Range Report: Barrett Fieldcraft 6.5 Creedmoor 21" Barrel - Happy so far

[Mike Islander]

Finally got a chance to shoot my new rifle. SWFA 6x42 mounted on low lightweight Talley mounts. She's a pretty little gun at 6 pounds 14 oz fully loaded. To prepare for this first range day I disassembled, cleaned, and lubed the rifle. I made sure to accurately torque the action screws properly (80 in-lb front, 30-something rear). Set the trigger to 2.8 pounds. Scope was mounted according to Formidilosus scope mounting thread. Basically clean off all the oil and mount to proper torque and with Loctite 262. I was a little concerned about running a 6x fixed scope, but obviously that is not a problem. Pretty sure out to 600 yards or so 6x will be plenty.





We have a private range on one of the little Sea Islands near Edisto, SC. It's limited to 100 yards right now. We have a 300+ yard range, but we don't use it during deer season.


Sighted in with Federal Premium 140 Accubond at 25 yards (0.6" low for 100 yard zero). Then shot these first three rounds at 100 yards with a warm barrel. About 0.8 MOA made me happy.



Changed to Hornady 140 grain ELD-M to really see what this little rifle could do. Tried really hard to aim to the best of my ability. About 0.6 MOA. That's probably as well as I can shoot any rifle. The "flyer" on the left was probably all me, not the gun. Wouldn't surprise me if it shot 0.4 MOA with a competent shooter. I'm a hunter, so this is all the accuracy I need. Overall I am very pleased with this light, accurate, expensive little rifle. It cost more than twice what I have ever paid for a rifle. Definitely no buyer's remorse!

 

[BAKPAKR]

That has got to make you happy. While you are testing ammo, I would suggest you try the Hornady 147 gr Match and the 143 gr Precision Hunters and the Berger 135 gr Classic Hunters. All three shoot less than 1 MOA in my Tikka. Plus, with the Bergers, you get Lapua brass!

I sure wish Barrett made a left hand version for me or a compact model with a shorter L.O.P. for my daughter.

 

[Mike Islander]

Thank you for the recommendation. I was short on time yesterday, as I went before work. I have a few different factory loads to test, including at least two of what you recommend (maybe all three, can't remember).

Have to say this little lightweight has added a lot of fun to my "hunting".

 

[30338]

That 140 ELD load looks to be under .5 moa not that it matters. That rig checks all the boxes. And agreed on the 135 Berger ammo, had great luck with it to. This one looks like it wants to shoot it all good. The SS scopes are very nice and have used mine on game to 600 yards with no issue.

 

[Mike Islander]

That 140 ELD load looks to be under .5 moa not that it matters. That rig checks all the boxes. And agreed on the 135 Berger ammo, had great luck with it to. This one looks like it wants to shoot it all good. The SS scopes are very nice and have used mine on game to 600 yards with no issue.

I'm glad you said it. Too many times I've seen people exagerate their shooting. Putting the calipers on there shows it's 0.63 moa for the Accubond and 0.4 moa for the ELDM.

Thanks for the heads up on your experience with the 6x42. It really is a lot easier than one might think to hit small with only 6x.

 

[Mike Islander]

Holy thread revival! Sighted in the new Gen 2 SWFA 3-15Xx42 today. Precision Hunter 143 ELD-X and Hornady Match 147 ELD-M. ELD-X grouped terrible. Thought the scope was bad. 147 was fine. I feel like I had the same problem with same ammo a couple of years ago.

Anyone else have ammo that just won't group in their Fieldcraft?

Just compare the two circles. Each is 4 rounds. ELD-X was shockingly bad.

 

[Mike Islander]

147 ELD-M at 370 yards, variable 5-12 mph wind from 45 degrees. Used 2680 fps based on one round across my cheap chronograph. Never shot past 300 before. No experience making ballistics corrections. Besides dialing for hits, what would I adjust in the ballistics program to correct the low shots? I'm guessing velocity? G7 BC is probably right?

 

[Sccritterkiller]

Are all shots grouping low, only see one in the photos. If so check I would velocity again or just dail the for the difference in ammo.

 

[Coopsdaddy]

Mine shoots 143eldx lights out.

 

[Mike Islander]

Are all shots grouping low, only see one in the photos. If so check I would velocity again or just dail the for the difference in ammo.

Each photo is another shot. You should be seeing three. All are low 4"-5".

 

[Buckshot85]

Not to hijack, but….
My suppressed Fieldcraft in 30-06 shoots off the shelf Barnes 180 TTSX incredibly well. Last June I walked it out 100 yards at a time to 1000 yards. 8 out 10 hits at 1000. 32 moa drop and 3.5 moa drift.
I was shooting with a former Marine scout sniper and he had told me to not be surprised if it starts to fall apart around 700 yards.
Well, it shot lights out for a lightweight rifle and factory ammo.
It wears a Zeiss V6 and Atlas bipod.

 

[Walker6]

Each photo is another shot. You should be seeing three. All are low 4"-5".

How much are you dialing? Should be around 1.7 mils? Also, your zero may be a little low to start with?

 

[Mike Islander]

How much are you dialing? Should be around 1.7 mils? Also, your zero may be a little low to start with?

My zero is about perfect. Check the ELD-M circle on the target on post #6 above. Yes, I dialed 17 clicks up and 2 right.

Guessing my velocity was lower than I measured on my cheap chronograph. Measured only 1 shot at 2682 fps. Searching barrel length tests, it's maybe closer to 2575 fps? What else? Probably the shooter!

 

[Walker6]

I’d shoot a 10 round group at 100 and see where your zero is for sure. 1” low would represent most of your error at 370.

As is, looks like you need 2.0 mils total, so 2500fps?

 

[Mike Islander]

I’d shoot a 10 round group at 100 and see where your zero is for sure. 1” low would represent most of your error at 370.

As is, looks like you need 2.0 mils total, so 2500fps?

Something like that. I'll shoot 10 next chance I get. I only had a few rounds of 147gr on this outing. I was planning on shooting the 143, but it grouped so poorly.