Input on the Savage 12 LRP 6.5 cm

[MrBottleneck]

Thoughts on the Savage 12 LRP in 6.5 CM and the RPR 6.5

I have some interest in the Savage LRP 12 in 6.5 cm or possibly a RPR 6.5 and putting a nice high power Vortex Viper HS-T 6-24x50 or better on top for paper/steel shooting.
It seems the CM has a great following and its ballistics are quite impressive.


I really like my Savage 10 FPXP-LEA in .308 and its a tac driver. I would hope the LRP 6.5 and the RPR 6.5 would be as accurate. Everything shows the 6.5 has a clear advantage ballistically over the .308 as you reach out further and further.

My top choice would be a GAP Hospitaller or Renegade or maybe a Kimber 8400/8500 better yet a custom Surgeon but, I think thats a touch outta my budget especially since this is just a hobby/illness/addiction. LOL

I also like the Weatherby Vanguard H-BAR RC that is new but, I wish the barrel length was 24-26 not 20. If it was I would probably have to think about it but, its really just a touch to short I think.

Howa doesnt really have anything that interests me. Tikka has the T3x in 6.5x55

Then Ruger has the new Ruger Precision in 6.5. It seems to get great reviews and most everyone says it is a very accurate rifle if the shooter does his part. I do like the availabilty of easy barrel change later in its life and the aftermarket is picking up well making many available upgrades. So, at this point I might say its in the running with the Savage LRP. I might add it might being the #1 pick as it does not seems to have the potential to be a dud like the many of the LRPs that came out with terrible barrel qc issues.

Sako has the TRG-22 but, only competition is the .260 and I have no idea of cost on this one or the counterpart Tikka. FN makes some nice target/tactical rifles in the SPR line only in .308, .300, and .338 so, that a wash.

Also, does anyone have any input on the barrel issues with the Savage LRP 6.5 I have read about on the net with many having accuracy issues due too poor QC specifically in the barrel making process. Many of these posts I read are from like 2013 so, I would hope they would have this sorted by now.
Granted this is probably a small % but, still worth inquiring about.
You hardly hear about great happiness in a purchase its usually just the bad so, I do take these posts I have read into perspective.

I also, hear the Savage Precision triggers a very finicky on bolt closing (bolt drop).
From what I have read they engage the safety system if the bolt is worked hard to simulate a drop being the trigger is adjustable down to a few ounces.

One thing I do love love about the Savages and Rugers is the idea of ease of barrel change later on in its life and the many aftermarket upgrades for them (like triggers n barrels).

Any thought on the Savage LRP 6.5 and the Ruger RPR are invited. Thanks

• Share

 

[1885Winman4590]

My neighbor and good friend across the street, has the factory savage LRP in 6.5 creedmoor and has won nearly every local match that we've had in the past 3 years. His brother shoots a 6.5 x 55 that he put a28" shilen select match barrel on, and he takes 2nd. 600 yard matches.

 

[Chris Butler]

I have the 12 LRP in 6.5 Creedmoor topped with an EGW 20moa rail and SWFA SS 5-20x50 HD scope. It shoots best with 140gr ELD Match. I'm shooting factory ammo at present. Soon to get back into loading.
It's an absolute tack driver as well. It's my first precision rifle so I don't have anything to compare it to.
Last weekend I had the highest score in an open gun precision rifle stage of a local competition against a lot of significantly more expensive rifles and an RPR or two. In Sept I took a 2nd in an uneven distance comp with targets out to 1066yds. I had 2 first round misses that I followed up with hits.
I've shot it over 1000yds with consistent hits. My misses at long range are all on me (wind). I regularly hit sub-MOA gongs with it beyond 300yds.
What's nice about it also is that it's heavy enough that I can spot all my own shots.
This is a 5 shot group with 140gr ELD M I shot off a bench with a bipod and no rear bag

 

[MrBottleneck]

So, when where your rifles (friends rifle) purchased?
I am just wondering if Savage has gotten a hold of the barrels issues they had back in 2013+ with the creed 6.5

Nice shooting Chris at first glance it looks almost like a 3 shot group. LOL

 

[Chris Butler]

So, when where your rifles (friends rifle) purchased?
I am just wondering if Savage has gotten a hold of the barrels issues they had back in 2013+ with the creed 6.5

I bought mine this past August

Nice shooting Chris at first glance it looks almost like a 3 shot group. LOL

Thanks! When I shot it I thought it was as well. There were no other holes in the target.

 

[MrBottleneck]

You can tell the center is the only single shot but, at quick glance heh.
Well, maybe Savage has gotten it all sorted because boy there sure where a lot of complaints about poor barrel qc early on. Really good news as thats the rifle I really like. It will compliment this one real well (10 .308 FPXP-LEA w/4-12x40).

