Are the FN SPR enthusiasts extinct?

moosemeat · Aug 14, 2024

22" Bartlien heavy varmint GA match 308 reamer. Rebuilt by GAP back in March. Blue printed. Pillar and glass bedded. OD green painted mcmillian it came with. Fn TBM. Mcarbo trigger spring. Josh at GA tuned up the trigger. Badger base. Warne rings. Bushnell XRS3.
Factory barrel had a little over 8000 on it, most of it with little cleaning and pushing 175 smk at 2750.
Don't think I missed any thing.

moosemeat · Aug 14, 2024

moosemeat · Aug 14, 2024

Best group so far. 175 smk in 1 time fired federal brass. Annealed and cleaned. 43.0 grains of Varget. Seated .015 off the lands. 2.845 COAL

stello1001 · Aug 14, 2024

moosemeat said:
22" Bartlien heavy varmint GA match 308 reamer. Rebuilt by GAP back in March. Blue printed. Pillar and glass bedded. OD green painted mcmillian it came with. Fn TBM. Mcarbo trigger spring. Josh at GA tuned up the trigger. Badger base. Warne rings. Bushnell XRS3.
Factory barrel had a little over 8000 on it, most of it with little cleaning and pushing 175 smk at 2750.
Don't think I missed any thing.

How is that scope working out for you.
I had no idea they were at 3 already. I thought they were at XRS2 lol.

moosemeat · Aug 14, 2024

I liked the 2 better. I had a DMR, then a XRS 1, XRS 2 and then they warrantied the 2 out for the 3. Had better glass, better clicks and was what I would consider a step above the 3. But the 2 was like $2k + and the 3, when they traded it out was only $1600.

stello1001 · Aug 14, 2024

moosemeat said:
I liked the 2 better. I had a DMR, then a XRS 1, XRS 2 and then they warrantied the 2 out for the 3. Had better glass, better clicks and was what I would consider a step above the 3. But the 2 was like $2k + and the 3, when they traded it out was only $1600.

What the heck, how is that even possible for the 2 to have better glass? I'll keep that in mind in case I'm shopping around for a deal.

I have one of SPRs needing glass at the moment.

moosemeat · Aug 14, 2024

When the XRS 2 came out it was over $2000. I wanna say the reciept I got when I bought it (used) was $2399.

diggler1833 · Aug 15, 2024

I still run a DMR2 on one of my SPRs. The glass is decent, but Bushnell has never competed with any of the "alpha glass" offerings. What they did do for many years is bring a relatively affordable, and pretty repeatable scope to market that had acceptable glass. Definitely good enough to even compete with in disciplines like PRS. For full retail there are certainly better options out there these days, but when you can snag one on sale you certainly get a lot for your money. I bought my DMR2 when the 3s were coming out, and the 2s were going for less than $1K. I did the same thing with the LRTS when that model was discontinued and I was able to snag one for $750.

I regret neither of those purchases, and both optics still reside on rifles that I use to hunt/kill with. However, I have progressed in my optics quest to the point where a Bushy is no longer an option.

Pics of my SPR or it didn't happen.

stello1001 · Aug 15, 2024

diggler1833 said:
I still run a DMR2 on one of my SPRs. The glass is decent, but Bushnell has never competed with any of the "alpha glass" offerings. What they did do for many years is bring a relatively affordable, and pretty repeatable scope to market that had acceptable glass. Definitely good enough to even compete with in disciplines like PRS. For full retail there are certainly better options out there these days, but when you can snag one on sale you certainly get a lot for your money. I bought my DMR2 when the 3s were coming out, and the 2s were going for less than $1K. I did the same thing with the LRTS when that model was discontinued and I was able to snag one for $750.

I regret neither of those purchases, and both optics still reside on rifles that I use to hunt/kill with. However, I have progressed in my optics quest to the point where a Bushy is no longer an option.

