It's not in my hands yet, but 3 XP's later, I have my first Apache Machine custom build en route! (The first two harvest actions have remained in the safe, as is...)






6.5mm 1 in 8.5" Krieger barrel, Holland QD brake, HS Precision stock, PTG Fluted bolt, EGW 20MOA base and Burris rings carrying a Burris 3x12 with Ballistic Plex. 6.5-284

Looks kinda similar to this one, huh?

If it's anything like my rifle that Steve built me, it'll shoot lights out!!!

'tis a work of art

Thanks Rod! Update - picked her up from Steve today. I think she's prettier in person

My plan is to try the 140 gr VLD Bergers over 4831SC that my rifle prefers, but I picked up a pound of Hybrid powder today to try the 130 Accubond load that Doc and GAsixgunner like in their 6.5/284's...

Gonna have to load em up and see what it likes!

It is a beauty!

Range Report - 9/28

So I hit the range today with ideas of getting the XP on paper, breaking in the barrel, and getting her warmed up a bit. I had my 140 gr Berger VLD reloads with me, along with a box of factory Nosler 130 gr Accubonds that I had left over from my rifle break-in from 2 years ago. I figured I'd shoot the factories first to see what they'd do...

Bipod front, sandbag rear, 100 yards - first shot on paper, adjust scope, and send two more. Like what I see, so I tighten up a bit to see what she'll do.



Group measures .371" CTC! This is shots 4-6 out of this gun. Ever. So the I decide to try the Berger reloads to see what they'll do.



This one fell way behind at .380".

Needless to say, I can't be any happier with my Apache Custom - Steve builds them beautifully, and as you can see, they'll shoot too! (This is with ZERO load work up for this gun...brass was fireformed to my rifles chamber).

Tomorrow AM is the muzzleloader opener on my NC tracts, but I'm ready to fast forward to regular firearms season!

Looks like you got a winner there. Nice shootin'

Thanks Rod - I think so too...here's another pic I forgot to upload. Notice the OAL length difference between the factory Accubond and the Berger...

Couple questions - how much does it weigh and what is the barrel length? Fine looking piece.

Thanks Gary - the barrel was cut to 15" and threaded for the brake. It's Kreiger's Sendero contour barrel, and the same one I used on my rifle.

Regarding the weight - just had to go try and see...as you see it with Harris Bench bipod, scoped, etc - 8.4 lbs. Mountain gun

That's awesome! May have to get me one of those!!

That gun is on FIRE........

Beautiful rig and a great shooter.
Very happy for you.
Steve makes a great XP.

Simply awesome. How can I begin to have a beauty like this begun? Should I just start looking for an XP action or is there an easier way? I am thinking 7mm-08? Ahh, time to fortify the "piggy bank" ! LOL. Mingokid

SHARP, I got to get one.

Mingo, step 1: send in a deposit and reserve your place in line. Step 2: hunt up a used XP and part it down, or plunk down more money on a non-designated custom action. If you go the first route, DO NOT make the mistake of shooting said XP first, as you will convince yourself that you "need" to keep that gun and keep looking for another harvest action. (yep - there's a 35 Rem and a .223 in my safe that were originally destined for this build). If you go the XP route, a stock 7BR or 35 Rem will require less gunsmithing (ie bolt work) to convert to the 7-08 you suggested. Or the smith can open up the bolt face to the proper dimensions. Or you could take any old XP (this one was a Fireball that someone had converted to a 17 Mach IV) and throw a PTG bolt with the correct boltface (.473) in there.

Step 4: save more $$$...once you get one, another is bound to follow.

Quite a cool rig there...

I'll 2nd SC. apache 308's guns are like a lays PC, you can't have just one