I will do a review when I get some more range time and take it to the field.
Initial impressions are good.
The stock is light and looks good. It has some small bedding in front of the recoil lug. The finish is not duratouch, which I did not realize when I ordered it. It is not sticky or rough, but somewhere in between. The texture on the pistol grip and foreend are more pronounced than on the HC Speed.
The bolt is smooth and locks up solidly. However, among the first 20 rounds of browning and cheap winchester loads, it was way too tight which created a difficulty in locking and extracting. After the 20 or so rounds, firing 1 or 2 rounds and then brushing or snaking the bore, I switched to the Hornady rounds and had zero issues.
Trigger was heavy and I made some adjustments after the range. It is still heavier than I would prefer, but it will be left as in for this season.
Recoil is tame with the brake on it. I did not shoot it without the brake. Still might be too much recoil for a sensitive shooter, but a couple hours at the range was not a challenge.
Barrel heats up quickly, as expected with a magnum and barrel of this contour. I did not shoot any strings over 3, so I can say how performance may be affected. Since this is a big game hunting rifle, I do not believe 4+ round consistency is required. 3 is enough for me. As you can see in the previous photo, those 3 rounds are pretty consistent.
The balance is good with the optics mounted. The titanium rail and the rings used are a little more weight than needed. Talley lightweight 2pc set would be a better fit for the current setup. Points and shoots well. I could use another inch in the LOP, but I feel that way about almost all rifles.
The Vortex is good, but I will probably switch to something different after this season. I am thinking of trying the Burris XTR II 2-10x42.
I bought my dad the HC Speed 6.5 Creedmoor, which he loves and affectionately calls "sexy." It shoots and handles well. He likes the way it looks. The Pro has a better stock and different bolt handle. (There may be some other technical differences)
Is the Pro $800 better, probably not. However, I didn't want the bronze finish (so I got the tungsten version) and I wanted the better stock.
Gonna take this rifle to AK this year and see how it hold up.
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