Which MC Rifle System, AI or Cadex

Rolltide

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Several of the guys I shoot with have decided to step it up and start shooting 1,000 yds out to a mile...and went big to get there...

One went with a .408 Cheytac, another with a .375 Cheytac, and a third with a 416 Barret...

I have no desire to go that large with the caliber, but I do want to buy something a little larger than the centerfires I already have, which include .308, 6.5 Creed, 7 WSM, and .300 WM.

The rifle will be a range toy with plans to shoot steel at the distances above and possibly a little farther if the opportunity arises.

I own an AI AT with .308 and 6.5 Creed barrels, which I like quite a bit, but I've been looking at other options out there, including the Sako, the Desert Tech, of course, an AI but I also recently started looking hard at the Cadex MC.

I want a rifle with bolts/barrels in .300 PRC and .338 Lapua.

Can anyone here who owns both Cadex rifles and Accuracy International rifles share your thoughts on how these two compare to each other?

Accuracy, reliability, overall fit and finish…

I’ve never even seen a Cadex in person, but it seems to check a lot of boxes.

What are your thoughts on the options I've listed...or is there something else I should consider?
 
I’ve not shot the Kraken personally but will be getting one this year. Everything else I’ve touched from Cadex is absolutely top notch. I do have the Cadex in 408 and 50 cal. Both are fantastic.

Also I have the AXMC and it is an absolute work of art. It has better aftermarket support and wins in that aspect hands down.

I have the suspicion from investigating the Kraken that it may be slightly more precise in return to zero after barrel changes due to its proprietary system. But the AXMC is definitely more user friendly in that regard.

Both will absolutely leave you satisfied. Personally I want to see more of the Cadex product out there being used for more real world data points but that has nothing to do with build quality or performance.

Total Ford vs Chevy. Pick you poison and enjoy.
 
Cadex and AI after sale support and parts/accessory availability suck balls. Atleast as non mil/leo. I spent months trying to order stuff for my cadex rifle and after begging them to take my money, sold the thing. Same deal with AI who refuses to make things like .223 bolts and when they do sell a bolt body, want like $800 for it. Their prices are Ludacris.

You can buy a custom action from terminus, impact, lone peak, every bolt face, throw into whatever chassis you want, screw on whatever barrel you want and get better performance for less money and no waiting forever for parts. The modular rifle Gucci shit is already obsolete for anyone but military and LE who need an off the shelf solution. We can do it better and cheaper via custom action route.
 
Cadex and AI after sale support and parts/accessory availability suck balls. Atleast as non mil/leo. I spent months trying to order stuff for my cadex rifle and after begging them to take my money, sold the thing. Same deal with AI who refuses to make things like .223 bolts and when they do sell a bolt body, want like $800 for it. Their prices are Ludacris.

You can buy a custom action from terminus, impact, lone peak, every bolt face, throw into whatever chassis you want, screw on whatever barrel you want and get better performance for less money and no waiting forever for parts. The modular rifle Gucci shit is already obsolete for anyone but military and LE who need an off the shelf solution. We can do it better and cheaper via custom action route.

Put me in the custom camp as well.

Build a rifle exactly how you want it.

Every rifle is a switch barrel rifle - just requires a couple of tools and a vice and ~2 minutes of time. I change out shouldered barrels all the time.

The only real advantage to these factory "quick change" systems is that it's easy to change out barrels at the range, if that's what you need to do.

Your options with a custom rifle are endless and you can build it exactly to your preference. You aren't stuck with generic chambers, and your gunsmith of choice can optimize the chamber to the specific projectiles you will be shooting.

If you want to shoot the Lapua/Norma/XC class cartridges, consider a custom action with bigger tennons and lugs, such as the Surgeon 1581XL. Smaller actions with smaller tennons and lugs may show pressure early.
 
Put me in the custom camp as well.

Build a rifle exactly how you want it.

Every rifle is a switch barrel rifle - just requires a couple of tools and a vice and ~2 minutes of time. I change out shouldered barrels all the time.

The only real advantage to these factory "quick change" systems is that it's easy to change out barrels at the range, if that's what you need to do.

Your options with a custom rifle are endless and you can build it exactly to your preference. You aren't stuck with generic chambers, and your gunsmith of choice can optimize the chamber to the specific projectiles you will be shooting.

If you want to shoot the Lapua/Norma/XC class cartridges, consider a custom action with bigger tennons and lugs, such as the Surgeon 1581XL. Smaller actions with smaller tennons and lugs may show pressure early.
I have a trailer hitch that a SAC arca rail/modular barrel vise attaches so I can swap a barrel at a match if I need or want to shoot /test a different barrel. It's incredibly convenient and saves trips to the range.
@NiteQwill showed me the way!
 
