6.5mm Cooper Rifle Opinions

Jerry D · #1 07-25-2017, 08:14 AM

I have been looking at ordering a Cooper rifle in left hand.

I am most interested in a laminate stocked rifle or one of their synthetic stocks which are in the works... Any of their wooden stocked rifles they can do in laminate. I like the raised comb on the schnabel and they have a laminate sporter model now too.

https://www.facebook.com/permalink.p...67807303399401

They also have the backcountry available in left hand 5 3/4 lbs. (Cost on these is 4k... so I wondered maybe that opens the doors to a NULA as well...

https://www.facebook.com/26780730339...516322/?type=3

My dilemma is I'm not sure what to choose, 6.5x55 (long action) or 6.5 CM (short action).

The problem is, Cooper has a new synthetic model coming out called the Timberline to go between the back country (lightweight) an the open range (heavy weight). It is in the works and I was told to check back in a couple months. This rifle they said will be offered in left hand and in the long action which would mean I would need the 6.5x55 which I own a swedish mauser and it's very nice.

My question to you guys is how does a laminate stock compare to a synthetic and traditional walnut stock for accuracy and durability.

Finally whats your take on the 6.5x55. I understand the 6.5x55 will be faster than the CM however my concern is that the factory throat on the 6.5x55 is designed for the 160's while the CM is for the 140's if that's correct?

Ultimately I need to wait until the timberline gets released but it's two months out at least and then probably 6-8 months for the rifle to arrive.

Maxwell78 · #2 07-25-2017, 08:19 AM

The swede shooting the woodleigh 160 gr ppsn bullets would be a match made in heaven.

Enjoy

catnthehat · #3 07-25-2017, 08:32 AM

If you are trying to shave every ounce you can , the 6.5CM
If it doesn't matter that much I would go with the 6.5x55
Cat

elkhunter11 · #4 07-25-2017, 09:01 AM

The 6.5x55 rifles shoot just fine with lighter bullets. Cooper uses a 140gr bullet to verify the accuracy of their 6.5x55 rifles. I personally own a 6.5x55, and a 260rem, the CM doesn't offer advantage in a bolt action hunting rifle.

sns2 · #5 07-25-2017, 09:11 AM

Hey Jerry. Congrats on your search. I always enjoyed this phase more than the actual getting of the gun. To help you, you really need to tell us what type of hunting you will be doing, as well as the terrain you will be covering. That will make a big difference in the feedback you get.

Big Thumper · #6 07-25-2017, 09:42 AM

I think the 92 BC in 6.5x55 would be a great rifle for a lot of hunting purposes. I've seen a couple in right hand. Beautiful rifles.

Stonegoat · #7 07-25-2017, 10:22 AM

I have a Cooper Excalibur with a stainless action and barrel in 6.5 Creedmoor. It's an incredible rifle. Their 0.5 MOA accuracy guarantee is legit. At 500 yards, I routinely keep my groups between 2.5"-3.5". My best group is 1.86".

Jerry D · #8 07-25-2017, 10:47 AM

Thanks guys. Good to know.

Most of the hunting is stand hunting and when bored a nice casual walk. Not too many hills or rough terrain

The .260 rem is an option as well for the short action.

The back country does peak interest as a hunting gun however I feel I'm right on the steps of a nula as far as cost goes. I do understand that the back country is light for a long action and some of the larger powder capacity options.

I really like the 7mm08 but we have caliber restrictions in areas here. .270 or less and we all know the .270 win is actually .277.

I was looking at the fierce as well but lots of mixed reviews and with cooper's big push into 3 different synthetic stock models in lh

Utimately let's wait for the timberline and I'll take a look at it. I'm trying to replace 2 a bolts. 1 in .2506 with a 20" barrel and boss which makes it overall 22" which isn't ideal and a nice stainless stalker in .30 06 which I'm trying to reduce recoil to enjoy some more time target shooting.

Beeman3 · #9 07-26-2017, 09:17 AM

If you are not totally set on the Cooper, maybe look into a Christensen Ridge Line. Hearing some very positive reviews on these rifles. Or for the money you are talking, maybe collect all the parts and build one exactly like you want. Personally I would build one. $4000 will get you a very nice gun.

Lefty-Canuck · #10 07-26-2017, 09:59 AM

I still have a .260 improved with your name on it, Defiance Rebel LH

LC

elkhunter11 · #11 07-26-2017, 10:43 AM

When you are talking in the $4000 range, building a custom makes a lot of sense. You choose the action, the stock design, the LOP , the barrel length, contour, and rate of twist, and the trigger.

tchardy1972 · #12 07-26-2017, 11:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by elkhunter11

When you are talking in the $4000 range, building a custom makes a lot of sense. You choose the action, the stock design, the LOP , the barrel length, contour, and rate of twist, and the trigger.

I agree. Build one exactly how you want it. However, until our dollar comes back up a little more parts will be expensive.

Stonegoat · #13 07-26-2017, 12:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Beeman3

If you are not totally set on the Cooper, maybe look into a Christensen Ridge Line. Hearing some very positive reviews on these rifles. Or for the money you are talking, maybe collect all the parts and build one exactly like you want. Personally I would build one. $4000 will get you a very nice gun.

My buddy has a Ridgeline. It's a sweet shooter!! Very comparable to Cooper accuracy wise

jmedical · #14 07-28-2017, 04:45 PM

Ive owned a few coopers now and would suggest not buying one. My understanding is they are having issues in production and a company Iwony name as its second handhas had to send over 18back this year for repair. They have undersized extractors and ejectors, the action threads are not continuous and for 3000+ dollars no integral recoil lug.

Get a semi custom done on a tikka or rem. or custome.

elkhunter11 · #15 07-28-2017, 05:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jmedical

Ive owned a few coopers now and would suggest not buying one. My understanding is they are having issues in production and a company Iwony name as its second handhas had to send over 18back this year for repair. They have undersized extractors and ejectors, the action threads are not continuous and for 3000+ dollars no integral recoil lug.

Get a semi custom done on a tikka or rem. or custome.

It sounds like you have been talking to a certain ex employee of the largest Cooper dealer in Canada.

jmedical · #16 07-29-2017, 11:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by elkhunter11

It sounds like you have been talking to a certain ex employee of the largest Cooper dealer in Canada.

Had to have work done on two.... the one 6.5x284 still wont extract or eject reliably. I had emails from cooper where they admitted to the undersized extractor/ejector. Need to get it back in for some upgrades.

propliner · #17 07-30-2017, 10:09 AM

I ordered a Cooper where the magazine was loose fore and aft, rocked like a boat on high seas and would pop out when fired. Cooper's solution? Bend the magazine release spring tab out further.

The mag is still fits loose and this is all they'll do. I wouldn't buy another and will stick with a good Rem 700 from now on.