1st custom rifle - final decisions needed.

[jayquiver]

I did it… I bought my first custom action, a Defiance Machine Anti . I've been eyeing up this for a while and found one in stock spec'd out exactly how I would have ordered it without the wait, magnum bolt face, in XM action size (3.200”) and included bottom metal.

I bought the XM action with intent on running a 7 Saum running 168’s to 180’s grain bullets or a 300 WSM running 180’s to 210’s grain bullets being able to seat bullets out.

Stock - I think I will be putting it into a Wildcat Composite KS Tac Hunter or a Manners EH1 (if I can find one). Open to other suggestions.


Couple of questions

1. Barrel length - what is best for each cartridge? Leaning towards a 22” barrel out to 24” max.

2. Thinking Benchmark, IBI or KS Arms for Steel. Thinking Hells Canyon Armour or Proof in Carbon. Thoughts or other suggestions? The Wildcat Stock fits a #3 contour but can be opened up to a Sendro Light profile.

3. What contour barrel would you go with? Thinking a #2 to #4 but not sure.

4. Twist rate? 1 to 8.5 twist for the Saum or 1 in 10 twist for the 300 wsm, maybe 1-9?

Building this rifle to be a dedicated Elk rifle, under 8.5 pounds scoped, that is easier to shoot then my Kimber’s at longer ranges (500+). Will get some range use too.

Would you go 7 Saum or 300 WSM and what bullet/barrel details would you choose? I do reload.

[Jerry D]

That’s awesome.

Barrel length. You’ll be loosing minimum fps going with the shorter barrel. Settle in the middle at 23”.

For barrels I’d go with benchmark or ks arms. Hca and Benchmark both make carbon barrels as well. You don’t save as much weight as you would think with a carbon barrel because people don’t put steel sendero barrels on light hunting rifles anyways.

I’d go with a factory Remington magnum contour or something a little larger around .700 at the muzzle. With the light action you can afford some barrel weight. Probably around 3.5lb. A 26” rem mag sporter is roughly 3.5lbs at 26” so you could go slightly larger to a #4/5 contour around .7 and still make weight

That stock is 21oz ultralight or 25oz standard I read. The action is probably like 23oz?
Trigger 2oz? Bottom metal 6oz? That’s like 3.5lbs there without barrel. I’d go standard weight stock probably. Keep some weight below the barrel to help balance out the scope ontop.

I’d go 7mm. Enough for elk and lighter recoiling.

Put on a scope and rings in the 24oz range and your set at 8.5lbs.

[jayquiver]

That’s awesome.

Barrel length. You’ll be loosing minimum fps going with the shorter barrel. Settle in the middle at 23”.

For barrels I’d go with benchmark or ks arms. Hca and Benchmark both make carbon barrels as well. You don’t save as much weight as you would think with a carbon barrel because people don’t put steel sendero barrels on light hunting rifles anyways.

I’d go with a factory Remington magnum contour or something a little larger around .700 at the muzzle. With the light action you can afford some barrel weight. Probably around 3.5lb. A 26” rem mag sporter is roughly 3.5lbs at 26” so you could go slightly larger to a #4/5 contour around .7 and still make weight

That stock is 21oz ultralight or 25oz standard I read. The action is probably like 23oz?
Trigger 2oz? Bottom metal 6oz? That’s like 3.5lbs there without barrel. I’d go standard weight stock probably. Keep some weight below the barrel to help balance out the scope ontop.

I’d go 7mm. Enough for elk and lighter recoiling.

Put on a scope and rings in the 24oz range and your set at 8.5lbs.

Just found a Manners EH1 inletted for my action... things are taking shape. lol. Love the Wildcat Stocks but never owned a Manners before....may have to build two. :)
Not sure on the bottom metal, should arrive in a day or two so I can weight it then.

Trigger Tech Trigger will be used.

Just need to choose cartridge and barrel....happening quickly.

I do have a 7mm Benchmark Barrel #2 contour with 1-8.5 twist that should be here in 2 weeks. It was suppose to go on my Kimber Montana. May have to re-evaluate.
I do think I want a slightly heavier barrel profile or carbon for this project.

