When it comes to precision shooting, every component of your rifle must work in harmony to achieve optimal performance. Today, we are excited to share a detailed breakdown of one of our latest custom builds: a blueprinted Remington 700 action featuring a PTG fluted bolt, a Lilja 24-inch barrel with a 1 in 12 twist, chambered in 223 Ackley Improved. This rifle embodies the perfect blend of craftsmanship, accuracy, and aesthetic appeal. Let's dive into the specifics of this remarkable build.
The Heart: Blueprinted Remington 700 Action
At the core of this build is a blueprinted Remington 700 action. Blueprinting, or truing, an action involves meticulous machining to ensure that the bolt face, receiver face, and locking lugs are perfectly aligned. This process reduces any potential inconsistencies that could affect accuracy. The result is a smoother action and improved shot-to-shot consistency, providing a solid foundation for precision shooting.
Precision Bolt: PTG Fluted Bolt
Paired with the blueprinted action is a PTG (Pacific Tool & Gauge) fluted bolt. The fluting not only enhances the aesthetic appeal but also reduces the bolt's weight, facilitating faster cycling and heat dissipation. The PTG bolt is known for its tight tolerances and exceptional craftsmanship, contributing to the overall reliability and performance of the rifle.
Barrel: Lilja 24-inch, 1 in 12 Twist
The barrel is a critical component in any precision rifle, and this build features a 24-inch Lilja barrel with a 1 in 12 twist rate. Lilja barrels are renowned for their superior craftsmanship and accuracy. The 1 in 12 twist rate is ideal for stabilizing lighter bullets, making it perfect for our chosen 55 gr Sierra Blitzking projectiles. This barrel delivers exceptional precision, ensuring tight groups and consistent performance.
Chambering: 223 Ackley Improved
Chambered in 223 Ackley Improved, this rifle offers enhanced velocity and performance compared to the standard .223 Remington. The improved case design increases powder capacity, resulting in higher velocities and flatter trajectories. This chambering is perfect for varmint hunting and target shooting, providing the accuracy and power needed to excel in these applications.
Magazine: AICS
For reliability and ease of use, we’ve incorporated an AICS (Accuracy International Chassis Systems) magazine. Known for their durability and smooth feeding, AICS magazines are a favorite among precision shooters. The detachable box magazine allows for quick and easy reloading, a crucial feature in both competitive shooting and hunting scenarios.
Trigger: Jard Trigger
A precision rifle is only as good as its trigger, and for this build, we’ve chosen a Jard trigger. Jard triggers are adjustable and provide a crisp, clean break with minimal overtravel. This enhances the shooter’s control and contributes significantly to the rifle’s overall accuracy. The trigger pull can be finely tuned to the shooter's preference, ensuring a consistent and reliable performance shot after shot.
Stock: Walnut Hand Checkered
Adding to the aesthetic and functional appeal is a beautifully crafted walnut stock, hand-checkered for a secure grip. Walnut is not only visually appealing but also provides excellent durability and stability. The hand-checkered pattern ensures a non-slip grip, crucial for maintaining control in various shooting conditions.
Bedding: Pillar Bedded with Marine-Tex Compound
To further enhance the accuracy and stability of this build, I pillar bedded the action into the walnut stock using Marine-Tex compound. Pillar bedding involves inserting metal pillars into the stock to provide a consistent, stable platform for the action. Marine-Tex compound is known for its strength and ability to create a perfect bond. This combination ensures that the action is securely anchored, minimizing any movement that could affect accuracy. The result is a rifle that delivers exceptional consistency and precision with every shot.
Brass: Lapua Match 223 Remington Fire-formed to 223 Ackley Improved
For the brass, we selected Lapua match 223 Remington cases, known for their uniformity and quality. These cases were fire-formed to fit the 223 Ackley Improved chamber. Fire-forming involves shooting the standard brass in the improved chamber to expand the case to its new dimensions. This process ensures that the brass fits perfectly in the chamber, maximizing accuracy and performance.
Bullet: 55 gr Sierra Blitzking
Topping off this build, we’re using 55 gr Sierra Blitzking bullets, achieving an impressive velocity of 3395 feet per second. These bullets are known for their explosive performance and accuracy. When paired with our meticulously crafted rifle, we’re achieving remarkable 3/8 inch groups at 100 yards. This level of precision is a testament to the synergy of the components and the careful attention to detail in the build process.
Conclusion
This blueprinted Remington 700 action build is a prime example of what can be achieved when precision engineering and expert craftsmanship come together. Every component has been carefully selected and meticulously assembled to ensure top-tier performance. Whether you’re a competitive shooter, a varmint hunter, or a precision shooting enthusiast, this rifle is designed to exceed expectations and deliver unparalleled accuracy and reliability.
Stay tuned for more insights and detailed breakdowns of our custom builds. For any inquiries or to start your custom build journey, feel free to reach out. Happy shooting!
Brandon Lolkus
Redleg Company, Chandler, MN
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