MPA's new "production" class rifle

[BigBC]

My MPA BA 6.5 competition won't shoot groups like that. Did you spend a lot of time working up loads for it? Maybe I just have not found the "magic: load for mine yet..... or worse I god a dud. So far my Howa 6.5 shoots tighter groups and was 1/3rd the cost. So far I'm not real happy with my purchase.

I am using factory 6CM and seeing sub-moa/moa groups easily with my PMR. Doesn't mean yours may not have an issue. I'd say hit up MPA, they might have some insight.

 

[natchomamma]

I have about 200 rounds thru mine so far. I have tried different powders (Varget, H4350, RL16). I did a full load workup on Varget. Found a load with single digit ES and SD. The best group was .70".

I talked to MPA and was advised not to load based on OAL. So I went out and purchased the Hornady tools to measure base to ogive. Tried loads at .015- .010 off the lands. Same results.

-I have tried factory ammo (Hornady match, Winchester match, Berger hybrid match). Factory ammo has been worse.
-I have taken the barreled action off the chassis and retightened to the specs.
-Checked the scope/scope rings.....

Im still getting groups that look like this...


The only thing I have not tried is letting someone else shoot it and that is next. I don't think it is this because I shoot my Howa @ .50 or better easily.

 

[Codiekfx400]

Is the barrel

I have about 200 rounds thru mine so far. I have tried different powders (Varget, H4350, RL16). I did a full load workup on Varget. Found a load with single digit ES and SD. The best group was .70".

I talked to MPA and was advised not to load based on OAL. So I went out and purchased the Hornady tools to measure base to ogive. Tried loads at .015- .010 off the lands. Same results.

-I have tried factory ammo (Hornady match, Winchester match, Berger hybrid match). Factory ammo has been worse.
-I have taken the barreled action off the chassis and retightened to the specs.
-Checked the scope/scope rings.....

Im still getting groups that look like this...


The only thing I have not tried is letting someone else shoot it and that is next. I don't think it is this because I shoot my Howa @ .50 or better easily.

Is the barrel touching the chassis when your loading the bipod? Mine flexes and will touch. I wish mpa would use a smaller diameter barrel.

 

[natchomamma]

Is the barrel

Is the barrel touching the chassis when your loading the bipod? Mine flexes and will touch. I wish mpa would use a smaller diameter barrel.

I just checked. Im using an Atlas bipod mounted directly to the spigot. It is not touching the barrel.

 

[Codiekfx400]

I just checked. Im using an Atlas bipod mounted directly to the spigot. It is not touching the barrel.

But is it touching when you fire the rifle?

 

[natchomamma]

But is it touching when you fire the rifle?

I don't think so. I have at least 1/4" clearance from the barrel to the spigot.

 

[natchomamma]

I am using factory 6CM and seeing sub-moa/moa groups easily with my PMR. Doesn't mean yours may not have an issue. I'd say hit up MPA, they might have some insight.

I called Phil and left a VM and sent him a direct e-mail a week ago. I have not received a response.

 

[natchomamma]

I called Phil and left a VM and sent him a direct e-mail a week ago. I have not received a response.

I connected with Phil.

 

[Laskey0104]

Any other reviews of this? Just ordered a 6mm this week. Hoping they beat the lead time estimate!

 

[kriller134]

I connected with Phil.

And? If you don’t mind sharing that would be great help.

 

[Codiekfx400]

I have one that I have shot twice now. First outing was brief and Moa. 2nd outing has been 3/4 moa. 4 shots in one hole and a flyer has been typical. I am thinking another 50 shots or so and the groups should tighten up.mine is the 6.5 Creed.

 

[Laskey0104]

Anime running a 6mm? If so, what ammo?
What are the 6.5 guys running?

 

[BigBC]

Anime running a 6mm? If so, what ammo?
What are the 6.5 guys running?

