Don't shoot the donor

AWS

Custom Accessory Maker & Retired PM Staff
The trials of building a rifle

A few years ago I won an AR in 20 Practical(Thank You PM) I fell in love with the cartridge, never could warm up to the platform.

PM Egg Shoot rifle, with after market cheek riser, I couldn't find the matching colour.
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I decided to build a 20P bolt action and while it is great it came out a little heavy for a walk-about rifle. I use it in open country and stands that are closer to the truck. It does kill coyotes nicely and I've taken a few with it. So far DRT with nary a flaw in the pelt.

The first 20P BA
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I decided to build a little more compact lighter rig in 20P and I have a Rem 600 in 6x45mm that I built 25 yrs ago, PacNor barrel, synthetic stock just a great little coyote rifle and killed a bunch of northern coyotes. I've been shooting this rifle for 56 yrs first as a 223 and when the barrel went 6x45. It has been a faithful companion for a long time. Well this would make a great 20P, ordered a barrel, new 2-12x42 scope and 100 pieces of brass to get started.

My big mistake I took the 600 out in 6x45 to try out the new scope, it still shoots lights out and I just can't tear it apart. So here I am with a new barrel on the way and nothing to put on. Well I dug through my barrel and stock bin to see what I had for a Rem build. I found a Rem 600 wood stock, a Rem 722 stock and three 700 ADL stocks. I had a small gun shop back in the 1970's and have been dabbling in guns ever since. Anyone need a semi inletted stock for a Savage model 20, I have one. So I ran an add here for a Rem 600, 660, Mohawke, 722 or 700 with a small bolt face and lightning struck and one of the members had a spare 700 action. Another member had a metal ADL trigger guard. So all we need to do is get everything in the same place and work can begin.

Specs

20" Sporter weight Criterion Remage barrel

Rem 700 SA

Timney Trigger

Bell & Carlson light weight stock off of a Rem LVSF, just 1.4 lbs.

Burris bases and low tactical rings

Athlon 2-12x42mm scope with BDC reticle.

Wiley beware


 
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I would like to build a 6x45. Don’t know why but I just want one. Mine will be in a bolt gun too. Thought about a 20 P but I want a 6x45. What grain and make of bullet are you planning on using?
 
Sounds great. Hope that barrel twist is enough to spin a 40 grain Berger. Those things are so accurate in my .204 Ruger AR. Enjoy.
 
I'm hoping for good thing from Nosler 32gr HPs but have a good supply of 34gr Dogtowns, 39gr Speers and 40gr NBTs.

I really like the 6x45mm and it lived on 55gr NBTs both leaded and lead frees, Nosler over run 55gr SPs(very accurate for such a cheap bullet) and 58gr Vmax.

You'll like the 6x45 it really has a great range of applications from varmint to deer with the right bullets. Great barrel life and easy to find components.

Another you might think about is the 6mm-204 pretty much like a 6x45mm AI on steroids. I built one in 2006, easy wildcat to work with. There was an article on it in one of the Hogdon reloading magazines circa 2012.
 
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Years ago, I had bought a 600 Mohawk that was originally a 222 and the previous owner had it rechambered to 223. Still don't know why people do that but... Later I bought an Excaliber barrel and had it chambered in 20P. Made for a really nice rifle. I ended up selling it. I guess the new wore off or was wanting something else. If I was building another today, I think I would use a 700 action or maybe a Savage action. I have a 222 in a Remington 788 now that is sweet and just can't bring myself to modify it. Good luck with your build and look forward to seeing the end results. Sounds like your on your way to a nice rifle.
 
My 600 was originally a 223, never catalogued in that caliber and I didn't know it was rare. As soon as I bought it I had the AF armorer rip the rib and sights off of and round the forend to make it look like à real rifle.
 
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