Savage Arms recently announced the release of its newest accuracy-based AR-type platform, the MSR 10 Precision. Moreover, the line comes in three different calibers, including 6mm Creedmoor, 6.5 Creedmoor and .308 Win.
Billed as being “complete and ready to compete,” the heart of the MSR 10 Precision is its stainless steel heavy barrel with 5R button rifling. To help encourage accuracy, the rifle includes an 18-inch Arca handguard, Magpul PRS stock and TangoDown Battlegrip Flip Grip. Additionally, the Flip Grip rotates 24 degrees, enabling the shooter to make on-the-fly adjustments.
Savage +2 gas system provides adjustments for optimal cycling to a shooter’s individual load. Also, an two-stage trigger helps promote a clean shot break. Finally, a QD front sling mount and non-reciprocating side charging upper receiver round out what should prove to be a capable long-range rifle system.
Above all, with a heavy profile, accurate barrel, the MSR 10 Precision is poised to be competitive in today’s emerging long-range competition circuit. Moreover, a fast-growing discipline, Precision Rifle Series, National Rifle League, 3-Gun Nation and more now offer different takes on competitive long-range shooting events.
As such, Savage’s inclusion of 6mm Creedmoor, and especially the extremely popular 6.5 Creedmoor, along with the standard .308 Win., should make the MSR 10 Precision a popular choice. With sound choices in the build, combined with popular aftermarket components, the Savage MSR 10 Precision emerges as another solid out-of-the-box ready long-range competition rifle.
TrueTimber recently announced that Mossberg’s Patriot Predator Rifle now features the popular Strata camouflage pattern. Moreover, designed to match a variety of terrains, the versatile pattern matches a rifle platform that excels in versatility as well.
“We’re thrilled to see one of our most popular patterns on the Mossberg Patriot,” said TrueTimber CEO Rusty Sellars. “Mossberg is celebrating their 100th year anniversary and they’re one of the top US firearms manufacturers. The Patriot rifle is a great match for Strata as they’re both known for the versatility they give hunters across the country.”
Mossberg Patriot Predator Rifle Features
Firstly, the Mossberg Patriot Predator utilizes a Cerakote finish on components to go along with the new stock finish. Inside, the company’s LBA adjustable trigger delivers a clean break. Meanwhile, fluted and threaded barrels and top-mount Picatinny rail deliver popular component choices. Finally, a five-round box magazine rounds out the package.
The Patriot Predator in TrueTimber Strata comes in four different calibers, including .22-250, .243 Win., .308 Win. and 6.5 Credmoor.
TrueTimber Strata
According to TrueTimer, the Strata pattern incorporates both macro and micro camo schematics—the macro design breaks up the human outline at all distances while the micro elements melt into any terrain at close range. Above all, the company claims the pattern is suited for a wide range of environments, from the hardwoods of the East to the open country out West.
For more information on the camouflage pattern, visit truetimber.com. For further information on Mossberg firearms, visit mossberg.com.
JP Enterprises recently introduced a new bolt-action rifle, the MR-19. Moreover, the MR-19 results from a collaborative project with Ultimatum Precision and Proof Research, both widely known in the precision rifle market.
JP utilizes its new APAC Chassis System for the MR-19. Billed as a “next generation” chassis, the APAC is fully ambidextrous and fully adjustable. Further, U.S. Army sniper instructor and precision rifle competitor Brian Whalen designed the chassis.
JP Enterprises MR-19 Features
The rifle also incorporates the Deadline short action from Ultimatum Precision. This release comes as the culmination of a very productive year of coordination and co-development with Ultimatum, whose Deadline action has become one of the most popular choices in the precision rifle field, according to JP.
Finally, the MR-19 features a custom-counted, 26-inch Proof Research barrel. Proof has blown up in the precision game of late, and JP began offering a limited selection of Proof barrels in custom gas gun builds last year, a first for JP.
JP describes the MR-19 as a “turnkey precision rifle package.” The rifle includes standard upgrades including a Magpul MIAD pistol grip, JP Thermal Dissipator heat sink, full-length Arca-Swiss adapter, and custom-cut foam designed to fit the Pelican iM3200 Storm long case. Further, standard caliber offerings include 6mm and 6.5 Creedmoor with right- and left-handed actions available.
JP’s Bolt-Gun History
While most folks know JP for its gas guns, the MR-19 represents the continuation of a 12-year foray into manual rifle development, according to JP. The company’s original bolt-action, the MOR-07, debuted in 20017, while the MR-10 launched in 2010. Now the company strives to adapt the ergonomics and quality of its gas guns into the manual rifle platform, according to JP.
“Bolt guns are not what people immediately think of when they hear ‘JP’ but we’re no stranger to this market,” says JP founder and head of product development, John Paul. “I really view it as taking what makes our gas guns work so well and bringing that to the bolt gun world. As happy as I am with the viability of our gas guns, the bolt guns will always have a place in precision shooting. The MR-19 makes that place as competitive as it can be.”
The MR-19 retails for $4,999 and is available for order now. For more information, visit jprifles.com.
Steyr Arms recently announced its newest update to the popular THB (Tactical Heavy Barrel) line of bolt-action rifles. The new Steyr Arms Manners includes a Manners Composite Stocks mated to the THB barreled action.
The Steyr THB Manners is available in .308 Win. and 6.5 Creedmoor. The rifle utilizes Styer’s Safe Bolt System (SBS) bolt-action receiver with its 2+1 safety system. The SBS action marries to heavy-profile, cold-hammer-forged barrel.
Steyr THB Manners Features
In the .308 version, the rifle comes with a 16-, 20- or 26-inch barrel. Meanwhile, the 6.5 Creedmoor barrel comes in 26 inches. Each rifle’s muzzle features a 5/8-24 RH thread pitch to accept muzzle brakes or suppressors. The rifle also comes with a thread protector. A match-quality, single-stage trigger system matches what is seen on Steyr’s more high-end, long-range tactical rifles, according to Steyr Arms.
The Manners stock features a CNC-machined aluminum MCS Mini Chassis System. Steyr claims the chassis is perfectly fitted to the SBS action for maximum repeatability. The chassis incorporates a trigger guard as well as the Maxwell that accepts standard Steyr four-round magazines. A Steyr adapter kit allows 10-round magazines to fit as well. The outer shell features 35-percent carbon fiber and 65-percent fiberglass construction. The stock is hand-laid in multiple layers with high-temperature epoxy resins and then heat cured in a vacuum, according to Steyr Arms.
The stock features an adjustable comb and an adjustable length of pull via spacers. Two flush QD sling-swivel cups and a Picatinny rail on the bottom/front provide attachment points. The Steyr THB Manners comes with a standard camouflage finish. However, additional colors are also available through special order at no charge.
The THB Manners rifle measures 47 inches overall, and it weighs 10.5 pounds, empty. The rifle has a 20 MOA Picatinny rail mounted on the receiver, and it comes standard with a round tactical bolt handle. The THB Manners retails for $2,395 and comes with a 1 MOA guarantee and a free training course at the Steyr Academy.