Put me in the custom camp as well.

Build a rifle exactly how you want it.

Every rifle is a switch barrel rifle - just requires a couple of tools and a vice and ~2 minutes of time. I change out shouldered barrels all the time.

The only real advantage to these factory "quick change" systems is that it's easy to change out barrels at the range, if that's what you need to do.

Your options with a custom rifle are endless and you can build it exactly to your preference. You aren't stuck with generic chambers, and your gunsmith of choice can optimize the chamber to the specific projectiles you will be shooting.

If you want to shoot the Lapua/Norma/XC class cartridges, consider a custom action with bigger tennons and lugs, such as the Surgeon 1581XL. Smaller actions with smaller tennons and lugs may show pressure early.
If OP were asking about a short action with the ability to change barrels/calibers I would possibly be in agreement depending on use. Also some people like factory rifles and don’t want to have to delve into the knowledge and tools required for a DIY type setup.

AI and Cadex are sold as a system and intended for use as such. Certain expectations and requirements are guaranteed. And not least of all they hold their resale value compared to custom builds.

Specifically in the larger cartridges - in this case 300 PRC and 338 LM the purpose built actions that are designed for multi caliber use excel IMO. No worries about durability or use/feature useage.

I’ve been amazed at the number of BADASS custom rigs in 338LM sitting in great chassis that are being pawned off for approx half what they cost original buyer. Ouch! The factory rifles tend to fair better in this regard with what I have observed.
 
You should be happy then, being able to buy a hell of a rifle for 50% off. Better off than losing your ass buying something that doesn't get shot much just to look cool.

Paying 8-10K+ for rifle is what governments and people with more money than common sense do. For 10K you can built a top of the line custom AND stick a ZCO/TT on top of it.

If you cant change the barrel on a modern custom bolt action, then you probably aren't smart enough to operate guns anyway. It don't get any simpler or easier.

You arent jumping it, you arent diving it, you dont need to issue it to 1000 guys and have standardized training. For the vast majority of shooters here, its a much better option, whether they realize it or not.
 
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Cadex and AI after sale support and parts/accessory availability suck balls. Atleast as non mil/leo. I spent months trying to order stuff for my cadex rifle and after begging them to take my money, sold the thing. Same deal with AI who refuses to make things like .223 bolts and when they do sell a bolt body, want like $800 for it. Their prices are Ludacris.
n do it better and cheaper via custom action route.
OP is looking at 300PRC/ 338LM, so let’s just bring up delays with .223 bolts for no apparent reason…

Sure, there’s a massive price difference, but I would assume the OP has already looked at the cost, thus why he brought up AI and Cadex.



OP, only thing that can suck with magnum AI’s (besides cost) is, barrel blanks, since the AXMC/ AXSR needs a 1.350 shank diameter. But bugholes seems to have a few in stock. It can be PITA if you want a custom contour/ twist rate. Then you’ll have the play the waiting game with bartlein etc.


I guess I just hate money, thus why I could care less for custom guns.
 
OP is looking at 300PRC/ 338LM, so let’s just bring up delays with .223 bolts for no apparent reason…

Sure, there’s a massive price difference, but I would assume the OP has already looked at the cost, thus why he brought up AI and Cadex.



OP, only thing that can suck with magnum AI’s (besides cost) is, barrel blanks, since the AXMC/ AXSR needs a 1.350 shank diameter. But bugholes seems to have a few in stock. It can be PITA if you want a custom contour/ twist rate. Then you’ll have the play the waiting game with bartlein etc.


I guess I just hate money, thus why I could care less for custom guns.

While the 1.350" shank limits barrel options, it is a benefit when shooting the larger cartridges.
 
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That's one of the reasons to shoot Heavy Varmit profile barrel out of the 1.25 blanks with the lapua class cases, You get more steel for the length of the cartridge before the taper starts. 33XC is a different animal though, not sure if I would try that in a 1.25 action.
 
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That's one of the reasons to shoot Heavy Varmit profile barrel out of the 1.25 blanks with the lapua class cases, You get more steel for the length of the cartridge before the taper starts. 33XC is a different animal though, not sure if I would try that in a 1.25 action.

Extra beef in the shank certainly helps as well. I'm not sure how much that extra contour helps if the chamber doesn't have enough meat to it.

My .300NM is built off of a 1.25 shank. It seems to pressure out early compared to what other velocities people are getting in the cartridge, but I can't say if that's due to the shank and lug size or if it just happens to be a slow barrel.

