The discussion opens with a comparison between a heavy precision rifle and a much lighter bolt action build. The hosts frame the main question: whether an ultra-lightweight bolt action rifle makes sense for PRS-style competition, hunting, or law enforcement and military roles. They note that many shooters hike long distances in the mountains or fields, or move between multiple positions in matches, so rifle weight becomes a real factor. The goal is to weigh the pros and cons of very light rifles versus heavier setups, especially in terms of shootability, recoil control, and practicality in real-world use rather than just bench shooting.
The featured rifle is a Bergara B14 long action chambered in 300 Win Mag, built into an Ultradyne chassis. It uses a carbon fiber barrel and a large five-port Ultradyne muzzle brake to help manage the heavy 300 Win Mag load. The rifle is topped with a Leupold Mark 5HD optic. The chassis includes an adjustable stock section with a cheek piece and a buffer-tube-style rear with a castle nut, allowing fit adjustments. Ultradyne also supplied M-LOK-compatible weights that can be added to the chassis. The hosts emphasize that Ultradyne is known for chassis systems, muzzle devices, and mechanical flip-up sights for AR-15 and other platforms.
The conversation shifts to the downsides of a very light bolt action rifle in 300 Win Mag. Recoil is the primary concern, as the cartridge has substantial power and is capable of reaching well beyond 1,000 yards. In a light platform, that recoil can be sharp, making it harder to stay on the glass for follow-up shots and increasing the risk of scope bite if the shooter is too close to the optic. The rifle weighs about 12 pounds fully set up, and roughly 8.9 pounds without the bipod and optic, which is considered light for this caliber. The hosts also point out that a very light rifle is harder to hold steady, especially in wind, from standing, or in less supported positions.
The hosts outline the advantages of a light rifle for PRS and field use. In competition, a lighter gun is easier to move between stages, build and break down positions, and maneuver around barricades. For hunting or duty use, long hikes of several miles make every ounce matter, and carrying a heavy rifle all day can be punishing. They reference the idea that ounces add up to pounds, and pounds translate to pain over distance. A key point is the preference for starting with a light rifle and adding weight where needed, rather than being stuck with an already heavy platform that cannot be easily lightened. Adjustable weight systems, like the Ultradyne M-LOK weights, allow tuning the rifle to the mission.
Placement of the Ultradyne M-LOK weights is highlighted as critical. Adding too much weight toward the muzzle can make the rifle front-heavy and harder to stabilize, especially offhand. Instead, the hosts prefer placing weights closer to the magazine well, action, and optic area to keep the balance more central. This is particularly helpful when shooting off a tripod, where a centrally balanced rifle is easier to manage. They contrast practical field rifles with heavily accessorized builds that look impressive online but become burdensome to carry for hours. From their perspective, a light, well-balanced rifle that can be tuned with weights is far more practical for real movement and extended carry.
At the range, the hosts test the lightweight Bergara B14 in 300 Win Mag using PPU 300 Win Mag 180-grain soft point ammunition. They focus on how the rifle actually recoils rather than on precision groups. One host notes that carrying the rifle from the 100-yard range to the rifle range was easy, reinforcing the benefit of the light setup for movement. On firing, the shooter is surprised by how flat the rifle feels, describing the recoil as more of a small push than the heavy kick typically expected from 300 Win Mag in a light platform. The large Ultradyne brake’s blast is noticeable to bystanders, but it appears to significantly reduce rearward movement.
Further shooting confirms that the rifle remains very flat under recoil despite its light weight and the powerful 300 Win Mag chambering. Observers can feel the concussion from the large Ultradyne brake, but the shooter experiences minimal muzzle rise and no difficulty staying on target. The host demonstrates that the rifle barely moves on the support when fired, underscoring how much the brake mitigates recoil. The tradeoff is increased noise and blast, which can be unpleasant for anyone nearby. The segment reinforces the earlier points: a light rifle is easier to carry and maneuver, and with an effective brake and properly placed chassis weights, the usual recoil and stability drawbacks of an ultra-light 300 Win Mag can be significantly reduced.
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