FN America recently announced the debut of its newest variant of the MK 48 machine gun, chambered in 6.5 Creedmoor. The company plans to display the new MK 48 at the upcoming 2019 Special Operations Forces Industry Conference (SOFIC). FN developed the machine gun in 6.5 Creedmoor in a response to USSOCOM’s qualifications of the caliber last year.
The prototype FN MK 48 Mod 2 6.5 Creedmoor feature the latest upgrades for FN”s series of light and medium machine guns. It includes an adjustable stock for length of pull and cheek height. Meanwhile, an improved, locking charging handle, double-notched sear and handguard with 3-, 6-, and 9-o’clock positions highlight upgrades. Further, a more robust feed tray latch ensures the feed tray cover locks into place during reloads.
Once development is complete, existing MK 48 Mod 1 models can be configured at the armorer level to the Mod 2 variant or newest caliber with the addition of the upgrade kit and barrel conversion.
The FN MK 48 Mod 0, adopted as a USSOCOM program of record in 2003, derives from FN Herstal’s 7.62x51mm FN MINIMI. It answers the request for a compact and easily-maneuverable machine gun in a heavier caliber. The M249 series also incorporates the improvements developed for the MK 48. These improvements came into service with USSOCOM as the MK 46 5.56x45mm machine gun. Additionally, FN also holds current USSOCOM contracts for the MK 17 7.62-caliber carbine and MK 20 SSR precision rifle.
Savage recently announced the release of its newest hunting rifle, the 110 Apex Predator XP. The Savage 110 Apex Predator XP delivers a lethal combination of adjustability and accuracy for diehard predator hunters.
The 110 Apex Predator XP pairs a Model 110 rifle with a 4-12x44mm Vortex Crossfire II scope. The optic comes pre-mounted, bore-sighted and ready to hunt, according to Savage. The fun features the Savage AccuTrigger, thread-in headspacing and a floating bolt head. Meanwhile, a precision button-rifled heavy barrel should help predator hunters get the most accuracy possible out of the rifle.
The rifle delivers adjustability in the synthetic Mossy Oak camo stock. It features quick adjustability to better fit any size hunter for both comfort and consistency, according to Savage. Additionally, the Crossfire II’s Dead-Hold BDC reticle makes it easier to place accurate shots on target, even at extended range. The optic mounts securely to the rifle via a one-piece EGS 0 MOA rail.
The 110 Apex Predator comes in .204 Ruger, .223 Rem., .22-250 Rem., .243 Win., 6.5 Creedmoor and .308 Win. The .243 and 6.5 models feature a 24-inch barrel, while the remaining calibers come with 20-inch barrels. Retail prices for each variant is set at $739.
Savage 110 Apex Predator XP Features
Redesigned Model 110 rifle
Carbon steel heavy barrel threaded with protector
Mossy Oak Terra synthetic stock
4-12x44mm Vortex Crossfire II scope, mounted and bore-sighted
Dead-Hold BDC reticle’s hashmark design reduces guesswork on holdover and windage
Vortex Hunter medium rings and one-piece EGW 0 MOA rail
Daniel Defense recently announced the addition of two chamberings and new barrel lengths for its popular DD5 rifle line. The DD5 now comes in 7.62mm, 6.5 Creedmoor and .260 Remington. Barrel lengths now include 16, 18 and 20 inches.
Designed for increased accuracy and reliability, the new and improved DD5 rifle line delivers greater versatility with additional calibers and barrel lengths available.
All DD5 rifles include a two-position adjustable gas block. The gas block design allows for a consistent and steady gas flow whether shooting suppressed or unsuppressed. A DLC-coated bolt carrier group reduces overall recoil impulse and is easy to maintain and operate in all conditions, according to Daniel Defense.
Built around a cold hammer forged barrel, the DD5 features an innovative 4-Bolt Connection System. That system increases the connection surface area between the barrel and upper receiver for increased stability and accuracy commonly associated with high-end bolt-action rifles. The new DD5 platform also includes upgraded ambidextrous controls, including a bolt catch, magazine release, safety selector, furniture, and an all-new GRIP-N-RIP charging handle with anti-gas features for a better shooting experience.
The full product line consists of the DD5V3 (7.62mm/16-inch barrel), DD5V4 (7.62mm, 6.5 Creedmoor/18-inch barrel), DD5V5 (6.5 Creedmoor, .260 Remington/20-inch barrel). Each rifle in the DD5 rifle line retails for $2,499.
Historically, there are always a handful of new products at the annual Athlon Outdoors Rendezvous that get us excited. Sometimes we know what they’re going to be ahead of time, and then other times we don’t. When we saw “first bolt action made 100 percent by SIG” for our 2019 event, the SIG Sauer Cross jumped to the very top of our list. Range time lived up to the billing, and then some.
Like all things SIG, the Cross bolt-action rifle is technologically spectacular. SIG built the Cross as hybrid rifle, meant for both precision shooting and hunting. It certainly looks like it belongs in the precision market. While it might not look like typical hunting rifle, it certainly functions as one.
Available in 6.5 Creedmoor, .308, and the soon-to-be-released .277 SIG Fury, taking down larger North American game isn’t a problem. However, the rifle’s most impressive feature is arguably its size. With a skeletonized folding stock, the Cross shrinks down to a mere 25 inches, making it an incredible backpack gun for hunters on the move.
We shot the Cross extensively at the 2019 Athlon Outdoors Rendezvous in Idaho and it lives up to the SIG hype. For what you see, the biggest concern for shooters is likely MSRP, but it’s probably not would you’d expect. The street price of the SIG Sauer Cross is expected to be around $1,600.
For a complete overview of the Cross, plus some range time, watch our full video with SIG’s Patrick Hanley above. Also, our pals at BallisticMag.com have a complete review of the SIG Cross for you. For even more information, please visit SIGSauer.com.
SIG Sauer Cross Specs (based on prototype; subject to change)
Weight: 6.2 pounds
Length: 25 inches (folded)
Trigger: 2-stage adjustable match trigger (2.5-4.5 pounds)
Grip Type: SIG AR-style grip
Barrel Type: Stainless match grade medium contour barrel
Barrel Length: 16 inches (.308 and .277 SIG Fury); 18 inches (6.5 Creedmoor)
Long-range shooting remains a growing aspect of the firearms industry. More specifically, more and more people keep getting into long-range competition. Arguably no cartridges has driven more interest in going long than the wave of 6mm and 6.5 Creedmoors. Now to meet this demand, Berger offers its Long Range Hybrid Target bullets for both 6mm Creedmoor and 6.5 Creedmoor cartridges.
Berger Long Range Hybrid Target Adds 6mm, 6.5mm Bullets
Berger bullets own a solid reputation in the competition community. Match-proven, the Long Range Hybrid Target (LRHT) line features Berger’s high BC bullet. The bullets test doppler verified to less than 1-percent BC variation, according to Berger.
The round comes loaded in a Lapua cartridge case. It utilizes clean-burning, temperature insensitive propellants, according to Berger. The company meticulously constructs each cartridge to exacting tolerances expected by long-range shooters and extreme accuracy enthusiasts.
