6.5 Creedmoor Deer Set Up

[ccc9092]

Hello all, I was gifted a Howa 6.5 M1500 and would like to modify it for Mule Deer/Whitetail. New to the whole customization thing but would like to learn so any resources would be greatly appreciated.
-Glass
-Mods
-What NOT to do

Thanks!

 

[ericwh]

At what distance?
Other goals?
Budget?

 

[TreeStandAthlete]

I know we live in dark times so adjust according to budget but my recommendation for any new gun is:

1. Buy a case of ammo
2. Shoot it
3. Change what you don't like/doesn't work

I'm working up a Howa 1500 right now and so far for me that's been a new stock and a new trigger. Once I burn the factory barrel out I'll probably replace it with a CF barrel because I think they look cool (and may have some performance benefits).

 

[ccc9092]

At what distance?
Other goals?
Budget?

Wouldn't shoot past 400 yds.
Goal is to have a solid, lightweight rifle. Sorry for not having a well defined goal other than just a solid hunting rifle.
I've got about $2K until my wife will start asking questions.

 

[ccc9092]

I know we live in dark times so adjust according to budget but my recommendation for any new gun is:

1. Buy a case of ammo
2. Shoot it
3. Change what you don't like/doesn't work

I'm working up a Howa 1500 right now and so far for me that's been a new stock and a new trigger. Once I burn the factory barrel out I'll probably replace it with a CF barrel because I think they look cool (and may have some performance benefits).

Awesome. Thank you!
Just bought two boxes of Hornady ELD-X 143, hoping to get to the range tomorrow.
One thing I noticed off the unboxing was the stock, its super bulky and heavy. Plus it's the Mossy Oak camo, which I don't mind but also don't care for. What stocks were you looking at? Trigger recommendations? Agreed, CF barrels are badass.

 

[TreeStandAthlete]

Awesome. Thank you!
Just bought two boxes of Hornady ELD-X 143, hoping to get to the range tomorrow.
One thing I noticed off the unboxing was the stock, its super bulky and heavy. Plus it's the Mossy Oak camo, which I don't mind but also don't care for. What stocks were you looking at? Trigger recommendations? Agreed, CF barrels are badass.

I think most folks here would recommend a manners or McMillan stock, and they know more than I, but I've been happy with Bell and Carlson stocks for the money. I put a Timney trigger in mine, it's not so much that I didn't like the stock trigger as much as the safety on mine felt cheap and not very sturdy. Just a personal thing that bothered me and I've been happy with the Timney.

 

[ericwh]

Wouldn't shoot past 400 yds.
Goal is to have a solid, lightweight rifle. Sorry for not having a well defined goal other than just a solid hunting rifle.
I've got about $2K until my wife will start asking questions.

If it was me:
Make sure the trigger is how I want it, whether that's adjusting or a spring or a replacement trigger (I've had Timney and Triggertech with no complaints)
Get a decent scope (probably a Vortex Razor HD LHT or a Bushnell LRHS-2, or a used older version of either)
Get quality mount(s)
Mount a 3" Arca Plate in front of the mag box (I use Henderson Precision "Hunter") for shooting off a tripod
Add a kydex cheek riser if needed

If I had money to blow I'd get a Manners. I don't mind factory stocks but I use Tikka and I like their grip. Having the grip you like is important IMO.

 

[ccc9092]

If it was me:
Make sure the trigger is how I want it, whether that's adjusting or a spring or a replacement trigger (I've had Timney and Triggertech with no complaints)
Get a decent scope (probably a Vortex Razor HD LHT or a Bushnell LRHS-2, or a used older version of either)
Get quality mount(s)
Mount a 3" Arca Plate in front of the mag box (I use Henderson Precision "Hunter") for shooting off a tripod
Add a kydex cheek riser if needed

If I had money to blow I'd get a Manners. I don't mind factory stocks but I use Tikka and I like their grip. Having the grip you like is important IMO.

Thank you! Do you have any resources you would recommend on fitting a rifle to yourself? I don't have a gun shop near me so I'm embarking down this road blindly.

 

[ericwh]

Not really. After I get the scope I do some measuring and figure out the lowest ring/mount height I can get away with. I usually set my scope position (eye relief) in prone with scope at max magnification. Use some levels and a plumb bob to get the reticle straight.

Cheek height is just preference and checked in various positions. I used to think I needed a really solid cheek weld and now I'm transitioning to a lighter cheek index - putting less input into the gun. But I have a thin face and I still like the scope lower than some people.

There's really not much to set up. To the other guys point just shoot it. If something feels uncomfortable then research what your options are to fix it.

 

[JMailbox8]

I have got nothing but good results from Barnes bullets in my 6.5 Creedmoor. Their LRX bullets are great for factory rounds and the ballistics coefficient is superb. Also being a copper bullet means no lead in your meat. Getting a decent stock pack with adjustable inserts for cheek height is valuable.

 

[Sadler]

Put 1k towards a suppressor if you don't already own one and 1k towards an XLR chassis.

 

[JMailbox8]

Put 1k towards a suppressor if you don't already own one and 1k towards an XLR chassis.

X2 on the suppressor!