Stiller Predator Bolt?

[demarpaint]

TIA- I'm in the process of getting the parts together to have a 7MM PRC build, the barrel is on the way. I have a Stiller Predator Action I bought many years ago with a .595 bolt face for a .338 Lapua. I need a long action magnum bolt for this build, and I'm looking about $400 for a new bolt. I know a ring can be installed to make the bolt face smaller, not sure on the cost and something tells me it's probably not the best way to go. I can probably sell my bolt to lower the cost, which might end up being a hassle. Are there any options I might be missing? I have Remington 700 magnum long actions which can be used for the build instead of the Stiller Action, but I didn't want to go that route. Thanks.

 

[demarpaint]

After giving it a little more thought I might go an entirely different route, since I already have the .595 bolt. I might invest another $400, keep the .595 bolt and make it a switch barrel rifle. Has anyone gone that route with a Stiller Predator action? Any drawbacks, or issues? Thanks.

 

[JuddL]

No drawbacks or issues…except every time I've setup a system like that I rarely switch them like intended. I don't live super close to a range to re-zero though, if I did I might do it more often. Regardless, you're probably better off to just built two.

 

[demarpaint]

No drawbacks or issues…except every time I've setup a system like that I rarely switch them like intended. I don't live super close to a range to re-zero though, if I did I might do it more often. Regardless, you're probably better off to just built two.

I thought of that, but wanted to try and keep the costs down for now.

 

[JuddL]

Completely understand that. The only way I'd go that route is if they would sell you an action body later…otherwise, in the long run you're just spending $400-500 more now that you won't get back later. Good luck!

Stiller used to be pretty good about that type of stuff but they've been bought twice since Jerry and Curtis ran things.

 

[demarpaint]

Completely understand that. The only way I'd go that route is if they would sell you an action body later…otherwise, in the long run you're just spending $400-500 more now that you won't get back later. Good luck!

Stiller used to be pretty good about that type of stuff but they've been bought twice since Jerry and Curtis ran things.

Good point! I bought the action years ago, when Jerry was running the show. I was planning a .338 Lapua build, lets say life got in the way and the action and barrel sat. I have a .338 Rock 5R 9.4 twist barrel that will finish at 30". I could probably sell both fairly easy. The switch barrel idea really caught my interest. The bolt would cost $400, I saw PTG sells the bolt for under $350, but their reputation is really bad I read. I'm looking at the savings of a stock, another action, and a scope and rings if I bring that into the calculations. In fact I might even be able to use the same brake on it. Thanks for the replies!!

 

[JuddL]

PTG is normally decent if it's in stock or something you don't customize. They've sure lost a lot of credibility over the years. Sad really.

 

[demarpaint]

PTG is normally decent if it's in stock or something you don't customize. They've sure lost a lot of credibility over the years. Sad really.

IIRC the bolt is "made to order" I'm not sure if that's a risk worth taking?

 

[JuddL]

On a bolt I don't think there is a whole lot of risk…it's more, how long will it really take.

 

[demarpaint]

On a bolt I don't think there is a whole lot of risk…it's more, how long will it really take.

I might give them a call and see if they have it in stock. "Made to order" seems odd.

 

[demarpaint]

I was informed on another board that there might be issues with the magnum bolt fitting my action since Stiller has changed hands twice since I bought my action in 2008. That throws me a curve ball. I'll probably have to make a call to find out for sure.

 

[Taylorbok]

just sell the action and buy the proper one.
or build something on a .585 BF, 7-300 NM

 

[demarpaint]

just sell the action and buy the proper one.
or build something on a .585 BF, 7-300 NM

An option I considered as well. I could also just go with 338 Lapua as originally planned, and use one of my trued 700 magnum actions for a 7mm PRC.

 

[Taylorbok]

If you want a 7mm why not 7-300 Norma Mag, it will lay a smack down on 7 PRC, only draw back would be barrel life but if you only shoot it for hunting and limited practice it'll last years.

I'd go 300 NM or 338 NM before I did 338 Lap. You could take it up a notch also and go to NMI