Savage build questions, recommendations needed

[thespecialist]

I've been itching for the last year to build me a rifle just for matches since my 260 is a dual purpose hunting/match gun. I mean, who doesn't want two LR capable rifles and a backup is always nice to have. I've got a donor action from an old 110, the only issue is that it's a long action (5.X" screw spacing). I know CDI used to make a DBM that would run 308 AICS mags in the Savage LA, but don't see it on their website unless I'm overlooking it. Is it still in production? Is there anyone else that makes that setup? I know the bolt throw is going to be longer than hell running a SA round in a LA, but I don't run the bolt fast enough (yet) to have an extra 1/2" or so of bolt throw hurt me.

Next question is the stock. I'm thinking about one of the out of the mold stocks from Stockade, since I'll be finishing it myself anyways. I'll have CDI inlet it for their DBM if it's still made. Or, would it be worth doubling the cost to go for a Manners that I'm going to do the same thing to? I've never been much of a brand name stickler, but I do expect what I pay for and run what works and is of good quality. Are the stockade stocks GTG, or should I avoid them like the plague?

Third, caliber choice. I want a 6mm for some reason, maybe because I have an itch for something fast. I'm torn between 3 choices; 6x47 Lapua, 6XC, or 6 Creedmoor. I'm planning on a 22-24" barrel, something around a varmint or slightly heavier contour. Which of these would you choose and why? I'm leaning towards the Creed, but the XC and Lapua have my curiosity as well. My main concern is barrel life, but it's not a deal breaker to give up 4-500 rounds from one to the other if the performance is worth it. I'm planning on running Hornady 105 BTHP's in which ever one I choose, how would they stack up as far as barrel life is concerned? I'm talking hitting MOA sized steel at a tactical match, not benchrest accuracy.

Latsly, barrels. Is there anyone making Savage prefits that stands out above another manufacturer? I know this is the heart of the rifle, so I'm willing to drop some coin here to get a good barrel. Should I snag a Bartlein/Krieger/Rock blank and have a 'smith spin me a barrel up, or try to find a prefit from McGowen/Shilen/CBI? Also, would I be okay with an 8 twist for the 105's or go ahead and get a 7.5? The DA where I shoot most is between -500 in the winter up to 2800 or so in the summer, will the 8 twist suffice for the 105's?

I'm not building the rifle tomorrow, so wait times aren't a huge deal. I'm a bit lacking on patience, but I can distract myself while waiting on parts if need be.

 

[BoilerUP]

Savage build questions, recommendations needed

Jeff still makes the Savage LA/308 DBM, but I think its a special order type deal (no additional cost) you have to ask about. I have one and it works GREAT. With this setup using AICS mags you can run an extended bolt baffle (used on 204/223 Savages) and your bolt throw will only be 1/4" longer than a regular SA Savage.

I think Criterion and McGowen make 6-6.5X47 Lapua prefits. I've owned both, both shoot well. Don't think anybody yet makes a 6mm Creedmoor prefit but you might call Rock Creek - they custom make cut rifled prefits and might be able to accommodate you.

 

[thespecialist]

Thanks for the info, Boiler. I saw the extended bolt baffle mentioned a little while ago when I ran across your 223AI built on a LA, very nice by the way. After some digging, it looks as though I can get a McGowen prefit in 6x47 Lapua from the McGowen outlet and they have them in stock at 26-28-30" lengths in a Varmint or Bull profile. The price isn't bad at all either for a barrel that's ready to be spun onto an action.

 

[chakup]

Get the CDI metal. Factory HS stock inlet should match up for one decent stock option. Pick up a PTG bolt just because. Call Northland and see what he has in stock- criterion and shilen both good choices.

 

[BoilerUP]

If you order a stock, have it inletted for the LA/308 DBM. It'll work with a standard CDI/Sav Factory long action DBM inlet, but there will be a gap at the rear of the metal.

 

[clem81]

I have a savage sa 243ai built by Kevin Rayill at stockade in a thumb hole stock benchmark barrel 1-8 twist. Shoots sierra 95 mk in .300 groups and it works well out to300. Just shot my biggest buck ever at 330 yards 1 shot drt . Like the Hindi much having kevin build me a 22-243 he calls the 22 rayhill rocket can't wait going to b a 1-8 twist for the heavy 22