RANGE REPORT
So I took my 22" 6.5 CM The Fix to the range today and promised everyone a report. here it is. I have pics but having issues uploading them (and yes have done it plenty of times, website is timing out)
FIRST IMPRESSIONS
I got the rifle last weekend. Came with matching serial # can (Trash Panda) - but thats now in ATF jail for goodness knows how long. I wanted to shoot it last weekend but my 6.5CM (GAP Tempest custom rifle) handloads were too long to fit in the SR25 mag. The SR25 mag has max COAL of 2.79" - ok for factory loaded ammo, most of us who handload our rounds wont fit. So got a box of 50 Hornady 140 gr BTHP plus I loaded up some 143 ELDX in Lapua brass with COAL of 2.75". Not i loaded up some 130gr Berger AR at COAL of 2.75" but they wont feed, the nose gets caught on the feedbramp - its a shame, as my 130 AR are my favorite 6.5CM bullet.
The rifle is well made, the barrel is frosted, the rigidity of the foldable stock is as good as my AIAX, the cerokote work is very clean and high quality, the bolt is ultra slick and fast (when running it without ammo and when running it with 140 BTHP and 143 ELDX - wouldnt run 130 AR).
The rigger is a 2 stage, and while I hate the fhe feel of flat triggers this is nice feeling (width an feel) , its 1lb take up and 2lb 6oz for the second stage - ie its too heavy for really precise work. As a hunting rifle its in the ball park, wished it was 1lb lighter (I shoot 2stage tBnA triggers, 1lb on 1st, 1lb on second) - so this trigger, while it breaks like a glass rod, its too heavy for my liking.
RANGE TIME
So went to the range today (~ 55 degress and dry) with The Fix, no can (had the Cherry bomb flash hider on it, and I had a NF NXS F1 3.5-15x50 H59 scope in a Spuhr QDP mount). The rifle comes with 2 picatinny foreend rails so i installed one and put my Atlas PSR on it.
Ammo wise I have a store bought box of Hornady 140 gr BTHP (American Gunner) and I had ~ 10 loads of Hornady 143 ELDX in Lapua Brass with power loads starting at 41.4 H4350 going up to 42.4 in .1 gr increments (measure on a Sartorius) and ~ 10 loads of 130 gr AR in Lapua brass starting at 41.7gr going up to 42.7 gr - .1 increments). I loaded 5 rounds of 143 ELDX with 41.7gr, and 5 rounds of 130 AR with 42.1gr of H4350.
Started off with 5 rounds of the factory 140gr H brass 140 gr BTHP. Velocity was right at ~ 2620 FPS and shot ~ 3/4 moa 5-shot group straight out the box (with magnetto strapped to the barrrel) . The action was smooth with these loads. Next I started shooting and OCW with the 143gr ELDX ... at 41.4 velocity was 2550 and i shot all the way to 41.8 gr load (~ 2630 fps) and I noticed trying to lift the bolt up getting stiffer and stiffer starting ~ 41.6gr. Examining the brass - absolutely no sign of pressure -- just the bolt went from easy to hard from 41.6 to 41.8gr (velocity went from 2600 to 2630). I didnt shoot higher gr loads. . I then shot the 5 41.7gr H4350 ELDX and shot a 1/2 MOA group. That was very nice.
I transitioned to OCW on the 130AR and similarly seen velocity increased and when I got to ~ 42.5gr (2700 fps) the bolt lift suddenly became hard to lift (but no pressure signs on brass). I stopped and shot the 5 42.1 gr H4350 130ARs and shot ~ 3/4MOA group. Not i had to single feed all 130AR loads (and this gun single feeds very nicely) as they dont feed from the mag (see above).
OVERALL IMPRESSION
This gun wont show up in a PRS match, if you do - severe disadvantage
I had my PVA built 6 Dasher in MPA chassis out next to this gun - why?
a) Recoil and shot recovery - its a light gun with a very small butt pad - so it thumps the shooter pretty good even with the mild 2600fps loads.
b) The trigger is too heavy to do precision work. If they got it down to 2lbs instead of total of 3lbs 6oz ... would be much nicer
c) Because there really isnt any camming on the bolt lift, the leverage needed to raise the bolt handle at any load over 2600 fps (140) or 2700 (130s - if you can get em to feed) is pretty hefty. and it slows it down considerably. Keep your loads below these pressure points and the bolt lift is easy and slick.
Now i am not sure Q envisioned this out on a PRS course. But what it is is a slick hunting rifle, at home in the field. Its light, its fast, and if you dont handload - you likely wont encounter any of the stiff bolt raises. If you intend to feed it factory ELDX (I had a box on order, doesnt arrive til Monday - thanks UPS for fing up that plan) or the H brass 140 BTHP you wont have any of the stiffness in the bolt mechanics I experienced. You are limited to factory load pressures ... given the lightness and its associated recoil likely that is all you want to shoot out of it. I cant imagine shooting a 2850 6.5 140 gr load out of this rifle - both from a recoil perspective (ouch!!!!!!!) but i doubt you will be able to lift the bolt handle.
I bought the gun out of curiosity (I am an engineer), but was realistic about what it really was targeted at. Its primarily a lightweight hunting rifle or utility rifle. You are not going to shoot 100-150 rounds of factory 6.5 CM out of it and enjoy it. Regrets? If I had any regrets its the trigger (get it lighter) and the fact it seems to be designed around realtively anemic factory pressure loads so you are giving up 150-200 fps. But overall, for a field gun - its a fun little gun.
Any questions - let me know.
I will add, i had some questions to Q on some things, so i sent them FB messages and they were very accomodating. I couldnt find the picatinny rails so they offered to send me them for free etc. Overall their CS was awesome, and like i said - as long as i feed it factory ammo - its slick and fast - and the build quality is amazing.
If this gun was chambered in 6 Dasher it would be a dream IMHO ....
I should add - one change I had to make is replace the grip - its too small length wise for large hands. Put a HK MR762 grip on it i had (standard AR15 grip). I had an ergo grip but it was too big and bulky.