Custom barreled action vs tikka rebarrel

[satchamo]

Ok so I have made up my mind on a build - I want to put together an 18” 6 cm in an Xlr element.

I own a few tikkas and have rebarreled one. They work great and all but I’m considering going with a custom barreled action. Currently I’m looking at a Kelbly atlas lite barreled action from straight jacket. Or a zermstt bighorn origin from PVA. It’s worth noting I have a triggertech trigger already for a 700 so I’m assuming it would work for either.

In my configuration they’re both around $1700-$1800 with no trigger and cerakoted black/nitride.

Compare this to a tikka where you’re looking at $700ish for a donor, then probably $700-800 for a rebarrel plus cerakote (I want all black action/barrel and no rust concern) and I’d say it’s probably still cheaper than the custom, especially when you consider the trigger being included. (Excuse my back of napkin math)

The kelbly is 24 oz vs tikka being 30 oz vs bighorn being 28 oz.

I know I could lighten it by sending it to UM but at that point I’m pretty well at the cost of the custom action with a lot more involvement on my end as far as removing and rebarreling.

At this point I’m leaning towards the Kelbly atlas lite from straight jacket. I just need someone to tell me if I’m wasting money going this route vs a tikka donor?

 

[Shortschaf]

I have a bighorn Origin and a Tikka T3X. Have been around Kelblys enough.

If weight is the main concern I'd get the Kelbly Atlas Lite. No question. Nice actions, decent price with the closeouts on the 90° throws

A tikka will not be objectively "worse" in any way except weight. Up to you if 6oz is worth it

Although I like my Origin enough, I would probably not get one again. The other two options you list beat it for value in a couple ways IMHO. Origin takes a while to break in.

 

[B_Reynolds_AK]

Solution if you don’t want to mess around is order the barreled action from UM. Have them put on a custom ACE barrel in the exact length, twist, contour etc. Get the action cuts and nitride, which is way better than a cerakoted action anyhow. If you end up at the cost of a “custom” action, fine, as it’ll be better anyhow.

 

[Ferrulewax]

Also consider that the XLR tikka stock is a few ounces heavier than the rem700 footprint, and you will be much more limited on magazine options with the tikka (more weight)

 

[TaperPin]

To show our kids it doesn’t take an expensive rifle, my 1962 $200 receiver shoots pretty good - screw a 1 MOA barrel on it and it shoots 1 MOA - with a 1/2 MOA barrel it shoots 1/2 MOA.

There’s nothing wrong with expensive custom actions, they just aren’t needed for hunting accuracy.

 

[Lawnboi]

I’d put more thought into the barrel and who’s putting it together as well.

The action just has to work. The barrel and the smith chambering it are what make an accurate gun.

 

[TetonRecon]

Also consider that the XLR tikka stock is a few ounces heavier than the rem700 footprint, and you will be much more limited on magazine options with the tikka (more weight)

Limited magazine options with a Tikka is definitely true if you were doing a PRC/WSM, or anything in a long action. With a 6 Creedmoor in a short action, you'll have all the polymer options from MDT. It shouldn't be an issue.

 

[satchamo]

Limited magazine options with a Tikka is definitely true if you were doing a PRC/WSM, or anything in a long action. With a 6 Creedmoor in a short action, you'll have all the polymer options from MDT. It shouldn't be an issue.

Ok so the mdt poly mags do work for short action XLR elements then? I have 2 elements since this post and the steel mags are bricks so I was looking at these but my buddy said the one he got for his 7 PRC didn’t work so I was gun shy.

 

[cal30_sniper]

My last 700 build was an 18” 6CM on an older Defiance AnTi short action in an XLR Magnesium chassis.

It’s accurate, but after shooting it, it’s going in a Rokstok. Everything I’ve done since is Tikka based. I can’t see any upside to buying a $1000 700 action when Tikkas are $599 on sale brand new for a whole rifle.

As much as I like it, this is probably my last 700 based build.