Warning

 

Close
Confirm Action

Are you sure you wish to do this?

Cancel Confirm
AR15.COM
Armory Sponsor
3/5/2025 1:32:52 PM EDT
[Last Edit: Odinforever2000][Edited]
OK so this is not exactly the factory rifle anymore..More to see how many (accuracy) mods I can cram onto this rifle
I do have an MDR with no modifications  in 6.5cm. (This is my Control)
Mostly to test both rifles and the changes with the barrel block bedding and the Wlvrn Piston/Op rod changes (These are the "Accuracy Upgrade" Mods to the rifle by Desert Tech).

Just for reference I also put of my groups with just the Accuracy Upgrade chassis + Factory bbl w/ factory ammo (no suppressor) and groups with suppressor.
I have also shot the upgraded chassis with 223 and 308 (some 10 shot groups)..Dunno if that should go here or not..

Rifle
MDRx 2020 (Accuracy Improved Chassis Update)
Blk Lbl Bipod Handguard
Es Tactical 6.5cm 1:7.5 FE Barrel W/MDRX Gen 3 gasblock and adjuster updates
HXWrks 30cal Qd muzzle brake
Wheeler 1.4" SPR mount
Arken 5-25x56
Rear Bag

Ammo Tested in the ES Tactical BBL+ Hux suppressor (1x5 shot group-seeking Accuracy Node)
140 Grain Hornady ELDM Reload test 0.849. (4 of 5 shots were 0.391moa)
(Will retest for 10 shot groups).
Note...None of the loads tested got bigger that 1.4moa.
Condensed Video

Ammo Tested in the Factory Barrel No Suppressor
140 Grain AAC Sabre Black Tip  = 2.385 Avg
140 Grain Federal Centerstrike  =  1.428 Avg
140 Grain AAC SMK                 =   2.14  Avg *Discovered loose scope mount.                  


Ammo Tested in the Factory Barrel Suppressor
140 Grain AAC Sabre Black Tip  = 1.702 Avg
140 Grain Federal Centerstrike  =  1.256 Avg  * even with a pulled shot (1st group is 0.710)
140 Grain AAC SMK                 =  1.743  Avg
140 Grain Sellier and Bellot FMJ=  1.950 Avg
129 Grain American WhitetailSP=  1.636 Avg * only 1 (5) shot group

Shooting Details
100 Yard Rage
Ballistic X App
2x5 Shot Groups
3/5/2025 2:04:25 PM EDT
[#1]
Very nice work!  

It looks like that ES barrel + suppressor combination really tightened everything up.  Combined together it is a touch more accurate than the ES barrel 308 groups that were done awhile back.

By any chance did you test the hand loads with the ES barrel without the suppressor?  It would be interesting to see how much the suppressor contributed to the performance.

I am also interested in seeing how the factory chassis performed and/or seeing what the contribution from the oprod change actually is.
3/5/2025 4:24:27 PM EDT
[Last Edit: Odinforever2000][Edited] [#2]
Quote History
Originally Posted By FrozenIceman:
Very nice work!  

It looks like that ES barrel + suppressor combination really tightened everything up.  Combined together it is a touch more accurate than the ES barrel 308 groups that were done awhile back.

By any chance did you test the hand loads with the ES barrel without the suppressor?  It would be interesting to see how much the suppressor contributed to the performance.

I am also interested in seeing how the factory chassis performed and/or seeing what the contribution from the oprod change actually is.
View Quote


I did not test without the supressor,only loaded up 5 of each except for the 41gr. That one is allegedly a good load in a 6.5cm Wlvrn but won't be able to test on my factory barrel till it gets back.

I will be testing without the supressor when I get a chance. Kinda wondering if I can shrink it more by going up or down 0.1 gr.

I'll also be shooting side by side a 6.5cm Wlvrn (buddies) over the weekend for a comparison.

I speculate the supressor may not have an affect on the Es bbl... But I'll need to prove it.

So..I guess 2 separate tests are still on the horizon..
3/7/2025 2:24:47 AM EDT
[#3]
My first factory 6.5 barrel was solidly sub-moa with factory ammo.  

It was also part of a batch of 4 inoperative rifles.   The MDR got to die in a fire for me.
3/7/2025 3:10:26 AM EDT
[#4]
Quote History
Originally Posted By vectorsc:
My first factory 6.5 barrel was solidly sub-moa with factory ammo.  

It was also part of a batch of 4 inoperative rifles.   The MDR got to die in a fire for me.
View Quote

My factory 6.5 barrel has only hit sub moa with Fed centerstrike. Need to get more of that for testing
3/9/2025 4:11:09 PM EDT
[#5]
147 hornadies were what mine liked.
3/9/2025 6:12:44 PM EDT
[#6]
Quote History
Originally Posted By vectorsc:
147 hornadies were what mine liked.
View Quote

Shot some if those in the 6.5 Wlvrn and it did not like them
6/9/2025 11:01:04 PM EDT
[#7]
Playing with more Factory Ammo.

MDRX +Accuracy Upgrade+ES BBL+HXQD
140gr Bergers Elite Hunter         1.45moa Ave SD17
140gr Fed Gold Berger Match    1.05moa Ave SD15
140gr Hornady Match                1.32 moa Ave SD15

140gr ELDM Handload?             1.21moa (10)  SD7




MDR (Factory Default)_HXQD
140gr Bergers Elite Hunter       1.45moa Ave SD16
140gr Fed Gold Berger Match  1.29moa Ave SD 13
140gr ELDM Handload             1.70moa Ave SD 11



140 Nomra WHite Tail.             1.24moa SD16

If your goal is benchrest/prone accuracy and consistency, the MDRX AU + ES Tactical Barrel build is the winner — especially with match ammo.
**The factory barrel build remains capable, but the ES barrel shows clear improvements in both average group size and flyer control.

If you go down the Reloading rabbit hole your groups can shrink to almost 0.5moa
This is that same rifle but at 816 yards with some magical handloads. Based on the size of the plate I figure thats around 0.6moa.

6/19/2025 7:20:48 PM EDT
[#8]
MDRX 6 5cm 816 yards. 1st attempt!

Took the MDRX in 6.5cm out to 816 yards. I didn't zero the rifle, just dialed and went at it.
Heres the abbreviated video for the full 51 seconds originally.
That is an 18" Plate..It was probably 95 degrees outside, some Left to right cross wind and some Mirage.
6/19/2025 11:45:14 PM EDT
[#9]
Quote History
Originally Posted By Odinforever2000:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vIC8cyO2ZRI
Took the MDRX in 6.5cm out to 816 yards. I didn't zero the rifle, just dialed and went at it.
Heres the abbreviated video for the full 51 seconds originally.
That is an 18" Plate..It was probably 95 degrees outside, some Left to right cross wind and some Mirage.
View Quote

Very nice work. Well done
8/16/2025 9:47:50 PM EDT
[#10]
Reloading is black magic..Playing with seating depth. At least this will still fit in my regular magazine.
Ill see how well the factory barrel likes this after I load up some more.
1/26/2026 11:04:20 PM EDT
[#11]

For cheap ammo..It shoots good.
I think its actually 129gr American Whitetail.
3/31/2026 2:47:53 PM EDT
[#12]
Playing with reloading. Almost got it to stay a 0.5moa.
Also..have learned about shoulder bump and neck tension.
These are contributing to my larger group vs Virgin Brass.

- Should I jump back to the factory barrel for handloads as a comparison?
Factory loads were pretty close to the same.

Sign up to continue the discussion

Create a free account to share your thoughts, follow topics, and connect with the AR15.COM community.

Already a member? Sign In

Armory Sponsor