[Markl11]

Very exciting! Its always fun planning a new rifle.

Last late summer I had KS build me a new barrel, 26" #5, 1-8" twist with spiral fluting in 280AI. Turned out very nice and KS was good to deal with.

For length I'd go as long as your comfortable with, magnums were designed for speed so why choke it down with a short barrel.

For the twist check out Berger's website. It has a twist calculator that will help you figure out what you need. I don't have experience with the 300 but with the 7mm I really like the 1-8". I've shot 120gr at max load with .5 accuracy so don't be afraid of to much twist. My current hunting loadings are ELDX 162's and ABLR 175's.

My rifle with a maple stock and VX5 3-15 weighs in at 9.2 so 8.5 should be easy to achieve.

[Jerry D]

The base weight of the eh1 is 30oz.

I’m sure you know, a benchmark #2 is basically a feather weight barrel.

What barrel profile is inletted into the eh1? I’d go with a steel to match if it’s a 4/5 or smaller or if it’s larger go with a carbon to match.

I’d recommend to anyone building a rifle to create a Facebook account and search up Alamo precision. They have 100s of different builds with all the components listed and final weight. You can work everything backwards or swap out components and have an accurate idea of what it would weigh and look like.

My rifle came in at 6.25lbs with a 27oz action, 24oz stock, triggertech, Hawkins m5 and 20” rem sporter barrel finishing at .660. A lot of the custom barrels have a heavier shank compared to the Remington contours though. My rifle with scope is 7.75lb approx. .

I think you have lots of room to make it work. What scope though are you planning on using? Some heavier scopes are 30oz but there’s a lot of good hunting scopes that are around 20oz.

[catnthehat]

Jay, After scoping thd bores and testing several IBI barrels, and hearing what several that I hold in high regard have to say about them, I would seriously consider an IBI barrel.:)
Cat

[Cheyenne 1]

I have spun up a lot of IBI barrels.
And I run them on all my open guns.
Everyone has shot amazing. And all look good with the bore scope inside
Matter of fact my order is ready to ship and I have another 20 some barrels on the way :)

[sns2]

I have spun up a lot of IBI barrels.
And I run them on all my open guns.
Everyone has shot amazing. And all look good with the bore scope inside
Matter of fact my order is ready to ship and I have another 20 some barrels on the way :)

Out of curiosity, are you a gunsmith ordering that many barrels?

[wallz]

I lean towards the carbon barrels and would not hesitate to do the IBI carbon. I have heard excellent praise on them and decided to order one for my upcoming 22. I ended up with a proof carbon for my build last year, as I didn't have any info on the IBI barrels when I made my choice.

22" is max I would go, and even look at the 20" length. You will not be loosing that much velocity to worry about, especially reloading.

The 30 cal bullets are way more plentiful out in the field to find almost anything, and the rest are all but dwindling fast. That would push me to the 300 WSM.

The joy of the defiance action, is you could always spin on your own prefit next year if you didn't like the caliber you chose now. There are even guys documented that literally just spin on the barrel with a bit of a whip twist finish, without using any barrel vise or wrench, and have no problems what so ever.

[marky_mark]

Only take 5-10 min to swap a barrel with a vise and action wrench
I’ve had a hand tight barrel before
Very inconsistent

[Cheyenne 1]

I guess kind of. I do quite a few a year.
Every IBI has been great.
Happy now, order is on the way!!!!! :)



QUOTE=sns2;4485105]Out of curiosity, are you a gunsmith ordering that many barrels?[/QUOTE]

[fps plus]

As light a barrel as you feel you want to carry and 24 inches for a 300wsm. I’ve never looked at my ultralight 308 with a Douglas featherweight bbl and said “ I wish it was heavier “ .

[jayquiver]

Things are happening quickly.

Action arrived 2 days ago.
Yesterday the Manners Stock I found, Ietted for the my exact action, arrived.
Picked up a Trigger Tech Special also.

