Overview, accuracy tests and trigger adjustments for the Thompson Center Compass in 6.5 Creedmoor. UPDATED 09/27/2018 - All links have been removed to comply with RU-vid content policies. www.patreon.com/reloading
“A reloading recruitment video”... absolutely! The video easily demonstrates how, if obviously done correctly, hand loads can be tailored to a specific firearm. Pretty cool. I don’t have this gun or even a gun chambered for this cartridge, but watch for pointers. Thank you.
The cost of ammo is a real problem as this 6.5 is pretty much over a dollar a round just about everywhere I looked. I used to reload many years ago but the cost of that has gone through the roof too.
I ended up buying one of these in 6.5 Creedmoor after seeing your video. I took it apart and poured bondo resin in the forend to stiffen it up, bedded the lug area, and put a MCarbo spring kit in it. After some testing I was able to get a .38moa group at 100yds with this setup. I wish I knew how to attach a photo. I used Hornady Brass, Hornady 147gr ELD-M, 41grs H4350, and my COL is 2.9" which is a 40 thousands jump on my firearm. It is pushing 2630 fps. Thanks again for your video because I wouldn't have this tack driver if it wasn't for you at a ridiculously low price.
Got myself the Compass in 556/223, left the trigger at factory setting, getting excellent accuracy out of it, will probably get one more in 308 Win as you simply cannot go wrong with this rifle. Awesome video with dual purpose, to test the reloads and review the rifle, all that in one place, priceless.
Seriously, that was actually one of the most straight-forward and really, one of the only existing demos on how to adjust the Compass trigger. Last year, I got the T/C Compass II in .308 Win. Non-adjustable bladed trigger. I ran several strings of 20 pulls each. It never got above 2 pounds 7.7 ounces. I did put mine in an Oryx chassis. The factory stock was okay and I was getting 1/2 MOA. The chassis is at least as good at that.
I bougth this Thompson Center Compass last week. It's a awesome gun. The trigger pull on mine, I love it. If your using this gun for hunting, leave the trigger pull alone. Everyone at the range yesterday couldn't believe how super well this gun is made for the price. Three guys that where leaving the range were heard to Pro Bass Shop to buy one as the sale was ending today and they where on sale for 299.95. I even like it better than my Reminton model 700 that I have three time the money in it. I didn't like the hollow butt on the gun as when you hit it, it's nosey. So I took the butt pad off and filled it part way with Good Stuff Gap Fiiler half way. Than the next day I filled it more. 100 percent better. Now it sounds solid. This gun shoots a tight group everytime, I'd even pay twice the money for it, You can't go wrong with this gun.
Just a helpful tip for everyone. A Winchester M-70 Target Trigger Spring is an exact match to replace the stock trigger spring and will drop the trigger pull to about 3.5lbs.
Johnny, the gun will gain more accuracy and velocity as the copper fouling builds up in the barrel. It took my Savage 250 rounds of Hornady 143 ELD. The increased bearing surface of the bullet in the barrel plays a huge role in accuracy and velocity and groups will be inconsistent until the barrel builds up a even layer of copper fouling. This barrel shows huge promise once it is fully broken in. I also recommend throwing out the first bullet for each group when measuring group size if you change bullet types or powders. Your 42.0 of RL17 with the 130 SGK is a perfect example of a POI shift due to change of bullet type/manufacturer. I have also found RL17 to be the cleanest burning powder in 6.5 creedmoor.
David Peterson.....I agree. Barrels shoot better with some fouling. Uh, at least the ones I've owned since I started noticing things like that which was around the early 70's.
Great shooting JRB and really good overview of the rifle. You trigger adjustment segment will come in really helpful. It’s not a bad gun or investment at all for $200, It’s a great bargain. My brother in laws shoots 1/2” with RE17 and the Hornady 143 ELD’s. No doubt in my mind you will find some sweet 1/2” loads. And shooting 1/2” from a $200 rifle is crazy. I just picked one up from KYGunco for $197 last week (after rebate), so looking forward to this series to compare Reloading notes/accuracy.
I should have mentioned KYGunco in the video. I have linked them in the description. They are definitely the best price right now. Being in KY, though...I figured they'd charge me sales tax so the price would have been pretty much the same in my case.
