Upgrading my Bergara B14 HMR with HMR Premier Bolt

[Rio2019]

I have been thinking for some time now about upgrading the bolt in my Bergara B14 HMR with the HMR Premier bolt. This is my first upgrade of this rifle, and after considerable research and speaking with a customer service representative at BPI Outdoors, Bergara's parent company, I ordered the HMR Premier bolt for $275. It arrived today, and as everyone had promised me, it dropped right into my B14 HMR. My only complaint to date about my B14 HMR was the "looseness/play" of the original bolt. The new premier bolt seems to have corrected most of that issue, and the premier bolt is very smooth. I thought I would share a few photos with members that might be considering the same upgrade. I have not been to the range yet, as we had a big snow storm here in Taos beginning last night and continuing throughout today, but as soon as the weather clears I'll send some rounds.

 

[mr.quick]

very nice,I have the premier in 6.5 , yet have to shoot it ,i have had it for about 2 weeks .

 

[Shankoltd21]

Nice, I might have to do this with mine as well

 

[Rocketmandb]

Is a trigger upgrade next?

 

[mr.quick]

Is a trigger upgrade next?

Which trigger is in your mind ?

 

[Rocketmandb]

Which trigger is in your mind ?

The base trigger on the HMR isn't bad, but when you compare it to some of the upper end triggers, you will immediately see the difference. The HMR Pro comes with a Trigger Tech. I have/had two of them and they are very nice. Price point isn't bad at ~$275. Nothing beats my Bix n' Andy Benchrest, but at nearly $500, they are expensive. They also have lower priced options, but I haven't shot them, so can't comment. I've also shot Geissele, which are at a similar price point to the Trigger Tech. I've only shot their two-stage, which is really nice. Marc at Spartan Precision likes them quite a bit.

 

[Rio2019]

Which trigger is in your mind ?

Well, I had actually ordered a Geissele Super 700 some weeks back, but I had terrible shipping problems, so I just canceled the order. I did a lot of research on all the triggers at that that price point, but I felt that the Geissele offered excellent adjustability and quality. And, yes, I will probably order the Super 700 again.

 

[mr.quick]

Well, I had actually ordered a Geissele Super 700 some weeks back, but I had terrible shipping problems, so I just canceled the order. I did a lot of research on all the triggers at that that price point, but I felt that the Geissele offered excellent adjustability and quality. And, yes, I will probably order the Super 700 again.

How much are those 700’s going for

 

[Rio2019]

How much are those 700’s going for

The going price on several online sites is around $230-$250. I originally paid $230 on Optics Planet, but will probably order from Midway or Brownell next time! Long story....

 

[nutnless220]

I so wanted a HMR premier But was told they didn't make it in a left handed action. Maybe they will offer one in the future. Awesome upgrade !

 

[Packfan]

I am also a lefty and have a B-14 HMR. As the Premier is not offered in left hand this does not look like an option for me.

Other than the fluting, are there any other advantages/features of the premier bolt?

 

[Wania]

Where did you order new bolt?

 

[KnowNothing256]

I am also a lefty and have a B-14 HMR. As the Premier is not offered in left hand this does not look like an option for me.

Other than the fluting, are there any other advantages/features of the premier bolt?

Three big advantages for me:

1) I have an early-model HMR, the firing pin hole is too big so I was piercing primers on hand loads. The Premier bolt fixed that issue; so do newer standard HMR bolts.
2) Swappable bolt heads.
3) Tool-less firing pin removal.

It also has a better bolt shroud (older HMR shrouds could split or strip the threads), but Bergara will send a free improved shroud so you can correct the issue on the standard bolt with no real headache.

ETA: And you buy the bolt from Bergara USA. Have to call them.