Economical Run & Gun Rifle Build

[Long Cut]

I picked up this CVA Scout in 6.5 CM back in February. This rifle was to bridge a gap in my arsenal for an affordable, Compact and light weight rifle that I can take with me scouting, hunting the mountains and for Check In/ Quota hunts where I’ll be walking longer distances. I’ve also grown quite fond of single shot weapons and plan to add a Ruger #1 to my arsenal one day.

I put an SWFA 3-9x42 HD on it with DNZ Game Reapers 1-Piece Base for more durability and reliability.

The stock was also stripped, cleaned and polished with the plastic stock receiving a new paint job.

Off to the bench for load development, here I was loading Nosler 140g BT’s and Barnes 120g TTSX’s with VihtVouri N555 powder, CCI 400’s and Lapua SRP Brass. All bullets seated .0200 off of the lands.

For a first range trip, the Nosler’s grouped very well, down into the .5 MOA range. I’m curious to see how the Nosler BT’s hold up to Hornady’s ELDX’s and Sierra TMK’s as I really attempt to dial in this rifle. The Barnes TTSX’s performed average across the board, the best group was right at MOA for this rifle.

The rifle was also outfitted with a Triad Tactical stock pack with 5 bullet loops inside the case along with “Barney bullets” on the side of the receiver. This provides me a “1 + 2” with 5 more shells in the pouch.

I’m currently waiting for my custom Forster FL Sizing die to work up my next batch of ammo for this platform. I don’t anticipate beating .5 MOA but anything is possible, for a ~$310 Rifle it sure is a shooter.

 

[bullethead]

I picked up this CVA Scout in 6.5 CM back in February. This rifle was to bridge a gap in my arsenal for an affordable, Compact and light weight rifle that I can take with me scouting, hunting the mountains and for Check In/ Quota hunts where I’ll be walking longer distances. I’ve also grown quite fond of single shot weapons and plan to add a Ruger #1 to my arsenal one day.

I put an SWFA 3-9x42 HD on it with DNZ Game Reapers 1-Piece Base for more durability and reliability.

The stock was also stripped, cleaned and polished with the plastic stock receiving a new paint job.

Off to the bench for load development, here I was loading Nosler 140g BT’s and Barnes 120g TTSX’s with VihtVouri N555 powder, CCI 400’s and Lapua SRP Brass. All bullets seated .0200 off of the lands.

For a first range trip, the Nosler’s grouped very well, down into the .5 MOA range. I’m curious to see how the Nosler BT’s hold up to Hornady’s ELDX’s and Sierra TMK’s as I really attempt to dial in this rifle. The Barnes TTSX’s performed average across the board, the best group was right at MOA for this rifle.

The rifle was also outfitted with a Triad Tactical stock pack with 5 bullet loops inside the case along with “Barney bullets” on the side of the receiver. This provides me a “1 + 2” with 5 more shells in the pouch.

I’m currently waiting for my custom Forster FL Sizing die to work up my next batch of ammo for this platform. I don’t anticipate beating .5 MOA but anything is possible, for a ~$310 Rifle it sure is a shooter.

I've had to back TTSX bullets as far as .075 off the lands to get great groups. Most times there is a sweet spot between .050 to .020. They like jump.

 

[Dub]

That is a lot of capability in a light package.

I'd say you accomplished your goal very well.

 

[Railroader]

I sure like your set-up!

 

[Long Cut]

I've had to back TTSX bullets as far as .075 off the lands to get great groups. Most times there is a sweet spot between .050 to .020. They like jump.

Thanks for the insight.

I bought these on sale but am moving away from Mono’s and will be trying other bullet designs in the form of Hornady ELDX/M and Sierra TMK’s. The ballistic gel & animals I’ve seen taken with the above have absolutely caught my attention.

 

[menhadenman]

I just picked up that same rifle in 45/70 - it’s great. Was also thinking run and gun rifle here in North GA and western NC where I doubt shots past 50 yards will ever happen.

Your setup looks pretty sweet. Once you go to the ELDs give 41.5 gr of H4350 if you have any.

 

[RamblinWreck88]

I've been a big fan of this project, as I recently realized the same configuration would make sense for me in virtually the exact same intended role as you've outlined.

Are you still planning on chopping the barrel? I followed your last thread about it and was pretty impressed with the 6.5's ballistics out of shorter barrels with hand-loads.

I'm looking hard at the .243 version in stainless myself, or even the 6.5 if I can find it in stainless and reasonably-priced. I had considered getting their 300 BLK configuration and having it re-chambered for .308, but decided against that for several reasons. I wish these cool little rifles were made in just a few more calibers.

 

[Jester896]

The rifle was also outfitted with a Triad Tactical stock pack with 5 bullet loops inside the case along with “Barney bullets” on the side of the receiver. This provides me a “1 + 2” with 5 more shells in the pouch.

I use one of Traid's too. I got mine with a data window pouch on the outside and a shell holder inside

good lookin stick

 

[Long Cut]

I've been a big fan of this project, as I recently realized the same configuration would make sense for me in virtually the exact same intended role as you've outlined.