Berger LRHT ammunition comes in 6mm Creedmoor, 109-grain LRHT, 6.5 Creedmoor, 144-grain LRHT, and 6.5 Creedmoor 153.5-grain LRHT.
Additionally, nobsbc.com offers more information on Ballistic Coefficients, effects on accuracy and precision. It explains “why BC consistency wins” versus the “highest BC is best” myth, according to Berger. The website provides some very interesting, helpful for information for anyone wanting to learn more about shooting long-range.
This new semi-auto gets the most from the “six-five” and delivers better overall 1,000-yard performance than the .308 and .30-06 with about a third less recoil. The .308 and .30-06 might offer some advantages when hunting extra-large game such as elk and moose at less than 300 yards, but beyond that distance, the cartridges are similar in trajectory and velocity. And by 650 yards, the 6.5 Creedmoor begins to have a slight advantage over the .308 and .30-06 in terms of kinetic energy. That statement will upset a lot of .30-06 and .308 fans like me, but ballistics don’t lie. And long-range ballistics is the name of the game with precision rifles.
Built-In Precision
I first saw the Spike’s Roadhouse in 6.5 Creedmoor at the spring Big 3 East Media Event at the Big 3 East Training Center near Daytona Beach, Florida. It had the look and feel of a substantial, well-made rifle. I had a brief chance to fire the rifle at the center’s 950-yard rifle range. We had a half-sized silhouette set up at 550 yards, and I hit it despite a 10- to 20-mph crosswind. In fact, one of the young shooters said, “I wish my grandfather could shoot that well,” which I took as a compliment.
I had another chance to examine the rifle when I visited the Spike’s Tactical factory in Apopka, Florida, and discussed how the rifle is built with the staff. Then we headed to the range for some long-distance live fire.
The billet upper is precisely hand- fitted to the billet lower. There is no play between them. Both are made from aircraft-grade 7075-T6 aluminum alloy and are hardcoat anodized to military standards. This rifle is available in matte black or with a distressed black and bronze finish that is very attractive, and the finishes are applied to the 15-inch M-LOK handguard and Magpul ACS stock as well. The barrel on both models is finished in black Cerakote. The Spike’s Tactical Pro pistol grip and Magpul magazines are also matte black on both models. The bolt carrier group is coated in nickel-boron for less friction, smooth operation and easy cleaning.
Top Of The Line
The 6.5 Creedmoor Spike’s Tactical Roadhouse is offered with a 20- or 22-inch Krieger barrel and might be available with 24-inch tube on special order if there is sufficient demand. The bore is not plated. It features hand-cut rifling with a 1-in-8-inch twist rate so it can handle long bullets, such as Hornady’s ELD series rounds, which have high ballistic coefficients. The barrel is also hand-lapped for accuracy and ease of cleaning, and the muzzle is equipped with a very effective R2 brake.
The gun is sold in a flattop configuration, and the handguard and upper receiver mate perfectly, providing an excellent platform for mounting a set of Spike’s Tactical flip-up sights. The sharply pointed front sight is paired with a rear sight that has two different pop-up apertures. This makes precision shots possible during various lighting conditions. In addition, extra care is taken to firmly join the barrel and upper so there is no play between them. This rigidity, along with the high-quality barrel, makes for a stable platform for launching bullets.
The trigger is a Geissele Super Semi-Automatic (SSA), a two-stage unit with a 2.5-pound take-up stage and a second stage that requires an additional 2 pounds of pressure to disengage the sear. It’s non-adjustable.
The gun I test-fired had three aftermarket accessories: a Harris bipod, a Spike’s Tactical one-piece scope mount and a Leupold 8.5-25x50mm Mark 4 ER/T first-focal-plane scope. This excellent scope is precise and clear. It’s no longer available, but Leupold has a similar product in its Mark 5 series that should do an equally fine job of getting bullets on target at long range.
Spike’s Armorer
After I toured the facility, Bob Roebuck, Spike’s head armorer, and I took the 6.5 Creedmoor Spike’s Tactical Roadhouse to a private range to put it through its paces at 100, 200, 400 and 500 yards. Bob is a graduate of the prestigious Colorado School of Trades gunsmithing program. In addition to playing a central role in the 6.5 Creedmoor Spike’s Tactical Roadhouse project, he also supervises the assembly of firearms by the Spike’s Tactical staff. As a part of that, he randomly pulls out 10 percent of the guns produced and does an in-depth quality check to ensure they meet Spike’s strict standards of craftsmanship.
As we headed to the range, we talked about how the accuracy of Spike’s Tactical Roadhouse rifles is built in from the ground up. We looked at each other and almost simultaneously quoted Colonel Townsend Whelan, who said, “Only accurate rifles are interesting.” Our shooting that morning and afternoon indicated that the 6.5 Creedmoor Roadhouse is a very interesting rifle.
Live-Fire Testing
Bob and I fired more than 150 rounds of two brands of ammo to test the rifle. Both loads had 140-grain, boat-tail bullets. The first and most accurate was Federal’s open-tip match (OTM) ammo. The second, which also shot well, was a Sellier & Bellot load with semi-spitzer FMJs. Conditions that day were less than ideal, with a left-to-right wind that gusted from infrequent periods of near calm to more than 10 mph. In addition, the day was bright, sunny and warmer than 80 degrees, creating an intermediate to heavy mirage.
At 400 and 500 yards, we had to continually readjust our holds for windage and mirage. When the wind blew hardest, we needed to aim quite low for the upward shift of the image because of the mirage coming off of the hot ground, and then aim considerably left to adjust for wind drift of the bullet and wind drift of the mirage to the right.
More Testing
It was challenging, but the high ballistic coefficient of the 140-grain 6.5 bullets provided considerable help. I kept the 16-by-16-inch hanging steel plate spinning at 500 yards. We even placed most of our shots on the 500-yard, 12-inch circular steel plate. Even at 100 yards, the total effect of wind conditions and mirage generally added 0.3 to 0.5 inches to our groups. Even so, we shot some groups that were well less than an inch wide, which is very respectable for factory loads. In my 6.5 Creedmoor rifle, I’ve found that my handloads are 17-percent more accurate and about 7-percent faster than some of the commercial loads I’ve tested. Given that, I believe that the 6.5 Creedmoor Roadhouse could easily shoot half-inch or smaller groups using carefully assembled handloads in better conditions.
The live-fire test also let us measure ammo velocities and check the reliability of the rifle. I was pleasantly surprised with the velocities registered on the Competition Electronics chronograph we used. The S&B ammo came in just slower than 2,600 fps, and the Federal American Eagle ammo was just faster than 2,600 fps. This is excellent performance for a 20-inch barrel. Given that the velocity of the 6.5 Creedmoor is nominally 2,700 fps in a 24-inch barrel, I would have expected a decrease in velocity of about 150 fps for the shorter 20-inch barrel rather than the 100-fps drop we recorded.
With respect to reliability, the Roadhouse ran well with the 10-round PMAG, which fit in the magazine well with little play. Given that the 6.5 Creedmoor has a relatively narrow bullet for the diameter of its case, how the magazine fits in the mag well is important in terms of reliability, as are the shape of the feed ramp and the magazine’s feed lips.