They definitely beat the lead time estimate on my PMR. By about a month. But that doesn't mean it will happen again. I am running a 6CM and it is a laser. 3/4 MOA for zero the first time I shot it with PRIME 6CM. After practice with the trigger and my LOP/Cheek height, I switched over to Berger Factory 6CM. Got it down to 1/2 MOA @100. I am hoping to keep getting tighter groups with handloads.

As for reviews I don't know anyone who does in depth stuff. But I will say that it doesn't come with the bells and whistles and some of them really do make a difference to me. The grip, the muzzle brake, bag rider, and match saver are my additions so far. Im eyeballing the folding stock, weight system and wheel adjusters. Are they necessary, eh maybe not. But convenient for sure.

 

[Laskey0104]

They definitely beat the lead time estimate on my PMR. By about a month. But that doesn't mean it will happen again. I am running a 6CM and it is a laser. 3/4 MOA for zero the first time I shot it with PRIME 6CM. After practice with the trigger and my LOP/Cheek height, I switched over to Berger Factory 6CM. Got it down to 1/2 MOA @100. I am hoping to keep getting tighter groups with handloads.

As for reviews I don't know anyone who does in depth stuff. But I will say that it doesn't come with the bells and whistles and some of them really do make a difference to me. The grip, the muzzle brake, bag rider, and match saver are my additions so far. Im eyeballing the folding stock, weight system and wheel adjusters. Are they necessary, eh maybe not. But convenient for sure.

-That’s awesome, exactly the feedback I was looking for. Did you run any kind of barrel break in procedure? I realize this is a highlight debated topic, but I’m just curious..

 

[BigBC]

-That’s awesome, exactly the feedback I was looking for. Did you run any kind of barrel break in procedure? I realize this is a highlight debated topic, but I’m just curious..

No sir, I have never done barrel break in procedures other than taking it slow the first couple times, maybe 10-20 rounds per outing and not ripping rounds as fast as possible.

 

[Laskey0104]

5 weeks after ordering, the PMR is on its way to me! Should have it Tuesday! Can’t wait- big thanks to Phil and team for exceeding expectations.

 

[BigBC]

5 weeks after ordering, the PMR is on its way to me! Should have it Tuesday! Can’t wait- big thanks to Phil and team for exceeding expectations.

Cool stuff. I am still shooting factory ammo and getting sub MOA results. One thing I might add is that when I got my rifle the bolt was removed (most are) but actually was difficult to turn the bolt head lock. Luckily the FFL that I shipped to had a good bench setup and we were able to get it unlocked so the bolt would go into the action. If you're new to bolt actions like me it was baffling. But for someone who knows about bolt actions then you might already know what I am talking about.

 

[Laskey0104]

What do you mean turn the bolt head lock?

Like disassemble the bolt (by turning the head to remove firing pin)? Or physically closing the bolt?

Cool stuff. I am still shooting factory ammo and getting sub MOA results. One thing I might add is that when I got my rifle the bolt was removed (most are) but actually was difficult to turn the bolt head lock. Luckily the FFL that I shipped to had a good bench setup and we were able to get it unlocked so the bolt would go into the action. If you're new to bolt actions like me it was baffling. But for someone who knows about bolt actions then you might already know what I am talking about.

 

[BigBC]

I'm still a newb which is why I mentioned it in the manner I did. But essentially there's some part of the bolt you have to rotate to get it to slide into the action. It took a vice and some elbow grease to turn it to where it would go into the action.

 

[natchomamma]

I have about 200 rounds thru mine so far. I have tried different powders (Varget, H4350, RL16). I did a full load workup on Varget. Found a load with single digit ES and SD. The best group was .70".

I talked to MPA and was advised not to load based on OAL. So I went out and purchased the Hornady tools to measure base to ogive. Tried loads at .015- .010 off the lands. Same results.

-I have tried factory ammo (Hornady match, Winchester match, Berger hybrid match). Factory ammo has been worse.
-I have taken the barreled action off the chassis and retightened to the specs.
-Checked the scope/scope rings.....