Johnny, I know this is a old video but I bought the same rifle at the same time you bought yours. I changed the stock and bedded the action and for my first bolt action rifle I had a blast doing upgrades and shot about 1000rds with it. I have sold the Compass and moved into a Sabatti Tactical EVO in 6.5 CM. Due to the crazy cost I bought a Hornady single stage reloading station. Plan on watching a lot of your videos to see how you progressed in this caliber. Can't wait to start reloading my own ammo.
I shot mine yesterday with the red “spacer” still on where you put it under the barrel (forgot to take it off) it shot 1/2moa with cheap 140gr Hornady American gunner!
I like your channel but not sure if your rifle was the best choice. I got my new Remington 783 6.5CM, 22in” semi- heavy barrel. The stock is the cheapest one and it wasn’t floating barrel but Really accurate. Nice action and trigger. I got a cheap Nikon 4-12x14 Buckmaster2 instead. (I think Nikon is better than a cheap Version of a better brand like Vortex) Aligning my scope for first time and I shoot 4 Federal Not típical 140gn, also I shoot in a hurry as the sunset came to fast and the shooting range will close. I got .939 MOA at 100yards, Not my best shots and not the best conditions! Really happy. Good luck
What a service you have done for all the folk looking to get excellent performance at a reasonably low cost. Find some Reloder 16, you will love it in 6.5 Creed.
After watching your videos on the Grendel and loading 500 rounds for it. I decided I wanted a bolt rifle in that calliber so I bought a CZ527 . SWEET. When I was looking for a CZ527 I saw some Bergaras and have decided to get one. I have decided to get it in 6.5 Creedmoor. But I haven't decided which one I want. Thinking the B 14 HMR. I'm collecting now as much as hunting and figure it will be nice next to have.
Very interesting! A word of caution JRB and readers! Before you go to adjust the trigger, read the instructions at least three times while LOOKING at the subject. In a day where gun makers are catching hell at every turn, it makes sense to make sure that the operator headspace is working. Safety starts between your ears
One of the few reviewers who know about barrel heating! My Rem 700, with factory ammo, shoots 1-2 inch groups. With hand loads, and a stone cold barrel, does .4 inches at 100 yds. You are right hand loading and cold barrel matters, Good video.
Thanks! I knew the safety setup was just like a Winchester but I didn't realize the trigger is as well. I just got my first Winchester a few weeks ago and I haven't had it apart yet. Thanks!
Great job dude very well done! One thing I noticed on the first two shots you did for a group at 100, the front rest was close to the receiver on the first shot and crept toward the muzzle on the second shot. With the cheap stock that may be why you saw a bad spread there. Looking forward to more 6.5 CM
Thanks for the review JR. You mentioned in another video about your thumb position with regards the the butt stock. I had the same problem, but purchased a Boyd's Thumbhole and solved that issue with my 308 Compass. As for the trigger. The lowest I could get with the pull weight was 3lbs 10oz on mine. I removed the nut as you did, and lowered it to 2lbs 4oz measures on a Lyman digital trigger gauge. I hope this helped.
The ammo is tested in a 24" barrel as per Hornady's website, and the Compass's barrel is a long the lines of 21.75". That could be the cause of the 100fps discretion.
I bought this same rifle as a budget Hunter. Used an existing sling I had and ordered a TC predator scope and I'm all in at $250 not counting my hunting ammo of choice.
I got interested in the TC Compass from this video until I noted that no left hand versions were available. The next models up in price do have LH versions, but you lose the threaded barrel. I went with Savage Stealth in LH.
PR3 I use the red spacer between the barrel and the stock when replacing the action and it centers the barrel nicely. Then remove. You can remove the second upper lock nut and lower the trigger pull weight substantially. Still plenty to not adversely effect any functionality.
Have a savage 110 tactical in 6.5 creedmoor on the way currently as well as a press. Been looking forward to reloading for awhile now. Love the info in these videos.
For mine I use Hornady Precision Hunter and at 100yrds I can cover 3 shots with a dime. The Winchester Expedition opens up to 3 shots 1inch to 1-1/4inch groups.
