-
Having trouble using the site?
Contact support
Which Action for a lightweight hunting rifle?
- Thread starter deerhunter9790
- Start date
My reading and talking lead me to buy a Lone Peak Arms Razor Titanium for my long action lightweight hunting build. They also have the Fuzion that has a pic rail machined onto the top if that's more your style.
cant beat the weight of an Origin. especially at the pricepoint. but a helios is on my wishlist for sure in a .590
i'd recommend a 300 PRC over a WM though
i'd recommend a 300 PRC over a WM though
Go to the Savage site and take a look at the Axis II. Not kidding. 6.3lb/22in barrel. MSRP $429. Also no 300WM, but the .30-'06 is no cream puff, either.
That's the rifle I own for deer. I used it in the Hills and forests of upstate NY before I moved on down here to AZ.
Seriously, a Magnum has its place in long flat areas where distances get vast. About the only thing I'd be shooting at such distances would be speed goats, because they're simply never going to let you get closer. For that, I'd be looking at the 280AI.
But in forests and on hillsides, I think the .30-'06 with a 180gr American Hunter load is plenty good enough for anything, all the way on up to Elk.
For hunting, I think the Savage entry level Axis II is about as good as it needs to get for something I'll only be shooting a couple of boxes of ammo with, at most, per year.
My serious money goes into my target guns.
Greg
That's the rifle I own for deer. I used it in the Hills and forests of upstate NY before I moved on down here to AZ.
Seriously, a Magnum has its place in long flat areas where distances get vast. About the only thing I'd be shooting at such distances would be speed goats, because they're simply never going to let you get closer. For that, I'd be looking at the 280AI.
But in forests and on hillsides, I think the .30-'06 with a 180gr American Hunter load is plenty good enough for anything, all the way on up to Elk.
For hunting, I think the Savage entry level Axis II is about as good as it needs to get for something I'll only be shooting a couple of boxes of ammo with, at most, per year.
My serious money goes into my target guns.
Greg
Last edited:
I have the savage 110 hunter in .30-06. with factory ammo .3 at 200 yards. I order the MDT LLS chassis for it which shipped today.
Sub 1/4 MOA at 200 yds, using factory ammo? I believe they just put 99% of gunsmiths out of business.
Here are the pics at 200 yards.
Attachments
Yea If it was just for deer I would probably go super cheap and buy something like a Ruger American, put good glass on and call it good. I am looking for more of a do all rifle to include Elk and Mike Deer but being able to reach out
All the custom actions weight about 32 ounces unless you go TI. Pick your poison and you won't be disappointed. BigHorn, Defiance, Nucleus. etc or pick up a T&T Savage/Remington trued action. Lets not forget Tika. Where you save the weight is in the stock (carbon fiber or Magnesium chassis) or barrel (carbon fiber).
Yep. forgot about the scope. In that case, Swavorski makes some of the lightest scopes on the market for a quality glass.
.
Not sure what your budget is, or if you'd even be interested in an all-up rifle, but note that Alamo Precision currently has a sale offer on their Maverick builds - $2395
https://aprifles.com/products/apr-maverick
In one post they quoted weight of a 6.5CM build at 7 lbs, not including optics or bipod.
https://aprifles.com/products/apr-maverick
In one post they quoted weight of a 6.5CM build at 7 lbs, not including optics or bipod.
No going to argue chamberings; the .30-'06 has been universally accepted as being capable of taking down any North American Big Game reliably for over a century. Just Hornady alone has 14 loadings in 30-'06 that are rated on their site for Elk, and even one for Water Buffalo.
I will say, the original Axis II stock was an ergonomic nightmare for me. I replaced it with this from Boyd's.
But if you feel it's absolutely mandatory to spend all those extra bucks, do it your way.
Greg
I will say, the original Axis II stock was an ergonomic nightmare for me. I replaced it with this from Boyd's.
But if you feel it's absolutely mandatory to spend all those extra bucks, do it your way.
Greg
I don’t think I have to spend money but it’s hard once you have shot mostly custom rifles for the last couple years to not get one again. The 30-06 is great. I just want something that can reach out a little farther and that has better Ballistics. Coming from shooting a good deal of long range I don’t think I would be satisfied with it
I’ll check them out. I know I can get a solid deal on most of the parts for the build. I’ll probably be close to that price for all the components I am looking at. It’s good to see so many options
How light do you want to go?
Sako Carbon Wolf
choose.sako.fi
Sako Carbonlight
choose.sako.fi
Sako Carbon Wolf
Choose your own Sako 85 from a variety of excellent models
Sako 85 rifles are unique combinations of tradition and innovation. They are built to meet the utmost demanding design criteria. Choose your own Sako 85 now!
Sako Carbonlight
Choose your own Sako 85 from a variety of excellent models
Sako 85 rifles are unique combinations of tradition and innovation. They are built to meet the utmost demanding design criteria. Choose your own Sako 85 now!
Just to throw some more fuel on the fire.
