Advice on Savage 12FV in 6.5 CM

J

jetinteriorguy

New member
I'm not new to guns or shooting, been doing it for over 50 years. But this is my first foray into some longer range type shooting, so for my birthday present I ordered a Savage 12FV. Seemed like a deal I couldn't resist. So I'm looking for loading advice, bullets, powder, brass, primers, etc. I also would like thoughts on scopes, mounts, loading dies, techniques and any other things I should know. I've been loading for over 30 years so am not a newbie, but am new to this part of the game so am open to most anything. Thanks.
 
Hornady ELDM bullets
Lapua brass
CCI smal rifle primers
Varget powder though H4350 works well too but is more temp sensitive.
I use lee dies myself, some don't like them but over never had a problem with them being consistent.

I have a Burris Veracity 4-20x50 on my 6.5 creed, with warne rings and picatinny 1-piece base. Other good options from many many mfg and comes down to preference, mostly.

Congrats on your new rifle.
 
Im shooting a custom build off a turk mauser, it seems to shoot different weight bullets fine but its finicky with powders.
I use Hornady brass and .243 winchester brass that Ive necked up and trimmed.
CCI 200 LRP and IMR 4451, W748, H4350, and now testing N160, and Magpro with 140 grn Accubonds and 143 ELDX bullets. I have got decent accuracy with the IMR4451, but looking for Higher velocity and lower sd.
Have also tried Rl17 but my rifle isnt digging that yet.
 
I purchased a model 10 fcp-sr in 6.5 cm and love it. I really wanted to get a Vortex pst but couldn't afford it at the time. I went with the Athlon Argos 6-24 and really couldn't be happier. It has excellent clarity and the tracking is spot on. I was hesitant about cheaper glass but, it is just as good if not better than some of my more expensive glass.
 
The stock is ok, probably out to 400 yards.

If you venture into the 500-1000 yards, then you will want a different stock.

Boyds makes a very good one that is drop in, no bedding needed (you can, you just don't have to)

I am partial to the Thumb Hole but I shot a super grip (forget the name) a while back and liked it.

Laminated really the way to go for price and stability (they are as good as the best composites)

Practice at 100. If you can shoot sub 1/2 MOA at 100, you can further out.

I ran out to 330 meters and had the same results and conditions were a bit brutal (sun right down the shooting lane, 75 degree and up here that's equal to 95 stateside)

300 yards is bench rest, then you shift to long range 500 with some cross over in between. That has to do with wind and mirges so its a different skill set.

32X glass minimum. Buy the best scope you can afford, its going to cost a lot more than the rifle!
 
Thanks all. I am looking at a Nikon scope that is a little more expensive than the rifle was. I have one on my AR now and like it a lot, but the one I'm considering for this is a much better model with better features. It's a Prostaff 5, 3.5-14x40,30mm tube with a mil dot reticle. I'd appreciate any thoughts or experiences with this.
 
None, if you are going far out you really want 25X and 32 to 42 is almost if not mandatory if you want to go out to 1000
 
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I ordered same gun in 22-250. Also got 10T in 6mm Creed. Already have 6.5 in LRP. BOTH Creeds shooters shot 6 first time yesterday looking good. My 6.5 loves Sierra 142 and Hornady 140 just got some 147 haven't had chance load any. Reloaded 17 40 grains Papua or Peterson Norma and even Hornady brass work fine. 4451 and 4350 great if you could find any. Varget good just can't get velocity like others Creed great calibers
Good luck
Roc1
 
I think it's certainly worth your time to take a look at Nikon's BLACK X1000 4-16 x50 MOA reticle. This scope has a 30mm tube and excellent Nikon glass. Retail is right under $500 but maybe checking out some of TFL's Sponsor's you might be able to do better? Ihave been using the MRAD version's on my 6.5 cm's and I am very happy.
http://www.nikonsportoptics.com/en/nikon-products/riflescopes/black-x1000-4-16x50sf-matte-x-moa.html

DSC_0950.jpg
 
If you can't find a deal on the scope drop me a note and amybe I can help you find someone who also support's TFL.

The scope abloce has the Illuminated Reticle and is in the MRAD format. I do prefer the MOA just for the finer adjustment.

DSC_0920.jpg
 
Thanks bman, it will be a while. I've been unemployed since last spring and just last week finally started my new job full time. So between that and helping finance my sons upcoming wedding it will be a while before I can afford a new scope. For short term I'm robbing my Prostaff off my AR just to play around with it. I'm thinking maybe late November or maybe as late as Christmas, I'll PM you when the time comes.
 
Sigh...
Yet another going with the manbun cartridge...
Whatever happened to the 338 LM? That was the csrtridge du jour 3 years ago.

If your looking at distance(500-1000 yards/meters) you probably want something in the 140gr and up bullet. For that you may wannt to go towards a slower powder than Varget. Don't get me wrong, Varget is a great powder. Just might be something slightly better for the heavier bullets.

And as was already posted, get a better stock. And yes bed it. Aftermarket trigger won't hurt either, unless you already have the accu-trigger.
 
The man bun cartridge, hah, now that's funny. I hear ya, and as a general rule I'm the guy who stays away from the latest fad. After all, I've been shooting my .41 mags for over 30 years. But it's hard to deny the effectiveness of this cartridge and I got a deal I couldn't resist. Powder wise, I have IMR4064 and RE15 on hand as possible starters to play with. But, am on the hunt for Varget, IMR4350, or H4350, and am definitely going to go with the heavier 140gr+ bullets.
 
Here's a bit of advice along a different path: I love Savage bolt guns, but I've found that the slide extractor can be easily dislodged when cleaning the face of the bolt. If this happens, three small pieces (the slide, the spring and the detent ball) go flying. Not a bad idea to have a couple of spares of each, which Savage will happily supply.
 
Wel mobuck theres a couple things I like about 6.5 Creemoor, better use of powder, multiple bullet selection, low recoil, and consistancy...
 
When I ordered the rifle it was to be delivered on the 27th, but props to Cabelas I picked it up today. What a beast, this is the first bolt rifle I've had since my old O3A3 back in the early 70's. Looking forward to playing with it.
 
I'm using RL-17 in my LRP with good results. I think it provides the best combination of speed/accuracy. If you want some really good brass, then check out Alpha Munitions. Some of the Lapua brass was just too soft. Right now I'm just using Hornady brass.
 
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