New Dakota Predator Rifle

[17varminter]

I ordered a Dakota Rifle in 17 Tactical. Took 3 weeks to complete from the time I call them and its being shipped to me. Did request a 25" barrel for longer shots. Pretty excited. I will report in 2 weeks after I visit the range.
I've been working on 17 tact brass from lapua 20 tact brass, using Redding dies.

[Mntngoat]

Excellant.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v648/Mntngoat/ttiwwop.gif

ML

[Easy_E]

Two weeks is a long time.....
http://img3.imageshack.us/img3/1729/threadisworthless1.jpg

[17varminter]

I'll pick it up in a few days, just reforming brass in the meantime. We'll put up pixes as soon as i get it. Hoping to get some coyotes before season ends here with it.

[17varminter]

Standard Predator Rifle, 25" barrel, 1-lb trigger, 9" twist, Ken Howell in-letted Studs. Purchased Lapua Brass and reformed with Redding dies. Will be used for hunting and long-range. I installed a Mueller 4-16x50 Scope. Total cost about $2,250

http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn137/Eurocenric/DSC02443.jpg

http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn137/Eurocenric/DSC02444.jpg

http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn137/Eurocenric/DSC02460.jpg

http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn137/Eurocenric/DSC02453.jpg

[17 shooter]

Great pics and a very good looking rifle. I think you will really like the 17 Tac. I just finished my second one, one is a Varminter and the other one is a sporter with a # 4 barrel. Since I started using the 17 Tac for Predators and Varmints, all my other Rifles have taken an "Extended Vacation" ...Let us know how it shoots.....George

[Alycidon]

very nice and cheap compared to what we would pay for it over here. Uk agent is looking at over £2000, thats $3000 ish without mounts or scope. Mind you Uk import duty and Value added tax take up 30% of that.

A

[17varminter]

My next one will be in 221 Fireball. The rifle has a great feel. Its an extra $500 if I want a repeater action.

[17varminter]

They also ship it in a nice storage box and include the bases and rings. overall, a very nice deal.


very nice and cheap compared to what we would pay for it over here. Uk agent is looking at over £2000, thats $3000 ish without mounts or scope. Mind you Uk import duty and Value added tax take up 30% of that.

A

[Mntngoat]

real nice.....

ML

[vmthtr in Green Bay]

That is a great looking rifle. Let us know how it shoots.

Mike

[17varminter]

Took the new Dakota to the Range this morning. Fired 40 loads for fireforming.
Used new Lapua 20 Tactical Brass, ran it thru the Redding17 tact form die, then thru the Full lenght die set. The new lapua brass was 1.745", after reforming and full-lengthing it was 1.754".

Used very light loads, 20 gr of RL-10X, CCI-450 Primers, seated to 2.20". All loads chambered very easily. Woodchuck Den 30 gr Bullets. Todd recommended 20.5 of RL-10X for minimum.
The 20.0 gr were indeed very light, Chrono speeds in indoor 100-yd range varied. Indoor ventilation wind was 3 mph, blowing right to left, 60 degrees.

I fired ten 4-group shots. the first 3 shots in each group were 20.0 gr, the 4th shot in each group was 20.5 gr. The same weight shots always touched, the 20.5 gr shot (shot #4) was slightly off the 20 gr loads, but more accurate.
Case extractions were smooth.

I need to properly break in this rifle. I did nothing more than run 5 patches to remove the protective oil, after all this is only a fire-forming excercise. the bases and rings need to be tightened, and the scope needs to be moved forward for comfort. It was a rush job all-around.

My impression is that this is a very well made rifle, I think its got the potential for tremendous accuracy. It fired these test loads very well. I will adjust the loads for next week's outing.

http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn137/Eurocenric/Dakota3-29-11-1.jpg

http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn137/Eurocenric/Dakota3-29-08.jpg

http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn137/Eurocenric/Dakota3-29-01.jpg

http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn137/Eurocenric/Dakota3-29-09.jpg

[ab_bentley]

How do you like the Mueller Scope?
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[17varminter]

Big fan of them, I switched from Leupolds and Bushnells to something that gives me the same performance, for less cost. I use the APVs for all my rimfires.

How do you like the Mueller Scope?

[rfurman24]

Beautiful rifle.

[Hawkeye]

How do you like that Mueller scope?

[lunde]

My Dakota Arms Serious Predator, chamber in .204 Ruger, is a shooter:

http://lundestudio.com/2007WHAPInc/predator-204-group-07012007.jpg

I noticed that your stock is smooth. I suggest having at least its grip checkered. I found it to be helpful when using the rifle in the field.

[17varminter]

That is a great shooter, I've been blowing up Starlings and sparrows with my fire-form loads. Just got a boatload of 30 gr Bergers to try out as well.

[kenbro]

Hi ALYCIDON, i'm in UK,every now and then i seem to get lucky and parcels come straight to the door, instead of a card saying... please come and pay x number £s for import duty, vat and a handling charge. Certainly makes a big difference to cost when Mr. UPS knocks and just says sign here please. Regards Ken.

[RIng]

I pick up my Dakota Predator in 6MM BR monday ###

[17varminter]

I didnt know they made it in this caliber? sounds great.


I pick up my Dakota Predator in 6MM BR monday ###

[philip]

I didnt know they made it in this caliber? sounds great.

Sure do.....at least thats what my barrel says..........:D