So far I have a BAT, stiller, big horn and borden. I like them all but want something different this next go round. Thinking a mausingfield or a defiance. Anyone have a brand they just love more than the others?

Mausingfiend.

I'd wait on Chase Curtis to get his up and running. He has solved lots of slight issues with his design.

Would love to have one of his actions and probably will. However I perfer to wait till its been out a while and any issues have been resolved before I buy anything. Hopefully for him he doesn't have any though.

mausingfield

Other options are the new defiance crf action or the GAP tempest.

Surgeon Actions

Correct answer.

Always been found of Bat's and Panda's.

Defiance. You won't regret it.

Pierce or Tikkafoo

IMO, one of the best actions is a Surgeon 591 (short action) or the long action version of the same action. It's hard to find one better.

After finding a good deal on a defiance I am going that way this time. Now to decide decide what to build. Should I go big or small? I have always wanted a 338 lapua.... Or do yall think that's overkill for hunting coyotes?

Depends on what you want to do with it.

Just a tad of overkill. Since more have fallen to the .223 and 22-250 than anything else.

I think people get to wrapped up in actions. They only need to do a few things well.

Feed and extract the round.
Provide an easy method for attaching sights.
Stiff enough and enough tenon to securely hold the contour of barrel you want.
Not so tight as to wear quickly in field conditions. ( not a big deal for most folks who don't shoot regularly)

Any number of actions fit this description. Just pick the one that tickles your fancy, and run the heck out of it.

Accuracy comes from a quality barrel and chambering, not the action itself. This assumes that the above requirements are met.

^^100% agree^^

Montana Rifles builds a pretty good hunting action.

Nesika
Stole
Stiller
Defiance

I'm running a Borden Timberline now, love it, have had a Stiller Predator, loved it, Nesika J was a sweet one but tiny

You should give a Pierce titanium action a try. I just recently got one, and it's very nicely made. It's perfect for an ultralight rifle project where you're trying to shave every possible ounce.

I also have Stiller, Borden, and Nesika actions. All are outstanding, and the Pierce is as well-made as any of them.

If you don't already have one, you should.