Im still getting groups that look like this...


The only thing I have not tried is letting someone else shoot it and that is next. I don't think it is this because I shoot my Howa @ .50 or better easily.

Update. It took a while, but I finally found a load and can consistently get sub .50 MOA groups and low ES.

 

[BigBC]

Update. It took a while, but I finally found a load and can consistently get sub .50 MOA groups and low ES.

Dang I was just happy with factory ammo and sub-moa groups at 100.

 

[Laskey0104]

This was my best round from my 6mm today.
Couldn’t be happier!
More rounds and velocity tests and I’ll be ready for a match in November

Factory Federal premium with Berger

 

[natchomamma]

This was my best round from my 6mm today.
Couldn’t be happier!
More rounds and velocity tests and I’ll be ready for a match in November

Factory Federal premium with Berger View attachment 7158469

If you're getting low extreme spread I'd call that good.

 

[SoggyToast]

I just picked up mine today. Is anyone else having a little difficulty closing the bolt when applying a little pressure to the outside of the bolt handle? This is my first bolt gun in a while and I wanted to make sure this was not out of the ordinary. Does the action smooth up over time? It feels a little stiff.

Also what optics are you guys running and what height rings?

Rifle looks and feels great overall. Can't wait to get it to the range.

 

[Laskey0104]

How many rounds in the mag, and what mag? I had some issues when I first got it with an AI mag. 100rda later.. no issue.

 

[onebadmofo]

I just picked up mine today. Is anyone else having a little difficulty closing the bolt when applying a little pressure to the outside of the bolt handle? This is my first bolt gun in a while and I wanted to make sure this was not out of the ordinary. Does the action smooth up over time? It feels a little stiff.

Also what optics are you guys running and what height rings?

Rifle looks and feels great overall. Can't wait to get it to the range.

After a few rounds through it will feel better, I run a Athlon Cronus BTR on mine and have Vortex 1.1 high rings the scope is pretty close if you want more room then go with 1.25 high.

 

[onebadmofo]

You really don’t want to apply side or up pressure, just let the bolt glide back in the action. And it will smooth out with rounds down pipe.

 

[SoggyToast]

There seems to be a large about of wiggle with the magazine when it is in the gun. Is this normal? Is there anything to fix it?

 

[BigBC]

There seems to be a large about of wiggle with the magazine when it is in the gun. Is this normal? Is there anything to fix it?

Is it with the PMAG? If so I do have some wiggle with mine. I don't notice anything when I am running the bolt. Maybe AI metal mags will be a better fit.

 

[Bluedeacon]

Any updates on these? I ordered the PMR production version Friday. ( 6.5 Creedmoor)
I thought they were pretty pleasant to deal with.
Anyone using any particular factory load that stands out?

 

[onebadmofo]

Any updates on these? I ordered the PMR production version Friday. ( 6.5 Creedmoor)
I thought they were pretty pleasant to deal with.
Anyone using any particular factory load that stands out?

I would purchase a box of a couple boxes of 50 Hornady 140 Gunner to get past the barrel speeding up then clean the barrel....... Purchase a box of Hornday 140 ELD-M, Prime 130, Berger Match Grade 140 see which one shoots best.

 

[Bluedeacon]

I would purchase a box of a couple boxes of 50 Hornady 140 Gunner to get past the barrel speeding up then clean the barrel....... Purchase a box of Hornday 140 ELD-M, Prime 130, Berger Match Grade 140 see which one shoots best.

That's pretty much what I had planned. I've got 200 rounds of Federal Match brass if it comes to it. I'm hoping to find a factory load that shoots lights out. As long as I'm wanting it needs to be the cheapest available too!

 

[onebadmofo]

That's pretty much what I had planned. I've got 200 rounds of Federal Match brass if it comes to it. I'm hoping to find a factory load that shoots lights out. As long as I'm wanting it needs to be the cheapest available too!

