7mm PRC Bergara Premier Build (Chambering, Cerakote, Stock, more)

For a long time I’ve wanted to build a rifle from-scratch with a Bergara action, and now is the time, and a 7mm PRC no less!

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7mm PRC: Perhaps the Most Versatile PRC

7mm PRC is its own cartridge, different from the 6.5 PRC and 300 PRC fundamentally. Here’s some quick specs:

For more information on the 7mm PRC, check out my in-depth overview.

7mm PRC Bergara Bill of Materials

Here’s what’s pictured above:

SRS Ti Pro 3 ST:

SRS ARCA + Pic Rail:

Bergara’s Premier Action

Some quick facts about Bergara’s Premier lineup of rifle actions:
As seen in Bergara’s Premier Rifle Lineup (Example: MG Lite)
Remington 700 footprint (stock inletting is compatible)
Remington 700 trigger compatible
Remington 700 scope base/rail compatible (8×40 screws)
Two lug bolt system
Floating bolt head (swappable)
Cone shaped bolt nose

These actions are great for builds, and are available from Brownells.

Tools and Gear

Precision Matthews TL-1660 Ultra-Precision Lathe

Again I’m using my preferred manual lathe for chambering, the Precision Matthews TL-1660!

This lathe is a beast! Here are some of the specs for the Precision Matthews TL-1660:

Ultra Precision, made in Taiwan
16″ swing, 60″ between centers capacity
D1-6 high precision spindle
English and Metric threading without gear changes
One shot lube on the carriage
3-Phase 5hp motor

*Note: for most gunsmiths, the TL-1640 would be a great choice. You likely won’t need 60″ between centers like the TL-1660 offers. The TL-1640 can save both space, and significant money on freight! I opted for the larger lathe because I wanted to have a lathe on hand with extended capacity between centers.

Straight Shot Gunsmithing “True Bore Alignment System” and Range Rod

Recently I’ve become a huge fan of the SSG True Bore Alignment System (TBAS). This unique articulating chuck system allows you to dial in your barrel with both radial and axial adjustments.

Above you can also see the SSG Range Rod (see bottom of page HERE) which is used in conjunction with the TBAS system to indicate barrels (I used this on both the breech and and the muzzle end of the barrel.

This top quality lathe has a 16” capacity swing and 60” between centers. On this lathe I have the Straight Shot Gunsmithing true-bore alignment system and will be using the Straight Shot Gunsmithing range rods as well. I also have a Greg Tannel (Gre-Tan) fixed holder for the specialized Alpha Munitions carbide reamer with 0.170” freebore. This was recommended by Alpha Munitions for use with the Berger 105’s, Berger 109’s and Hornady 110 A-Tips. For verification purposes, I also have the Dave Manson 6GT Go gauge, which can easily be converted into a no-go gauge with some masking tape. This tool was featured in my 22 GT build. Finally, I have a Mitutoyo Precision measurement and an Aloris CXA size tool post and tool holder system I splurged on when I bought my lathe.

JGS 7mm PRC Reamer and Gauges, Custom Rigid Reamer Holder

A part of the Hornady Rifle Builder’s kit (technical preview) that was sent out were the following from JGS:

Rougher reamer, 7mm PRC
Finisher reamer, 7mm PRC
Go Gauge, 7mm PRC
No-Go Gauge, 7mm PRC (Go Gauge spec + 0.006″)

For this build, I used the finisher reamer, and the “Go” gauge (using scotch tape on the back of gauge for a 0.002″ No-Go gauge).

Based on my conversations with Bruce Thom of Bat Machine, I built a “machined in place” rigid reamer holder for my Precision Matthews TL-1660 lathe:

This holder was machined from a Morse Taper #4 blank in-place. The advantages of this type of setup are:

When machined in place (drill and then single point boring bar in headstock during process) perfect alignment is assured
Rigid tool holding helps to ensure a more high quality cut, less vibration and noise while cutting

NEW Modular Pressure Flush System (UR Prototype)

I’ve been hard at work designing my own fully modular pressure flush system for chambering rifle barrels. And recently, I completed my first prototype! The idea is a system for pressure flush (also called Muzzle Flush) while chambering that requires no modifications to the lathe, and also allows use of the Lathe’s coolant system for other types of cutting fluid- like water-based cutting fluids that are frequently used for general machining.

