I've gotten up to tax stamp number 15, and I want to try something different. As an aside, some really good deals from Capital Armory and the Silencershop right now.
What I want is a lightweight, compact, bolt action rifle with detachable magazines to fire a supersonic/subsonic capable cartridge, preferably cast-friendly, but factory available.
Calibers: .300 Whisper is the front-runner. Already have the dies and a Sig SRD762 I can even pin and weld in place to save a stamp and a wait. The downside is that even 240gr subsonic doesn't get me much, and supersonic is still just okay. Still, more than adequate.
.338 Spectre. I don't know of any cast loads, but certainly a contender, brings more energy to the table. Factory ammo is basically non-existent, and I'd need dto either use a spare Hybrid or the Liberty Mystic X. Supersonic is more capable than the Whisper, but I won't be able to pin and weld a suppressor. At best I could pin a mount for the Mystic or a DeadAir Keymo, but that's going to cost several hundred easily in the mount, and doesn't save as much barrel.
8.6 Creedmore! Currently vaporware, in development with the Q team for the Fix rifle and a Q suppressor. Frankly I'd be all over it if I tripped over $4500 at work. If I had the money I'd fly to the shop and hand Kevin my money for a full pre-order. So. It would mean waiting, but he ballistics are impressive, and the Fix rifle is everything I've ever wanted at 3x the price.
.458 SOCOM or .450 Shrubhamster. Sure, possible. Not as ballistically friendly, doesn't give the distance performance, not as economically feasible, and again unless I want to weld on my Hybrid quite a bit I'm still carrying a lot more barrel than I'd like, and the bigger bore is a louder shot. Still, 450gr and larger subsonic is a really tempting but idea.
Actions:Full confession, this is where I'm weakest. Again the Fix would be my pick, but they cost more than my car and the Mini Fix and 8.6 Creedmore Fix don't exist yet. Other than that, I'm sort of up in the air.
CZ makes the 527 in .300 Blackout. I like the action, but some users at 300blktalk have reported nosediving and poor feeding. I also can't find a magazine length listed, so I can't tell how long I can load.
Ruger American: aftermarket stock or chassis means AI mags, COAL is flexible. Factory .450 and .300blk models use AR mags, but the AR mag model also limits (afaik) to the factory stock. Decent action if budget, certainly workable for any caliber.
Savage: Axis and Model 10 are useable, stocks and chassis are available and AI mags again are simple enough and alleviate mag length issues.
Remington: 700 is out, Model 7 is doable and allows the same level of custom as a Savage. The AAC Model 7 doesn't use a detachable mag, otherwise this would be easier.
Howa: like CZ uses a micro action, bottom metal w/detachable mags and aftermarket stock easily available. If they offered a factory .300 AAC action I'd jump on it, and bare actions for an 8.6 are doable.
Stock: I'd prefer adjustable cheek risers at least. Lacking that, weight becomes #1 and a scope friendly cheek rest remains important.
Mags: AI is a good option, but if I can use AR mags (8.6 CM uses AR10 mags) that's a nice bonus. I don't care about more then 10, but I want least 10 rounds.
Barrel: Short is good. If I can pin a muzzle device on, that saves some length, and length is IMO worth a good bit of weight. A 10" bull barrel in .300 Whisper is better than a 16" barrel in .458SOCOM because I'm more likely to haul around thw shorter, lighter gun.
Ammo least important is ammo availability. Not useless, but anyone who's done a few decades of out of state hunting has occasionally had to buy ammo. Your luggage is lost, delayed, or you can buy local ammo way cheaper than buying poweder, brass, and bullets locally after flying in. BTDT, ammonon the shelf is worth it spending money when the unexpected happens.
Mission: I'm primarily looking for input on actions. I have a 12" .30-30 but it's much easier to transport a silencer than a SBR. Light is #1, compact #2, and budget is #3. Looking for additional information and suggestions.