Well Worth It
At $2,900 for the basic black version and $3,300 for distressed version, the Roadhouse isn’t exactly cheap. But shooters who want the most in a semi-auto precision rifle that can be used in long-range competitions, hunting from blinds over bean fields and powerline cuts, or for everyday shooting will find a lot to like with this rifle. I can also see a clear role for it in military and law enforcement designated marksman programs.
The Mossberg MVP Precision rifle has certainly earned its “MVP” distinction.
With precision rifle competitions growing in popularity, the market for affordable and practical rifles is expanding. Local matches are becoming weekly events with increased family involvement requiring a rifle that does not break the bank. Once the purview of the custom builder mainstream, manufacturers are coming through with affordable rifles that are accurate, simple, and perfect for competition or target shooting.
Mossberg entered that market a few years ago with its MVP line, bringing precision to moderately priced rifles in a variety of stocks.
I tested the Mossberg MVP-LC (Light Chassis) in 2015. It was sub-MOA accurate, lightweight and easy to run; perfect for an entry-level precision rifle or lightweight hunter. But that was just the beginning.
New for 2018 is the MVP Precision, built for competition with a number of industry leading features.
Mossberg MVP Precision Features
Designed as a long-range tactical rifle, the MVP Precision utilizes a purpose-built chassis. The aluminum chassis supports the best possible accuracy under field conditions with solid action support and a straight back design reducing recoil and muzzle rise.
The rifle is available in both .308 Winchester and 6.5 Creedmoor. I tested in 6.5 Creedmoor. The scope rail has 20 MOA built in, making it easy to reach the limits of the cartridge. The scalloped bolt is designed for use with gloved hands and fast bolt manipulation.
The slim M-LOK compatible handguard facilitates necessary accessories while providing a stable base for supported positional shooting. It covers a 24-inch, 1:8 twist button rifled 4140 steel barrel with 5R rifling for trouble free precision accuracy. Threading 5/8×24 at the muzzle allows for suppressor use or your favorite muzzle device.
Mossberg’s LBA (Lightning Bolt Action) trigger is adjustable from 3-7 pounds. The manufacturer housed the LBA in an oversized triggerguard, which is easily accessible with gloved hands and suitable for adverse conditions.
Mossberg’s patented magazine well accepts both M1A/M14 and AR-10/SR25 magazines without alteration. Each rifle comes with a Magpul 10-Round PMAG.
Lastly, the Luth AR MBA-3 stock keeps it light while allowing for precision adjustment for shooter and conditions.
Mossberg MVP Precision Testing
I tested the Mossberg MVP Precision during the 2018 Athlon Outdoors Rendezvous held in Montana at the stunning Paws Up Resort. It proved to be very accurate.
Steel was available from 100 yards out to 1,100 yards. I ran Federal American Eagle 140 grain OTM ammunition.
Hits on an 18-inch square steel plate were regular and often. The bolt manipulation was smooth and the scalloped design lets you run it very quickly without coming off the rifle. Recoil was minimal, making it easy to alter your holds for wind or other changing conditions.
Luth AR’s MBA-3 lets you get a perfect fit without adding a ton of weight. It’s also easy to lock down tightly.
Mossberg’s LBA trigger is crisp and predictable, making it easy to be accurate. Everything about this rifle is purpose built for precision and it is done well.
The Bottom Line
Mossberg has done it again with the addition of the Precision to its proven MVP line of rifles.
The MSRP is $1,407, but the going rate seems to be closer to a grand, making it an excellent buy on an entry-level rifle.
If you are looking at getting into the precision rifle competition world, need an affordable duty rifle or just want to reach out to longer ranges, add the Mossberg MVP Precision to your list; it may be just about perfect.
Plenty of guns and plenty of cartridges are jacks of all trades but masters of none. Only a few are truly good at everything from target shooting to defense to hunting of many types of game.
The 12-gauge shotgun shell is one. Among handguns, 10mm can do a whole lot, as can .357 Magnum. The .45 Super is as well, but unfortunately hasn’t found wide adoption.
Among rifles, there are a few rounds that do almost everything well. The .308 and .30-06 are proven war-fighting rounds. In match rifles and with match ammunition they are great for target work and have put a lot of meat in a lot of freezers. The 7mm Remington Magnum comes to mind, too.
However, the older bullets — which have a fair bit of recoil — are falling out of favor. The round du jour is the 6.5mm Creedmoor, which excels at long-range shooting and is finding adoption as a hunting round as well. Is it a do-it-all bullet?
Genesis of the 6.5mm Creedmoor
As long-range target shooting starting becoming more popular in the late 1990s and early 2000s, ammunition makers starting looking into creating better cartridges for punching paper at 1,000 yards. Plenty of 1,000 yard rounds are out there, to be sure, but a lot of them are savage to shoot and modern shooters do not enjoy the stout recoil of .30 caliber (and larger) magnums.
The 6.5mm family was a natural fit as the 6mm and 7mm rounds can reach out and touch things at those ranges with ease, if the shooter does their job.
Hornady’s Dave Emary, the senior ballistic scientist, and Dennis DeMille, VP of Product Development, went about creating a new round for that purpose. To make it, they necked-down the .30 Thompson-Center case, and seated a 0.2644-in diameter bullet.
The .30 TC is a boutique round, created by Hornady for Thompson Center Arms for the purpose of delivering .30-06 performance in a short-action case, since .308 loses some edge to the ’06 in terms of power. It worked — the .30 TC even gets a little over on the ’06 — but the problem was nobody cared (they still don’t). The .30 TC was a perfect parent, as the short case ensured a consistent burn and good trajectory.
The results? The 6.5mm Creedmoor could fit in both semi-auto and bolt-action rifles. It was easy on the shooter, and flew fast, flat and accurate to 500 yards and beyond. If you want to reach out and touch something at long distance, it’ll do it and without turning your shoulder to burger.
The 6.5mm Creedmoor for Hunting?
As it happens, the 6.5mm Creedmoor is very well suited for hunting. Not only that, it’s catching on for this purpose.
The 6.5mm family is a very decent choice of hunting round for small to medium game. Some would argue that it is not suited to larger game such as elk, moose and black bear, and certainly not for the great bears. It is, however, very well suited to deer and also predators such as cougar, coyote and wolves.
The 6.5mm Swedish is the preferred round among reindeer and moose hunters in the Scandinavian countries. The 6.5mm Swedish is known for being inherently very accurate, and with judicious placement and proper bullet selection can bring down the larger cervids.
Could it be used for bears? The truth is plenty of black bears have been brought down by a .270, so it would be usable. Is it suitable, though? It’s probably at the lower limit of a reliable black bear round. For brown bears … get a bigger gun.
You’ll want to load heavy for hunting of any game. The 6.5mm rounds top out around 140 grains, so that’s the loading to use.
However, there is also some controversy regarding the increasing range that people are harvesting — or attempting to — harvest game at. Just because you can hit paper at long distances doesn’t mean you can do likewise with a game animal; or that you should.
