I am going to build a custom 338 Lapua IMP for 1000 yard shooting, I am trying to decide which action to use.

I am going to put a heavy 30 inch tube on it.
Which action is stiffer and would support the big tube better?

What is the max OAL that will fit into the magazine on the CZ 550 magnum?

Which action is capable of better accuracy?

[This message has been edited by sr90 (edited 03-16-2002).]

While thr TRGS action is based on the TR 21 22 series it is not of the same caliber. The CZ action has a square bottom so stocking the gun will have to be done at one of the better stock makers to assure perfect fit for maximum accuracy. Since it is not a dangerous game gun I would buy either an AWP or a TR 22 in .338 Lapua and run the improved reamer through it. I would also suugest a Dakota arms Longbow in the .338 Lapua they really shoot and are based on a mauser action no compromises, they have a 28" .950" Lothar Walther barrel, they have some ready to deliver

So you think that it would be a bad idea to use either action?

I've looked at the Dakota longbow (safari) action and it costs $2,000 by itself, OUCH! Is there a cheaper place to buy them from?

I was thinking that the CZ 550 was pretty much the same as the Dakota safari action, also I heard that you can load round with an OAL of 3.9 into the magazine in the CZ 550 but the Dakota allows only about 3.7 if I remember right. My loads are going to be just under 3.9 to utilize the increased case capacity.

[This message has been edited by sr90 (edited 03-17-2002).]

Frankly, I think the Sako TRGS (TRansGreSsion) has a worse bedding system than the Ruger 77 Magnum Mark II.

Either one can be remedied by adding a Tubb/Remington style recoil lug to the barrel/action mating.

I would just as soon have a CZ. I believe its magazine box is about 3.85" OAL and it is slightly bigger than the Ruger 77 Mark II in the magazine box.

The CZ 550 Magnum, BRNO ZKK 602, and the BBK-02 actions that I have built rifles with are nearly identical in magazine box dimensions.

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RAB

I and my friend have Just ordered AR-30M .338 Laupa Magnums. I have read a couple of good reviews on them. After our current project we were going to build a .338 cal long range rifle, but the price of the AR-30M is 1180 US (2500AUS), which will be a lot less than the price of building one, leaves a bit for a little tinkering if it needs it.

We like the miliatry look of them to. Although we have ordered now, they will be officially released next month and first shipments if schedule are met will be in September. They will suit the application we have for them to a tea.

Regards PC.

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The AR-30 looks more appealing everyday, when I first saw it I thought it was the ugliest thing I ever saw, lol, but the look is starting to grow on me.

Do you know what the magazine length is on the AR-30??????

Who did you order yours from?

[This message has been edited by sr90 (edited 03-17-2002).]

PC,
You made a wise choice for a cartridge such as the 338 Lapua.

I read the write-ups on the AR-30 too, and was tempted myself. I am very satisfied with the AR-50, a great buy too.

The AR-30 is a magazine repeater and really light weight compared to the 35 lbs. (sans scope) single shot AR-50.

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RAB

[This message has been edited by DaggaRon (edited 03-17-2002).]

When you are building a rifle for 1000m shooting price verses performance is a fine line. Once you have conquered the rebarrelling of the CZ action. You will need an ultra premium 28 to 30" bbl, then you need a stock, the type of stock depends on your style of shooting, if it is prone shooting then the stock you require is totally different than the 1000m benchrest stocks. The stock will need to be custom built and fitted to your rifle. Once mounting of the scope on the CZ action takes place, you'll need a custom full length Weaver rail to accomodate the 36X ( 16X with a doubler) Leupold Ultra. After this you'll want match trigger which is impossible to find for the CZ. So with gunsmithing and all other expenses the long bow Dakota, complete rile in .338 Lapua at $4250.00 is cheap and ready to deliver. You will have to put a scope on it and go shoot. I know these projects are fun and I own many CZ rifles you just cannot beat the Dakota once you look at the big picture. I have done these projects before build some weird stuff some worked others failed, truthfully the money I poured into some of these guns was almost absured. Buy the Dakota it is the best the Armalite is the old Iver Johnson gun so accuracy could range from poor to acceptable. If you want to hit something at 1000m then you want the best not to mention other variables such as wind at 300m is a bear let alone 1000m. Heat mirages, etc.

[This message has been edited by alekojjensen (edited 03-17-2002).]

Thanks for all the insight guys, actually the action I really want to use is the Prairiegunworks Timberwolf, check it out http://www.prairiegunworks.com

This action can be had with a 4.5" magazine, WOW!