 

[1885Winman4590]

My friends rifle was purchased in 012 or 013, if I see him tomorrow, I'll ask. I bought the 110FCP HS precision in 300 win mag at the same time. I burned up a lot of gun powder tryin to keep up and never did. That rifle wears a shilen 264 win mag now, I'm hoping that'll get me a little closer. Good luck with what you purchase.

 

[Chris Butler]

Nice rifle!
How do you like the Choate stock? What's the barrel length?

I have a Model 10FCP-SR w/24" barrel on my wishlist.

I had read a lot of the complaints about the LRP.
I had wanted an RPR in 6.5 Creedmoor. I couldn't find one that wasn't up for a bidding war.
I decided to take my chances with the LRP. I couldn't be happier.
Since getting the LRP I've fashioned my BMag, my .22LR and a Model 12FCV .223 into nearly carbon copy trainers for it. That might have a lot to do with my high placing in my last matches

 

[MrBottleneck]

Good luck with what you purchase

Thanks, yeah let me know when he got his if you can.

Nice rifle!
How do you like the Choate stock? What's the barrel length?

Thanks, I really love the rifle. Its a factory Savage Choate stock and I really like it.
It has a nice checkweld piece that is about perfect and the pistol stock is nice to get a comfortable grip. Its funny I have never seen anyone else shooting the same rifle. I think back in roughly 08 it was about top of the line for that series 10.
It has a 26" barrel.
It shoots 1/2 moa easily IF you do your part using a bipod only.
I shoot it every weekend for the most part and tomorrow I am shooting some SMK 168 pushed by 38. Gr. Of IMR 4064 at 2.160 ogive which is .010 off the lands. We we will see how it likes these. I hope it does.
I have often thought about getting a bolt .223 but, being I already have several ARs and a 22-250 thats a tac driver so, I figured I needed a 6.5cm.
I figured since I handload the cost will be at least as cheap as loading for the .308 so, the 6.5cm is a good choice for LRP shooting imho
I like the FCP in the HS precision. I like the McMillan too but, its not bedded like the HS Precision.

 

[ASbobcat]

Thoughts on the Savage 12 LRP in 6.5 CM and the RPR 6.5

I have some interest in the Savage LRP 12 in 6.5 cm or possibly a RPR 6.5 and putting a nice high power Vortex Viper HS-T 6-24x50 or better on top for paper/steel shooting.
It seems the CM has a great following and its ballistics are quite impressive.


I really like my Savage 10 FPXP-LEA in .308 and its a tac driver. I would hope the LRP 6.5 and the RPR 6.5 would be as accurate. Everything shows the 6.5 has a clear advantage ballistically over the .308 as you reach out further and further.

My top choice would be a GAP Hospitaller or Renegade or maybe a Kimber 8400/8500 better yet a custom Surgeon but, I think thats a touch outta my budget especially since this is just a hobby/illness/addiction. LOL

I also like the Weatherby Vanguard H-BAR RC that is new but, I wish the barrel length was 24-26 not 20. If it was I would probably have to think about it but, its really just a touch to short I think.

Howa doesnt really have anything that interests me. Tikka has the T3x in 6.5x55

Then Ruger has the new Ruger Precision in 6.5. It seems to get great reviews and most everyone says it is a very accurate rifle if the shooter does his part. I do like the availabilty of easy barrel change later in its life and the aftermarket is picking up well making many available upgrades. So, at this point I might say its in the running with the Savage LRP. I might add it might being the #1 pick as it does not seems to have the potential to be a dud like the many of the LRPs that came out with terrible barrel qc issues.

Sako has the TRG-22 but, only competition is the .260 and I have no idea of cost on this one or the counterpart Tikka. FN makes some nice target/tactical rifles in the SPR line only in .308, .300, and .338 so, that a wash.

Also, does anyone have any input on the barrel issues with the Savage LRP 6.5 I have read about on the net with many having accuracy issues due too poor QC specifically in the barrel making process. Many of these posts I read are from like 2013 so, I would hope they would have this sorted by now.
Granted this is probably a small % but, still worth inquiring about.
You hardly hear about great happiness in a purchase its usually just the bad so, I do take these posts I have read into perspective.

I also, hear the Savage Precision triggers a very finicky on bolt closing (bolt drop).
From what I have read they engage the safety system if the bolt is worked hard to simulate a drop being the trigger is adjustable down to a few ounces.

One thing I do love love about the Savages and Rugers is the idea of ease of barrel change later on in its life and the many aftermarket upgrades for them (like triggers n barrels).