Pics of my SPR or it didn't happen.
View attachment 8480154

One of my SPRs has a minox zp5 3-15.
For the other, I'm undecided between a mk4HD in 4.5-18, a steiner t6 in 3-18, or a traxt toric in 4.5-30.

I too have a few LRTS/LRHS scopes and all of them, I've gotten under 800 bucks. They are decent optics.

moosemeat · Aug 15, 2024

What caliber? If still 308 I would go with the leupold. Of a fast 6, 6.5 or the dreaded 25 I would go with more mag, but I am a magnification snob. I want to see mirage and be zoomed in as far as I can when I shoot F class. That doesn't mean I'm a 30+, but I'm never below 25. I read most PRS shooters never dial above 20 tho, so I don't know what I don't know.

stello1001 · Aug 15, 2024

moosemeat said:
What caliber? If still 308 I would go with the leupold. Of a fast 6, 6.5 or the dreaded 25 I would go with more mag, but I am a magnification snob. I want to see mirage and be zoomed in as far as I can when I shoot F class. That doesn't mean I'm a 30+, but I'm never below 25. I read most PRS shooters never dial above 20 tho, so I don't know what I don't know.

It's a 26" 308 with a stupidly short throat. It might be the 95 palma chamber so I'm stuck with 155s. Regular factory ammo with 168s or 175s all get into the lands.

I'm a FOV whore though. And this 308 would probably never see PRS. I do shoot a monthly belly match local to me that goes out to 1000 yards. I may just take it there sometime.

I want to maybe sell my minox to fund 2 scopes. If I sell the minox, then that SPR would also need glass. This is where the steiner and leupold come in, or the steiner and tract.

I'd probably have to sell the minox and the stock with skulls on it first before I make the purchases.

Undrgrndprdcts · Aug 15, 2024

stello1001 said:
It's a 26" 308 with a stupidly short throat. It might be the 95 palma chamber so I'm stuck with 155s. Regular factory ammo with 168s or 175s all get into the lands.

I'm a FOV whore though. And this 308 would probably never see PRS. I do shoot a monthly belly match local to me that goes out to 1000 yards. I may just take it there sometime.

I want to maybe sell my minox to fund 2 scopes. If I sell the minox, then that SPR would also need glass. This is where the steiner and leupold come in, or the steiner and tract.

I'd probably have to sell the minox and the stock with skulls on it first before I make the purchases.

I'd keep the Minox, it's a good scope, and save for another scope that passes drop tests.

Geno C. · Aug 15, 2024

Xlr made a chassis for them for a while

stello1001 · Aug 15, 2024

Undrgrndprdcts said:
I'd keep the Minox, it's a good scope, and save for another scope that passes drop tests.

It's a fantastic scope. Just started competing recently and learning that I like other reticles. My match gun has a tango6 4-24 and I like the reticle in it a lot. I've also been able to look through others' scopes and see other reticles. When I pull out my spr with the minox, I find that I would prefer a different reticle.

It pains me to know I bought a really expensive scope only to not want to use it lol. Looking at a whole bunch of other scopes has spoiled me a bit.

stello1001 · Aug 15, 2024

Geno C. said:
Xlr made a chassis for them for a while
View attachment 8480480 View attachment 8480482

That's true, I almost forgot about this one. Mine sits in an MDT ESS which they also made for a good while. I didn't have to open up my action to run their chassis and AI mags.

Heck, you can run any bottom metal or chassis that you can find for the m70 that takes ai mags without opening the action as long as you run the mdt mags.

Undrgrndprdcts · Aug 16, 2024

stello1001 said:
It's a fantastic scope. Just started competing recently and learning that I like other reticles. My match gun has a tango6 4-24 and I like the reticle in it a lot. I've also been able to look through others' scopes and see other reticles. When I pull out my spr with the minox, I find that I would prefer a different reticle.

It pains me to know I bought a really expensive scope only to not want to use it lol. Looking at a whole bunch of other scopes has spoiled me a bit.

