Savage Axis 6.5 Creedmoor Project Build. From stock to PRS/NRL Hunter Ready! Part 1 of Series

This project started a couple years ago with a Savage Youth 6.5 Creedmoor I set up for my son's first Mule Deer Hunt. Although it was sufficient for the task and shorter ranges of 200 yards and in, I felt it had a lot more capacity with a few key upgrades. Not only did my son outgrow it, I wanted to upgrade a few components to see how accurate this rifle would be for long range training for him. Overall, it's been a great project and tons of fun to spend some time with my son and friends at the range teaching precision long range.

It started life as a budget Savage Youth Model. We decided this Savage 6.5 Creedmoor Build should start with an upgraded MDT Chassis. The Oryx odel was just what we needed and was available in models to accecpt the Savage Budget Action. Next we ordered up an EABCO Heavy Barrel 26” 1:8 twist to improve overall accuracy and get a more optimized velocity for the 6.5 projectiles. Naturally we needed a Timney Trigger as the stock 3lb pull and mushy feel would limit accuracy even with the rest of the upgrades. Lastly, I had a few Arken Optics on the shelf so we tested the 4-16 x 50 Scope and added an Atlas BiPod for stability as well as the new Eric Cortina Tuner Brake. After a few groups and sessions to dial in sub-MOA 5 shots groups with the brake we were ready to go!

Stretching the 6.5 Creemoor project out a bit after confirming zero, getting the groups tuned with the EC Brake, and verifying the ballistics with the Garmin Xero.