You may find the Hornday Gunner shoots pretty good but it is slow.

 

[Bluedeacon]

Well the PMR came in much earlier than expected. I got it out to the range today for break in. Somehow in all my crap, I don't have a Harris bipod adapter although I own at least 5 Harris bipods! I borrowed one with a rail mount just to make it easier cleaning. It was loose and not the best quality but it worked for cleaning.
Initial break in was done with 140 S&B, then I shot a couple of groups with Hornady 140 match that was quite promising. It didn't like the Federal 130 hybrid at all though. It actually shot the S&B better than the Federal!
The gun is super pleasant to shoot. Trigger Tech trigger is nice and crisp. The set up is somewhat involved but once you get it dialed in, the gun is very comfortable.
I'm going to try some other factory loads as well as chrono the Hornadys, and then take it from there.

 

[Laskey0104]

Run some Berger’s or prime ammo if you want as well. Berger’s have shot great in mine

 

[Wssickta]

I’m loving my pmr! It’s easily under 1/2 moa and haven’t even got to the Berger or federal yet

 

[jhern19]

any updates on solid 6cm with factory ammo? so far it seems the federal with berger bullets have been successful and are cheaper than prime? updates please and pics for reference if available?

 

[Bluedeacon]

any updates on solid 6cm with factory ammo? so far it seems the federal with berger bullets have been successful and are cheaper than prime? updates please and pics for reference if available?

I've shot Hornady 140 match. (About 1/4 moa for 5 rounds) .272 inches. But discovered I had 600 Berger 140 vlds stashed away so trying to work up a load now. It's a shooter with the right ammo. Used S&B for break-in. It didn't like those at all

 

[Laskey0104]

@jhern19 i have found the loaded 6cm 105 Berger’s to shoot the best. Shoot under .4moa at 100 east.

 

[jhern19]

@Lasley0104 awesome man!! Those are priced well too. Any availability issues you’ve seen?

 

[jhern19]

I've shot Hornady 140 match. (About 1/4 moa for 5 rounds) .272 inches. But discovered I had 600 Berger 140 vlds stashed away so trying to work up a load now. It's a shooter with the right ammo. Used S&B for break-in. It didn't like those at all

I think your talking 6.5cm?

 

[Bluedeacon]

I think your talking 6.5cm?

Yes. 6.5 cm

 

[jhern19]

Copy. I’m inquiring on 6cm. Thank you.

 

[MilSpecOkie]

Yep, they are readily available from all the usual suspects.

Who are the usual suspects for Curtis prefits?

 

[lennyo3034]

So is this rifle still relevant now that the threshold for production has moved to $2500?

 

[Codiekfx400]

No it’s not mpa has a new rifle. It has a lighter barrel, comp chassis and comes with the evg and muzzle brake etc.

 

[Laskey0104]

I wish I had the comp chassis on the old PMR. Only regret. I added all the other stuff myself.
I guess I can always buy one and sell the hybrid. Maybe when it’s time for a new barrel.

 

[BroncoMustang]

It's encouraging to see that it is possible to get a highly accurate (easily under 1/2 MOA Wssickta while Bluedeacon said about 1/4 MOA for 5 shots) for a reasonable price of just under $2000. I agree 1 change I would quickly do would be the switch to the A2 hand grip. Gotta start saving my money or maybe sell something to get one.

 

[Bluedeacon]

Not sure about the availability on the Bergers. I had some stashed that came with my wife's f class rifle that I had never used she shoots
Lapua Scenars. It was just a coincidence that I had them and so many. Gotta make it work, for a while anyway. QUOTEE="jhern19, post: 8192089, member: 124347"]
@Lasley0104 awesome man!! Those are priced well too. Any availability issues you’ve seen?
[/QUOTE

 

[Codiekfx400]

So can anyone clarify this is indeed a Curtis custom Axiom and will headspace as a Axiom with a prefit barrel?