Savage Stealth in 6.5 - First impressions.

[J.Baker]

You won't get Savage to just send you a replacement barrel for a couple reasons. First, they want the other barrel back. Second, they can't proof-test the barrel until it's on a gun and they won't send out a non-proofed barrel for liability reasons. Third, barrels aren't stamped until they're installed on the action to ensure it's properly aligned and visible in the correct location.

[CBryars2]

Read Truth about Guns on FCP-SR - They had to replace the stock, guess what they used - XLR it improved accuracy by a reported 50%. Stealth comes with a similar stock so from a cost prospective I think it would be a wash.

[CBryars2]

Took 45 rounds to my home range. As I mentioned before, we cannot shoot prone, and the benchrest flexed. Made a support out of 1 1-1/4" dowel, it really helped with flex.

Had 25 rounds Berger 130 OTM: 5 41.5g H4350 fouling & sverifying 100 yd setting (I use a longer 0), 5 rounds each 41.3, 41.5, 41.7, 41.9. Also 20 rounds 123 Amax at 41.5, 42.3, 43.1, 43.6. Results are below.

5 shot fouling group - really happy .62 with a cold bore.
http://i1274.photobucket.com/albums/y437/cbryars2/Precision/.62%20MOA%20100yd%2019-Jul-2016_zpsxp8imxpg.jpg (http://s1274.photobucket.com/user/cbryars2/media/Precision/.62%20MOA%20100yd%2019-Jul-2016_zpsxp8imxpg.jpg.html)

Berger 130 OTM at 41.7gr H4350
http://i1274.photobucket.com/albums/y437/cbryars2/Precision/.71MOA%20100yd%20Berger%20130%2041.9%20H4350%2019-Jul-2016_zps3xfi5iot.jpg (http://s1274.photobucket.com/user/cbryars2/media/Precision/.71MOA%20100yd%20Berger%20130%2041.9%20H4350%2019-Jul-2016_zps3xfi5iot.jpg.html)

Berger 130 OTM 41.9 H4350
http://i1274.photobucket.com/albums/y437/cbryars2/Precision/.788%20MOA%20100yd%20Berger%20130%2041.9%20H4350%2 019-Jul-2016_zpsnuusz7ma.jpg (http://s1274.photobucket.com/user/cbryars2/media/Precision/.788%20MOA%20100yd%20Berger%20130%2041.9%20H4350%2 019-Jul-2016_zpsnuusz7ma.jpg.html)

Amax 123 best group
http://i1274.photobucket.com/albums/y437/cbryars2/Precision/.84%20MOA%20100yd%20AMAX%20123%2019-Jul-2016_zpsndqnvpud.jpg (http://s1274.photobucket.com/user/cbryars2/media/Precision/.84%20MOA%20100yd%20AMAX%20123%2019-Jul-2016_zpsndqnvpud.jpg.html)

For me, the Berger is becoming my std round. It shoots well at magazine length and is designed to maximize impact. You can target shoot & use for hunting.

Very happy with stealth. This now surpasses my ability with RPR 6.5. Hope to get below 1/2 moa with more practice.

Thanks Cameron

[piotrowski]

Can't seem to find the spec for the diameter of the barrel at the thread protector (looking to get a brake for a rifle that's on the way). If one of you who already have one could post it, I'd appreciate it.

[CBryars2]

5/8 inch std thread muzzle brake.

[CBryars2]

Interesting to note, Cal over at Precision Rifle Blog considers 22" the perfect length for 6.5 creedmoor. He also made an interesting statement about RPR they tested "We tested a factory Ruger Precision Rifle we tested a couple of months and it averaged 0.91 MOA five-shot groups with this same Hornady 140gr A-Max match-grade ammo." Link is http://precisionrifleblog.com/2016/07/22/6-5-creedmoor-ar-showdown/. Would love to see one on Stealth.

He also posted great article on 1 MOA rifle vs 1/2 MOA - what is real impact on long range shooting http://precisionrifleblog.com/2015/04/15/how-much-does-group-size-matter/.

Based on this, wonder if it is really worth getting barrel swapped. To me it would be much better if they just sent me one, I'll take care of installing.

