And so it begins...

[TahoeDust]

Building my first bolt gun. Went with a Zermatt Origin action for ease of barrel install and caliber changes in the future with the swappable bolt head. TrigerTech Diamond 2 stage got here yesterday and a MDT ACC Premier chassis is on order. Still not sure about caliber yet. Got .445” and .473” bolt heads. Kind of between 6arc and 6.5cm.

 

[Ronin22]

That’s a double dog dandy! My vote is 6.5.

 

[TahoeDust]

That’s a double dog dandy! My vote is 6.5.

I love 6.5cm, but thinking I may want to dip my toes into some prs stuff and most of the guys seem to shoot 6mm variants. I have not started reloading yet and I have been real impressed with the 6 arc in one of my gas guns out to ~660yds. It is soft and easy to spot misses. I like 6cm, but I want to shoot a lot and it is a barrel burner.

 

[Fx51LP308]

Building my first bolt gun. Went with a Zermatt Origin action for ease of barrel install and caliber changes in the future with the swappable bolt head. TrigerTech Diamond 2 stage got here yesterday and a MDT ACC Premier chassis is on order. Still not sure about caliber yet. Got .445” and .473” bolt heads. Kind of between 6arc and 6.5cm.

Interesting. What barrel(s) are you considering? And lowers? Some day, I might do my own .338 Lapua Mag.

 

[EXSOCAL]

Up here in the Pacific Northwest, I’ve seen a little trend away from the little 6mm’s, myself included. We get some decent winds and weather for a lot of matches. Lots of guys shooting the 25 creed and a few went back to the 6.5 creed. The 25 creed cheats wind better than the smaller 6’s, only marginally more recoil, good barrel life, and better splash to pickup for corrections. Plenty of top shooters shooting the 6.5 Creed with the 140, 144, and 147’s. I ran a 6 BRA for about a year… fair weather is was fine. Wind and rain made things challenging, especially spotting misses in wet earth with little 105 gr slugs.

The 6 ARC leaves a little in the table for PRS I think. Between the cartridges you mentioned, I’d go 6.5 CM, but don’t hesitate to take a look at the 25.

 

[FUNCTIONAL]

We have about a 50/50 split of 6mm and 25/6.5 guys. Doesn't seem to make a difference, top guys running both calibers. If you want 6mm and barrel life get a dasher, GT or 6.5. I don't know anyone running 6arc seriously for prs.

 

[Robert4]

Between the two cartridges mentioned, I'd go 6.5. Factory 6ARC ammo is loaded for AR's and doesn't take advantage higher pressures a bolt gun can use. If you start reloading, choices abound. In that case, have a good look at 6mm Dasher. You're getting good components for a nice build!

 

[buckleboy]

Congrats! And be advised the rabbit hole of reloading AND rifle assembly is deep.

 

[Ronin22]

Congrats! And be advised the rabbit hole of reloading AND rifle assembly is deep.

The nice thing though is everyone universally agrees upon the processes by which to go about it...

 

[powdahound76]

Very Nice!!

Im a big fan of the Origin and we run 3 of them here.

More options with 6.5 factory ammo with no reloading.
Recoil is pretty soft with a 14-16 lb 6.5 creed, more-so if you toss a decent brake or can on it.

 

[Braunie1]

Started with Savage, then tried a Zermatt Origin build. Now I have 2 Zermatt Origin and 0 Savage. Very nice action and I stuck with 6.5 mm bullet. One in 6.5 Creedmoor and the other 260 Rem. 130 Berger AR Hybrid and Area 419 Match Brake on a 24" Sendero profile has very little recoil. But the options are great with that action. Big Zermatt fan!!

 

[TahoeDust]

Thanks for all the input guys. I just had a good conversation with the guys at PVA and now I am thinking 6 creed. Sounds like they are getting more barrel life out the them than I was thinking. It was really great of PVA to take the time and talk me through the options in detail.

 

[TahoeDust]

Chassis got here today. This is my first MDT chassis. Feels very high quality in hand and looks good to my eye. Hoping to order a berrel next week.

 

[jumrobe]

As someone looking to get into the bolt gun game, this thread is super helpful. That ACC Premier chassis looks like the best thing possible under $1k.

