I’m liking my new Strata. It’s a .223 REM (vanilla), left hand, 22” #2 1-8” twist. I topped it with a Leupold VX-3HD 3.5-10x40 CDS. It shoots 75 gr Gold Dots at 3008 fps into 1/2 groups. Lex builds a nice rifle, the fit and finish are second to none and I’ve owned 4 NULAs through the years (still own 2).

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What are the mag constraints in COAL? 75 GD's are wadcutters and a TOTAL bust. Hint.

Take pics of the magbox/follower. Hint...........

Stick,

It’s just a factory box and follower and I definitely need to open it up so I can shoot some 88’s. I pay attention to your hints. 😁

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That's a BUMMER. 2.500" is an absolute tolerance minimum for me,regarding a 1-8". I typically go 2.600" for 1-7". Hint.

88's aren't happening in a 1-8" 223. Hint...............

Yeah I screwed up going 1-8”, should have went 7”. I know a 8” 22-250 will work from our discussion the other day and that surprised me, the extra velocity makes the difference obviously. On my .224 builds from here out my going 7” on all of them.

I've owned 5 or 6 of Lex's customs. He really knows how to put together a hunting rifle.

Yes Sir!

Great looking rifle.

88’s are the top but you might get by from the few great 75-77’s out there once you can stuff them in the mag!

Is that Lex’s own stock? Looks sharp. Nice build.

+2

Agreed! Very sharp looking rig.

He does a great job building rifles, he builds them like you want. All his work I've seen is A+ Note* I've only seen 3 of his rifles. He built a rifle for a friend; the caliber barrel and twist were so off pudding I had to bite my lip.
My friend was happy as a clam, so I guess, all is good.

Yes Sir it’s Lex’s stock. It shoots the 73 eldm, 77 tmk and 75 gold dot great. Thank you!

Thank You!

Yeah I’ve heard folks say Lex is hard to work with, that wasn’t my experience at all.

Beautiful rifle, congratulations. Do you know anywhere that 75gr Gold Dots are available? I’ve been searching.

Thank You. No Sir I don’t. I bought mine a couple years ago when they were available. I would like to find some more myself.

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Finally blooded the new Strata, 75 gr Gold Dot at about 100 yards bang flop.

Nice! Doubly nice since it’s left handed.

Thank You Sir.

Congrats on your deer, and that rifle is pretty sweet.

Thank You, it’s a tack driver!

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The Strata scored again, 75gr Gold Dot about 125 yards off shooting sticks. She made it about 25 yards and fell insight.

That’s a great build, LBP. Nicely done.

Thank You Sir

Ttt

Just when i finally get this rifle out of my head it gets bumped up top. That is a dandy! An i want one Bad.

You know Hitman I had that action for a couple years before I decided what to do with it, I pleased with the outcome.

LBP

Ive enjoyed this thread, and check in on it often. I have at least 7 of Les's rifles and have killed a ton of game with them. I have a Strata 223 imp on order with him. Twisted 7 with a 21 inch, number 2 threaded barrel with a Wyats box. Im pretty excited about it showing up. Im sure it will live its life in my hunting truck.

Best, Billy

That sounds awesome, I wish I had went 1-7” but I’m beyond pleased with mine. It absolutely hammers deer with 75gr gold dots and only uses 24.5grs of powder I love it!!

Don’t forget to post pics when it comes in!

About 30 years ago my dad had a 338 that if my memory is correct was built by Rifles inc. Damn thing amazed me how a 5.5 pound 338 could kick about like a 270. Had four nephews in their early teens at the time. Took the gun to the range and the boys shot up two boxes of factory loads and would have shot more if I had it. I really wanted one but they were out of my price range at the time.

I believe it, Lex builds a great rifle.

If I could get over being slapped in the face by the muzzle brake blast I'd own a bunch of them. I've had a 270 and 30-06 AI built by Lex and they were perfect in every way other than the brake. Without the brake the 270 was manageable but the 30-06 without the brake was too much for this old man.

I think a 6-06 W/O a brake would cover a lot of ground

It would definitely! I’ve actually thought of a 240 weatherby same thing myself.

Think iam gonna do a Strata in 6 Creed. I have another project in the works at the moment but it should be thru by May/june ish.
What was the timeframe on your 223 from start to finish?

It was the first time ever I had a build completed early! I don’t remember the exact dates but Lex quoted 6 months and it took about 5 1/2.

Good deal. Be in touch with him soon
Thanks

Yes Sir

I’m going to date myself a bit. As a young GI in Fairbanks, AK., back in the late 80s I used to drool over one of his rifles at a local sporting good store (I think it was called Fin n’ Feather).

Yours certainly looks every bit as good as the on in my dreams! Congratulations!

Thank You Sir, it’s a great rifle.