MDT HNT 16 vs XLR Element 4.0

[SRshooter1]

Hey guys,

I'm looking at options for a new 6.5 PRC build and these two chassis systems are in the final running.

I was wondering if anyone has experience with both and are their any drawbacks to either for a reason I may have not yet discovered.

Thanks for the time in advance.

~SR

 

[Tahoe1305]

Honestly the best I’ve read is EXOs comparison. If you search in here I believe it’s a thread with good discussion too.

They hunted with both of them for a bit before the write up. Appears fairly objective.

 

[SRshooter1]

Thanks for the lead. I'll dig into it

 

[MT_Wyatt]

I would read the Rifle Stock/Chassis comparison thread as well if you have not. I'll link to my post in there showing the snow stuff - would also agree that Exo/Mark did a really great comparison to look up.

Stock vs Chassis for Field Shooting

Great thread with super info. Found this looking around, but I’m sure you’ve all seen it. I’m relatively new here and still stumbling through A LOT of information. https://mdttac.com/mdt-field-stock-chassis-system/ “Comfortable to carry long distances in the woods with a traditional stock...

rokslide.com

Personally the problems I had with XLR and the snow for late season hunts are an area thing here, but after doing it, I think that HNT 26 has some unique advantages depending on your needs. I just got my rifle put in an Alterra CH3, and I got to say, not hand holding a rifle with Arca plate or integral rail is super nice. I'm not sure how the carbon arca on the MDT chassis would be?

 

[SRshooter1]

Thank you. I'm new here too, so I appreciate the guidance for a FNG

 

[rclouse79]

I ordered the XLR on Black Friday after listening to the Exo podcast on them. I am hoping I made a good choice. If you decide on the XLR you should plan on ordering it 6 months before you hope to use it. Lead times were 20 to 25 weeks when I placed my order.

 

[Hnthrdr]

Have an xlr, very pleased with the fit and finish. My only hesitation is it is cold to the touch. I wear gloves during rifle seasons so not a huge issue. The hnt 26 looks nice as well, but 1300 bucks made me baulk on it… I have a CF chassis on a CA rifle and it’s nice

 

[SamsonMan22]

I prefer the hnt26 to the xlr except for tripod use, I like the thought of metal over carbon for the arca rail and hard use. I liked the carbon grip on the xlr better than the most carbon grip but that is easy enough to change.

Everything else I liked better about the mdt, the folder locked up better, it’s smoother and more rounded for carry. It felt much better in hand when shooting offhand or in field positions not off a tripod. The carbon was nicer to the touch than the magnesium, quieter in the brush, and the hnt26 was overall less “snaggy” as well. I heard many complain about the tuning fork effect on a chassis and I never really noticed it when I had my first hnt26, as soon as I bought the xlr I understood what everyone was talking about. It had a different recoil impulse to me than the hnt26 which felt much closer to a conventional stock to me.

I did not hate the xlr but it felt like a brick to carry in hand compared to the hnt26, if I were to buy another it would be the hnt26 without hesitation that being said they are both a nice quality chassis.

 

[SRshooter1]

This is great intel and exactly the type of feedback I was hoping for. Thank you!

 

[MT_Wyatt]

That recoil impulse thing is quite real - going from a mcmillan carbon to an XLR was pretty shocking for me, using 7 PRC. It reduced how much I could shoot before really feeling beat up at the range. When I dropped to 6PRC it was not nearly as bad - but I shot the same gun side by side in my XLR and a friend's Alterra, and the difference was quite noticable. I think the comment on dampening or changing the recoil impulse is a real consideration, especailly for a magnum cartridge. Enough so I'd say that should drive your decision towards the MDT even.

 

[SRshooter1]

Great feedback. This is the kind of beta I was looking for. Thank you!