Are you still planning on chopping the barrel? I followed your last thread about it and was pretty impressed with the 6.5's ballistics out of shorter barrels with hand-loads.

I'm looking hard at the .243 version in stainless myself, or even the 6.5 if I can find it in stainless and reasonably-priced. I had considered getting their 300 BLK configuration and having it re-chambered for .308, but decided against that for several reasons. I wish these cool little rifles were made in just a few more calibers.

More than likely I’m going to keep the 20” factory length but I’ll get the barrel threaded for a suppressor. I figure 2” of barrel isn’t enough to worry about.

I do wish they offered this platform in .308 as I’d have gotten that and chopped the barrel. The .300blk is amazing especially suppressed in the V2 Scouts, but I like having the ability to stretch out to 300-400 yards in my back pocket.

I’m glad you’ve enjoyed following this project. They’re a very well priced gun and I wouldn’t hesitate buying another.

 

[Long Cut]

I just picked up that same rifle in 45/70 - it’s great. Was also thinking run and gun rifle here in North GA and western NC where I doubt shots past 50 yards will ever happen.

Your setup looks pretty sweet. Once you go to the ELDs give 41.5 gr of H4350 if you have any.

I cannot find H4350 anywhere I’ve given up on it sadly. VihtVouri has done very well for me and it’s by far the cleanest powder I’ve ever seen. 100 rounds down the tube and it’s clean in 2 passes.

I contemplated the 45-70 but between recoil and ballistics, I favored the 6.5 albeit the 45-70 is a thumper of a brush gun.

 

[Dub]

I cannot find H4350 anywhere I’ve given up on it sadly. VihtVouri has done very well for me and it’s by far the cleanest powder I’ve ever seen. 100 rounds down the tube and it’s clean in 2 passes.

I contemplated the 45-70 but between recoil and ballistics, I favored the 6.5 albeit the 45-70 is a thumper of a brush gun.

In stock for the moment....wallet stinger, too. No 8lb kegs in stock.

Hodgdon H4350 Smokeless Gun Powder

For magnums with light to moderate weight bullets, Hodgdon H4350 rifle powder can't be beat. Powder Valley offers the finest reloading powder on the market.

www.powdervalleyinc.com

8lb kegs....

Hodgdon H4350 Smokeless Gun Powder 8 lb

Hodgdon H4350 Extreme Extruded propellant is a burning speed that has been known to shooters for decades. During that time, Hodgdon has modernized H4350...

www.midwayusa.com

 

[menhadenman]

I cannot find H4350 anywhere I’ve given up on it sadly. VihtVouri has done very well for me and it’s by far the cleanest powder I’ve ever seen. 100 rounds down the tube and it’s clean in 2 passes.

I contemplated the 45-70 but between recoil and ballistics, I favored the 6.5 albeit the 45-70 is a thumper of a brush gun.

I’ll have to try that VV sometime.

I’ve got a 4350 I can spare if you’re ever up in Union county. Alexander’s has it pretty often here too.

I have three 6.5 CMs and three Grendels so play around a bit with the 264 bullets.

 

[Long Cut]

In stock for the moment....wallet stinger, too. No 8lb kegs in stock.

Hodgdon H4350 Smokeless Gun Powder

For magnums with light to moderate weight bullets, Hodgdon H4350 rifle powder can't be beat. Powder Valley offers the finest reloading powder on the market.

www.powdervalleyinc.com

8lb kegs....

Hodgdon H4350 Smokeless Gun Powder 8 lb

Hodgdon H4350 Extreme Extruded propellant is a burning speed that has been known to shooters for decades. During that time, Hodgdon has modernized H4350...

www.midwayusa.com

Thank you!

 

[Long Cut]

I’ll have to try that VV sometime.

I’ve got a 4350 I can spare if you’re ever up in Union county. Alexander’s has it pretty often here too.

I have three 6.5 CMs and three Grendels so play around a bit with the 264 bullets.

I just grabbed 2# to play with thanks to Dub. I really appreciate it though! Lord willing I should be alright for powder for sometime.

 

[menhadenman]

I just grabbed 2# to play with thanks to Dub. I really appreciate it though! Lord willing I should be alright for powder for sometime.

Check out loads in the 41ish grains pushing 140-143 gr bullets, it’s been good for me.

 

[rosewood]

I have seen H4350 in stock at 2 LGS (near Macon) and also Blairsville at Alexanders. Where you at?

 

[rosewood]

I have had good luck with IMR4451. Before the plandemic, it was easier to find than H4350, but I haven't seen it since.

Rsoewood

 

[FlipKing]

I've been considering something similar in .300BO for a super quiet option. Nice build!

 

[rosewood]

I am a fanboy of the CVA single shots. My favorite is the Hunter in 35 Rem with 20" barrel. A dream to carry. I also bought the Scout II in stainless 6.5NMMB. It is a 24" take down, I would have preferred a shorter barrel and not a takedown. I think the takedown takes away from accuracy. I also have the Scout II in 300 BLk in a 16.5" bbl takedown. Both of the Scout IIs are threaded.

Rosewood

 

[Jester896]

I cannot find H4350 anywhere I’ve given up on it sadly.

are you close to me? I might can let 1 go.