Here’s a first look at the prototype:

Pictured above:

Muzzle pressure (final pressure) gauge
Cutting oil flow regulation ball valve
Primary pressure (before flow regulation, from pump)
Return (drain) line
Pressure regulation bypass valve
Pre-filter
Pump
Pump switch
Output hose
Air purge ball valve
High pressure swivel

This system uses a four gallon oil reservoir with level sight glass. So far this system is working well. I need to implement some changes to address some issues, but so far, so good!

Muzzle-End Barrel Work

For the muzzle end barrel work, I performed my standard steps:

Dial-In
Part off end
Turn down tenon
Cut thread relief groove
Cut step-down on end
Face to length
Thread
Cut recess / crown

Things turned out very nicely!

Breech-End Barrel Work

The breech-end work consisted of the following:

Predial, drill bulk of chamber
Final dial
Bore pre-drill true
Turn tenon
Thread tenon
Cut recess and angle
Cut chamber (ream)
Finish/polish/transitions

The BIG upgrade here was the pressure flush system! This saved a LOT of time during the cutting of the chamber!

Overall, chambering for the Bergara Premier was just like chambering for other actions!

Installing the Barrel

This barrel install went SMOOTH!

I used the SAC Modular Barrel Vise and SAC Modular Action Wrench ( with #1 head, Rem 700), 1.200” bushing + Drywall Tape. I torqued to 90 ft-lb, checked headspace (right on), done deal!

Stock Work using Precision Matthews PM-949TV Mill

Stock work on this Boyd’s agility was like the Short Action Agility project I did.

Here, I’m using a Precision Matthews PM-949TV milling machine (see my full review HERE) which is exceptional for this kind of work!

This time stock work consisted of:

Widening recoil lug pocket (Bergara required a bit of extra clearance)
Opening up barrel channel (I’m running a heavy barrel profile)
Custom pillars
Epoxy bedding

Ultimate Reloader Cerakote Booth

I’ve recently completed a very nice complete Cerakote booth that features:

Totally enclosed setup (with glass doors on two sides)
Custom exhaust system with explosion-proof fan, quad filter box
Filtered booth air intake
Dual regulated spray gun setup (LPH-80 guns)
Space-efficient racking setup
Sand blasting setup with vacuum and LED lighting

Highlight: Light Armor LA-2500 Oven

If you’re looking for a Cerakote Oven that’s not going to break the bank, check out this story I recently published where I take a look at the Light Armor LA2500B! Plus, using the UR100 code at checkout will save you $100.00!

Here’s a quick look at this oven:

Cerakoting the Parts

For this this rifle build, I’m using a single color: H-Series OD Green Cerakote, H-236.

The Cerakote prep and application was as follows for this job:

Degassing/Degreasing
Masking
Sandblasting
Cleaning
Application of Cerakote
Curing (300° F) 1 Hour
Unmasking
Assembly

Some notes:

Bolt body and inside of receiver NOT coated
Two coats applied
Performed thickness test on test barrel (0.001” coating thickness after curing was verified)
See Bat/MDT Freedom rifle for updated process (next story on Ultimate Reloader)
Applied techniques from Cerakote Certified Applicator Training
Cerakoting barreled action in-depth will be covered in detail in separate video/story

After discussing this job with Zach at Cerakote, I’m going to try the same process, but with the Cerakote applied with the receiver and barrel separate, not assembled. More on that later!

Above: When applied correctly, the surface finish is excellent, and you can still see fine details clearly like the engraving on this Hawkins Precision Hunter Mag bottom plate.

RITON X7 Conquer 3-24x50mm Scope

For this build, I’m trying something different for optics!

The Riton X7 Conquer 3-24x50mm Scope has been working very well so far. Paired with Hawkins Precision 34mm rings, this is a great combo!

The Finished Product

This rifle looks GOOD. And it also shoots good (granted, I’ve only had a handful of rounds through it!). The first three shots on paper went into 0.540″ – I’m very happy with that, especially with a magnum. It will be interesting to see what will be possible during load development!

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Thanks,
Gavin