If you want a good scope and reticle to compete with, that is still durable and passes drop tests, get the zeiss s3 6-36. I love mine and it has held up well.

Totoro · Aug 19, 2024

Hey fellas, those still running the OEM McMillan stock, are they standard or sniper filled?

stello1001 · Aug 19, 2024

Totoro said:
Hey fellas, those still running the OEM McMillan stock, are they standard or sniper filled?

What's the difference, I have a couple I can check out.

Totoro · Aug 19, 2024

The difference is just the weight of the stock based on the fill.

Sniper fill will make the stock heavier.

At 11.5lb-ish for a SPR A1, I am guessing the stock is sniper filled.

Thanks!

paulL01 · Aug 20, 2024

Really wish FN still produced the TSR line
They were freakin awesome rifles

Action Guy · Aug 20, 2024

McMillan stocks on all SPRs were "sniper" or magnum fill.

Totoro · Aug 20, 2024

Thanks AG!

Undrgrndprdcts · Aug 22, 2024

Can anyone confirm if an mdt or accurate 300 wsm aics mag will work in a non cut receiver?

stello1001 · Aug 22, 2024

Undrgrndprdcts said:
Can anyone confirm if an mdt or accurate 300 wsm aics mag will work in a non cut receiver?

The mdt poly/metal mags with window work. I've been using them for a couple years now. Non cut receiver here. However these are standard ai mags, not magnum, not sure if there's a difference.

stello1001 · Oct 28, 2024

Has anyone experienced or can anyone foresee running into issues doing a 22BRA or 22 dasher out of an FN SPR. I have an SPR that's cut to take AI mags. I'm just not sure if the round being so short will cause feeding issues.

With it being CRF, it should go straight forward into the chamber but still asking if anyone knows better.

The easy button will probably be 22 GT but a dasher has always intrigued me.

Cascade Hemi · Oct 28, 2024

stello1001 said:
Has anyone experienced or can anyone foresee running into issues doing a 22BRA or 22 dasher out of an FN SPR. I have an SPR that's cut to take AI mags. I'm just not sure if the round being so short will cause feeding issues.

With it being CRF, it should go straight forward into the chamber but still asking if anyone knows better.

The easy button will probably be 22 GT but a dasher has always intrigued me.

I think if you can get those short cartridges to work in a CRF action like an ARC Archimedes you can get them to work in an AIC M70/SPR. GT sure takes some of the expense and complexity out of converting mags though. My SPR is 6CM, when I burn it out It'll get a 6GT barrel. I have several 6GT guns and they feed flawlessly without tuning.

spife7980 · Oct 29, 2024

stello1001 said:
Has anyone experienced or can anyone foresee running into issues doing a 22BRA or 22 dasher out of an FN SPR. I have an SPR that's cut to take AI mags. I'm just not sure if the round being so short will cause feeding issues.

With it being CRF, it should go straight forward into the chamber but still asking if anyone knows better.

The easy button will probably be 22 GT but a dasher has always intrigued me.

Make sure the firing pin to bolt face fit is small and tight enough to not puncture small rifle primers. If it’s not you may need to bush the bolt face.

Simonsza1 · Oct 29, 2024

My fn is now a 6.5 creed. I’m only saying this to agree with cascade hemi comment on crf. I have an Archimedes running 22 dasher with absolutely zero issues. 22 dasher btw is freekin awesome and not crazy overbore like the 22gt.

Cascade Hemi · Oct 29, 2024

Simonsza1 said:
My fn is now a 6.5 creed. I’m only saying this to agree with cascade hemi comment on crf. I have an Archimedes running 22 dasher with absolutely zero issues. 22 dasher btw is freekin awesome and not crazy overbore like the 22gt.

What's your favorite load for 22 Dasher?

