Prioritizing upgrades for my 700 in 6.5 CM or should I put the $$ toward another system?

[libertyman777]

I have a 700 Remington SA RH in 6.5 Creedmoor that is professionally bedded into an HS Precision 5R take off stock. Glass is a Bushnell 6500 2.5-16x50 (though the scope pictured is an older Viper).

The rifle is accurate, shooting in the mid .4" with what it likes, (below are some load development groups). Of course with the powder situation like it is, I'm searching for alternative loads with what I have on hand but have found nothing yet to replace H4350 under a Hornady 140 HBPT Match or Amax.











Nothing fancy, just a good shooting rifle put together for me by a good friend, who wishes to remain nameless. It has been dubbed the Rat Rifle by it's creator. I didn't give him much to work with but he has turned out a really fine shooter.

I will use the rifle primarily for hunting out of stands. I'm also planning on shooting the Hard Rock down at Auburn this year at least once and try my hand at some long range shooting elsewhere.

I've got a little cash on hand, $700-$800. I was thinking about some upgrades.

1) New stock such as an AICS 1.0 or 1.5.
2) Get a DBM system for this stock.
3) Upgrade Optics (not sure if I have the cash to make a measurable improvement but if you thing so, chime in).


I also have an AR Lower that is setting without an upper. I have access to a barrel that is reasonably priced. So I could build an upper with the $$.

Or I could pick up another Savage 11 Hoghunter, this time in .223. I bought my Daughter the .308 and it's a wonderful rifle.

Finally, I live really close to CMP South. I can go down and hand select an M1 Garand.

Thanks for the input, I look forward to the responses.

Paul

 

[tylerw02]

Does the stock fit you ok as is?

For hunting, I really don't see the need to put a big, heavy chassis on it. The extra weight is a negative thing IMO.

However, if you are moving more and more away from a hunting rifle with it, I'd consider a chassis of some kind. That kills the DBM issue and ergonomics issue in one stone. You may get $150-200 for your stock, maybe a bit toward the lower-end since it has been bedded. But you could apply that money to your budget.

If you're mostly going to hunt with it and not super-interested in match shooting where you need a DBM, I'd put that $700 in savings, and when I turned it into $1000-1200, I'd sell my current scope and add that to it and look at something like a Viper HD in FFP, an F1, etc. Or better yet, go ahead with a new system---pick up a stock SPS with a sporter barrel and pick up a used Zeiss Conquest 3-9x. Use the right tool for the job.

 

[TangoOscarMike]

If it were me? I'd sell the scope you have and put all your saved funds and proceeds from selling your current scope into a new scope. I don't see a chassis or DBM as an necessity/improvement for a hunting rifle.

As for other powders to try. I'd give Hodgdon Hybrid 100V a go. I have recently done a ladder with my .260 and 140gr A-Max and got a velocity increase of about 160fps in a 22" barrel.

 

[JB02]

How is the trigger? Consider getting an old Remmy or Timney trigger for it. I found that helps the most. Another useful feature may be an oversize bolt knob. Do you have a harris bipod with a podlock? That would be a good buy too.

 

[libertyman777]

As for other powders to try. I'd give Hodgdon Hybrid 100V a go. I have recently done a ladder with my .260 and 140gr A-Max and got a velocity increase of about 160fps in a 22" barrel.

If I could find some I would. No powder right now in this craziness.

How is the trigger? Consider getting an old Remmy or Timney trigger for it. I found that helps the most. Another useful feature may be an oversize bolt knob. Do you have a harris bipod with a podlock? That would be a good buy too.

Hey, the trigger may be a good idea.

I've been thinking about a Harris. If I could find one with a set of Pod Claws installed, I'd jump on it if the price was right.

 

[mwroseberry]

Sell your current scope and go with better glass. That rifle obviously is capable so with upgraded glass you can do so much more it's not even funny. I went to a USO ST-10 and a SN-3 and won't be looking back. I've officially been spoiled and won't be going to back to any other brand of optic.

Good luck,
Merritt