 

[TahoeDust]

As someone looking to get into the bolt gun game, this thread is super helpful. That ACC Premier chassis looks like the best thing possible under $1k.

It feels pretty awesome. Just to note, that is not the grip it comes with. I actually scooped mine for $800 and it got here in 2 days. When I saw the price I actually called and talked to them to make sure it was legit. Says they still have 3 in stock.

MDT ACC PREM CHASSIS GEN2 R700SA BLK

<p>MDT ACC Premier, Gen 2, Rifle Chassis, Fits Remington 700 Short Action, Cerakote Finish, Black 109512-BLK</p>

www.redteamarmory.com

 

[jumrobe]

It feels pretty awesome. Just to note, that is not the grip it comes with. I actually scooped mine for $800 and it got here in 2 days. When I saw the price I actually called and talked to them to make sure it was legit. Says they still have 3 in stock.

MDT ACC PREM CHASSIS GEN2 R700SA BLK

<p>MDT ACC Premier, Gen 2, Rifle Chassis, Fits Remington 700 Short Action, Cerakote Finish, Black 109512-BLK</p>

www.redteamarmory.com

Damn, link shows usually MSRP of $999

 

[TahoeDust]

Damn, link shows usually MSRP of $999

Add it to cart.

 

[Andrew863]

You are going to love that action. Maybe look into 6gt. It's a soft shooter,they have factory ammo and it's kinda in the middle on barrel life.

 

[FuhQ]

Go with a 20" 1:7.5 twist .25 Creedmoor... Shoot the Berger 133 Elite Hunters in Alpha Munitions brass. Get a set of Redding Elite bushing 6.5CM dies, swap in some .281 bushings and a .25 caliber VLD seating stem, and it's that simple to convert your dies to .25CM. Plus, converting them back to 6.5CM is just as easy, you just need 2 proper 6.5CM sized dies, and use the .264" seating stem that came in the seating die originally.

I build one last year with a Proof CF blank, for one of my Aero Solus actions, and it's a hammer. Pushing the 133's just over 2,800 FPS MV, into .3xx" 5-shot groups.

 

[Rob01]

Nothing wrong with a 6.5 Creedmoor in matches. You don’t load so get something that you will be able to get ammo for easily. With a good brake the recoil is not bad.

You starting out will not know the difference between the 6.5 and a 6mm. You have a lot to learn. You are worried about barrel life so get the 6.5 and go shoot. A 26-28” barrel in a heavier profile like Proof Comp Contour will do the job. @bohem Josh at PVA can easily get one spun up for you.

 

[TahoeDust]

Nothing wrong with a 6.5 Creedmoor in matches. You don’t load so get something that you will be able to get ammo for easily. With a good brake the recoil is not bad.

You starting out will not know the difference between the 6.5 and a 6mm. You have a lot to learn. You are worried about barrel life so get the 6.5 and go shoot. A 26-28” barrel in a heavier profile like Proof Comp Contour will do the job. @bohem Josh at PVA can easily get one spun up for you.

Thanks. The more I have been thinking about it, the more the 6.5cm makes sense also. It seems like a good starting point. I will be running a Nomad on it. Would you still go with a 26-28"? That would be a long boy.

Do you think I would see a huge diffrence in being able to spot my misses between a 6.5cm and the 6mm options?

 

[TahoeDust]

Go with a 20" 1:7.5 twist .25 Creedmoor... Shoot the Berger 133 Elite Hunters in Alpha Munitions brass. Get a set of Redding Elite bushing 6.5CM dies, swap in some .281 bushings and a .25 caliber VLD seating stem, and it's that simple to convert your dies to .25CM. Plus, converting them back to 6.5CM is just as easy, you just need 2 proper 6.5CM sized dies, and use the .264" seating stem that came in the seating die originally.

I build one last year with a Proof CF blank, for one of my Aero Solus actions, and it's a hammer. Pushing the 133's just over 2,800 FPS MV, into .3xx" 5-shot groups.

View attachment 8658609

I don't reload...yet.

 

[Rob01]

Thanks. The more I have been thinking about it, the more the 6.5cm makes sense also. It seems like a good starting point. I will be running a Nomad on it. Would you still go with a 26-28"? That would be a long boy.