Any thought on the Savage LRP 6.5 and the Ruger RPR are invited. Thanks

• Share

All good questions. I own several Savage PTA's, so I will share my experience.
The "de-cocking" feature will prevent the firing pin from cocking if you try to set the pull weight too low. Just back off the adjustment screw a bit. All of mine safely cock at a pull weight that is so low (well below 8oz) it scares me, and I'm fearless.
There is one trick. You must pull the trigger STRAIGHT back. Any sideways pressure will de-cock the trigger. I learned this from Savage tech support after a lot of head-scratching at the range.
I have a LRP that was originally a 6.5 CM. I wanted a 6.5x47Lapua because you get the same performance using less powder. So I cut .2in off the back of the barrel and now have a hybrid "6.5x47 CM". It shoots beautifully (consistently sub .5moa) with 140grVLD's and RL17 at 2800fps. A Redding 6x47L neck bushing die resizes the cases perfectly. I just trim to CM neck length, which is about .01 shorter than the Lapua.

 

[MrBottleneck]

Thanks for your input ASbobcat.
Interesting you cut your barrel down to get kinda a hybrid 6.5x47. How much powder do you save on an equally loaded identical round between the two?

 

[fourpower]

Thoughts on the Savage 12 LRP in 6.5 CM and the RPR 6.5

I have some interest in the Savage LRP 12 in 6.5 cm or possibly a RPR 6.5 and putting a nice high power Vortex Viper HS-T 6-24x50 or better on top for paper/steel shooting.
It seems the CM has a great following and its ballistics are quite impressive.


I really like my Savage 10 FPXP-LEA in .308 and its a tac driver. I would hope the LRP 6.5 and the RPR 6.5 would be as accurate. Everything shows the 6.5 has a clear advantage ballistically over the .308 as you reach out further and further.

My top choice would be a GAP Hospitaller or Renegade or maybe a Kimber 8400/8500 better yet a custom Surgeon but, I think thats a touch outta my budget especially since this is just a hobby/illness/addiction. LOL

I also like the Weatherby Vanguard H-BAR RC that is new but, I wish the barrel length was 24-26 not 20. If it was I would probably have to think about it but, its really just a touch to short I think.

Howa doesnt really have anything that interests me. Tikka has the T3x in 6.5x55

Then Ruger has the new Ruger Precision in 6.5. It seems to get great reviews and most everyone says it is a very accurate rifle if the shooter does his part. I do like the availabilty of easy barrel change later in its life and the aftermarket is picking up well making many available upgrades. So, at this point I might say its in the running with the Savage LRP. I might add it might being the #1 pick as it does not seems to have the potential to be a dud like the many of the LRPs that came out with terrible barrel qc issues.

Sako has the TRG-22 but, only competition is the .260 and I have no idea of cost on this one or the counterpart Tikka. FN makes some nice target/tactical rifles in the SPR line only in .308, .300, and .338 so, that a wash.

Also, does anyone have any input on the barrel issues with the Savage LRP 6.5 I have read about on the net with many having accuracy issues due too poor QC specifically in the barrel making process. Many of these posts I read are from like 2013 so, I would hope they would have this sorted by now.
Granted this is probably a small % but, still worth inquiring about.
You hardly hear about great happiness in a purchase its usually just the bad so, I do take these posts I have read into perspective.

I also, hear the Savage Precision triggers a very finicky on bolt closing (bolt drop).
From what I have read they engage the safety system if the bolt is worked hard to simulate a drop being the trigger is adjustable down to a few ounces.

One thing I do love love about the Savages and Rugers is the idea of ease of barrel change later on in its life and the many aftermarket upgrades for them (like triggers n barrels).

Any thought on the Savage LRP 6.5 and the Ruger RPR are invited. Thanks

• Share

I got one year and half ago. it was a piece of crap it wouldn't shoot any loads we tried! I couldn't wait to sell it and glad I did. no more savages for me!!

 

[ASbobcat]

Thanks for your input ASbobcat.
Interesting you cut your barrel down to get kinda a hybrid 6.5x47. How much powder do you save on an equally loaded identical round between the two?

Sorry for the delay, I didn't see your question until today.

I ended up at 2800fps using 140gr VLD's with less than 40gr of RL-17. I can't speak to the CM, because I never it shot it before cutting down. From other threads it appears the CM requires about 4 more grains to get the same performance.
The shoulder of my "hybrid" chamber is about .005 wider and a Redding neck die sizes it perfectly.
Hope this info helps

Bob

 

[ASbobcat]

I got one year and half ago. it was a piece of crap it wouldn't shoot any loads we tried! I couldn't wait to sell it and glad I did. no more savages for me!!

Always happy to hear from those who think Savages are "crap".
Keeps the prices down for the rest of us.

 

[MrBottleneck]

Sorry for the delay, I didn't see your question until today.

Very interesting ASBobcat and thanks for the explanation.
Thats some good speed for the 140.

