What is the best platform for a project rifle

[Smiley]

I am looking to do a project paper puncher and I want to know what the best platform to start with would be. I want it to have a heavy target barrel and a nice smooth bolt action. I did a trigger job on my Savage 110 and I enjoyed the process and results. That being sad I will do the trigger myself and put hopefully a nice McMillan stock on it. The caliber will be either .308 or .223 (simply for ease and availability of ammunition. I also like the look of a removable magazine that can be extended past the bottom of the rifle stock. I am not that interested in using Savage since I already own one and the bolt is extrememly stiff.

Side note: Does anyone know how to lighten an extremely stiff bolt?

 

[dakotasin]

first step is to decide on which chambering you want. once you figure that out, then get a remington 700 and do what you want. it is easiest to start w/ a rifle that has the right size bolt face and magazine to help prevent feeding problems down the line, and huge expense up front.

you can get the 'extended' mags for the rem 700 series, but setting it up like that is not inexpensive.