Do you think I would see a huge diffrence in being able to spot my misses between a 6.5cm and the 6mm options?

I would go at least 26” personally but up to you. Don’t go below 24” is my advice though. Below is a pic of my 28” .308 with my B&T SRBS 762 on it. No problem getting around with it at all match.

You should be able to see your misses with either. Obviously a small 6mm like the ARC will recoil less but the Creedmoor is not bad and will do better ballistically for you. You choice though. I have both personally. You can always get a 6ARC barrel down the road easy enough.

 

[kthomas]

Thanks. The more I have been thinking about it, the more the 6.5cm makes sense also. It seems like a good starting point. I will be running a Nomad on it. Would you still go with a 26-28"? That would be a long boy.

Do you think I would see a huge diffrence in being able to spot my misses between a 6.5cm and the 6mm options?

I like running my 6.5 Creedmoors at 24", but it's all personal preference.

 

[TahoeDust]

I would go at least 26” personally but up to you. Don’t go below 24” is my advice though. Below is a pic of my 28” .308 with my B&T SRBS 762 on it. No problem getting around with it at all match.

You should be able to see your misses with either. Obviously a small 6mm like the ARC will recoil less but the Creedmoor is not bad and will do better ballistically for you. You choice though. I have both personally. You can always get a 6ARC barrel down the road easy enough.

View attachment 8658634

I think you are right. Starting with the 6.5cm and learning with that makes sense. Like you said, changing to somethinge else after cutting my teeth with the 6.5 would be easy. Being able to change calibers/rounds easily is the biggest reason I went with the Origin.

 

[TahoeDust]

I like running my 6.5 Creedmoors at 24", but it's all personal preference.

24" is what I had in mind.

 

[smokinbobf4]

I have 6 origins and have a few set up to hunt and a few PRs rigs. Had two 6 creeds and am just starting with two 6 dashers. All but one of my barrels is a proof prefit. I’ve heard pva is very good but could maybe save a bit of money with proof and all of mine to date have shot excellent.

 

[TahoeDust]

I have 6 origins and have a few set up to hunt and a few PRs rigs. Had two 6 creeds and am just starting with two 6 dashers. All but one of my barrels is a proof prefit. I’ve heard pva is very good but could maybe save a bit of money with proof and all of mine to date have shot excellent.

That speaks highly for the Origin action. Starting with a Proof 6.5cm kind of makes sense. Start there, shoot it a ton, and then maybe move to a PVA if/when I go to a 6mm round. Finding a good used 6.5cm proof stainless would be awesome.

 

[Kickin45]

I am really liking everything I’m reading on the 25 Creedmoor. Good fps, good heavy projectiles, good barrel life, easy to load.

I would go 26” barrel. I did 3 builds in a row when I was sure 24” was enough. I regret not going 26”. You can always cut, can’t add!

 

[Rob01]

I would go 26” barrel. I did 3 builds in a row when I was sure 24” was enough. I regret not going 26”. You can always cut, can’t add!

I tell people that all the time but some need to learn lessons themselves. What do I know. Only been shooting the 6.5 Creed in matches since 2008. lol

Seriously, @TahoeDust if you go Proof then you will be at 26” anyways as that is all they make for steel prefits and only comp contour.

 

[FuhQ]

I am really liking everything I’m reading on the 25 Creedmoor. Good fps, good heavy projectiles, good barrel life, easy to load.

I would go 26” barrel. I did 3 builds in a row when I was sure 24” was enough. I regret not going 26”. You can always cut, can’t add!

Not if it's a carbon fiber barrel... You can't add, or cut. It is what you spec'd it to be.

 

[smokinbobf4]

I would guess if he is thinking prs he is going steel.

 

[kthomas]

I would guess if he is thinking prs he is going steel.

I know the automatic assumption on this board is that everyone intends to shoot PRS, but in reality the vast majority of shooters here and elsewhere don't and likely won't ever shoot PRS, especially in the long term.

That's a very small percentage of shooters and a niche in this hobby.

 

[Rob01]

Well when the OP says he is dipping his toe into PRS it’s an easy assumption to think he will be using it for PRS.

 

[kthomas]

Well when the OP says he is dipping his toe into PRS it’s an easy assumption to think he will be using it for PRS.

Ah yes, I missed that. Fair enough.