I love to see it when you put a muzzle brake on it and see the difference in the rise of the barrel as well as the recall difference. I've been following your channel for a long time love the videos keep up the great work.
Thanks Johnny, I had my hopes Way Down looking for this 6.5 with the Scope Combo. But the 2nd combo you listed (6.5 Creedmoor with Vortex 4-12x40mm Diamondback) is in stock !!!! You have definitely made my day, I got one on order now ... way too awesome of a deal to pass on. Thanks again!!!
newdeathscope yes I got Academy to price match Dick's at $254.98 and they take off another 5% from that. 187.22 after $75 rebate and tax. Mine is 308win. Great info on the trigger.
Johnny's Reloading Bench Vance Gun Store in Columbus, OH is about the only ones I know that still have some in stock. You can search them online. Sportsmans Guide may have some but most are on back order or out of stock.
thanks again ! you have the best instructions for a simpleton like me. i'm slow to learn but this help me to get it quickly. i ordered me a new lighter spring for the trigger so with that said i should be able to get my trigger weight down to 2.5 lbs. thank you!!!
I picked one up this week , haven't shot it yet. But they must have changed the triggers on the new ones . Mine broke like glass. I couldn't believe how nice it was. It was close to my Timmney trigger , Really! Maybe not as good, but pretty dam good . I was fully expecting to have to change out the trigger or modify it when I bought it .Nope.
You are the only person I watch on RU-vid I love the .223 videos and now the 6.5. Very good videos I can dig theses. Love all the cheap bulk bullets videos.
I have this rifle in 6.5CM. So far I get the best groups from Hornady's 140gr ELD Match and 143gr ELD-X loads which produce 3-round groups of .50 and .75 inches, give or take. Always under an inch.
Hope to hear more about this gun soon, I'm definitely looking into buying this or something similar. Just haven't decide if I have reason enough to move away from a standard military round or not. Like 7.62x51. I'm trying to find a good balance between shooting accuracy, affordable ammo, practicality with the best reloading components for someone starting out with literally no dies or equipment to speak of
There's no shame in sticking with 308! It's been getting the job done for a long time. I like shooting heavy bullets, as a general rule, so I look down my nose at these smaller calibers with their dainty little bullets. They have their advantages, though...so the rising popularity is understandable.
Have this same rifle and have recently started reloading for it. Makes me even more excited for this video series! Also accuracy and consistency greatly improved after glass bedding the stock. Boyd's just started making stocks for the compass. Might be something to look into as well.
Johny, Thanks for all the detail on this gun. I am considering this and a Tikka for my first hunting gun. You mentioned your Tikka in this review, so was wondering what you thought, should I go for the Tikka or the Thompson. I was a bit surprised and disappointed that you said the tikka's synthetic stock was cheap and same concerns as the Thompson. I have handled a tikka tx3 lite and I thought the stock was much better fit and feel than the budget rifles such as the Rem 783, Savage Axis and Ruger American. I have not got my hands on a Thompson Compass. Also, the Tikka's stock was stiffer than those, I couldn't easily push the barrel and stock together.
Ohh how was this 5 years ago. Glad to see it again! I would really. Really love 💕 to see a swaro scope on some of these. Be a fun test Is it worth it!? 😊 thanks friend
glad to see you finally suppressing a bolt action! welcome to the club, in my opinion it is more enjoyable than suppressed gas guns. low recoil and no action noise/pop through the ejection port
Johnny - What if the "middle" nut was removed or shaved down? Wouldn't that allow for an even lighter pull weight or will the gun not function or be unsafe?
When I got my 6.5 compass 3 years ago I removed the middle nut. Used blue lock-tight on the other two. Light, clean, crisp, trigger that still passes a 12 inch drop test.
Absolutely outstanding video. I'm looking at getting a Compass myself sometime next year. Loved the detail you went into throughout the entire video. Would love to get into reloading but can't afford to at the moment.
Thks for all the info I'm glad I ran into this vid I just purchased one from a small outfitter I want to support but I'm waiting on background check. But for what u told me it costs I realized he put over a $200 markup on it so I think I'm gonna tell him I'm allset lol I'm new to gun buying so he almost got me.
