fits fine...

 

[CrabsandFootball]

Does anyone know what barrel come on these?

 

[Halfnutz]

Does anyone know what barrel come on these?

Criterion 25" 1:7.5
Not sure of the method of rifling, cut or button.

 

[Halfnutz]

Criterion barrel, 6.5CM, 7.5" twist, 25" length

www.americanrifle.com

 

[CrabsandFootball]

Criterion are button, they used to be kriegers budget brand no idea now.

Good cheaper end tubes.

 

[Long Range 338]

Great rifle for a great price. The only downside is the solid aluminum chassis in relation to heat/cold but you have the same issue with almost all chassis systems. Smooth, accurate, and adaptable. I love em.

 

[Halfnutz]

Range Report:
100 rounds in with sighting in and some fiddling with the LOP. Ist groups were ok, not sure if it was me getting used to it or the barrel settling in. We both eventually settled in for some respectable groups.
Also got some chrono data 2660fps with Nosler 140gr BT, and 2721 with Hornady 140gr AG.
No brake on this rifle yet. No extra added weights either.

 

[Txhillbilly]

My original Nucleus action has always worked great. I've never had any issues out of it, and it still has the original 16lb firing pin spring in it.
It has a X-Caliber 22 CM barrel, TT Diamond trigger, and KRG Bravo chassis.

 

[chrome]

Similar to others, I have a "self-built" ARC (Nuke 1.0 in a XYLO). Accuracy/reliability/functioning, 110% on the action.

So far digging the XYLO as well, especially the grip. I had this setup below at one of Frank's classes this past week and learned that I need to ensure the one set screw on non-ejection side is tightened down. The rear of the stock slipped off on first string as I pulled the rifle up, but an easy tightening w/a T25 and back in action.