Lightweight Custom Action Options (6mm CM, HNT26 build)

[denverangler725]

I’m starting to put together a lightweight 6mm Creedmoor, mostly inspired by some of FORM’s thoughts and the Exo Mtn Gear podcast. The idea is a suppressed hunting rifle that’s light enough to carry all day in the mountains but still shoots consistently out to the ranges I’m comfortable with (~500 yards).

So far, I’m planning on running an MDT HNT26 chassis with a 16" Proof carbon barrel and a Nightforce SHV 2.5–10x. The part I’m still hung up on is the action. I definitely want steel, not titanium, with an integrated scope rail. Something in the neighborhood of 25 oz or under would be perfect.

I know the Defiance Anti x is a popular option, but I’m curious what else people have had good luck with in this space. Kelbly, ARC, Terminus, Lone Peak, Zermatt, etc. If you’ve run any of those lightweight steel actions in the field, especially suppressed, I’d love to hear experiences

Lead times and customer service matter too, so if one company really stands out (or the opposite), that would be great to know.

Appreciate any firsthand input trying to build something light but bombproof.

 

[BigAl!]

Impact NBK if you can at 30.5 ounces. Has performed flawlessly in some pretty nasty conditions (below freezing and action was buried in snow).

 

[denverangler725]

A little he

Impact NBK if you can at 30.5 ounces. Has performed flawlessly in some pretty nasty conditions (below freezing and action was buried in snow).

A bit heavier than I am looking for but I will still take a look, thanks!

 

[ChrisAU]

Falkor LW7 has been awesome for me. I have built two 22CM’s and one 6CM on them. I have not put one drop of oil on any of them. Both 22’s have been hunted with extensively, 50+ days afield with each. Still as smooth as they were new. That said, I like my 16.5” 22CM’s so much that I wonder why I have the 18” 6CM, it just collects dust. My plan for it is for when I legally can’t use the 22, but I also have a 25 in the works.

 

[khuber84]

Lw7, pure skltn, Pierce Shadow. These are the lightest all steel actions. I don't recommend titanium.

 

[denverangler725]

Lw7, pure skltn, Pierce Shadow. These are the lightest all steel actions. I don't recommend titanium.

Doesn't look like these include the rail, is that not as big a deal as I think it is? I was of the opinion that it is nice to have the rail built in for keeping zero, repeatability, etc.

 

[TxLite]

I like my Kelbly Nanook. The action is nice and their customer service is fantastic

 

[BigDog00]

BAT Vesper

 

[lintond]

Tikka with UM lightening & carbon bolt ball is about 27 oz


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[denverangler725]

Tikka with UM lightening & carbon bolt ball is about 27 oz


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Too bad tikka doesn't make 6CM yet.

 

[lintond]

Too bad tikka doesn't make 6CM yet.

Yes but you’re doing a custom or semi custom for this build? I don’t have experience with any of the other actions so no help there.


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[Bowfinn]

Too bad tikka doesn't make 6CM yet.

What’s the cost range of the actions that’s you listed?

 

[kodiak725]

I have a Falkor LW7. Fit and finish are fantastic. I too was hesitant about the rail not being integral however their picatinny bases fit seamlessly to the action. Would build on one again without hesitation. I also have an Impact NBK and it is bulletproof

 

[denverangler725]

What’s the cost range of the actions that’s you listed?

They're pricey;

Yes but you’re doing a custom or semi custom for this build? I don’t have experience with any of the other actions so no help there.


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Unsure of the difference between custom or semi custom, I am buying all the parts, screwing them together as much as I can at home, and possibly hiring a smith for anything I don't feel confident in.

 

[Colby]

I’d spin a barrel on a tikka, have UM lighten it up if you absolutely need it to be as skinny as possible. I doubt you’ll have much if any more money into that than you would with a “custom” action and the bonus is you’ll have a good reliable set up.

 

[Bowfinn]

They're pricey;


Unsure of the difference between custom or semi custom, I am buying all the parts, screwing them together as much as I can at home, and possibly hiring a smith for anything I don't feel confident in.

My point was going to be why not buy a tikka and sell the barrel. Then screw on whatever prefit you like in 6cm because you’re going to be buying a barrel regardless of what action you buy. If I had to guess it would probably be cheaper than the others as a bonus.

 

[jdement]

My point was going to be why not buy a tikka and sell the barrel. Then screw on whatever prefit you like in 6cm because you’re going to be buying a barrel regardless of what action you buy. If I had to guess it would probably be cheaper than the others as a bonus.

Thats a smart idea to upgrade to the caliber you want in the future!

 

[denverangler725]

I realize this is a stupid question but I am fairly new to this: Which tikka action(s) could I start with and turn into a 6CM rifle?

 

[NorthIdahoDude]

Mack Bros Element is steel, like 19 oz, and under 1k. I've never had one, but read a lot of good things about Mack Bros actions

Element Short Action | Mack Brothers

The Element action equips hunters with an ultra-light weight stainless steel action for their most enduring hunts.

macbros.com

 

[skipper907]

tikka t3x stainless in any standard non mag cartridge IE 6.5cm 308