You should try the .338 rcm that ruger has some of the models on sale for 499.99 until the end of the year. It’s a really interesting caliber. Factory ammo it groups around 1.25-1.75 but some of the fast 215 I’ve loaded and the fat 250 have put down 3/4 groups. The really nice thing with the factory ammo is you can set the rifle for 100yrds with the 200’s and it will only shot the 225 a 1/8in low and the 185 about 3/16in high.
Excellent video. Being old school and dedicated 257 Roberts fan as well as the 6.5X55, I think I may have to jump on this rifle and the caliber you used. Thank you for this detailed presentation. In truth, I actually reacted with a few "dangs" and "geezs", which I hardly do watching RU-vid. BTW, I did subscribe. Keep up the good work!
I have looked on the Edmonton cabelas website for Thompson center compass and they don't have it. In fact I haven't seen any Thompson centers anywhere online in Canada. I wish Canada could get up to speed with USA
wait, why is the nail polish on your bench? Do you get all gussied up when you reload? nvm, I watched the trigger bit at the end and now I know what it's for.
So looks like all you need to get even light trigger pull is get a couple of thinner nuts. Or just sand/grind the sides of those. Or just one nut and some red loctite. So easy to mod.
Trying to squeeze this video in before work. Ill just throw some water in my hair and say I took a shower. Been waiting for this video for a little while now. Soo excite! Eeek! Don't judge me, you're not even my real dad!
The great gun for the price it's an awesome gun I see no other reviews of it.. these cheap guns that are machined on a CNC machine kick ass all day long
sir thank you for this video! loved it and know it will help paid 325 after rebate so paid too much! without a scope even. o well if it gets a deer or two it will still be worth it. so thanks again you really did great to share your experience with trigger adjustments and reloads!
Another great video! Looking very good for accuracy with those first reloads! Now for the question. Have you ever heard of or tried Peterson brass? Looks like they have a few varieties of 6.5 Creedmoor brass (LRP, SRP, and thick neck). It also looks reasonably priced. I came across it today when perusing the 6.5 Creedmoor forum.
I'm impressed! One thing though: with some of those bigger groups with factory ammunition, it seemed that you might have been pulling your face off the stock in between shots? I'm not sure, but I think you should re-shoot the factory groups, considering most barrels need some copper fouling to be most accurate. I don't reload so i was pulling for the factory ammo. Great video by the way
My action and safety was tight on my 6.5 compass, I put some lucas gun oil on the bolt lugs and on/in the safety the best I could and went to work running the bolt and safety for a few minutes and it made a world of difference..
Look up freeboar boost. When u add a suppressor it acts like it is in a larger barrel without having contact with the bullet. It's how ruger made their latest suppressor barrel
Great video!! You definitely earned a new subscriber. Thanks for being so detailed. Good info! I dont reload... yet. I use Hornady Superformance SST in .308 through my compass. It groups between .75-.9 (ish)"... and that's a .308 with factory box ammo. I have a 6.25lb trigger pull that somewhat "handicaps" my shooting... it's an early model rifle that was recalled and "fixed" by T/C by cranking up the pull weight. I'm thoroughly impressed with this rifle... except for the excessive trigger pull weight as their hack of a recall fix. In case somebody wants to know... I'm using a Primary Arms Orion Scope with the nice chevron in the reticle. That chevron helps a lot. It's as accurate as you want it to be. I shoot with my rifle well balanced on a sand bag placed just under the magazine area... without toe support... only because I hunt out of an elevated Blind and just rest the stock on my rubber limbsaver sling on top of the window sill. Nothing fancy and the thing remains a tack driver! I broke it in right using a copper equilibrium procedure. See the Sniper 101 video for the steps on how to do it. Whether that helped, I can't say. I'm sure it didn't hurt. I managed to shoot a Whitetail at 305 yards with a 5-8 mph cross wind ... right through the heart!
Thanks for trigger portion. I'm waiting for mine to come,(also 6.5 CM) and never would have figured that adjustment out. I would be interested in seeing how some over the counter match rounds perform. Being that I don't reload. Have you tried match grade ammo?
