Backcountry Primed

There is no question that “made in Canada” grabs my attention. Such has been the case with Antler Firearms – a Quebec-based company that builds semi-custom rifles in an array of models and options they guarantee will shoot into 1/2 MOA. Having previously reviewed their Rocky Mountain model, I was now looking for a lightweight, rugged and accurate backcountry rifle. A rifle that would captivate a sheep hunter.

Ti Mountain 6.5 Creedmoor

The Ti Mountain was a logical choice. It boasts a titanium action that is not only super strong, tough, and resistant to corrosion, but it is also 50 per cent lighter than stainless steel. The receiver includes integrated 20 MOA bases and a recoil lug that enhance precision by reducing vibration. The internal cutting is made with an EDM wire cutter that, with an accuracy of 0.0004 inches, is the most precise on the market.

The barrel is spiral fluted stainless steel that is button rifled rather than being cold hammer forged. This process induces less stress on the barrel, leaves fewer marks and improves precision and consistency. As a result, it does not require lapping. The barrel’s spiral fluting reduces weight, promotes cooling and enhances its overall aesthetic appeal. The barrel, muzzle brake and action are Cerakote finished for a durable, enhanced finish in either the matched colour (14 options) or black. The three-lug bolt is made from match-grade 416 stainless steel, is spiral fluted and offers a 70-degree lift. The trigger is adjustable but leaves the factory set at 2.75 pounds. The Ti utilizes a three-position safety, is equipped with a detachable magazine and is accompanied with a target shot at the factory verifying its 1/2 MOA accuracy guarantee.

The Ti’s carbon fibre stock is three times harder and 50 per cent lighter than a wood stock and includes a LimbSaver recoil pad. It is available in 14 impressive colour options, including the new Golden Forest that my test rifle was decked out in. The rifle was also equipped with a couple of options – rather than the standard MB42 muzzle brake it included an optional side ported brake and a forend rail.

 

Rifle Specifications

Calibre: 6.5 Creedmoor

Weight: 6.25 pounds .300 WM 24-inch barrel (test rifle weighed 5.75 pounds)

Barrel length: 20 inches

Total length: With brake, 41.5 inches (measured)

Twist rate: 1/8 inches

Magazine capacity: Four

Trigger: Adjustable, set at 2.75 pounds

Length of pull: 13.5 inches

Zeiss Conquest V4 4-16x44mm Scope

Admittedly, I’m a fan of Zeiss optics, which was undoubtedly a salient factor in my decision to review another of their riflescopes. This time around, I was seeking a match for the Ti Mountain. To quote Zeiss, their Conquest V4 4-16×44 provides “lightweight precision for mountain hunts.” Zeiss refers to it as the most versatile and compact model in the V4 lineup. With its light weight, compact size, #60 illuminated reticle, and ballistic elevation turret, it was just what I was looking for.

While not high-end priced, this scope is manufactured by one of the world’s premiere optical companies. It features a 30-millimetre tube, four-times zoom, second focal plane, target-style elevation turret with Zeiss Ballistic Stop, .25 MOA elevation and windage clicks, high-definition glass, T* multi-layer lens coatings, and a LotuTec protective coating for bright, sharp images. Other notables include 90 per cent light transmission, nitrogen filled for fogproof integrity and waterproofing to 400 mbar, and 80 MOA of elevation travel for optimal long-range versatility. It is lightweight and, with its generous eyebox, affords quick target acquisition. It comes with a limited lifetime warranty and a five-year no-fault warranty just in case you accidently damage it.

 

Scope Specifications

Magnification: 4-16x

Objective lens: 44 millimetres

Tube size: 30 millimetres

Length: 14 inches

Weight: 22.6 ounces

Field of view: 28 to seven feet at 100 yards

Eye relief: 3.54 inches

Elevation adjustment: 80 MOA

Parallax: 9.1 metres to infinity

Focal plane: Second

Test Results

This is a compact, well-built rifle that, on the scale, weighed in at five pounds, 12 ounces, with a trigger pull weight of two pounds, seven ounces. A great trigger with zero creep. Utilizing lightweight Weaver Tactical Four Hole rings, mounting the V4 4-16×44 scope took but minutes, bringing the total weight of this combo to seven pounds, four ounces. A very comfortable backcountry weight. For a shorter barreled rifle, it fit and balanced well. I also liked the three-position safety and detachable magazine. In so far as aesthetics, the Ti Mountain’s Golden Forest camo was eye catching and a perfect match for a backcountry hunting rifle.

On the range, I tested six handloads and 14 factory loads, all of which cycled perfectly. This rifle, with its side-ported muzzle brake, was a joy to shoot with minimal recoil and virtually no muzzle jump. I also noted that despite the shorter 20-inch barrel, many of the factory loads approximated their advertised velocity – a plus on longer shoots. Meanwhile, I concur with Zeiss that the Conquest V4 4-16×44 was designed for mountain hunts – in my view, the best of the V4 lineup for those remote, lofty hunts. The optics were excellent and I loved the user friendliness of both the illuminated #60 reticle and the elevated ballistic turret.

 

Factory Ammunition

Brand	Bullet	Velocity (fps)	Group Size
Nosler AccuBond	140 grains	2,554	.530
Nosler Whitetail Country	140 grains	2,611	.495
Hornady Precision Hunter	143-grain ELD-X	2,628	.630
Hornady Superformance	129-grain SST	2,865	.710
Federal Premium	120-grain Trophy Copper	2,868	.940
Federal Premium	130-grain Barnes TSX	2,739	.822
Fusion	140 grains	2,706	.735
Barnes VOR-TX	127-grain LRX	2,735	.395
Barnes VOR-TX	120-grain TTSX BT	2,801	.570
Winchester Deer Season XP	125-grain Extreme Point	2,768	.495
Winchester Expedition Long Range	142-grain AccuBond	2,602	1.190
Sako Gamehead Pro	130 grains	2,791	.510
Norma Whitetail	140 grains	2,536	1.02
Norma Tip Strike	140 grains	2,564	.610

 

 

Handloads

Bullet	Powder	Case	Velocity (fps)	Group Size (inches)
Hornady 129-grain SST	Winchester 760	Hornady	2,862	.890
Hornady 140-grain SP InterLock	StaBall 6.5	Hornady	2,683	.480
Hornady 143-grain ELD-X	H 4350	Hornady	2,615	.595
Berger 140-grain VLD Hunting	H 414	Hornady	2,483	.950
Barnes 120-grain TTSX	I 4895	Hornady	2,506	.760
Barnes 127-grain LRX	IMR 4451	Hornady	2,719	.997

Note: All groups are three shots at 100 yards and velocities are recorded using a Garmin Xero C1 Pro chronograph and averaged.

 

Last Shot

The Ti Mountain delivered on its accuracy guarantee. This rifle is an accurate shooter. My handloads averaged .778, while factory ammunition bettered that average at .698. Two of my handloads and four factory loads also exceeded Antler Firearm’s 1/2 MOA guarantee, while several others hovered at that average. Not to mention that 18 of the 20 groups bettered MOA. The best of the lot, at .345, was VOR-TX 127-grain LRX. At .480, a handloaded 140-grain Hornady InterLock and StaBall 6.5 powder was a close second. Both are an excellent choice for most backcountry hunts. For deer, Nosler Whitetail Country at .495 would top my list.