I've got a savage 110fp in 300wm that I have shot similar 1/2-5/8" 5 round groups at 200 yards with two different brands of factory ammo.
The Winchester 180 ballistic silver tip and Nosler Custom with 180 accubonds.
I might be a little biased but an LA Origin from Bighorn with a Proof CF barrel in a lighter chassis sounds like a winner to me...mainly because that style of build has been on my radar since the LA Origin dropped.
And it follows rule #1 which always matters. I like the origin and the nucleus action.I might be a little biased but an LA Origin from Bighorn with a Proof CF barrel in a lighter chassis sounds like a winner to me...mainly because that style of build has been on my radar since the LA Origin dropped.
How light do you want to go? When I was building my hunting rifle I made a spreadsheet with component weights. There are places where it is cheap to cut weight and places where it is expensive. Like backpacking equipment, you get to the point where that next ounce costs exponentially more.
My origin with EH6 stock, 26" Rock Creek #2 barrel clocks in at 6 pounds 13 ounces without much work. Add a Leupold VX5HD and seekins rings and I'm just under 8 pounds out the door. My rifle is in 6.5 PRC and hardly kicks at all. In 300WM I wouldn't want to go lighter than this. That being said, different scope, shorter barrel (with a larger bore), direct mount rings instead of a rail with rings, and you could get below 7.5 pounds scoped without springing for a titanium action, etc.
If you reload and it's just for deer, you'd be fine with a short action cartridge (saves you a few ounces for free right there) or 30-06 or 280ai. Let me know if you need any help with component weights, I documented everything pretty well on my build.
My origin with EH6 stock, 26" Rock Creek #2 barrel clocks in at 6 pounds 13 ounces without much work. Add a Leupold VX5HD and seekins rings and I'm just under 8 pounds out the door. My rifle is in 6.5 PRC and hardly kicks at all. In 300WM I wouldn't want to go lighter than this. That being said, different scope, shorter barrel (with a larger bore), direct mount rings instead of a rail with rings, and you could get below 7.5 pounds scoped without springing for a titanium action, etc.
If you reload and it's just for deer, you'd be fine with a short action cartridge (saves you a few ounces for free right there) or 30-06 or 280ai. Let me know if you need any help with component weights, I documented everything pretty well on my build.
Like @Another Casual mentioned there are cheap and expensive ways to save weight. For example the lightest stock I'm aware of is the LRI carbon at 14oz and a cost of $2,500. With a lighter bottom metal you're at 17oz vs a more common KRG bravo tipping the scales at 48oz for $450 (LA version).
No doubt a $1500 Lone Peak TI vs $950 Origin is a smaller price gap, but are the trade offs of TI vs steel worth it for your intended use...
On a similar note a proof light carbon blank is 45oz for $725 and a $300 SS heavy sporter blank is 56oz. Are the trade offs of carbon vs full SS barrel worth it for your use...
So to me the real question at this point is what are you trying to achieve with a light weight action?
No doubt a $1500 Lone Peak TI vs $950 Origin is a smaller price gap, but are the trade offs of TI vs steel worth it for your intended use...
On a similar note a proof light carbon blank is 45oz for $725 and a $300 SS heavy sporter blank is 56oz. Are the trade offs of carbon vs full SS barrel worth it for your use...
So to me the real question at this point is what are you trying to achieve with a light weight action?
I apologize for my testy reply; I was dealing with an aggravating issue that day, and had been at the hospital with my Wife the entire preceding day for a procedure that was supposed to take one hour and ended up taking six. She's fine.
I spoke out of turn.
I also appreciate the desire to have a nicer implement, and how one gets a tad accustomed to the luxury of a nicely tuned piece of equipment.
I came to The Hide with minimal resources, and only more recently began to enjoy wider options. But the same criteria are true for me as were back then. I look at that "exponential ounce" and am prompted to ask myself, "But can I actually tell the difference in weight?"
The answer (for me) is simply, "No".
IMHO, again for me, this is a matter of resource allocation. If the only person who's actually going to be making the judgement is myself, I choose the manner and method that gets the job done with minimum complexity, and minimum frills. I also tend to be a devotee of sweat equity; I do a lot of my own work on my guns. I end up with factory rifles that start with good out-of-box accuracy, and then employ aftermarket upgrades to improve ergonomics and sights, and handload for best accuracy. I'm no gunsmith, but to satisfy my own simple needs, I don't need to be one.
Others choose differently, and more power to them.
Greg
I spoke out of turn.
I also appreciate the desire to have a nicer implement, and how one gets a tad accustomed to the luxury of a nicely tuned piece of equipment.
I came to The Hide with minimal resources, and only more recently began to enjoy wider options. But the same criteria are true for me as were back then. I look at that "exponential ounce" and am prompted to ask myself, "But can I actually tell the difference in weight?"
The answer (for me) is simply, "No".