The stock is inletted to fit a Benchmark #3 contour. I have a Benchmark #2 in .284 with a 1-8.5 twist on order already for another project. May just move it to this one or pick up another barrel.

Is it much work for a gunsmith to open up the barrel channel for carbon barrel? Something like a Sendro Lite or IBI Carbon Hunter?

So basically calibre and barrel the only 2 things left to decide.https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20220212/e8812b83300503a236b8a4f97e39a9df.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20220212/020cab439575ea1ea6bb169c1a215290.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20220212/815b513dc4e061eeae2c14fe0c067103.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20220212/fa378a4a110fc781ad88f2ef95370a00.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20220212/4b273d884dbfb8d5025e84240040c389.jpg

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[marky_mark]

Awesome

[Jerry D]

That’s awesome. Your basically 3.75lbs so far.

The benchmark 2 will fit the the 3 channel fairly well.

I read a #2 barrel is 3lbs at 26”. So at most your going to be about 6.75lbs with that barrel.

A proof sendero carbon is basically 3lbs even as well so the only way to go heavier if you want to is with a larger contour steel barrel or a heavy optic.

[fps plus]

Opening a barrel channel for a larger barrel is not a problem as long as there is enough material in the forearm.

[tkhiebs]

How do you like that Manners stock? Would you say its not to bulky and would be good for a hunting rifle?

[Ackleyman]

Great selection of components. I went with the Defiance action and trigger tech special in a build also. That Manners stock looks great. Your going to have a very nice rifle. :happy0180:

[REMINGTON JIM]

Nice Parts Selection for Sure !

I would get a #4 Benchmark 1-8 twist 5 groove Fluted - 24 " installed lenght and have it chambered in the 7 SAUM -Then top it all off with a Zeiss V4 4-16 Scope Held in place with MDT Premier scope rings ! :) Make a GOOD animal Killer ! jmo RJ

[jayquiver]

How do you like that Manners stock? Would you say its not to bulky and would be good for a hunting rifle?

I've only handled it by itself, rifle is not assembled yet. I like the shape of it, its not bulky. I bought it to be a hunting rifle, better for shooting longer ranges. I think it will be perfect for that.

[jayquiver]

Well my Benchmark #2 arrived about a week ago. It was orginally ordered for my Kimber Montana, but thought I try it in this build. To me it was too skinny and didn't think I would be happy with the final product.... so back to the drawing board.

Found a Proof Sendro Light in .284 1 in 8.4 twist finished at 22"....perfect for what I wanted.

So she will be a lightweight 7 saum it will be! Found some brass last week just need dies.

Thanks for all the suggestions and posts, I read them

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20220315/6e6c3ec274cf2631f9e0897c6400ac6d.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20220315/3ae4fafe1454ae5a2a179a0e0ee3ecae.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20220315/a5fe2e6f66cfc1dd423f9629b57d858d.jpg

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[REMINGTON JIM]

Very NICE Barrel - Gonna BE a Very Nice Build ! :) RJ

[Zaprosper]

Looking at the defiance anti for a 7 SAUM build myself. Would ne interested to know your thoughts and if you have anything to compare it to

[Twisted Canuck]

What a great looking build, nice components you chose. And let me be the first to say it, I *LOVE* the paintjob on that stock.

[jayquiver]

Looking at the defiance anti for a 7 SAUM build myself. Would ne interested to know your thoughts and if you have anything to compare it to

This is my first custom action and build. I have owned lots of factory rifles from Tikka's, Winchester's, Kimber's, Cooper's and Remington's. The Anti with XM action length is perfect for the 6.5 PRC, 300 WSM and 7 Saum. To be honest it is probably better for the 6.5 and 300 due to the mag lenght. I could put the 7 saum into a winchester action easier then the other 2.

After a few delays on my part and the gun smith gets shipped out next week. I should have have it back by end of July at the latest.

