Borden Ridgeline Action

[markwondi]

Received one of Borden's new Ridgeline actions today. This is a new model they came out with last month for medium length cartridges, or for use of short action cartridges that are throated to use long, high BC projectiles.

Action is silky smooth, as are my other two Borden Alpine actions. They teamed up with Hawkins Precision to supply the bottom metal, mag box and follower. Magazine box will hold cartridges right up to 3.199" and the action includes a pinned recoil lug.

I have a McMillan Hunter stock in edge fill being inlet right now, as well as a Brux #3 interrupted fluted barrel being machined. Plan is chamber this rifle in 6.5x284 Norma, as I'm looking for another 6.5mm with a little more horsepower than my 260 for use with the Berger 140gr elite hunters.

Weight of entire assembly was 34.3 oz. The last standard Remington 700 short action assembly I weighed was 35 oz, so a smidge lighter for a longer action - right in the weight range I'm looking to build this rifle.

 

[mr.big]

that is really nice,,I would like one myself for a 6.5 Gap 4S ,,all the Borden actions I have shot were really smooth and the extraction and cocking timing are really good,,

 

[markwondi]

that is really nice,,I would like one myself for a 6.5 Gap 4S ,,all the Borden actions I have shot were really smooth and the extraction and cocking timing are really good,,

Agreed. I think Borden and Bighorn are probably the best hunting actions available, very high quality.

I have been wavering on a 6.5 SAUM build myself but I think the 28 Nosler will appease me enough. Although, 6.5 SAUM throated with .150" freebore for the 147gr ELD-M sure does sound nice!

 

[TN Song Dog]

Man, that looks great and sounds really nice! What trigger will you go with?

 

[markwondi]

Timney Calvin elite for this rifle

 

[longshot]

awesome looking action I don't have one but they say his actions are top notch very nice!!!

 

[markwondi]

Gunsmith finally finished up my build with the Borden Ridgeline action.

Specs:
Borden Ridgeline action
Hawkins bottom medal
Brux #3 8 twist interrupted fluted finished at 24"
Chambered in 6.5x284 Norma (.188 freebore)
McMillan Hunter stock - edge fill
Jewell trigger

I have a Swarovski Z5 to top it and plan to load 140gr Berger Hybrids/ Reloder 26 for this rifle.

 

[hunter0925]

That looks really good. Makes me wish I was having a custom built instead of a semi custom. What is the finish on the rifle?

 

[mr.big]

man that is nice

 

[Deer Assassin]

cool

 

[markwondi]

That looks really good. Makes me wish I was having a custom built instead of a semi custom. What is the finish on the rifle?

A custom action is definitely a fine piece.

Its cerakoted satin mag, which very closes matches factory bead blasted stainless finishes.

 

[markwondi]

man that is nice

Yea looking forward to receiving it. Love my Borden actions so much, have a titanium ridgeline on order with PVD treatment.

Thought I was done building but I'm wanting another 300 wsm.

 

[grouser]

Thats a slick rig, a pleasure to run the bolt !

 

[mr.big]

looks like you went with something better than the Timney trigger,,I been lookin at that for 30 minutes and I cant think of one thing to make it into a better all around big game rifle,,

man that is nice,,

 

[Paleopete]

Mark, I am building a .284 Hunting Rifle using the Borden Ridgeline Action. Pac-Nor Super-Match #2 Contour Barrel. Thanks for posting the exact weight of the complete action so I have a reference. The McMillian Remington Sporter with Edge Technology stock is enroute. Should be assembled by Christmas as we need to cut the barrel down to 25.25". Though this has been a HUGE jump in the learning curve I am looking forward to what this rifle is going to be capable of. Want to know your experience with your 6.5 X .284 Norma . Jim Borden and his wife were great in steering me in the right direction. The action is silky smooth and my gunsmith friends have all remarked about it. I have wanted to build a custom .284 for years to take full advantage of the potential the .284 Winchester has but until this action became available almost everything out there was a compromise. Now that there are a couple of companies building 'medium' actions, including Borden and NULA, the .284 Winchester and the 6.5 variants really need to get the attention and development they deserve because of their efficiency and accuracy. Would love to hear your experience so far with your 6.5x.284 NORMA. Thanks

 

[markwondi]

That sounds like a great build and an excellent choice in cartridge! What's even better, Lapua is slated to start production of .284 brass next year.

All of my borden actions are excellent, incredibly smooth and well timed and the Ridgeline is no different. The 6.5x284 Norma shoots very well. At first I had a difficult time achieving the velocity node I wanted but that was due to the Brux barrel; however, a switch in powder to Reloder 26 woke it right up and now I have a great load with excellent velocity. I even brought this rifle with me to Wyoming this past year for pronghorn and mule deer.

I have several PacNor barrels and they are overall my favorite barrel maker and with a #2 contour you will have a nice light and handy rifle. Send some pictures once the build is complete.

 

[kamml]

Beautiful action, great start for your next custom rig.

 

[Paleopete]

That sounds like a great build and an excellent choice in cartridge! What's even better, Lapua is slated to start production of .284 brass next year.

All of my borden actions are excellent, incredibly smooth and well timed and the Ridgeline is no different. The 6.5x284 Norma shoots very well. At first I had a difficult time achieving the velocity node I wanted but that was due to the Brux barrel; however, a switch in powder to Reloder 26 woke it right up and now I have a great load with excellent velocity. I even brought this rifle with me to Wyoming this past year for pronghorn and mule deer.

I have several PacNor barrels and they are overall my favorite barrel maker and with a #2 contour you will have a nice light and handy rifle. Send some pictures once the build is complete.

That is very interesting the barrel would have that much influence on velocity. I am a neophyte to the custom gun building world and going down this rabbit hole has really opened my eyes.......it would be a lot easier to be stoopid and just go for the latest trending cartridge and buy a rifle off the shelf at my local Sportsman's Warehouse and shoot off the shelf loads.....but noooooo, silly me thinks it knows better and has opened a Pandora's box. I've had a lot of exposure to the .284 and own a Model 100 and 99 but realized the .284 was not reaching it's potential in these actions. Great to hear all the accolades on my action / barrel choices ....that is the easy part .... my head is already spinning on the various loads.

 

[Deer Assassin]

Cool