Building a varmint er on a 110 la

[piroguejoe]

I have been invited to go on a prairie dog hunt in a few months and am planning on putting a rifle together as I feel my 7 mag is a bit much and don't care to shoot out the barrel. My dilemma is I have a second 110 la I could use also in 7 mag. I know I'd have to swap bolt heads and the .223 size bolt heads seem hard to find. I have no prob with single shottin it but would these small cals present a prob on a long action? What are some cals that would work well on a standard long action? My first choice was .204 then .223 but worried about these in the long action. Thinkin seriously at this point about .220 swift as I have seen these on a long action and think they use the .473 bolt face. Lookin for other advice or suggestions.


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[bootsmcguire]

the 223 bolt head for the LA are a bit rare, but I believe SSS has them or can make them. As far as a caliber that works good with a .473" (standard) bolt head, I would think about a 22-250 or the 220 swift. I like the 22-250 just because of the shorter brass it gives you a tad more freedom with your OAL in regards to seating close to the lands and still fitting in the magazine, also the brass is usually easier to find (but 220 swift isn't impossible just less common). JMO there.

All of the above calibers will work fine on a LA especially when used as a single shot. If it is a SF model then there are mags out there for using short action calibers in the LA.

[piroguejoe]

Thanks a lot. The .204 seems like a great caliber with good barrel life. I really like the .220 swift just not the fact it's got a little shorter barrel life. And I won't count out the .223 cause it seems the most popular with excellent barrel life. And considering 500 rnd days are not uncommon a 3 day weekend could kill a swift barrel. I know in the scheme of things it's a small price but the thought is hard to stomach. My plans are to take the small rifle with around 1000 rndsand the 7 mag is going however I'm thinkin like 100rnds slow fire as a bonding experience. It has a good brake so recoil is a non issue. Have a handi rifle in 25-06 might take that shoots well too that needs some break in time with same treatment as the magnum. By no means primary rifles just wanna let em spill a little blood. Just a tough choice to make. Also any stock recommendations are welcome. It's gonna be a payday type thing so can't handle a long wait I'm thinkin a choate tactical gonna be best bet maybe a duramaxx but have no bedding experience and I hear these benefit from this. Thanks for ur info and sorry so long winded. It's much appreciated.


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[bootsmcguire]

I had a Duramaxx on a Short action and loved it. It was bedded, I liked the fit and feel of it. For the money it was great. Had a Choate Tac also, didn't like it as well but it was still nice. I think if I were going to go with a Chotae I would look at an Ultimate Varmint. Had one for quite awhile on a 204 and it was great. Another one to look at would be one of the Boyds thumbhole Varminter Laminates. I have yet to get one, but I have heard great things and they are pretty cheap.

[scottkr]

I have a .204 built on a la and bedded in a Duramax stock. I load each round individually, not from the magazine, so it is not a problem. The package works great and shoots AWESOME!

[piroguejoe]

What kind of barrel did you go with? Profile? Twist? What bullet do u prefer?


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[GaCop]

I have a .204 built on a la and bedded in a Duramax stock. I load each round individually, not from the magazine, so it is not a problem. The package works great and shoots AWESOME!


+1. I did the same thing and love it!

[piroguejoe]

SSS doesn't list the bolt face conversion. And can't get answer on phone. Any ideas on cost for this? Can I buy completed part or have to send bolt in? Local pawn shop has Stevens .308 but $324 seems high when I already have long action and trying to keep within budget. Short actions savage around here are nonexistent in pawn shops and seem to demand a premium and this will add cost of rifle to my build and possibly upset the fiancée who is funding this.


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[piroguejoe]

Sent an email and had a reply in 20 min. Fast response time and ready to get the ball rolling. Can't wait!!!!!! Now just to decide on caliber.


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[sniper15545]

How about a 6mm br?

[piroguejoe]

Barrel life? Cost of brass and would burn considerably more powder wouldn't it? .204 seems about the cheapest component wise and flat shooter as well. I like the bigger cals don't get me wrong. If it wasn't so darn expensive I'd go 25-06. But .204, .223 seems much more reasonable. Heck even 22-250 is like 100 bucks more per 1000pcs brass. Not a cheap skate by any means just want most bang for my buck. My fiancée says its champagne taste on a beer budget. Would like to know more on 6mm br though.


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