6.5mm Creedmoor Can Work in a Semi-Auto
Another upshot of the 6.5mm Creedmoor is that it can be used in a semi-automatic rifle, which is useful in a defensive or military capacity. The limitations of .223 Remington/5.56mm NATO are known. It isn’t much good past 300 yards. It’s a poor hunting round, limiting its applications outside a defensive or military capacity.
This is why our military has periodically looked at intermediate rounds larger than the .223 in recent years, and the 6mm and 6.5mm family actually have a lot to offer in this regard — the 6.5mm Creedmoor in particular.
Firstly, it’s a short-action cartridge, based on the .30 TC, which has the same case length as the .308. Therefore, the AR-10 platform can be adapted to fire it. Any other semi-auto platform that uses the .308/7.62x51mm NATO round can likewise accommodate it. Springfield Armory already offers an M1A rifle (a clone of the M14) chambered for it.
While it offers significantly more power and range than the .223/5.56mm, recoil is not unmanageable in the least, as 6.5mm rounds generate about half the recoil of a .30-06. Thus, you have a modestly powerful rifle round, effective at almost all ranges but without the typical drawbacks.
As a result, the 6.5mm Creedmoor (and similarly-sized rounds) is practically a master of all trades. That makes it unique among rifle cartridges.
Entry level precision rifles remain the fastest growing segment of the rifle market. As competitions continue are more accessible, less costly and better run more people are getting involved. It’s becoming a family event with members competing in the same match, especially local events. Availability of entry level rifles has increased with improvements in design and manufacture bring cost down. This is an exciting time for the precision rifle world and the Smith & Wesson Performance Center has brought a solid rifle to the market with the Performance Center T/C LRR (Long Range Rifle).
The 6.5 Creedmoor Performance Center rifle starts with an aluminum chassis. Strong and precise, it eliminates the need for bedding and provides increased accuracy.
The Performance Center T/C LRR has an oversized trigger guard and magwell that accepts AICS patterned magazines; it will not accept AW magazines. AICS-pattern magazines are still the most common in precision rifles, making them easy to get and they are the most proven design to date. The magazine release is an oversized paddle accessed from either side.
Length of pull and cheek weld adjust using large dials, while the butt pad moves up, down and rotates.
The pistol grip is an AR A2-style only rubber. Other AR grips fit as well.
The handguard extends 13 inches from the receiver with M-LOK compatible slots throughout.
A Performance Center trigger is adjustable from 2.5 to 3.5 pounds and breaks cleanly. As a single-stage trigger, it utilizes a trigger safety that provides a bit of a two-stage feel.
The action uses a three-lug bolt and two position safety. The bolt can be manipulated with the safety applied but blocks the trigger.
A 20 MOA Picatinny-style rail is included and bolted to the action.
Barrel length on the 6.5 Creedmoor is 24 inches. The contour is heavy with deep fluting, 4140 steel using 5R rifling and a 1:10 twist.
Threaded 5/8×24, it is capped with a muzzle brake.
The Performance Center T/C LRR is match grade, guaranteed to shoot 1 MOA at 100 yards using “premium factory ammunition.”
The rifle ships with a nice Nylon case, Caldwell M-Lok compatible bipod and one Accurate Mag AICS 10-round magazine.
Unloaded it weighs 11.5 pounds. Add a Bushnell scope, rings and a bipod, and it bumps you up to 14.5 pounds.
Performance Center T/C LRR Range Testing
I tested the Performance Center T/C LRR at the 2018 Athlon Outdoors Rendezvous held in Montana. It proved to be incredibly accurate.
I used Hornady’s superbly accurate 140 grain Match ELDM. Proven to be some of the most accurate factory loaded match ammunition available, it certainly performed well out of this rifle.
Steel was available from 100 to 1,100 yards. I tested the limits with hits on a 18-inch square steel regular and often.
The bolt was smooth to operate and loading was fast and precise. Recoil on the T/C LRR was minimal with very little muzzle rise. It let me stay on target at range for wind holds and adjustments.
Bottom Line
The Performance Center T/C LRR has an MSRP of $1,211, with a going rate closer to a grand. It is perfectly priced as an entry-level precision rifle.
The PRS (Precision Rifle Series) caps its production division at $2,000 for rifle cost and $4,000 overall; that gives you plenty of room for the best optic you can get — at $2,000 or less) — and all the accessories you would need. Since the rifle cannot be altered, the TC/ LRR is just about perfect, providing plenty of accuracy.
Backed by one of the best warranties in the business, it may be the perfect entry level precision rifle. At the very least, it needs to be at the top of anyone’s list looking to get into precision shooting.
Also available in .308 and .243, you have options not always offered by a company dedicated to providing the best rifle at the best possible price.
Many of us dream of owning a 1,000-yard gun. We would love to be able to reach out on a deer hunt or start competing and take that leap into long distance shooting. Inevitably, cost and lack of flexibility in the design, keeps us from pulling the trigger — both literally and figuratively. This is where the Steyr Pro THB 6.5 Creedmoor comes in.
I recently got my hands on the new Steyr Pro THB (Tactical Heavy Barrel) chambered in 6.5 Creedmoor at the 2018 Athlon Outdoor Rendezvous in Montana.
Within 20 minutes, Mike Nischalke from Hunter Outdoor Communications had me consistently dinging a 12×18-inch steel plate at 1,000 yards. I shot from a Caldwell Lead Sled on a portable, DOA Shooting Bench.
In my last sniper training, we took five days to get out to 800 yards. This was impressive.
SSG 08 Similarities
The THB Pro is the evolution that began with the Steyr Pro Hunter. Almost unassuming in its appearance, it comes with features that are identical to Steyr’s top of the line sniper rifles.
Ever check out the Steyr SSG 08? The Pro THB has the exact same trigger. They list it at 3 pounds 8 ounces, but the one I shot averaged just below 3 pounds on an incredibly crisp, two-stage.
Guess what else is identical to the SSG 08? The barrel. The 25-inch, cold hammer-forged barrel has a four groove, 1-in-8 twist that comes factory threaded in 5/8-24 RH threads.
The outside of the barrel is contoured, then hammers forge the steel around the mandrel. The barrel is cut to length and it is manually chambered.
Steyr’s legendary quality comes from the consistency in its machining and production. Nischalke talked about getting different rifles from the factory, taking the scope off one and placing it on another and finding it was nearly sighted in with zero adjustments.
Endless Features
The Pro THB ships in a polymer stock with aluminum pillar bedding. It has spacers to change the length of pull, but not a lot of other features. This keeps it light which is nice if this is going to be a long-distance hunting rifle.
If you want a few more bells and whistles, both Manners and MacMillan have tactical stocks in production that offer moveable cheek rests and heavier platforms.
The four-round magazine on the Pro THB has two positions. The first position keeps it in the gun, but sits too low for the bolt to pick up a new round when it is cycled. This position allows a shooter to thumb in individual rounds. Want it to feed automatically? Just click it the rest of the way in and you are good to go. Steyr also has a 10-round adaption kit if you think four rounds won’t be enough.
2+1 Position Safety
Steyr calls the safety the 2+1 Position Safety system. It is mounted on the tang behind the bolt so it is naturally ambidextrous. All the way forward, you see the red dot for “fire.” One click back, you see a white dot for “safe,” but the bolt can still be worked.