[piotrowski]

Realize its a 5/8x24 thread, but is the barrel .75 or some other diameter? Thanks.

[samurai]

About .754 - .755

[CBryars2]

Thanks Samurai - could not check, bug bombing that area, so no access.

[CBryars2]

2 questions, some of you guys have alot more experience than I do.

1. Should I bother getting the barrel swapped? Do you think I can get more accuracy out of a new one, or is it a crap-shoot depending on luck of the draw on barrels?

2. Savage 110 FCP in .338. Does this rifle need to be bedded? After seeing results on FCP-SR is makes me wonder. Switching to an XLR stock made a big difference on their accuracy.

Thanks Cameron

[Jrs81]

Cbryars2, I was in a toss up about my barrel as well but for my intended use I would like the 24" barrel. The 22" barrel should be fine depending on application but the more speed for longer shots really helps. My usage goes beyond 1200 yards so I would have really liked a 26" barrel but the 24 will do until its worn out. Most any of the barrel makers out there will tell you a 26" barrel for the Creedmoor is optimal if you want to get everything you can from that round. I gave in and sent my stealth back for the replacement barrel and to my surprise the guy on the other end when I called actually said it's a smart move as they themselves intended on a 24" barrel because through their research they had found that was the best length. The first guy I had spoken with said it was a marketing error but he was just a customer service guy, the other one was a tech. And they also said now was the time to get it done cause their slow on work, normal turn around times are within 3 weeks and they said it should be alot quicker than that! On your Fcp in 338 I would Google savage action screw torque tuning, a guy named stan did an article in accurate shooter and it works amazingly through my findings. I would have a hard time putting any money anywhere until you try that first, it really works well!

[Jrs81]

On that note I forgot to mention that Ruger changed from a 26" barrel on their rpr to a 24" barrel as well , I found that interesting especially when the 1st batch with 26's were shooting so well. The reason for more speed is less dope when shooting longer distances so the longer the barrel the flatter it shoots so to speak. An 18" barrel will shoot at 1k yards but with alot more moa adjustment to your scope.

[Kingair001]

@Jrs81 perfect explanation

Now 24 or 26" depends on the ammo you shoot.

But IIRC Hornady made the Creedmoor 6.5 ammo for a 26" barrel.

With the 2" you will get a few fps more but finally that's what we are looking good for !


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[CBryars2]

Thanks guys good info, will check out the accurate shooter info and call savage for a RMA.

[Kingair001]

Thanks guys good info, will check out the accurate shooter info and call savage for a RMA.
Maybe check if Savage perhaps can offer you a 26" replacement barrel . . . .

It's only one question away 😉

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[CBryars2]

Question, on the 26", will it have any impact if I get a can? One I have in mind, if I remember correctly, is about 10" long.

[Kingair001]

Question, on the 26", will it have any impact if I get a can? One I have in mind, if I remember correctly, is about 10" long.
Than a 24" is ok

No cans allowed in CA 😭

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[Justin.D]

Question, on the 26", will it have any impact if I get a can? One I have in mind, if I remember correctly, is about 10" long.


I think if you hang a can off the end of anything over 20" it starts to get silly. Most guys cut down for a can. Especially with the lightweight Stealth, its gonna be super unbalanced, but that's probably not ultra important if you only shoot it off the bench. It also seems cans can help a shorter barrel get the velocity up, I'm not sure if there is a length where velocity starts going the other direction when using a can.

I also don't think they have any comparable tapered barrels in 26", its either pea shooter or full bull barrel with no fluting which would add a ton of weight to the front of the rifle, and then with the can it would really get things out of wack.

My guess is you will be happy with either barrel, and the length will most likely make zero difference in accuracy unless you get a barrel that is a factory freak or a dud, and that's just luck. If you decide to get the 24" and want to cut it down after getting the can, it will most likely have a little heavier taper at the same length, which in my mind is a slight advantage, mostly for aesthetics.

[Kingair001]

Maybe read this first

http://precisionrifleblog.com/2013/07/16/6-5-creedmoor-barrel-length-and-muzzle-velocity/

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[m12lrs]

This was with factory ammo?

I wonder what handloaders can do with that extra 4" of barrel and powders with different burn rates?