My own Axis II precision build

[thermaler]

I ordered the parts for this right before savage rolled out their precision models based on MDT chassis, so I wasn't surprised when they brought it out. I originally had a 6.5 284 barrel on it--but yanked it and replaced it with a Criterion 280 AI using an Axis 2 receiver and accutrigger. I used a MDT standard LSS chassis which IMO is way too short to balance well, so I cobbled together my own franken-foreend which works fine (and cost me about $30 in materials). I have MDT's folding stock adaptor which I find is very useful in making the gun more easily transportable. I had a spare Luthar buttstock (which I hate on AR's) but find works well with the MDT.

https://i.postimg.cc/WFFKwYXN/IMG-4640.jpg (https://postimg.cc/WFFKwYXN)

[8mm RUM]

Where do you get barrels for it?
I found a new one (AxisII) with a scope for just over $500 but its not the caliber I want.
I want to do it in 6.5 Grendel.

[Robinhood]

Where do you get barrels for it?


Any savage small tenon prefit works.

[8mm RUM]

​Thanks. Good to know

[thermaler]

Where do you get barrels for it?
I found a new one (AxisII) with a scope for just over $500 but its not the caliber I want.
I want to do it in 6.5 Grendel.

Sorry, I was off-line for a while. What barrel you get depends on what you have now, short action or long action. I get my Criterion barrels from James at Northland Shooter's Supply.

[thermaler]

Shot this 5 shot group yesterday, pulled one of them but otherwise a pretty good group. Used FC nickel-plated brass sized with Redding competition neck bushing die; 180 gr vld driven by RL 22.
https://i.postimg.cc/xNN6HGBb/280-AI-180-VLD-59-6-RL22.jpg (https://postimg.cc/xNN6HGBb)

[DrThunder88]

I like the forearm extension. The original is way too short for a longer barrel, and yours looks robust enough to handle some abuse.

[GaCop]

Excellent work on that extended fore arm.

[thermaler]

Thanks guys, It isn't the most elegant execution, but it does work and definitely helps. I have a 26" criterion match barrel--and it is heavy. MDT makes great stuff, but I imagine they avoid an extension for the LSS because they want you to spring for the pricier models that do offer the longer foreends.

https://i.postimg.cc/Wt8krtKy/280-AI-190-VLD-55-4-RL-23-target.jpg (https://postimg.cc/Wt8krtKy)

[prdatr]

Nice tight group for 188 yds.

[thermaler]

Nice tight group for 188 yds.These are the new 190 vld's by Berger; my first group using RL 23 (though to be honest the first shot was a wild flyer with a vel deviation far outside the next 4 shots). I'm going to do more work on these.

[prdatr]

These are the new 190 vld's by Berger; my first group using RL 23 (though to be honest the first shot was a wild flyer with a vel deviation far outside the next 4 shots). I'm going to do more work on these.

Berger makes a great bullet. I have settled on HSM factory ammo with 168's in my 700. What twist is the barrel?

[thermaler]

Berger makes a great bullet. I have settled on HSM factory ammo with 168's in my 700. What twist is the barrel?This is a fast twist match barrel by Criterion, 1:8. Berger says the 190 vld (which has exceptionally high BC) should be OK in a 1:9 at around 2700 fps; but I would look for at least 1:8.5 if using this and bigger bullets. I haven't seen a lot of experience with this particular bullet in the AI published yet--so "the jury is still out"--but I suspect it will evolve into an excellent match cartridge for the 280 AI based on what I've seen so far.