One more click back and a gray button pops up on the safety. This locks the bolt. A light push down on the bolt handle takes the Safe Bolt System slightly out of battery and acts as a drop safety so a round can stay in the chamber. Simply push down on the gray button as you work the action and the bolt can be removed for cleaning the gun or storage. Sound complicated? It is intuitive in about 30 seconds.
Other features include a 60-degree bolt throw, four locking lugs, a full body bolt, and a collet inside that absorbs the energy in the event of overpressure. A 20 MOA Picatinny rail comes standard. It can be replaced with an SSG 08 A1 rail if you want to attach night vision.
Packed with features found on rifles costing four times as much, the Steyr Pro THB stands ready to take you to 1,000 yards and beyond.
Previously, military Special Forces units held the exclusive ability to purchase the SWORD MK-17, but now the lightweight system will be more readily available.
The MK-17 weighs nine pounds, while featuring an ambi-bolt catch/release pad and a fold-down side charging handle.
The rifle carries the looks of a carbine, however, it is billed as delivering the long-accuracy of more precision platforms.
SWORD International MK-17 chamberings include 7.62×51, .260 Rem., and 6.5 Creedmoor. The price tag is hefty; the MK-17 retails at $3,995.
RISE Armament is a name you should get used to hearing. RISE’s 300LE rifle made a lot of waves in 2018. The RISE Armament 1121XR should be no different.
In early October, the 2018 Athlon Outdoors Rendezvous took place just outside of Missoula, Mont. More than 30 firearm companies, accessory makers and ammunition manufacturers made the trip to present their products to Athlon’s top contributors. RISE Armament joined us and I had the opportunity to chat with Garrett Grover to learn the details of the relatively new RISE Armament 1121XR rifle chambered in 6.5 Creedmoor.
According to Grover, RISE Armament introduced the 1121XR in 2017 and chambered it for the .308 cartridge. Just a couple months ago Rise Armament started shipping the 1121XR chambered for the hugely popular 6.5 CM.
RISE Armament 1121XR Precision Rifle in 6.5 Creedmoor
“It is pretty much identical to the .308 version except for the barrel,” Grover said. “We went with the 22-inch 416R stainless with a 1:8-inch twist. The .308 has a 20-inch barrel with a 1:11.25-inch twist. This rifle features our RA-701 stainless steel compensator to tame muzzle rise, and we use a black nitride carrier group. We machine our 7075 billet receiver set in-house. We use our 902 free floating handguard, which is 15 inches in length, and it is M-Lok compatible.
“The slim and ergonomically designed free-floating aluminum handguard provides exceptional weight savings and cooling properties while remaining strong and durable,” Grover continued.
RISE has an incredible selection of AR-15 trigger options, and it went with one of its best here.
“We outfit the 1121XR with our hugely popular RA-535 High Performance trigger. The 535 was kind of Rise Armament’s flagship product, and it is the trigger which many others are measured by. It has a super clean 3.5-pound break, virtually no overtravel and a very short 1/8-inch reset. It is a single-stage trigger. In fact, all of our triggers are single stage.”
Triggers That RISE to the Occasion
Camille Torres, RISE Armament’s marketing director, showed me several demonstration units, basically an AR lower without the magwell or any other parts, equipped with various RISE Armament trigger kits. Impressively, each broke crisply with zero overtravel and a very firm re-set. RISE Armament understands that even the most accurate rifle in the world won’t reach its potential unless it has a great trigger. I’ll be buying some of RISE Armament RA535 triggers for my precision ARs! They are that good!
The RISE Armament 1121XR uses a Magpul PRS stock and a Magpul MOE pistol grip, and the gun comes with an ambidextrous safety/selector. The bolt carrier group is Nitride-coated for corrosion resistance and a low friction coefficient.
Grover claims the rifle is capable of sub-minute-of-angle accuracy, mentioning that he shot a 960-yard group this year with the same rifle I fired that measured about 4.5 inches!
“We stand behind every rifle we build, and if you’re not getting the kind of accuracy we think our rifles are capable of, send it back to us and let us take care of it,” Grover explained. “Even if you sell your gun to a buddy and he’s unhappy with it, we’ll take it back and make whatever corrections are necessary to get the rifle shooting like it should. The rifles come with a lifetime warranty and they are fully transferable to the new owner.”
Shooting the 1121XR Precision Rifle
With Grover spotting me, I sat down at the DOA Tactical portable shooting bench and found the 8-inch steel plate hung at a distance of 1,050 yards. With Grover’s help I was able to ring the steel on my third shot, and after I found my hold was able to hit the target with boring reliability.
It was amazing just how good the trigger on this gun is. Crisp, with no over-travel and a short and very positive reset; I was able to watch my hits and fire a quick follow-up shot thanks to the effectiveness of the RA muzzle brake.
The RISE Armament 1121XR rifle impressed across the board. Assembled with quality components by people who really know how to build rifles, the 1121XR provides the accuracy and reliability needed for just about any use from hunting to competition.
Rifle and ammunition manufacturers continue to jump on the 6mm Creedmoor bandwagon, and Federal recently added a match round to its Gold Medal lineup to feed demand. We saw the new load firsthand at this year’s Athlon Outdoor Rendezvous.
The 6mm Creedmoor has been around for about a decade. Outdoor Life Hunting Editor John Snow had a wildcat itch he needed to scratch. So he hooked up with GA Precision’s George Gardner to build a rifle around his necked-down Creedmoor. He went to Hornady and it provided a set of custom dies. Fast forward several years and Gardner decided to build an AR-10 rifle in 6mm Creedmoor to compete in the fledgling Precision Rifle Series (PRS) matches.
Precision Rifle Series rules specify that cartridges used in matches must not exceed 3,200 fps to prevent target damage. Consequently, cartridges used tend to reach toward that mark at near case capacity for maximum efficiency. That’s the reasoning that Gardner gave for one of his most recent cartridges developed for PRS, the 6.5 PRC. Additionally, this cartridge launches the high-B.C. 140-grain bullets at 3,150 fps.
Gardner learned that loading .243 Winchester with the heaviest bullets to full length was longer than the maximum that would fit in an AR-10 magazine. He dusted off the 6mm Creedmoor reamers and chambered a barrel for an AR-10. He cut a second barrel in 6 Creed in 2012 for a member of GA Precision’s PRS team, and they shot the rifles in a PRS match that year.
Growing Demand for 6mm Creedmoor
In 2013, more members of George’s team went another direction and had him build bolt guns in the new cartridge. They fared well in PRS, and demand grew. More rifle builders began chambering rifles for the round. But shooters had to neck down 6.5 Creedmoor brass to feed their rifles. In 2014, Gardner made a commitment to Hornady to make an initial buy of 100,000 pieces of 6mm Creedmoor brass to get things started. By the time you read this, GA Precision long since sold more than 1 million pieces of 6 Creed brass. Today, more top PRS shooters field the 6 Creed than any other cartridge.
