What ACTION for a 7mm-338 LAPUA Imp. cartridge?

[CanadianLefty]

Ok, maybe got the bug for a 7-338 LAPUA.

I need a Left Hand Stainless Steel action for the Lapua cartridge bolt face

I got a local gunsmith telling me that the Stainless Steel Remington action can be used, but for about US $1200 I would be much better off using the Nesika Bay Precision action that is 750 diameter and .590 bolt face.

Which would you choose? Any other choices come to mind?

I was told to get a 30" barrel, Hart, Lilja or Browton (sp?) but I would prefer a 28"- is 2" going to make a big difference?

Looking for max. rifle weight of 12 pounds all up with A5 stock, 5.5x22 Nightforce and shooting max between 180gr or 210gr wildcat or similar bullets.

Any other comments?

BTW, NO MUZZLE BRAKE- how much will this rifle kick at 12 pounds, all up?

In the end, am I better off with a 7mmRUM or 7mm-338RUM- or is the Lapua brass worth the effort?

Thanks.

[goodgrouper]

I needed that good laugh! [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img]
Are you serious? A 7mm-.338 lapua imp? Do you know that it will probably turn your barrel inside out? And you would have to have a 36" barrel to gain any advantage over the "smaller" cartridges.
I think you would be better off playing it a little more conservative. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif[/img]
If you do go with that cartridge, the BAT, Geske, Nesika, or any of the high quality actions will work fine.

[Ballistic64]

The action I went with with some recommendation from Richard at Nesika is the round "M" action in 1.470 Dia. for my 338 Lapua.IMO go with Lapua over the Ultra.

[CanadianLefty]

goodgrouper, then help me out for f$&%#*@ sake! [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/shocked.gif[/img] [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tongue.gif[/img]

What would you get for a 0-800 yard, relatively low recoiling rifle chambered for a cartridge-bullet combo that bucks prairie winds like no tomorrow for use strictly on Canadian Mulies, Whitetailed deer, antelope and caribou?????

Yeah, I can hear it now- a 7STW or RUM is more than enough- is it? Then please tell me why.

Thanks guys! [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]

P.S. maybe I should not improve the cartridge!

[goodgrouper]

Didn't mean to rattle you up. It is just that I haven't heard anything funnier than that since the 22-.378 eargoneloudensplittenboomer!

Neither the 7 ultra or 7 stw have tolerable recoil levels without brakes in my opinion, and are still a little too much for good barrel life.

It is hard to say what would be the best gun for each hunter as styles, ranges, conditions, and biases are all factors.

You state you want something that bucks the wind, and I assume you want something flat. High bc is the best tool for overcoming wind, and velocity is best for flatness (to a point). If it were me, I would not scoff at a hot loaded .25-06 or 7mm mag with accubonds. It sounds quiant I know, but you can turn boring, small cartridges into huge competitors by just using bullets with high bc's.

[CanadianLefty]

Interesting- you're probably right and deep down I know you are [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smirk.gif[/img] it just sounds so mundane to choose an old reliable and accurate cartridge for loonngg range.

How would a 300 win mag fend in this arena? I know that you are using one on elk- is it too much for 250lb deer?

I was already going to have built a custom rifle in that cartridge or dakota but wanted something for smaller game.

Maybe a 270 Dakota? or is that too overbore also?

[demarpaint]

Why not true up a 700 Action, hang a 28" barrel and chamber it in 280 Ackley Improved, or a 7mm Mag. Both would be fine out to the yardages you plan on shooting. Of the two mentioned I like the 280 with the improved chamber the best.

JMO

Frank D