I'm contemplating a project with the centergrip XP100. I was thinking of making it into a switch barrel rig for varminting, paper punching and big game (white-tails, maybe bigger)

I've got a Contender with 223 and 309 JDJ barrels and another bolt action pistol (rear grip) in 6.5 X 284.

I was thinking of getting barrels in 22-250AI and 243AI down the road, but I'd like to start with the largest caliber first. Any good ideas? I'd like to stay away from anything that requires a muzzle brake. I haven't shot the center grips, is the difference in recoil noticeable?

sunnyhillshooter,
Concerning your larger caliber choice, what will you use it for primarily (also elk?)? I probably wouldn't go over a 284Win. case capacity since you are not using a brake.

Rear versus center grip do recoil differently but felt recoil is so subjective. Especially when you add to the mix different weight / contour / length barrels, different style of stocks, etc.
What kind of brand of stock and what barrel contour do you plan to use?
With the cartridges you already have picked out I would consider 15-16 inch barrels.

xphunter

Elk would be the biggest I would go, and I don't have any plans for that. I think the 309 would work in a pinch, so maybe I should look at a 25 caliber as the "deer" barrel.

I'm still debating on the stock. I think the HS Precision stock would work better at the bench, but I don't know how they carry in the field as opposed to the McMillan. I think I'd go with heavy barrels, and in the case of the hunting barrel, have it fluted. I agree, I think all the barrels will be 16"

I like the rear grip pistols I have, but I think the center grip might be a little easier to handle out in the woods.

Thanks for the help.

Is your 243AI your multipurpose cartridge? A 25-284 or 25 SouperAI (25x308Improved), 257 Roberts AI, would also work well for a dual cartridge role. I have used H-S Stocks in the field (Plains & Mountains) since 1988 with a lot of success. H-S stocks are no longer drop-ins for the XP. They are now only cut-out to fit their own action. You have to make modifications for the rear tang and the dog-leg bolt (maybe one other area). You can order the stock unpainted, have it fitted then sent back to H-S for paint job. there is no extra charge for this, but you have to have that to let them know up front. I have had some frustration with H-S recently, but they are still one of the best stocks out there. I want to try McMillian center grip stock next though out of curiosity.
The 309JDJ will work for elk, but your higher pressure cartridges will allow you to stretch your range some more. The quarter bores will work for elk (as many locals use them) but I always have to remember, that if I am shooting a 25-284 my velocity will be about the same as what a 25-08 could do from a rifle length barrel.
Another idea is to base all of your cases off of the new WSSM case. It would be perfect for what you are considering.
xphunter

My gunsmith has built me two awitch barrel XP's, He has started putting interchangeable Savage bolt faces on Remington Bolts, I now have the mag bolt out of a model 7 and am starting a new project, 6mmSAUM . All of my barrels inter change with each action,I have 4 XP's one is a repeater that if I am using long barrels I put in model seven stock web pagePICS

I was thinking that the 243AI would be a "turbo" version of the 22-250AI and be used mainly for PD's. It might make more sense to skip the 22-250, though, as there are some pretty light bullets available for the 6mms. I don't have a quarter bore yet, so that might be an interesting alternative.

The McMillan stock seems a little more stream lined, but I'm not sure it would ride in the sandbags as nice as the HS stock appears to. I shoot lefty too, so there's more modifications for the HS.

The WSSMs do look intruiging. Pokerplayer, it looks like you got a really nice setup there.

sunnyhillshooter,
H-S does (At least they did) make a left hand stock that will work with the XP-100. I would call them and see. It doesn't take any more modifications than does a right hand stock for a XP. I beleive it is only available in their silouhette (spelling) style stock. If I rememebr right they don't make a left-hand with the varmint style.

Ernie