Simonsza1 · Oct 29, 2024

I’m using alpha ocd brass, 85.5 Berger, 33gr h4350, fgmm primers. 3,081fps. 26” krieger barrel and it’s the most ridiculous laser beam out there. Probably one of my favorite calibers ever. Stupid fun.

stello1001 · Oct 29, 2024

Simonsza1 said:
My fn is now a 6.5 creed. I’m only saying this to agree with cascade hemi comment on crf. I have an Archimedes running 22 dasher with absolutely zero issues. 22 dasher btw is freekin awesome and not crazy overbore like the 22gt.

What mags are you using?
Also, south texas deer are small. I want this build to be my dedicated hunting rig so I'm sure the horsepower out of the 22 dasher will be adequate for our game here.

With that said, I obviously prefer using AI type mags, which I have a bottom metal for. But I also have a couple TBMs and a bunch of Mags, I have the BM with a flush-ish fit mag, and the internal mag with hinged bottom metal. I wouldn't mind using either if I had to since it'll be a hunting setup. But I do think the AI mags will be best.

diggler1833 · Oct 29, 2024

I have two SPRs in 6.5x47L. Both feed flawlessly out of the TBM as well as the original DBM magazines. That case is obviously a bit shorter than the Creedmoor case.

I also tried chambering a full mag of 10 rounds of 6GT out of one of the TBM magazines, and had no issues with them cycling just fine...but only 10 is a small sample size. It took about 30 rounds of 6GT in my AI AT-X factory mag before I had my first nose-dive and feeding issue.

I will eventually probably rebarrel one of my SPRs to 6GT.

diggler1833 · Oct 29, 2024

Simonsza1 said:
... 22 dasher btw is freekin awesome and not crazy overbore like the 22gt.

What are your thoughts on the 22 Creedmoor?

moosemeat · Oct 29, 2024

22 creed is nuts. 85.5 and 90s at 3200 fps from a 24" barrel. 50 grains bullets at 4000fps. Barrel life is short. Like 1000 rounds or less. Maybe much less depending on how fast you shoot. They tend to feed in everything I've seen. Great cotoye calling round for open country. Horrible PRS round. Dasher or gt would meet speed limit and use less powder.

Simonsza1 · Oct 29, 2024

stello1001 said:
What mags are you using?
Also, south texas deer are small. I want this build to be my dedicated hunting rig so I'm sure the horsepower out of the 22 dasher will be adequate for our game here.

With that said, I obviously prefer using AI type mags, which I have a bottom metal for. But I also have a couple TBMs and a bunch of Mags, I have the BM with a flush-ish fit mag, and the internal mag with hinged bottom metal. I wouldn't mind using either if I had to since it'll be a hunting setup. But I do think the AI mags will be best.

View attachment 8534396

I have mdt 12 round metal br mags. They are the new 4 rib design and zero issues through probably 850-1k rounds so far.

Simonsza1 · Oct 29, 2024

I went 22 dasher cause it’s amazing and decent barrel life. The 22 creed and the 22gt are major over bore. Sure there fun and the velocity is cool but I’ll take closer to 3k on a barrel then 1k and that was the reason I chose that caliber. I’m a fan of all the 22 caliber’s though. That 85.5 is flat out wicked. I also have a 224 Valkyrie in a bolt gun. Throated out probably a 1/4” that I built for my wife. It’s also a laser with the 77tmk and honestly maybe the most accurate rifle we own and that’s saying a lot! Its a comp rifle but puts the best down on coyotes.

Geno C. · Oct 29, 2024

moosemeat said:
22 creed is nuts. 85.5 and 90s at 3200 fps from a 24" barrel. 50 grains bullets at 4000fps. Barrel life is short. Like 1000 rounds or less. Maybe much less depending on how fast you shoot. They tend to feed in everything I've seen. Great cotoye calling round for open country. Horrible PRS round. Dasher or gt would meet speed limit and use less powder.

