Switch barrel rifle options in .3xx calibers?

[Sid Post]

After looking at various "tactical" rifles in .300/.338/.375 calibers, I began to consider getting something along the lines of a Barrett MRAD or Remington MSR switch barrel rifle.

What is available in the marketplace today or near term (~1 year)? What do the more experienced around here recommend?

My general thoughts are (in no particular order):
<ul style="list-style-type: disc">[*]One optic versus many cheaper optics[*]One platform to learn[*]Cheaper practice to learn with (high round count .308 Win with less .300/.338 ammo costs)[*]Easier to transport one rifle versus multiples[*]Could fund a more expensive rifle versus cheaper multiples[/list]

I want a 338LM and 300 "magnum" and would like something that could support a 375 Cheytac. What options do I have with a budget of less then ~$10K for a 338 and 300 caliber rifle? Note this is not a hard dollar limit if there is a reason to spend more but, about $10K is a hard pricepoint by the time I add optics, magazines, etc.

Thanks!
Sid

 

[MinorDamage]

Re: Switch barrel rifle options in .3xx calibers?

The MSR is unobtainium at this juncture. If you are going to be swapping calibers between standard bolt face and magnum, I would suggest looking at the DTA SRS. I do not know very much about the MRAD because it is so new.

Josh

 

[Sid Post]

Re: Switch barrel rifle options in .3xx calibers?

I have considered the Stealth Recon Scout from DTA but, I'm a little reluctant about going with a bullpup bolt action. Working a bolt that close to my shoulder probably isn't going to work out well and would require me to break my shooting position to chamber a new round.

A folding stock rifle like the MSR or MRAD seems like a better option for me. Regarding the MRAD, I did some searches for the 98 Bravo but didn't find anything credible. The MRAD looks like a product improved version of that rifle so I'm interested in any end user feedback on either one.

 

[Shooter21]

Re: Switch barrel rifle options in .3xx calibers?

a DTA SRS would be a good option for you. learn to shoot it to 1500+ with the 300 WM and other calibers profeciently before even considering the 338 LM. take the 338 to 2000+ and when you are a profecient 2k shooter with the 338, then build a solid 375 Viersco Mag and rock on

 

[Wheres-Waldo]

Re: Switch barrel rifle options in .3xx calibers?

Sid, have you concidered doing a custom build on a reciever with an integral/pinned recoil lug?

All you need to have a capable switch barrel rifle is an integral lug and a collection of bolts with applicable bolt-face demensions, go/no-go guages, tools to switch barrels...and the barrels ofcourse.

Speaking generaly, theres a slue of actions that can provide this to you with SA and LA chamering in mind. Magnum length might thin the herd a little. I would make sure extra bolts are available before settling on one particular action though.

Ofcourse a manufactured platform like DTA's SRS, EDM Wind Runners and AI might be able to be sourced ALOT faster. All depends on how particular you are.

 

[Sid Post]

Re: Switch barrel rifle options in .3xx calibers?

Waldo,

Where should I go to learn more about what you talking about?

Thanks!
Sid

 

[Wheres-Waldo]

Re: Switch barrel rifle options in .3xx calibers?

What particularly are you unsure about?

 

[bignada]

Re: Switch barrel rifle options in .3xx calibers?

Here is your best "off the shelf" solution:

Sako TRG-42 or Sako TRG-s; depending on your goals and how much money you have to spend. Both rifles are M995 action based, and this is about the only production rifle made by a major firearms mfr (Beretta/Sako) that was designed specifically for .338 Lapua and .378 Wby cartridges.

Sako is THE ONLY Mfr to offer replacement Bolt Body parts to the general public. The manufacturing is so excellent on M995 receivers that bolt-bodies (.473/12mm, .533/13mm, and .590/13.5mm) are completely interchangeable. Firing pin assembly will swap in seconds; no special tools. Cost of a replacement bolt-body is about $275 to $385 with the 13.5mm size being most expensive. All you need to setup a new bolt-body is ejector, extractor, and bolt handle; plus firing pin assy.

