FWIW I have a recent production Predator SA with the bolt flutes. It most definitely is a hunting action because it has some obvious bolt to raceway clearance. However, it has discernibly less bolt to raceway clearance than my Rem 700 KS (my only 700). I think Jerry split the compromise right...engineer in enough clearance for it to operate in varied hunting environments but no more than necessary.
Also, I don't know if my example is more or less square than a typical factory fresh 700, but in speaking with Mark Penrod concerning barreling my action, his exact words were "I know them to be square" and he quoted me the previously trued action barreling fee from his brochure. More than a few respected smiths agree that the Predators are square. Maybe a quality improvement has occurred since Karl measured his examples? Call Jerry and ask
IMO I think a Predator is a darn good deal. But you know what opinions are like...