How is a 22 creed a horrible prs round?

moosemeat · Oct 29, 2024

To short of barrel life. Misses make almost zero splash.
Most PRS shooters have stepped away from 6 creed for 6 dasher and 6 gt that's the marked trend. Slightly slower rounds that you can watch trace on and spot misses with.
BTW I don't shoot PRS. I'm just going by what the winners are doing. If 22 creed was a good PRS round we would have seen the swing to it.

Geno C. · Oct 29, 2024

Just because the cool kids don’t shoot it, doesn’t necessarily make it terrible. A 90gr vld at 3180 doesnt make a much smaller splash than a 105 at 2800. The trend toward slow bullets to see misses/hits is because it’s easier, not because it can’t be done. Shit, Ken Wheeler has a 25prc running 135s at 3170 and when he uses it in heavy wind, it doesn’t seem to hold him back from his usual little 6mm.

As for barrel life, sometimes you gotta pay to play.

moosemeat · Oct 30, 2024

You would know better than me Geno. I just go by numbers and what works. I'm all for experimentation and pushing the envelope. Seems like the next big trend is 25 creed. If one wanted to try a fast 22 I would try a 22gt. With in 100fps of creed with 85.5 s and 9 grains less powder.

stello1001 · Oct 30, 2024

moosemeat said:
You would know better than me Geno. I just go by numbers and what works. I'm all for experimentation and pushing the envelope. Seems like the next big trend is 25 creed. If one wanted to try a fast 22 I would try a 22gt. With in 100fps of creed with 85.5 s and 9 grains less powder.

I think 25GT could really catch on as well but right now I don't think many have ventured into that route.

I agree on the fast 22 the gt is the easy button. I really want a 22 dasher eventually but for most, the gt is probably simpler due to already having multiple mags that work, not having to tweak feed lips, not having to buy new mags, etc.

Geno C. · Oct 31, 2024

I would assume the 22gt would’ve close to the speed limit with 90s. If so, the only reason to go creed over gt would be odds of it feeding easier.

The 135gr 25cal is a great balance between bc and recoil. Tough to beat really.

Cascade Hemi · Oct 31, 2024

Component cost of CM is lower than GT and all of it's derivatives. You can download CM to get the same velocities as GT if barrel life is a concern.

moosemeat · Oct 31, 2024

You would still push more powder through a creed to reach the same velocity as a gt.
Reloading gt is cheaper than reloading my 308. Are you talking factory ammo prices for 6gt are higher?

Cascade Hemi · Oct 31, 2024

moosemeat said:
You would still push more powder through a creed to reach the same velocity as a gt.
Reloading gt is cheaper than reloading my 308. Are you talking factory ammo prices for 6gt are higher?

Mainly brass, which amortized over 2500 rounds is probably pretty meaningless.

blackblue · Nov 10, 2024

spife7980 said:
Make sure the firing pin to bolt face fit is small and tight enough to not puncture small rifle primers. If it’s not you may need to bush the bolt face.

This, the one I built in 6.5x47 would do it fairly often.

stello1001 · Nov 10, 2024

blackblue said:
This, the one I built in 6.5x47 would do it fairly often.

So one of my SPR has the firing pin fitting very tight into the firing pin hole. It's an exact fit.

I'll have to check the other one later.

stello1001 · Nov 29, 2024

MDT chassis for fn spr, get it while you can...

$300 chassis base

https://mdttac.com/ESS-Chassis-Base--Factory-Second/

$100 chassis handguard

https://mdttac.com/ESS-Forend--Factory-Second/

Now go find a buttstock of your liking and you'll be into a badass chassis for about $700 ish. All you'll be missing is a pistol grip.

And no, you do not have to have the action opened up to run AICS mags if you buy MDT poly/metal mags with the window. My SPR feeds flawlessly that way and it's not opened up.

You're welcome!

stello1001 · Nov 30, 2024

I decided to paint mine today. Quick Lil job, nothing too extravagant.

I had the barelled action painted from when I painted it in the old stock.

I took it out of the stock a few years back and put it in the mdt chassis. Today I said fuck it and painted the chassis as well...