6.5 Creed Budget Project

[Mountain Sloth]

After a year of owning a Savage Axis II in 6.5 creed with a 20" barrel I decided to put a little love into this rifle and give it a budget facelift. Went with an MDT fieldstock. The rifle shoots 147 eldm factory rounds well but I have been bitten by the reloading bug so this morning I loaded up some 140 grain Bergers and we will see how they perform next weekend. All in I'm just under 800 all in. Did a little horse trading with a buddy who didn't like the Nikon p-308 that is now on this rifle so that isn't factored into the budget. I think this will be a great "trainer" rifle and my son can use it this fall for his apprentice hunter tag.

 

[Hespco]

Just for general info. In the early 1990's I built a wild cat know as the 6.5x308. Still have it ( pictured ) . Some time later Rem brought it out as the 260 Rem. From it's very beginning I used the Barnes 120gr "X" then TSX bullet. For I don't know how many years now I have taken elk after elk with this 6.5x08 & the Savage model 16 in 260 Rem. All using the Barnes original X bullet & then went to the TSX, & now the TTSX. Never once had an issue. Never a failure. Just to be fair I have tried the Hammer 121gr & the Badlands Precision 125gr. Exact same results, no matter what bullet was used. Light recoil , & always deep penetration. For what it is worth.

 

[hesse]

I recommend the bolt lift kit . I also would do the trigger also

 

[ARlife4me]

I don't own the axis, but do own several 110's. The only part i upgraded was the trigger (just on 1 for now). I just don't care for the accu-trigger.

BTW, you did a good job! Enjoy!

 

[Mountain Sloth]

I recommend the bolt lift kit . I also would do the trigger also

I'm sure that will end up happening soon

 

[hesse]

I'm sure that will end up happening soon

The lift kits are on eBay for $20. I am also not a fan of the accutrigger

 

[Shankedit]

I have four Savage 10 rifles and I did some bolt lift lightening too, just not a kit. Trimmed down the mainspring a bit and filed down that hook at the end of the cocking ramp slightly. If I remember right, it reduced the lift by about 30%, maybe more. But if a bolt kit is only $20, then it's probably worth doing that instead of going through the stress of shaving down that bolt ramp "hook".
Might be a bit of an apples to oranges comparison but the mods I did helped a ton. I also replaced the trigger in two of them. One with a Timney, the other with a Rifle Basix. I like them both equally well I think.

 

[Greyfox]

Having done similar "spruce-ups" with the Savage 110, the the "weak spots" in my experience is the action bedding, and the ejector/extractor assembly. Midway USA/Brownell sells "beefed up" replacement springs.guide-pins" that work very well, inexpensive , and easy to install. Be cautious going too light with replacement triggers in the Savage! Particularly if you are going to be letting your son use the rifle as a trainer. You might be better off from a safety standpoint trying some different springs which are available(and can make a noticeable difference) in the function of the Accu-Trigger, and, still preserving the the OEM safety-blade feature of the Accu-Trigger.

 

[BrentM]

I have four Savage 10 rifles and I did some bolt lift lightening too, just not a kit. Trimmed down the mainspring a bit and filed down that hook at the end of the cocking ramp slightly. If I remember right, it reduced the lift by about 30%, maybe more. But if a bolt kit is only $20, then it's probably worth doing that instead of going through the stress of shaving down that bolt ramp "hook".
Might be a bit of an apples to oranges comparison but the mods I did helped a ton. I also replaced the trigger in two of them. One with a Timney, the other with a Rifle Basix. I like them both equally well I think.

It's not the same. I have a built a pile of savages and have quite a collection of tools to modify the crap out of the actions. What you have done is about as good as it can get. Polishing the internal firing pin components, deburring, cutting the spring, cut and polish the ramp, adjustable bolt cocking nut, internal disc or cocking bearing, bolt head polish....... all of it makes for a one finger lift in the end. Taking it further you can cut and polish the action locking lugs, square the action face, and polish the race way. It can make a savage feel pretty dang nice when all done.