A poll of top PRS shooters, according to Cal Zant (precisionrifleblog.com), showed that 6mm eclipsed 6.5mm rifles used in competition in 2014. Also, the availability of factory 6mm Creedmoor precision ammo in 2017 will only more firmly establish it as a competition and hunting round.
In late 2018, Federal entered the 6mm Creedmoor world with its Gold Medal Berger round loaded with 105-grain Berger Hybrid Target. Berger has long had a good reputation for making high-ballistic coefficient bullets for accurate long-range shooting, and Federal is the only big manufacturer loading Bergers at this writing.
Testing the Gold Medal Berger
To test the new round, I got my hands on a Savage Model 110 Tactical Desert in 6mm Creedmoor. The first 10 shots from the Savage averaged 3,052 fps, with a standard deviation of 20 fps. Also, the extreme spread was 73 fps. Additionally, ten 5-shot groups hovered around 1 MOA at 100 yards, with the smallest measuring 0.937-inch. My experience with loading Berger VLD bullets is that they tend to “tighten up” at longer ranges. As some put it, the bullets “go to sleep” and stabilize as they travel down range. Shooting them at 100 yards won’t tell the whole story.
I took the rifle and the new Federal fodder to my long range to gather some DOPE. I stretched it out to various distances, ending at 500 yards. The last two 5-shot groups measured 3.25 and 4.25 inches, which is definitely sub-MOA.
If you’re looking for accurate competition factory fodder for your 6mm Creedmoor, Federal’s new load should fit the bill.
Since 2008, the Steyr SSG 08 has been considered one of the best sniper rifles available at any price and one of the most accurate factory rifles ever made. For users who didn’t need the gun’s superb aluminum folding stock, Steyr Mannlicher designed the SSG 04, which offered the same barreled action on an adjustable fiber-reinforced stock. The gun lost some of its ergonomics and glamor, but its legendary accuracy was unscathed.
Steyr then recognized some aficionados and small law enforcement agencies needed an accurate SSG-type rifle at an even more affordable price. So the company introduced the Pro THB (Tactical Heavy Barrel). This fantastic rifle is priced competitively with other varmint and tactical rifles from American manufacturers but adds many of the advanced SSG 08 features in a lighter, simpler design.
Now Steyr is offering a new Pro THB in 6.5 Creedmoor with either a short 20-MOA Picatinny rail over the action or with a longer rail. I got my hands on the latter for testing, and it’s a killer package for long-range hunters, Precision Rifle Series (PRS) shooters and many tactical units.
Solid Foundation
Like the famous SSG 08 and SSG 04, the Steyr Pro THB is based on the Safe Bolt System (SBS) action, which is one of the safest rifle operating systems ever designed. If the gun fires an over-pressured cartridge, or there’s an obstruction in the barrel, the shooter will remain protected while the rifle contains the detonation by its safety bushing. In my opinion, this is part of what makes the SBS the most advanced bolt system on the market. The safety bushing fully encases the four bolt lugs and the extractor, essentially protecting the shooter from escaping gases and preventing the receiver from rupturing.
The four front locking lugs are massive. They’re directly behind the cartridge case inside the receiver. The bolt body has grooves that will collect dirt and debris to guarantee reliability during the most extreme conditions. After reviewing these features, reminding folks that all Steyr rifles have a protruding cocking indicator in the bolt or that the bolt lever retracts and locks into the receiver seems unimportant. You can choose between a thin bolt handle or the more common round knob, and I received the latter for testing.
Steyr Pro THB: Packed With Features
You’d need a pen and paper to list all of the features that set the SBS action apart from Remington clones. Normally, rifles have two-position safeties, but not this Austrian tack-driver. The new “2+1” safety, operated by a wheel on the tang, lets you select various modes of safety and operation. In the “safe” position, the weapon can be loaded and unloaded, and the trigger is locked, which prevents accidental discharges. When you’re ready to engage the target, just roll the safety wheel noiselessly forward to the “fire” position, and the rifle will be ready to shoot. If you decide not to engage, you can rotate the wheel to the “lock” position, in which a button on the safety wheel prevents it from rolling into any other position. The trigger and bolt are locked.
The SBS has one more hidden trick in this locked position: You can depress the bolt lever into a position closer to the stock so it protrudes less. This also locks the firing pin and sets the action apart from the competition when it comes to stalking prey. There’s no protruding bolt lever to get tangled, yet you can noiselessly disengage the safety and shoot when needed. I use this feature on my SSG 08 all the time, and it’s very convenient.
The Barrel
Steyr has done its best to bring its unique cold-hammer-forged barrels to this price range, as the Pro THB shares the famous barrel used in the SSG 08, with the same distinctive spiral forging marks on the exterior. These barrels are known for being accurate and reliable while lasting for a very long time.
The .308 Winchester Pro THB is available with a 16-, 20- or 26-inch barrel, but my 6.5 Creedmoor test rifle came with a 26-inch barrel sporting a 1-in-8-inch twist rate, which is good for long-range shooting. The muzzle has right-hand, 5/8×24-tpi threading to accept most American-made brakes and suppressors.
In my opinion, the most efficient barrels for 6.5 Creedmoor rifles are between 24 and 26 inches long, so the chosen barrel length was perfect for me. The 1-in-8-inch twist rate fits my bullet selections fine and suits heavy 140- to 143-grain bullets, but it will also let me shoot 120-grain Nosler AccuBonds if I need to. Also, I believe in over-stabilizing projectiles for long-range shooting, so this faster twist rate is consistent with my experience for long-range success.
One note about the barrel profile: Years ago Steyr engineers used the SSG 08 profile to demonstrate that they could get heavy-barrel performance with medium-heavy barrels like this one, which has a muzzle diameter of 0.8 inches. I thought it was “skinny” at first glance but was wrong.
Elite Ergonomics
Although most shooters might think they don’t need it, I recommend getting the long rail for the Steyr Pro THB, even though the standard 20-MOA short rail is capable. I say this because you can easily convert the Pro THB to a heavy scout configuration with a forward-mounted Aimpoint Micro H-2 sight.
This Picatinny rail is a piece of art far above its price range. It’s CNC-machined from aircraft-grade 6061-T6 aluminum, which is light and much sturdier than any composite unit. Attention to detail is Steyr’s trademark, and all THB scope rails—short and long—are installed with six 6-48 screws, ensure top-notch rigidity.
The shorter side rails up front are minimalistic and detachable. The side rails on Steyr’s modern tactical rifles are machined to fit into a recessed channel so the load is on the edge of the rail, not on the screws. This feature will be welcomed by many snipers and hunters who tend to place heavy accessories like laser designators on their side rails. You won’t see the screws shear here, as you might with other rifle designs.
The stock is a fine polymer model with a straight comb. It has an aluminum bedding block to improve the action’s stability and support while preventing the action screws from flexing. The length of pull is 13.75 inches, but it can easily be adjusted with spacers. The cheek is not adjustable. The stock feels nice, with a flat front that will help in shooting over various supports, but it comes with two quick-detach (QD) sling attachment points that I would have replaced with push-button sockets. That might be a matter of preference, but for me, it meant changing the sling ends.