I agree on the XC's. While the Lapua cartridges are doable on the 1.25" shanks, I feel like you are asking for troubling trying an XC on it.
 
Either would be a great rifle. If you play in the used market you won’t see much or anything Cadex. Barrels are proprietary

AI AXSR come up here and there as well as Desert Tech. Along with barrels in the PX here. Some bigger customs come up here as well and can save a decent amount of $$ buying those used. Just assume you’re paying for everything but the barrel when buying

All depends what you want to accomplish. If you’re worried about resale value if you upgrade to bigger down the road than Cadex or AI will hold value better. I bought both my AI’s from members here and could easily make $$ if I sold them today. But I won’t

Everyone has their flavor and opinion. I had a savage with a Shilen in 338 LM that was very accurate. So essentially savage up to Cadex/AI can accomplish goals. Although savage isn’t my recommendation
 
OP is looking at 300PRC/ 338LM, so let’s just bring up delays with .223 bolts for no apparent reason…

Sure, there’s a massive price difference, but I would assume the OP has already looked at the cost, thus why he brought up AI and Cadex.



OP, only thing that can suck with magnum AI’s (besides cost) is, barrel blanks, since the AXMC/ AXSR needs a 1.350 shank diameter. But bugholes seems to have a few in stock. It can be PITA if you want a custom contour/ twist rate. Then you’ll have the play the waiting game with bartlein etc.


I guess I just hate money, thus why I could care less for custom guns.
Pretty much nailed it. If I were asking about AI and Cadex it’s because I’m asking about AI and Cadex, not hoping to be bashed be someone on the internet that doesn’t approve. Alternative opinions wouldn’t be unwelcome but with relevant information and facts. Unwarranted hostility and insults have never swayed me personally but perhaps it works for others.
 
I have no experience with the cadex, but I've spent several thousand rounds trying to break an axsr on 338 lapua with nothing wearing out but barrels.

I think they're a very solid, hard to beat system.
 
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Pretty happy with the 300prc AXSR we just got. I don't think you'd be disappointed. One of my favorite rifles.

Of course, it comes with a premium price. Not going to get into arguments over "worth" as we all spend money on ridiculous shit all the time. Be it guns or a $3 cup of coffee.
 
Just got done shooting my AI, you really can't beat the quality. I've only ever used a cadex chassis and I thought it felt cheap compared to what I've used from AI. You mentioned Desert Tech, I would not hesitate to go that route either, I'm gonna buy one eventually. Very accurate rifles from what I've seen.
 
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Sorry I'm late to the meeting. I started with AI, went to the kraken, then the shadow, then the tremor and now back to AI 😂. The AXSR in .308, .300 norma and .33XC is the best way to go imo. One kit w/ one scope and an allen wrench. (The allen wrench comment was a little dig on the kraken barrel changing tools that require a snap-on 3 bank roll around to carry😂).
 
If you’re only going up to rounds using a .588 base you’ll be better served building your own, like has already been suggested. Unless you just want to buy a turn-key system, which is awesome as well. You kind of need to answer that for yourself before you proceed
 
Havent owned a Cadex but do own a Axsr and at one point had a desert tech. desert tech was very disappointing. build quality was very sub par and accuracy was just ok. lots of cheap feeling plastic. Lot of compromises to make a shorter rifle. Axsr is the finest rifle Ive ever owned. Period. Cadex always intrigued me. but AI was an easy choice for me.
 
I have both Cadex Tremor 50 cal and AI AXSR with 308, 300PRC and 338LM bolt/barrels.
Both rifles exude quality and are both extremely well built - no complains there.
The Cadex chassis is heavier and thicker throughout, so it feels heftier and provides a more solid feel.
The AI's bolts run smoother and the AI Competition trigger is more solid and precise than the Cadex trigger.
The folder lockup for both rifles are the best in the industry, although the AI does lockup a bit more solid than the Cadex, if one were to nitpick.

For Multi-caliber, the Cadex Kraken requires customized tools for swapping barrels.
And when it comes to pre-fit barrels, there are a ton of options out there for AI. Can't say the same for Cadex barrels.
For additional Cadex Kraken barrels, you are limited to ordering from Cadex, or sending them to your gunsmith.
 
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I had a kraken, now I have an AI

I also had a desert tech here are some thoughts

Cadex: Great rifle, its essentially a mobile barrel vice system. Return to zero is awesome, method of changing barrels and equipment required is not. I sold mine because while I could change barrels, I hardly did because its a PITA. The heart attack every time the barrel lets go and the stopper stops you 1" from your scope gets old too haha. It can't fail but if it did thats a great way to wreck a $$$ scope. You cannot buy prefits for this you have to order a barrel which is made specific to your gun. Also kinda a deal breaker. In Canada Cadex customer service is awesome. I like Cadex products but I definitely would consider a MRAD or AI before this. Trigger is good, bolt is traditional with a 60 degree throw, chassis is decent but heavy.