There is a catch...

The M995 does not adapt to the Sako TRG-22 magazines. Not totally sure, but although the TRG-S was offered in .308win and .243 can't say for certain that they were Short-Action like the TRG-22 action is. Therefore, you have the .300win mag and .338 Lapua mag sized 7 & 5 rd magazines to work with....

In 12mm head cases, unless you want to bend $200 magazine lips, you will work with 6.5x55 Swedish Mauser and .284 Winchester or larger diameter standard cases. 6.5x55 Ackley Improved offers more due to reduced taper than the regular Swedish case.

But.... I had planned to do a Swedish AI or a .284 variant, and owned a bolt-body. Decided not to. Why? The Remington Short Action Ultra Mag cases... Still haven't done one, but the 7mm SAUM and maybe the .338 SAUM stand out as well as a .358 or .375 bore.

Think I would also evaluate the .338 Norma Magnum as an alternative to the Lapua magnum, plus there are Lazzeroni and Dakota options, not to mention the .340 Weatherby magnum. There are also Wildcats... I favor the .338/300 winchester over any other chambering in the .338 bore family. It is right there velocity wise with the .330 Dakota and .340 Weatherby, but can be loaded lighter for greater flexibility.

The TRG-42 offers a 7rd magazine in the standard magnum (.300win) chambering and gives 3.75" oal clearance for bullet seating. The Lapua magnum does Not have the seating flexibilities that other shorter oal cases have.

In Europe there is a 300m match rifle that is epitome of accuracy, most fire the 7.5x55 Swiss which has an oddball case head dimension. The case is suitable for the TRG-42 magazine with a bit of machine work on the 12mm bolt body face. Same way with the .540 ctg head of the Dakota cases. Just a bit of opening up and you are set. Then there is the .338 RUM and all the .300 RUM/Edge variants.

I continue to be drawn to the .338/284 as a best all-around. With the many 300gr bullets and the long-assed magazine oal, you can use a full case of 4350 or maybe Varget and seat bullet way out there... Barrel life would be comparable to a .338-06 which is to say in the 5k round range and maybe you don't chase the velocity so much because having the high BC you don't need to.

One other option you have is sporter weight barrels. Not every option has to be palma or 1.25" straight cylinder for "accuracy". The TRG-S stock can be opened up to take varmint contour barrel very capably, and the 42 with a Sporter profile is very lightweight. A .338/284 with 22" or 23" barrel would be optimum for accuracy, even if sacrificing a bit of velocity. Yet, maybe you don't give up that much velocity due to case dimension and medium burn rate powders.

Don't really need another rifle beyond the TRG-42 if you switchbarrel.... Sure don't need to send out your action to get a barrel made.

Hope this helps...

 

[fostercd]

Re: Switch barrel rifle options in .3xx calibers?

If you decide against the switch barrel, the TRG-22 is great.

 

[Sid Post]

Re: Switch barrel rifle options in .3xx calibers?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Wheres-Waldo</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Sid, have you concidered doing a custom build on a reciever with an integral/pinned recoil lug?</div></div>

Where do I find an Integral/Pinned recoil lug action? How do the barrel changes work?

Thanks!
Sid

 

[Tactical_Tom]

Re: Switch barrel rifle options in .3xx calibers?

EDM is the way to go for a takedown rifle.

 

[krummarine]

Re: Switch barrel rifle options in .3xx calibers?

Sid: most good 'smiths can pin a lug on a Remington 700 action. then all you need is an action wrench and a vise in order to switch barrels. Dave Sink out of Lexington, NC built one for me and is currently fitting a 30-06 barrel to it. I currently have .243 and 22-250 barrels set up for it as well. As long as your cartridge uses the .473 boltface, you are good to go. I went with a long action so as to keep my options open for additional cartridges. If you want additional info, send me a PM.