Me personally. I like Savages. I understand companies have issues from time to time. Its the nature of the business. It happens to the biggest and best of all companies. Its how a company addresses those issues that matters to me.
I personally have had great experiences with Savages customer service so, I have nothing but, good things to say about Savage.

 

[ASbobcat]

Very interesting ASBobcat and thanks for the explanation.
Thats some good speed for the 140.

Me personally. I like Savages. I understand companies have issues from time to time. Its the nature of the business. It happens to the biggest and best of all companies. Its how a company addresses those issues that matters to me.
I personally have had great experiences with Savages customer service so, I have nothing but, good things to say about Savage.

Glad it was useful. 2800fps was with 39.5gr. There was a higher node at 40.4gr (2850fps) but primer pockets stretched .0005, so I backed off. Bolt lift was still OK and no ejector swipes, but I always respect whichever of the three occurs first.
This was in a polygon bore, so you may encounter pressure signs below these numbers in a non poly bore. In any case, I would start at least 5% below these loads and work up. RL-17 performs best at or near max pressures, lowest ES/SD and clean burn.

 

[ASbobcat]

Thoughts on the Savage 12 LRP in 6.5 CM and the RPR 6.5

I have some interest in the Savage LRP 12 in 6.5 cm or possibly a RPR 6.5 and putting a nice high power Vortex Viper HS-T 6-24x50 or better on top for paper/steel shooting.
It seems the CM has a great following and its ballistics are quite impressive.


I really like my Savage 10 FPXP-LEA in .308 and its a tac driver. I would hope the LRP 6.5 and the RPR 6.5 would be as accurate. Everything shows the 6.5 has a clear advantage ballistically over the .308 as you reach out further and further.

My top choice would be a GAP Hospitaller or Renegade or maybe a Kimber 8400/8500 better yet a custom Surgeon but, I think thats a touch outta my budget especially since this is just a hobby/illness/addiction. LOL

I also like the Weatherby Vanguard H-BAR RC that is new but, I wish the barrel length was 24-26 not 20. If it was I would probably have to think about it but, its really just a touch to short I think.

Howa doesnt really have anything that interests me. Tikka has the T3x in 6.5x55

Then Ruger has the new Ruger Precision in 6.5. It seems to get great reviews and most everyone says it is a very accurate rifle if the shooter does his part. I do like the availabilty of easy barrel change later in its life and the aftermarket is picking up well making many available upgrades. So, at this point I might say its in the running with the Savage LRP. I might add it might being the #1 pick as it does not seems to have the potential to be a dud like the many of the LRPs that came out with terrible barrel qc issues.

Sako has the TRG-22 but, only competition is the .260 and I have no idea of cost on this one or the counterpart Tikka. FN makes some nice target/tactical rifles in the SPR line only in .308, .300, and .338 so, that a wash.

Also, does anyone have any input on the barrel issues with the Savage LRP 6.5 I have read about on the net with many having accuracy issues due too poor QC specifically in the barrel making process. Many of these posts I read are from like 2013 so, I would hope they would have this sorted by now.
Granted this is probably a small % but, still worth inquiring about.
You hardly hear about great happiness in a purchase its usually just the bad so, I do take these posts I have read into perspective.

I also, hear the Savage Precision triggers a very finicky on bolt closing (bolt drop).
From what I have read they engage the safety system if the bolt is worked hard to simulate a drop being the trigger is adjustable down to a few ounces.

One thing I do love love about the Savages and Rugers is the idea of ease of barrel change later on in its life and the many aftermarket upgrades for them (like triggers n barrels).

Any thought on the Savage LRP 6.5 and the Ruger RPR are invited. Thanks

• Share

I have owned a dozen Savage Mod 12's, including F-Class, LRPV and LRP, and one 10BA. All have been capable of .6moa with factory ammo and .3moa with handloads, which is better than I can shoot. I once made the expensive mistake of ordering a custom barrel, which didn't shoot any better than the factory barrel. Only exception was the 10BA which I re-barreled to 6.5x47L and use the original .308 bbl for a doorstop (you're right about the superiority of 6.5 over .308 beyond 500yds).
The trigger is finicky if you set the pull too low, or don't pull the trigger straight back. Any side pressure on the "red" safety bar will de-cock.

 

[BCBRAD]

The Savage LRP in 260 Rem I have is a 0.6moa (5 shot group) rifle, lots of fun on steel.
The action screw torque values are critical for tight groups, I think due to their bedding system.

 

[MrBottleneck]

Thanks for the input fellas.
I waiting to sell a really nice Colt rifle then that will fund my Savage/Scope set up.
Thought about advertising it here but, I doubt there are to many SP1 fans here so, I might try GB. Not sure yet.