AI: Barrel change system is a breeze, and you can buy prefits everywhere. If you shoot a lot I would say this is one of the only options as when it comes time to change barrels, getting a new one can be done relatively quickly. trigger is awesome, AI bolt throw is the best IMO, if you have one you know. Double stack mags are a win.

TBH, I think caliber change is over rated. if you're spending 10k on a gun, why not have two guns for 5k? sure it means more scopes but thats a minor inconvenience in the large scheme of things.

My issue with this is, point of impact between calibers is different at your zero distance. So if you change barrels frequently you either have to have a reference point (mine was 1 Mil down and .5 Mil right for my second barrel (300 Norma) vs my regular barrel 6.5x47 L) or Rezero your scope every time. To do that most scopes have a zeroing process that requires tools as well. I Just dialled to my reference and when from there. the issue with this is, if you're in a rush and you forget, you're going to miss.
 
TBH, I think caliber change is over rated. if you're spending 10k on a gun, why not have two guns for 5k? sure it means more scopes but thats a minor inconvenience in the large scheme of things.

You are so close to getting it. Only thing better then 1 Accuracy International rifle is 2 Accuracy International rifles.
 
I had a kraken, now I have an AI

I also had a desert tech here are some thoughts

Cadex: Great rifle, its essentially a mobile barrel vice system. Return to zero is awesome, method of changing barrels and equipment required is not. I sold mine because while I could change barrels, I hardly did because its a PITA. The heart attack every time the barrel lets go and the stopper stops you 1" from your scope gets old too haha. It can't fail but if it did thats a great way to wreck a $$$ scope. You cannot buy prefits for this you have to order a barrel which is made specific to your gun. Also kinda a deal breaker. In Canada Cadex customer service is awesome. I like Cadex products but I definitely would consider a MRAD or AI before this. Trigger is good, bolt is traditional with a 60 degree throw, chassis is decent but heavy.

AI: Barrel change system is a breeze, and you can buy prefits everywhere. If you shoot a lot I would say this is one of the only options as when it comes time to change barrels, getting a new one can be done relatively quickly. trigger is awesome, AI bolt throw is the best IMO, if you have one you know. Double stack mags are a win.

TBH, I think caliber change is over rated. if you're spending 10k on a gun, why not have two guns for 5k? sure it means more scopes but thats a minor inconvenience in the large scheme of things.

My issue with this is, point of impact between calibers is different at your zero distance. So if you change barrels frequently you either have to have a reference point (mine was 1 Mil down and .5 Mil right for my second barrel (300 Norma) vs my regular barrel 6.5x47 L) or Rezero your scope every time. To do that most scopes have a zeroing process that requires tools as well. I Just dialled to my reference and when from there. the issue with this is, if you're in a rush and you forget, you're going to miss.

I have my axmc barrels offsets programmed into my kestrel too easy👍
 
Stupid new (to AI) dude question. I have searched, and have seen a couple of you tube videos on different models, but is there a guid somewhere on what the different AI model features are (other than the obvious with the long/short action)?
 
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Stupid new (to AI) dude question. I have searched, and have seen a couple of you tube videos on different models, but is there a guid somewhere on what the different AI model features are (other than the obvious with the long/short action)?
AT/AX- Short action
ATX- Short action/non bonded (glued) chassis
AXMC/AXSR- Long Action

Short action runs on only short action cartridges
Long action can run both (ex: 6.5 and 338 LM)

Then you have the AW and AWM which are older and basically the earlier AT thumbhole designs.

Pre 14 AX don’t have the quick change barrel system. These models generally have the AX forend with AT style butt stock. My 14 AT and 13 AXMC have the quickloc barrel change

M27 thread barrel shanks are for the AX/AT and M30 for the AXMC/AXSR. Barrels are more expensive for the M30 and generally less available

Safeties are different on the AXSR (2 vs 3 position on the MC). Bolt lugs are different vs the MC. Pistol grip is different and easier to swap out on the AXSR vs MC. The forend on the AXSR is also keyslot but had a built in Arca rail on the bottom

Some are LE models which in the past were AT with AX stock.

Models in the US come with Bartlein barrels. Otherwise Lother Walther to my knowledge

Some fold some don’t. Mike high sells both and non folding are cheaper but imho the folder is worth it

Other than that the obvious difference is the chassis between the AW and AT vs the AX models

Just a few that I can think of. The green AW and AT with thumbhole stock are the rifles of the AI gods. They’re the most accurate and king of the AI no matter what some 6.5 elite sand shooting AI guy tells you
 
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Several of the guys I shoot with have decided to step it up and start shooting 1,000 yds out to a mile...and went big to get there...