I would have to agree with the previous post. The Dakota Longbow (even when compared to other Dakota models) is quite reasonable. If you figure out what it would cost to build a Dakota African with all the options that are standard on the Longbow, it would cost about $1400 more. However, the African would come with a XXX grade walnut stock.

sr30 the magazine box from the article I have is 3.96" long. I and my mate have ordered ours from Stephen Herberth at;

SpecWpns@aol.com

Tell him if you order one that 2 Aussie guy's put you on to him.

The worst thing about it will be a pain I reckon trying to get it here, forms, forms and more forms. There is not an Armalite distributor in Australia. I am also having trouble coming to terms with the September delivery date that's eons away.

DaggaRon we were really pissed we could not get an AR-50 (due to the export ban of .50 caliber stuff from America). But from all accounts the .338 Laupa will still make a fine reasonably longrange cartridge.

Alekojjenson, if we could afford something better we would get it, but I have to get what represents good value for money and I reckon the AR-30 is, we just want to be able to make chest shots on hogs etc. to 800 yards then we will be happy.

I just really hope we do not get stuffed around by customs, because I am looking forward to this rifle more than any other. I am thinking of mounting either a 15-42x56 NXS nightforce, leupold 45x target, leupold 8-32 and am also considering the new Hakko range of scopes in an 8-36x56 there made in the same factory as the Nightforce apparently.

Daggaromn are you going to get the AR-30 .338 to go with your AR-50??

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PC,
Good possibility. I think like you on this one. Finally, an accurate, rugged, reasonably priced off the shelf 338 Lapua! I would stick a Schmidt&Bender 4X-16X PM mil dot on it. That is part of the reason why my AR-50 is so accurate.

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RAB

DaggaRon,

my mate and I really wanted an AR-50 Bad but can't due to the ban, hence we have begun building .585 Nyatti's as we wanted something in a big caliber (Bigger than our .416 Rigby's). We also wanted something longrange, the AR-50 would have done both jobs (the big caliber job and the long range job). This how we have finished up with the .585 Nyatti and .338 Laupa AR-30 combination. But I am not dissapointed I think these two rifles AR-30 .338 & .585 will be fun combination of rifles don't you think.

Regards PC.

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585 Nyati fun? I think its creator called it a nightmare. I think the brass is the biggest headache involved.

Make it even more fun by trimming it down to less than eleven pounds fully loaded and field ready, with no muzzle brake. Then video tape the unsuspecting test firing it for you. Sound familiar?

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RAB

Daggaron, hopefully someone will pick up brass production other than Bertram. I think I am going to stick to 650 grainers @ 2400 fps. We will send some loaded rounds to the smith so he can hopefull iron out any bugs. I think we will do what 500grains has done and have a slightly larger chamber, he said this works for him and no probs.

Also have decided to definitely get a NXS nightforce 12-42x56 for my .338 LM, with the zero stop.

Let us know if your getting an AR-30 as well Daggaron

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If I were to build a .338 Lapua for Real 1000yd competition, I would not use a CZ550. How many Mauser actions do you guys see at Real 1000 yrd matches? Not Many and none really doing well. This ground was covered about 30 years ago. You need a much stiffer action. Now here is a little known fact. You can get a McMillan 50 BMG action with a .590 Boltface this action has a built in weaver rail designed for the elevation adjustments required for 1000 yrds( This is some fun on a CZ550). I bought my benchrest action with both a .50 BMG bolt and a .590 Bolt. Cost only about $150 more. The McMillan actions cost about $1200. Now you have an action that has proven 1000yrd competion wins and can handle a 36 inch .338 1:10 tube that is 1.5 inches at the breach and will taper to 1 inch at the muzzel. The thread depth is also designed for a winning bench gun. You won't even need a muzzel brake, just a good 11 degree crown. Many folks make proper stocks that will fit it and you can use a Jewell trigger ( sure beats that CZ550 doesn't it?). McMillan also makes a repeater action if that military sniper look turns you on. You know any gun can shoot to 1000yrds but in reality how many can hold 5 inches?. There is an amazing amout of BS out there on this topic, but I don't see many people posting pictures of there targets shot at certified competitions. Till I see them I'm sceptical! By the way the Prarie Timberwolf action looks reasonable from what I've read but is awfully expensive.-Rob

That's the only problem with the PGW Timberwolf is that I don't want to sell my car to buy their action. lol

I will look into McMillen's action, sounds like a good route to go, and much cheaper too.

I really like the tactical look I will be be using an McMillen A3 tactical stock for the rifle and swap it with one of their benchrest stocks for competition.

I have shot a 12" 5 shot group at 1000 yards with a 308 win, of course I don't have any pic's. lol I really did though, we were shooting steel half silluettes or I would have saved the group.

[This message has been edited by sr90 (edited 03-20-2002).]