Action dilemma

All,

I am on the brink of ordering a 6.5 PRC with Short Action Customs (about 1 hour away from me) and am struggling with the action selection. I'm pretty sure I've read every thread that exists on the subject, but I remain stuck.

The current quote calls for a Manners Pro Hunter stock, Defiance Anti-x SA action, Triggertech Diamond 2-stage trigger, 20" proof barrel. I'll be running a Hyperion and/ or Hyperion K suppressor.

I have several 7mm and 30 cal rifles, so my thought was to stick with the mid-weight bullets- likely a 140 Berger EH or similar- for higher velocities. N560 will be the first powder I try. If I feel I need a heavier bullet, I go to one of the 7mm's or larger.

Purpose for the rifle will be deer and smaller out to maybe 800, 95% of the time much shorter. Again, I have larger calibers for extended distance (I'm reminding myself of this as well!) and am not actually intending to hunt that far... just want to know the cartridge is capable.

The question- The parts for this rifle are all in stock and ready to build. I inquired on an XM action, just in case I wanted to load heavier, longer bullets, but the action and stock would need to be ordered. This would likely add several months at least, possibly 6, to the build time. Would it be worth the wait to get the longer action, or would 140's and similar work just fine in the short action?

Edit to add that it will have the Hawkins Hunter DBM with "flush" magazine (~2.980 internal length).

Appreciate any feedback.

Sounds like a great build- I am sure you will love it. My experience has been as soon as I decide what I want and get it built, I realize I need something else haha! I built an Anti SA in a Manners LRH stock a few years back and knew I would do my usual mind change, so I built it in 2 chambering a with 2 separate bolts/barrels. A 6.5SS with a mag bolt and a 308win with a standard bolt. I got rid of the 6.5 barrel and as usual, found my way back home to the 308. The 6.5ss is a great cartridge but life got busy and after 2.5 years I still hadn't done load dev for it, and I know the 308 like the back of my hand.

I suggest building what you planned- you arrived there for a reason and it should fit your needs. But go ahead and order a second bolt now so it's ready when you get another itch- that'll give you more options with cartridge selection on your next barrel.

If you're only going to be handloading 140 Bergers in a short action check if they have a .130 or .140 freebore reamer. Or pick their brains I'm sure the guys at SAC have an idea of what reamer for what bullet in a short action.

Either will be great but my advice is to make sure you get what you really want even if it takes extra time to do it. My reasoning behind this is because when you get your rifle and decide that you really wanted the XM instead to load longer, you are gonna end up going through the whole process again.

With all said from my post above, if you are only shooting deer and smaller game, you should never need more than a 140 Gr Berger. My point was, just make sure that you get what YOU really want even if it's a wait because if you don't, you will be visiting that gunsmith to build you another rifle lol.

Thanks for the responses guys. They are much appreciated.

Among my searches was COAL's for loads that folks had found, but I didn't have much luck. I know the heavies loaded close to the lands exceed the capacity of the short action, but as stated above, if I felt the need for the heavier bullet I should probably be grabbing a larger rifle.
IE, I hunt elk out west each year. I have 3- 7mm's, including a 28 nosler, and a couple 30 cals that I'd be taking without question. Longer barrels, heavier bullets, better ballistics/ range, etc.

I guess I am trying to determine if a longer action is potentially needed for the 140 class and smaller bullets, or does it only help with the 150+ grain options?

I'd load a dummy round up to your desired COAL and see what measurement that gives you. If it works in the short action then go for it. If it doesn't give enough clearance in the short action then you will know. I think most factory ammo is loaded around 2.955" for the 140 Gr Berger.

What magazine did you say you were going to use?

Korhil78 said:

What magazine did you say you were going to use?

Click to expand...

Hawkins Hunter DBM. About 2.980 internal length.

Well if your COAL will clear when you eject a whole round out, then you are good.

I have the PRC in both lengths and would not go back to the short action. The LA gives alot of flexibility in the PRC and for your next barrel if you decide to go a different direction.

Don't take these numbers as gospel because I don't have my notes in front of me as far as how far off this is but I *believe* 20 thou off with a 140 elite hunter ends up about 3.030 with a sammi .188 freebore reamer. The shorter .130 or .140 reamers work perfect with 140 Bergers imo.

Id probably go with a true short action personally. Give up on velocity. Truth is you'll have a 20" prc with 26" creedmoor velocities but you'll have a short, handy rifle. Personally I'd consider an 18"