The 800 series bolts and projects.

[constructor]

I finally re-wrote the program to machine the barrel extensions for the 800 series bolts to make them with a standard .8125-16TPI. This will make it much easier for production type companies to turn out barrels using this system.

I was planning on getting into the 308/AR10 size rifles but they are so hard to find parts for I am thinking about making the biggest thing I can in the AR15 platform.The rifles would be lighter, cheaper and easier to find parts for.
The 308 caliber is the most popular by far so I think I need to start there if I do it. I could do something like a 30BR that would require using expensive Lapua brass or I could do a shortened 308 that would use cut down and formed(not fire formed)308 surplus brass. 30BR dies are avail for that choice or I could modify the 308 dies and sell them with the barrels if I do the shortened 308. Either the BR or shortened 308 would push 125gr bullets to apx 2700 out of an 18" barrel compared to the 30 HRT at apx 2500-2550 and the 308 at apx 2800. I could also do a 30 Rem AR using 450 Bushmaster brass which would require forming(not fire forming). The problem with the 30RAR is the brass is so thick it looses some case capacity and isn't much faster than a 30BR.

A 6.8 version of this would be very fast but with the 6.8 performing as well as it does I'm not sure it would be worth changing.

Barrels for any of these would sell for apx $260, the bolts $100-$110 just because of the high dollar extractors.
I have 5R buttons in 22, 6.5, 6.8 and 30 cal so I could really make anything in that range...22BR

Yes I know I keep bringing this up, it keeps bouncing around in my head.

[dasu]

I would be all over a 30 caliber AR beyond the anemic blackout and the limited 7.62x40. I got to see your 6.5 brx and am still kickingmyself for not having the cash last winter. Of course i am thinking about your 6mm AR and now i dont know...haha.

[Stack]

Id have thought you'd be close to announcing the 300 White-Out by now, (.300 ARP) I'm in for that one.

[WVHunter1s1k]

Id have thought you'd be close to announcing the 300 White-Out by now, (.300 ARP) I'm in for that one.

Marty beat him to the name. But, it does look intriguing!

[constructor]

I have a list and working down it. It takes a while to have the buttons and reamers made and run tests on the rifling then have a batch of barrels made.
If I was just making one barrel using blanks off the shelf I could do a wildcat pretty quick. Investing several thousand dollars and hoping the barrels sell is another thing to think about.
I've been playing with the 30 cal based on a shortened 308 case for over a year. Now I have the barrel extensions dialed in and a guy swapping parts to keep the machines running.
Just never know what may pop up...I try to do the easy ones first.

[Stack]

H, would we be able to load 168g bullets and get maybe 2300 fps? from the .30 BR out of an 18" bbl?

[coondog]

Sounds like a great idea H. Just remember to put my name on a barrel and bolt set. I want one. There is a lot of 308 bullets to chose from for reloading. I don't know if a 150gr bullet would be to long or heavy? Some of the best accuracy I got from my bolt gun was with the 110gr bullets. Can't help from thinking a high speed light 308 bullet would put the hurting on a hog. I don't shoot much over 300 yards so I'm not to worried about the high BC bullets. If your cartridge would shoot the 155gr Palma that would be a big plus for people looking for a high BC bullet in a AR15 type gun.

[constructor]

H, would we be able to load 168g bullets and get maybe 2300 fps? from the .30 BR out of an 18" bbl?

Close. I was getting 2750 out of a 125gr and 17" 5 groove 11 twist barrel with the shortened 308 case which has thicker walls than the BR brass so the capacity may be the same. Figure 100fps loss for every 10 gr of bullet weight. 40 gr should lose near 400fps so that puts it around 2300.
I think the Lapua 155s would be better for long range with a BC of .547 and 100fps more velocity. A 130gr Barnes TSX at 2700 fps would be a hog smacker. A 110gr Barnes should hit 2900.

[Simple Man]

Are there any .308 components you could tool up for without spending a bunch of money? It seems like there are a shortage of suppliers for this platform. One more (ARP) for carriers, etc. would definitely help the industry as a whole. Like you said the guy at armalite laughed when asked about getting some carriers after waiting 6 months.

[constructor]

Are there any .308 components you could tool up for without spending a bunch of money? It seems like there are a shortage of suppliers for this platform. One more (ARP) for carriers, etc. would definitely help the industry as a whole. Like you said the guy at armalite laughed when asked about getting some carriers after waiting 6 months.

Working on ltwt carriers now, if I can get another company that already makes them it will leave me to do other things. If not I'll make them.
The other little bolt parts are a pain in the rear. A local guy has a screw machine, I'll check with him to make ejectors and extractors.
I've already made AR10 bolts so that ones easy.