One went with a .408 Cheytac, another with a .375 Cheytac, and a third with a 416 Barret...

I have no desire to go that large with the caliber, but I do want to buy something a little larger than the centerfires I already have, which include .308, 6.5 Creed, 7 WSM, and .300 WM.

The rifle will be a range toy with plans to shoot steel at the distances above and possibly a little farther if the opportunity arises.

I own an AI AT with .308 and 6.5 Creed barrels, which I like quite a bit, but I've been looking at other options out there, including the Sako, the Desert Tech, of course, an AI but I also recently started looking hard at the Cadex MC.

I want a rifle with bolts/barrels in .300 PRC and .338 Lapua.

Can anyone here who owns both Cadex rifles and Accuracy International rifles share your thoughts on how these two compare to each other?

Accuracy, reliability, overall fit and finish…

I’ve never even seen a Cadex in person, but it seems to check a lot of boxes.

What are your thoughts on the options I've listed...or is there something else I should consider?

I think it likely comes down to personal preference.

Accuracy International rifles have an excellent reputation for accuracy and durability. I have heard a lot of good things about the Cadex rifle too, particularly in regard to its accuracy. From what I've read, the Cadex is admirably accurate, efficient, and reliable - really a complete package. Additionally, the CadexMC allows you to switch barrels and calibers quickly and efficiently.

The barrel options for both rifles extend to .300 PRC and .338 Lapua, so from a functional standpoint I do not think you could go wrong with either option. It really comes down to personal preference and what you feel comfortable with.
 
If I could only keep one long range rifle in my safe it would be the AXSR. Decent trigger, super easy to swap cartridges in the field with just a hex wrench, the action is actually sized for a 338 Lapua, really just an overall solid platform. While switch barrel functionality is very low on my list of must have features, AI does it the best.
 
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Will the long action guns reliably feed short action rounds? Love the idea of the versatility to set up something like a 300 PRC and a 6.5
That’s what I have
318C357B-D9DA-482D-9090-112B3F1AE2C1.jpeg
 
Just a few that I can think of. The green AW and AT with thumbhole stock are the rifles of the AI gods. They’re the most accurate and king of the AI no matter what some 6.5 elite sand shooting AI guy tells you
Thank God I shoot a Dark Earth AI! Elite Sand, what a bunch of pussies…🤪

The fit and finish is about the same for AI and Cadex but the ergos are not - they just have a different feel. The Cadex does allow you to use whatever AR grip you like and their triggers are REM 700 compatible if you hated the factory one you could use something else. In keeping with the OP I think the Kraken holds it own if you were just buying factory replacement barrels. But you’re not stuck with that on the AI. The upside is that the Cadex barrels are Bartlein blanks.

The MRAD is good but not in the same category as the others. This is completely Barrett’s fault for not supporting their own platform.

For SA rifles, the custom route makes good sense for barrel changes and the AI is probably King for a factory switch barrel rig. The new Cadex competition rifle is awesome but not set up as a switch barrel system. You can order replacement barrels from the factory or your smith but that’s the same as anything else. Hence the custom route allows favorite action, barrel, trigger, chassis and options.

We are truly blessed with too many great options right now
 
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Thank God I shoot a Dark Earth AI! Elite Sand, what a bunch of pussies…🤪

The fit and finish is about the same for AI and Cadex but the ergos are not - they just have a different feel. The Cadex does allow you to use whatever AR grip you like and their triggers are REM 700 comparison if you hated the factory one you could use something else. In keeping with the OP I think the Kraken holds it own if you were just buying factory replacement barrels. But you’re not stuck with that on the AI. The upside is that the Cadex barrels are Bartlein blanks.

The MRAD is good but not in the same category as the others. This is completely Barrett’s fault for not supporting their own platform.

For SA rifles, the custom route makes good sense for barrel changes and the AI is probably King for a factory switch barrel rig. The new Cadex competition rifle is awesome but not set up as a switch barrel system. You can order replacement barrels from the factory or your smith but that’s the same as anything else. Hence the custom route allows favorite action, barrel, trigger, chassis and options.

We are truly blessed with too many great options right now
Win tac barrels for AI are Bartlein as well
 
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Win Tac also uses proof blanks for their AI prefits. So that's not always the case.
Correct

I mean the prefits like that from mile high have Bartleins available same as the Cadex

You stated it was an upside for the Cadex. I was only commenting on it being available for both