Could you seat some bullets with all three stems and do a run-out comparison for us? I have some of these dies but have not acquired a concentricity gauge yet.
Have this rifle in 308...168gr Hornady match and Varget...sub 1/2 inch groups the last time I made it to the range. More than impressive with a rifle at this price point. As you said, nothing to complain about if you had paid 500 bucks for it. Outshoots my bro in law's Browning X-bolt easily!
How much Varget are you using? OAL? I'm loading for a T/C 308 also, only ran ~30 rounds or so but not getting the groups I like yet. Trying H335 and Varget on some 150gr poly tips (Not Hornady though)
41.0 grains of Varget with an overall length of 2.750 and a very minimal crimp. Your groups should tighten up with another 30-40 rounds. My rifle started shooting a lot tighter after about 60 rounds.
Those groups are so bad I would check your scope mounts to make sure there's nice snug and secure. I had a problem with the rifle it just wouldn't group it's shot accurate but it wouldn't group and when I got home I noticed the scope mount where a little bit loose
Out of curiosity, were the factory rounds the first rounds threw the barrel? If so I would like to see a re visit of the factory ammo. I am a huge proponent of reloading but have a hard time believing that ammo was that far off. I think the groups will get tighter after the barrel breaks in and goes threw a couple cleanings.
Steve Griffith I believe they were. I have the same rifle in the same caliber. I had the same results with factory loads until I had about 20 rounds through the barrel. Then the groups really started to tighten up substantially. If he puts a Winchester M-70 target spring then it will drop the trigger pull to about 3lbs and would most likely translate to even better accuracy or at the very least more consistent groups.
Wow, fantastic video. I've decided that this particular rifle will be my first bolt-gun. I've been agonizing on whether to go with .308 or 6.5 Creedmoor, as I'm always worried about new calibers being a fad and disappearing. But it looks like 6.5 Creedmoor is here to stay and I would not be surprised if NATO ends up adopting it. The rounds have also come down in price now where they're just slightly more than .308 on average and, as you said, it's a reloader's dream round. This rifle likewise just seems like one that I could have a ton of fun modifying and tweaking with new stocks, muzzle brakes, etc.. and I found your trigger adjustment segment to be MASSIVELY helpful. I do a lot of target shooting with a .22LR Ruger M3 22/45 pistol (with the bull barrel) and I'm quite good with that. I also maintained an expert marksman badge in the Army, and had thought about getting an AR. But I already have an SKS and lack any long range bolt gun. As I've really been wanting to get into long-range shooting and reloading, this rifle just seems like the perfect "gateway" drug into both hobbies. :)
@@funigui The only game I'd hunt with this would be feral hog and white-tail deer, so 6.5 Creedmoor would be more than enough to do the job for a humane kill as long as I do my part. Superior long-range accuracy (for long range target shooting) and significantly less recoil seems to make this caliber a no-brainer as a multi-role rifle. Granted I wouldn't win any long-range shooting competitions with it (barrel is too thin and heats up too fast), but for an inexpensive rifle for long-range (non-competitive) target shooting that can double as a light-weight and accurate hunting firearm, this rifle seems perfect. Plus the price is unbelievable.
would you johnny say the barrel is thick enough for long shooting periods of 150 rounds or less and or what would the round count be where the barrel heats up to the point of innacurate like it holds half in but after 50 rounds it gets hot and goes to 2 or 3 in's like what's the deal with the rifle in regards to that ?
Sierra GK looks good..... I just dont like the idea of running a Chamber Chiller after every shot; not realistic for my scenarios. Keep up the vids brother !!
Hey Johnny any chance you could do some load development woth this compass and the 95 grain vmax rounds!!! maybe with varget 4350 and or the new winchester 6.5 ball powder ?!?! Would be pretty awesome ! I have your same exact setup and watch all of your videos !!!
Just getting into reloading 6.5cm full length resizing is VERY difficult, I’ve tried a couple of different lubes but it’s very difficult. I’m on an rcbs rockchucker 4 with rcbs dies. Any suggestions appreciated. Thanks.
Have you done a drop test? Or just hit the butt pad on a table a few times? They have a lighter trigger spring you can buy but it doesn't pass this test. Is doing it the way you have safer?