I have brass, power, primers and bullets. So finding a load will be fun. Looking to shoot 168-180 grain bullets

[jayquiver]

What a great looking build, nice components you chose. And let me be the first to say it, I *LOVE* the paintjob on that stock.

thanks. :)

[Zaprosper]

This is my first custom action and build. I have owned lots of factory rifles from Tikka's, Winchester's, Kimber's, Cooper's and Remington's. The Anti with XM action length is perfect for the 6.5 PRC, 300 WSM and 7 Saum. To be honest it is probably better for the 6.5 and 300 due to the mag lenght. I could put the 7 saum into a winchester action easier then the other 2.

After a few delays on my part and the gun smith gets shipped out next week. I should have have it back by end of July at the latest.

I have brass, power, primers and bullets. So finding a load will be fun. Looking to shoot 168-180 grain bullets

Have a few custom actions, but wanting to build a 7 SAUM and the only action in LH. Have yet to try a defiance action, so I might have to pull the trigger. Where did you manage to find 7 SAUM brass? Been looking everywhere for some and have yet to find it.

[jayquiver]

Have a few custom actions, but wanting to build a 7 SAUM and the only action in LH. Have yet to try a defiance action, so I might have to pull the trigger. Where did you manage to find 7 SAUM brass? Been looking everywhere for some and have yet to find it.

Neiderland Coop and Valleyfirearms. Nosler brass.

If this build goes really well i think I will end up with another Defiance action with the CRF option...pricey but could be the ideal set up.

[Zaprosper]

Neiderland Coop and Valleyfirearms. Nosler brass.

If this build goes really well i think I will end up with another Defiance action with the CRF option...pricey but could be the ideal set up.

If you have purchased from the Neerlandia Coop, you should consider a Borden action for your next build. Have a gun built on one and it is great. Just ordered the defiance deviant in XM myself, interested to see how it stacks up vs some of the others.
Wanting to build a 7 SAUM, so will need to find some brass from somewhere. Coop currently out of stock.

[jayquiver]

After some delays on my part and the Gunsmiths, both well communicated...she's home.

Gary Flach did my build, great guy to talk to and explain things as this was my 1st full custom.

Manner's EH1 - barrel channel opened up and bedded
Trigger Tech Special - set to 2.5 pounds
Proof Carbon Barrel @ 22" 1-8.4 twist, with custom lightweight muzzle brake and threaded cap protector
Chambered in 7 Saum
Defiance Machine Anti with Rail - Gunkote coating
Zeiss Ultralight 30mm 1913 Mil Spec Rings
Leupold VX5HD 3-15x44 ( for now)

I started questioning my choice of building a 7 saum after everything was shipped out...almost went with a 300 wsm. Really happy I stayed with the 7 Saum especially now the final build weight. It should be right at 7.75 pds scoped.

Very happy on how it turned out!

pics coming soon!

[marky_mark]

That should be a fantastic rifle

[jayquiver]

Some picshttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20221105/cbd2afd80dfd349389c1e13900e500e5.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20221105/69eaee2554ac43de5cb412fbabf9461c.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20221105/9b90b2e7ef260fb5f19f8d233ecb3d70.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20221105/587e1ce5484d71c848362175fed8d822.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20221105/6ff1ba13a6b2259b702602d5a0ecc6ff.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20221105/fd81e07c9b0b03f74246f9f05078f3f3.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20221105/a0a122ed929bed85c44710ca60b3c3b3.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20221105/81d325048b8a1e90c0d5fe39ba76f372.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20221105/a8b148e35d07e6519ce17e609abe5b1a.jpg

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[sns2]

One needs to use curse words to adequately describe your rifle, Jay. Wow. Congrats.

[jayquiver]

One needs to use curse words to adequately describe your rifle, Jay. Wow. Congrats.

haha. Thanks. I'm a happy camper right now.:sHa_shakeshout:

[brewster29]

Very very nice. Bolt handle is on the wrong side for me, unfortunately...

[Lefty-Canuck]

I just revived a thread on my .260 Imp built on a Defiance Rebel Action, might be some info of interest for you.

LC

[roper1]

Beauty rifle. Enjoy!