 

[bohem]

I'm happy to assist you with questions, and we've made a lot of Creeds for folks starting out. Feel free to give us a call

484.696.7874

Personally I lean towards the 6 Creed for folks that aren't reloading and will be shooting because the 6 Creed match ammo still seems to shoot better at distance. We spent a lot of time and effort developing our 6mm Creed reamer and it shoots factory match ammo into little tiny knots over and over again.

Ultimately though, either chamber is going to handle what you're trying to do.

 

[jpjulian]

Thanks for all the input guys. I just had a good conversation with the guys at PVA and now I am thinking 6 creed. Sounds like they are getting more barrel life out the them than I was thinking. It was really great of PVA to take the time and talk me through the options in detail.

I have 2-6MMCM's. Love them.

 

[TahoeDust]

I'm happy to assist you with questions, and we've made a lot of Creeds for folks starting out. Feel free to give us a call

484.696.7874

Personally I lean towards the 6 Creed for folks that aren't reloading and will be shooting because the 6 Creed match ammo still seems to shoot better at distance. We spent a lot of time and effort developing our 6mm Creed reamer and it shoots factory match ammo into little tiny knots over and over again.

Ultimately though, either chamber is going to handle what you're trying to do.

Thanks. Last week I called and spoke to you or one of your guys. We discussed 6.5cm, 6arc, and 6cm. I really appreciate you guys taking the time to have the discussion. Whoever I spoke with was incredibly knowledgeable and helpful. I know I will end up with one of your barrels on this gun, if not the first one, definitely the next.

 

[bohem]

Thanks. Last week I called and spoke to you or one of your guys. We discussed 6.5cm, 6arc, and 6cm. I really appreciate you guys taking the time to have the discussion. Whoever I spoke with was incredibly knowledgeable and helpful. I know I will end up with one of your barrels on this gun, if not the first one, definitely the next.

Glad we could help!

 

[TahoeDust]

Scooped a steel Proof 6.5cm from the PX. That is where this journey will begin. Magazine recommendations? Barrel and action torque recommendations?

 

[smokinbobf4]

I am using the mdt mags and torque the non magnums to 85 ft lbs. I have used some accurate and krg mags in the past and everything I have tried has feed well.

 

[Rob01]

I use MDT mags and AI mags, which I have had since 2004, and both work fine. MDT mags at Black Friday are the best deal.

I torque mine on at about 65-70ft/lbs but if you don’t have a torque wrench just snug them up tight. A very well known and respected company here never used a torque wrench when installing barrels. Just a long T handle action wrench and they would screw the action on until it touched the barrel shoulder, back off about a quarter turn and then slam it tight. Worked fine.

 

[Braunie1]

MDT, KRG and Accurate mags are all well built. I also use a little AeroShell 33 on the barrel threads, but I use a barrel nut, and torq to 65 ft/lbs

 

[TahoeDust]

Sounds like MDT mags are the play. Are the steel worth twice the price of the polymer?

 

[Braunie1]

Steel will usually hold up longer and usually give you a longer OAL. I had to use an Accurate mag without the binder plate in my 260 rem with VLD bullets. But with a Creed you shouldn't have an issue with OAL. If the cheaper polymer work for your application then great save some cash.

 

[Rob01]

Sounds like MDT mags are the play. Are the steel worth twice the price of the polymer?

Yes get steel so you can load longer. Might not sound like you need it now but you will.

 

[TheJeanyus]

Sounds like MDT mags are the play. Are the steel worth twice the price of the polymer?

I use polymer for hunting rifles because they don't rattle as much as you move around, but otherwise I use steel mags for everything else.

 

[FuhQ]

Sounds like MDT mags are the play. Are the steel worth twice the price of the polymer?

They are.

 

[TahoeDust]

Barrel arrived this afternoon. Gave it a good cleaning and installed the action and brake. Installing the action was silly easy. Torqued vise to 40 ft/lbs and action to 70 ft/lbs. Checked with go/no-go gauges and it's good to go. What may be more amazing was the brake timed perfectly with no washers/shims.

Going to toss it in the chassis and setup the scope a little later.

 

[TahoeDust]

Welp, she is ready to shoot. Hope it is a hammer. Planning to find out Sunday.