IMHO, again for me, this is a matter of resource allocation. If the only person who's actually going to be making the judgement is myself, I choose the manner and method that gets the job done with minimum complexity, and minimum frills. I also tend to be a devotee of sweat equity; I do a lot of my own work on my guns. I end up with factory rifles that start with good out-of-box accuracy, and then employ aftermarket upgrades to improve ergonomics and sights, and handload for best accuracy. I'm no gunsmith, but to satisfy my own simple needs, I don't need to be one.
Others choose differently, and more power to them.
Greg
I might be a little biased but an LA Origin from Bighorn with a Proof CF barrel in a lighter chassis sounds like a winner to me...mainly because that style of build has been on my radar since the LA Origin dropped.
I've got my Origin LA in hand, though they forgot to send one of the rail screws with it so that is on the way. I'm waiting on Proof CF 300 PRC and my Manners EH1A, both expected this week. Once assembled I can post the weight.
For reference, my rock Creek #2, 26 inch 6.5 PRC Savage prefit weighs around 42 ounces. I paid around $500 or so from PVA. Mcgowen could do one of their barrels in a similar contour and come in around the $325 mark. Criterion has a sporter that is slightly heavier at 2.95 pounds for 24 inch (as per their website). I'd get an origin (long or short based on your needs) and save the ounces on the contour/length vs getting a titanium action. Once titanium is off the page it's just a matter of picking an action with the features you want.
Along the vein of light hunting setup - anyone have recs on best profile for a lightweight barrel that will also work well with suppressor and can be threaded 5/8x24? Have some credit at PVA and considering getting a light steel barrel for a hunting setup.
I used a typical #3b contour (3.5lb at 26") for weight comparison in my post as it's similar to the light proof contour, but you're right there are lighter SS options to save even more weight if threading 5/8-24 for suppressor isn't needed.
Last edited:
my #4 rock is getting threaded 5/8 at 21” where it’s at .730 diameter
you can also get a custom contour cut that slims down in the middle and bells at the muzzle so you can thread it.
Finished length requirement is the largest dictator of barrel contour and weight when you're talking threading 5/8-24.
Yet, there are so many variables this can get very complicated... A 9/16 or 1/2 barrel thread with adapter to 5/8-24 will likely hold up to magnums in a very low use scenario, or you can use a permanently attached brake to reduce the typical 5/8-24 shoulder recommendation (.750), or go with a custom contour barrel like a Barrett Fieldcraft that thins down in the middle, but actually gets wider again at the muzzle for threading... or... the list goes on and on.
The general concession without getting too fancy seems to be a #3 finished around 16-18" (depending on each brands exact contour) is roughly ~2.5lb before fluting as your lightest SS option. For comparison a bartlein #4 at 26" is right at the minimum recommended 5/8 shoulder, but tips the scale at 4.5lb.
As an aside: PVA? Hope you don't plan on having it for the 2020 hunting season as any uncommon (for them) caliber or contour to date has been in for some very long wait times...
i just received a mesa precision full build, their ti action and stock, proof barrel in 300 win mag. i went with the 300 win as you can find ammo anywhere in a pinch. they also gave me 500. off as they give military and le a discount. the best people i have ever dealt with on a custom build. haven't broke the barrel in yet as i only have about 100 rds on it so far so i cant comment about the accuracy yet as i haven't done load workup with it yet but its still shooting sub half moa.
Looking for 20" or 22" length since I'll be adding suppressor on it.
As for PVA, I'm aware of their timetables and I've talked with Josh and I'm comfortable with ordering from him.
The weight advantage for carbon barrels is really starting to shine at 22" and beyond, imo. Proof light is just under 2.75lb (43oz), only gaining 7oz total from 16.5" vs 22". SS barrels are not touching that as they're closer to 4lb and gaining an average of 8oz per 2".
If you're going 20", off the top of my head, I'm fairly certain a most #3b would work. Putting you around the 3.5lb weight zone. A remington magnum sporter contour is just a bit lighter than the typical #3B due to it's shorter shank, but I think it might taper a bit too fast to finish with .750 diameter at 20". Might be worth double checking that with your preferred barrel brands as each can be a little different.
For actions I would have a look at the light weight version of the Mausingfield. In my opinion it has a feature set that isn't matched in any other action. I think LRI may still have some in stock. The new version that ARC sells is 36oz from what I remember. If you take a look you may like what you see. The ARC website has a fairly extensive description if your into reading about action design as well.
I have 5 alamo done up rifles. (I know I should broaden my collection, they are all in mcmillians too) I will say without a doubt in my mind you won’t find a better rifle for a better price. and those new carbon stocks they come with are tits. They are super friendly and have a no bullshit guarantee. I’ve even made friends with a few of them fellas. Great customer service no better than thou attitudes I’ve gotten other places (any of y’all called mcmillian?) call em up ask for garret. Also it’s not mine but And idk if my opinion matters but a 7rm or 7apr is what I would choose over any 30cal in my hunting rifles. I currently have a 280ai with a carbon proof sendero and a mcwoody a3 sporter built by alamo surprise surprise it’s 7.5lbs with a 26” barrel
Our Defiance Deviant Ultralight is only 26-28oz depending on the configuration.
