I just got in on the group buy for Stiller actions and ordered 2 Predator actions. I want to have rifles built that are on the lighter end of the spectrum for my 2 boys.

I need help calculating weight on the components below

Any other advice on keeping balance correct and /or weight down appreciated!

Here's what I'm thinking about:
-Both will be 7-08s
-Hart #2 barrel 22
-Factory Rem triggers - 2.5lbs
-Mcmillan MR stocks or possibly McM Rem Classics
-They want Swirlies so the Edge is out
-Talley lightweights
-Leup 3.5-10x40
-Need advice on good LW BDL bottom metal - factory or other?

Williams bottom metal is far better than factory crap.How old are the boys,I used a Broughton 4.5 contour and had Kampfeld Custom spiral flute it and the bolt,skeletize the bolt handle and had him put his Hunter bolt knob,to give it a custom look on my 7-08 and a 24in barrel.I think if you did that they would like it also when they got older.I really like the 7-08.

Crittergetter,
Could you post a picture of that rifle? I'm looking to put that barrel on a action and would like to see how it looks. Do you find the rifle to heavy or muzzle heavy? What is your impression of the rifle? I'm looking for a longer range rifle but one that is still light enough to shoot offhand and carry.

Sorry to hijack the thread.

Since you're wanting to keep the weight down make sure you tell whoever is fitting the barrels that you want short shanks. Hart supplies their blanks with looong shanks.

Boys are 12 and 16. I thought about the Williams bottommetal but I think it is quite a bit heavier than the factory tinalloy. I though i saw someone advertising lightweight bm on here recently

I saw that as well a bookmarked it.
http://www.pierceengineeringltd.com/products.html

FVA - you're the man! Thanks!

That don't look to bad for $95. Now we just need a weight comparison between the Pierce bottom metal and the Williams steel BM

Here's another place for floorplates.

http://www.pacifictoolandgauge.com/products/parts/remington.htm

For the weight difference and the quality of the metal, go with the Williams. A couple of ounces will not make a difference.

If you are really concerned about weight, go with ADL type of bottom metal (like the early Rem 721 or 722 actions).

I'm building basically the same rifle right now...just a different stock. Hart suggested the #3 contour to me. I'm having the shank cut at 1", 1.20" diameter instead of the std. 1.25". Douglas taper. I'm going ADL-blind box config. You will be coming in around 7-1/4# with the #2 barrel and scope.

we have bottom metal also. 7075 billet aluminum that the custom shop uses. $110 for bottom metal only, $160 for everything.

ADL

I want BDL. I like the "dump" unload when finished hunting.

The Pierce bottom metal is basically a plug for BDK rifles that have been converted to single shot.

Jerry, I didn't know you offerd the alum bottom metal. great news! Can you give me the weight for everything?

I have a Sako 591M action with a 22" Shilen #2 in 7-08AI sitting in a McMillan sporter stock, topped with a Leupold 2.5-8 that weighs in at 8 pounds.