Magazine Features
The synthetic magazine holds four rounds, and you can use rounds with overall lengths up to 3.148 inches. Most reloaders who want to use the latest 6.5 Creedmoor bullets will appreciate this extra space. There is also an extension kit so 10-round magazines can be used.
Another unique feature on the Steyr Pro THB and SSG sniper rifles is the two-stage magazine-latch mechanism, with a first stage that locks the magazine in but allows you to load rounds or operate the bolt without feeding from the magazine. With one more little push on the bottom of the magazine, it will seat it in the second stage, which is ready for autoloading.
The triggerguard is part of the stock, and it’s big enough for gloved use. The trigger has a nice, crisp, 2.8-pound pull and looks to be adjustable, even though it comes with white locking compound to preclude user adjustments. Finally, as with most Steyrs, the rifle has a durable, rust-proof Mannox finish that I really like.
Laser Accurate
At the range, it became clear that the Steyr Pro THB is superbly accurate for any standard. I shot about 160 rounds with three different loads: Nosler’s 140-grain Ballistic Tips as well as Hornady’s 140-grain Match ELDs and 143-grain ELD-Xs.
After eye bore-sighting the gun the old-fashioned way—part of my standard zeroing procedure—I shot one round, which impacted up 1.25 MOA and 1 MOA to the right. After 10 clicks down and eight clicks left on the 7-40x56mm Leupold VX-6 scope I used, I was dead-center on the target. That made me smile, as I knew the rifle would be a shooter. And I wasn’t wrong, as the three commercial loads mostly created sub-MOA groups, with many tighter than 0.5 MOA. This is very impressive for a new rifle.
Although this rifle shoots impressively well, another unexpected finding shocked me. The Hornady loads had basically the same trajectory at most medium hunting distances, and the Nosler load was just there, too. Adding to that interesting result, the three loads printed inside a 1-MOA circle with the same 100-meter scope zero. I’m starting to fall in love with the 6.5 Creedmoor and how well it shoots in this Steyr, and I hope to make it my primary hunting rifle for hunting small animals that don’t require a lot of energy on impact. No wonder the 6.5 Creedmoor has taken the PRS and varmint market by storm. It makes the shooter’s life easy—very easy.
Final Thoughts
The Steyr Pro THB rifle is full of features—so much that I’m sure you will have to reread the article to really grasp all of them. It shares many of the SSG 08’s features, including its second-to-none accuracy. It’s also light enough for hunting and heavy enough for tactical use, and the only compromise has been the cheek height with the long rail. That’s a small price to pay to get this level of accuracy and features at this price range. This particular rifle will soon become my primary hunting 6.5 Creedmoor. That’s how much I like it.
Steyr and Col. Jeff Cooper introduced the first production Scout Rifle to the world at the 1998 SHOT Show, and for more than a decade, Steyr hasn’t introduced a new chambering in the Scout Rifle platform. That is until now, as Steyr recently announced the debut of the Scout 6.5 Creedmoor.
Throughout his decades of development of the scout-rifle concept, including the nearly decade-long collaborative design process to create the Steyr Scout, Cooper was very specific in his chambering choices for his ultimate production scout rifle.
Cooper also demanded the rifle be able to knock down any North American game, and he wanted the ammunition to be readily available. While the 6.5 Creedmoor debuted after Cooper had already passed, today it stands as one of the top cartridge choices and is plentiful.
“It can’t be said that Col. Cooper wasn’t a fan of the 6.5 mm, as he wrote about the 6.5 Mannlicher Schoenauer rather longingly,” said Scott O’Brien, Steyr Arms, USA, CEO. “But Col. Cooper never could have expected the amazing performance of the 6.5 Creedmoor, nor could he expect the widespread availability of such a round.”
Scout 6.5 Creedmoor Rifle Attributes
Steyr and Cooper began collaborating on a production Scout Rifle around 1990. Steyr engineers worked within his limitations to produce a rifle that was less than a meter in length, less than about 7 pounds. Also, it had to be able to take anything in North America from hare to bear. Steyr engineers provided his desired backup “ghost-ring” iron sights that rest snugly within the Steyr Scout’s profile and can be deployed within seconds should the optics fail. They also provided two-stage magazines that could accomplish the same function as the 1903 Springfield’s magazine cutoff but in a much faster manner than the original.
Just like the original Steyr Scout, the 6.5 CM version incorporates a spare magazine in the stock. Also, it has the ability to accept a pair of optional 10-round magazines. The stock also incorporates an integrated bipod, as well as a set of five whale-tail sling-swivel attachments. Moreover, the attachments accommodate a three-point Ching Sling on either side of the stock.
“We can never know how the Colonel would have felt about chambering his rifle in the 6.5 Creedmoor, but considering its performance and after extensive testing, we think he’d wholeheartedly approve,” O’Brien said.
The Steyr Arms Scout 6.5 Creedmoor has a 19-inch cold hammer forged barrel. Also, it is fluted and threaded to accept 1/2-20 RH muzzle devices. It is now available in Black, MUD and OD Green stocks with an MSRP of $1,735.
Utilizing aerospace and automotive technology, Bergara releases the B14 Squared Crest rifle with 100% carbon fiber stock. Offered in four popular calibers—6.5 Creedmoor, 6.5 PRC, .308 Win, and .300 Win Mag—the rifle is ready for the field. Whether for long-range precision shooting or hunting, the B14 is a lightweight solution that provides sub-MOA performance.
The Bergara B14 Squared Crest Rifle
Anchored by a 100% carbon fiber monocoque stock, the B14 remains ultralight for hunters who go the extra mile. The stock is manufactured using CF-RTM technology, a state-of-the-art method used in the automotive and aerospace industries. It consists of assembling dry carbon fibers by hand with an injected resin. The stock also incorporates a carbon spine throughout to provide greater rigidity and strength.
Chambered in 6.5 Creedmoor, 6.5 PRC, .308 Win, or .300 Win Mag, the B14 features a fluted 4140 CrMo steel barrel. The barrel is 20 inches for the 6.5 Creedmoor, 6.5 PRC, and .308 Win or 22 inches for the .300 Win Mag. Each barrel is threaded 5/8-24 for use with a suppressor. However, it comes with a Bergara Omni muzzle brake installed.
(Photo by Bergara)
Featuring a two-bolt system with a sliding extractor and a tapered bolt and breech stop, the B14 provides ultra-smooth action. Likewise, a 90-degree bolt throw with textured rings offers fast and intuitive bolt cycling.
The B14 is fired via the adjustable Bergara Performance Trigger, allowing you to dial in your preference. Providing safe operation when not on target is a two-position safety. As a result, the rifle can also be unloaded while in the safe position. When unloaded, the B14 Squared Crest weighs only 6.9 pounds.
The B14 Squared Crest Rifle is built for accuracy and provides sub-MOA precision. Each rifle ships with one magazine, with the 6.5 Creedmoor, 6.5 PRC, and .300 Win Mag holding five rounds and the .308 Win holding three rounds.
Availability
The Bergara B14 Squared Crest rifle is available now with MSRPs of $1,199.00. For more info, please visit BergaraUSA.com.
