blueprinting 700 action

[bamadawg2009]

So Im about to start another build and this will be the first action that I am having 100% trued and blueprinted. My question is do I have to replace the factory bolt with a high dollar aftermarket bolt or will the OEM bolt do just fine if I have it squared up as well. I really dont want spend the almost $300 for the PTG bolt that the smith suggested but if I have to.

 

[Hired Gun]

Factory will do just fine. Once Cerakoted it will run even tighter.

 

[BountyHunter]

So Im about to start another build and this will be the first action that I am having 100% trued and blueprinted. My question is do I have to replace the factory bolt with a high dollar aftermarket bolt or will the OEM bolt do just fine if I have it squared up as well. I really dont want spend the almost $300 for the PTG bolt that the smith suggested but if I have to.

No you do not have to spend the money to get a better smoother and more reliable bolt.
/
Sell the action buy a custom and have a better action for less money. That is one decision you will never regret.

However you can sell your old bolt also for. $125-150

 

[BARTFRNCS]

No you dont have to get a coustom bolt . The smith will work it till it is true and concentric to the axis of the bore/action. Don't buy into the custom actions are problem free about 75% of them are off too just ask any smith worth his salt.

 

[grit]

Replacing the bolt tightens tolerances between the bolt body and bolt raceway. Factory tolerance runs about .004-.007. After reaming the raceway and replacing the bolt, you can choose your tolerance, .002 is common. The tighter tolerance holds the bolt face closer to proper alignment before firing. However, upon firing the lugs will be forced, under high pressure into full contact, properly aligning the bolt face.


The upgrade is entirely optional. For a hunting rifle, I wouldn't bother unless you were planning to flute the bolt and add an extractor. In that case, the new bolt doesn't cost any extra. For a target rifle, I would do it.

 

[J E Custom]

Lots of good advice. I will add my 2 cents for what it's worth.

Any "good" action can be blue printed and made to be very accurate.

Replacing the bolt is common when you have to do extensive modifications to
make it work with the cartrige of your choice or it is simply wore out.

All actions, whether custom or factory are CNC machined and the trueness and tolerances
will vary depending on the setup and quality control acceptance. I have found both custom
and factory actions to be almost perfict and found some of both to be not so perfict and in
need of some truing.

The clearance between the bolt and the raceway Is subjective and each person has there
opinion on how much is to much and how much is to little.

If the bolt is to loose, the bolt sear will not be as consistant. If it is to tight it will bind in
some cases and be difficult to operate fast or in an emergency. So there is a range that works
well and has little or no effect on accuracy.

With everything as true and square the important thing now is the chamber and head space.
If the cartrige can move upon firing because of excessive head space accuracy can be affected.

So the accuracy is dependent on many things that have to come together at the same time
and the action is just one of those componants and it should be true and square.

One of the most accurate rifles that I have ever owned was built on a 98 Mauser action that
had so much clearance between the bolt and the race ways that after ejection you had to lift
up on it to keep it from binding when chambering the next round. This rifle was used for 1000
yard competition and would consistantly hold better than 1/2 MOA at 1000 yards. It had a
perfict chamber and head space, and was very true when made up on properly sized ammo.

So do you have to buy a new bolt ? NO

J E CUSTOM

 

[bamadawg2009]

Thanks for all the advice guys now I can use that $300 towards a good Vortex or Leupy. I guess I could always buy the bolt later if I change my mind. The action I have is almost brand new so its not some wore out ***. My 280AI action is a 1970s action with the original bolt and that is the most accurate rifle I have ever shot, so I guess the bolt doesnt make that HUGE of a difference.

 

[BARTFRNCS]

The bolt plays a huge part in the accuracy of a rifle! If I could only work on one part it would be the bolt!