I want an HMR Pro but I need help

[SuperSneakySniper]

Hello gents,

I'm looking HARD at a Bergara HMR Pro. Got to handle one at the local store and I was very impressed with the feel.

I did some research on the HMR Pro, which is quite different from the original HMR that I'm familiar with. Between the two, I can't seem to find that much info on the Pro model. I'm looking for anyone who has experience with the Pro.

A couple things concern me:

1. I remember a couple reports of bolt handle breakages on the HMR. Does the Pro model have the same bolt/handle welding method of attaching the handle to the bolt body? If so, should I be worried about bolt handle durability? I'm a knuckledragger, so I run my bolts pretty hard.

2. How's the feeding from standard and magpul AICS magazines? (6.5Creed short action) Ever have feeding/extraction issues from the magpul mags?

3. Are there any other issues I should be aware of before diving in? I hear Bergara's customer service is pretty good, but I'd rather not use it if I don't have to.

Thank you for your time!
-SSS

 

[Rocketmandb]

Hello gents,

I'm looking HARD at a Bergara HMR Pro. Got to handle one at the local store and I was very impressed with the feel.

I did some research on the HMR Pro, which is quite different from the original HMR that I'm familiar with. Between the two, I can't seem to find that much info on the Pro model. I'm looking for anyone who has experience with the Pro.

A couple things concern me:

I missed this or I would have replied sooner. I used to have an HMR Pro in 6 CM and liked it quite a bit.

1. I remember a couple reports of bolt handle breakages on the HMR. Does the Pro model have the same bolt/handle welding method of attaching the handle to the bolt body? If so, should I be worried about bolt handle durability? I'm a knuckledragger, so I run my bolts pretty hard.

The bolt is different. In the Pro, it is fluted stainless.

2. How's the feeding from standard and magpul AICS magazines? (6.5Creed short action) Ever have feeding/extraction issues from the magpul mags?

I used the magpul ones in mine and they worked well. No feeding issues for me.

3. Are there any other issues I should be aware of before diving in? I hear Bergara's customer service is pretty good, but I'd rather not use it if I don't have to.

The only issue I had with the rifle was that the spring on the extractor pin was too stiff. It would cause extractor marks even when the round was fired at a reduced load. It did require sending it back to Bergara, but the turnaround was quick.

 

[SonicBurlap]

I believe the bolt handle issues on the early B14 HMRs, same as the bolt shroud issues were fixed. I own a B14 HMR because the HMR Pro, although announced, wasn't available in stores yet when I got it.

I replaced the B14 bolt with the HMR Pro Premier Series SA bolt because of the heavier spring inside the B14 bolt which caused hard strikes and cratering issues with some ammo. The stainless and the fluting are not the only differences, the Premier SA bolt is much more solid, it has a floating bolt head and non-rotational gas shield. An additional reason why I purchased the Premier SA bolt was its bayonet style firing pin assembly which can be removed and reinstalled with an easy 1/4 turn. I enjoyed the tActical bolt knob on the B14 and the Premier's teardrop handle took a little of getting used to for me but now I love it.

Yes, the AICS Magpul mags work flawlessly, as a matter of fact I was told that the Bergara mags are produced for them by Magpul which explains why the Bergara "B" logo is the only visible difference between what you purchase from Bergara and Magpul, I own both.

The trigger in the HMR Pro is a TriggerTech Primary versus the Bergara factory trigger in the B14. I replaced the factory trigger with the TriggerTech Special and I couldn't be happier.

In my experience Bergara customer service has been excellent, and Chad Gibbs has been my go to man to deal with.

If you are looking for a great out of the box factory rifle with a Remington 700 footprint for ease and variety of aftermarket accessories available the Bergara is a great choice. The Tikka is another option, or if you are interested in a near custom rifle then you can also look at the Badrock Southfork with its Defiance action at $1,995 for its medium action and $2,145 for their long action. The Bergara however is a solid choice and I'm sure you will be happy with it.

 

[JBattles]

Here is a great breakdown on the difference. To me it’s worth the money between the two to get the hmr pro.

https://www.bergara.online/us/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2019/03/HMR_vs_HMR_Pro.pdf

 

[SonicBurlap]

Just the improved bolt, the cerakoted stainless instead of the Cromoly, and the added 2" for the 6.5 Creedmoor barrel in my case would've been worth it to me. Alas, I got the B14 to as close as possible and the trigger a little better by replacing the bolt with the Premier bolt, and the trigger with the TriggerTech Special instead of the HMR Pro's TriggerTech Primary, the barrel will be replaced anyway with a longer stainless steel, or carbon fiber barrel once it's shot out. Go with the HMR Pro.

 

[Rocketmandb]

Here is a great breakdown on the difference. To me it’s worth the money between the two to get the hmr pro.

I'm thinking of getting a .308 just as a plinker - nothing too elaborate. If I do, it will be an HMR Pro.

 

[SonicBurlap]

I'm thinking of getting a .308 just as a plinker - nothing too elaborate. If I do, it will be an HMR Pro.

At what range are you going to plink?

 

[stello1001]

Hello gents,



3. Are there any other issues I should be aware of before diving in? I hear Bergara's customer service is pretty good, but I'd rather not use it if I don't have to.

Thank you for your time!
-SSS

I don't have experience with them but when Terry cross is a very reliable source in my opinion and he had something to say about them.

Refer to post #9.

Howa 1500 vs bergara HMR

Hello all, I am wanting to get a new rifle and considering those two options listed in the subject line. What is it exactly that I am looking for? Consistency and/or accuracy. I really don't have much to spend as I graduated college not too long ago and have started working in an entry level...

www.snipershide.com

This is somewhat old, so Bergara may have addressed these issues already but I've never seen or heard any mention of it...

 

[SonicBurlap]

I don't have experience with them but when Terry cross is a very reliable source in my opinion and he had something to say about them.

Refer to post #9.

Howa 1500 vs bergara HMR

Hello all, I am wanting to get a new rifle and considering those two options listed in the subject line. What is it exactly that I am looking for? Consistency and/or accuracy. I really don't have much to spend as I graduated college not too long ago and have started working in an entry level...

www.snipershide.com

This is somewhat old, so Bergara may have addressed these issues already but I've never seen or heard any mention of it...

Have owned mine for going on two years now, never had an issue with the scope base and the Vortex Gen 1 Razor HD is not a fly weight either, then again it's a 6.5 Creedmoor not a .300 Win Mag which some of my friends actually own. Neither one of them ever had a rail's bolts sheared off, nor have any of the other Bergara HMRs I've seen on the rangel, I have also not heard of anyone ever have that happen to him. The Bergara's 5.5 Contour is not a super heavy contour like a Sendero, M24, MTU, or Competition but light I would not classify it as either. Just stating my experience.

 

[stello1001]

Have owned mine for going on two years now, never had and an issue with the scope base and the Vortex Gen 1 Razor HD is not a fly weight, then again it's a 6.5 Creedmoor not a .300 Win Mag which some of my friends actually own. Neither one of them ever had a rail's bolts sheared off, nor have any of the other Bergara HMRs I've seen on the rangel, I have also not heard of anyone ever have that happen to him. The Bergara's 5.5 Contour is not a super heavy contour like a Sendero, M24, MTU, or Competition but light I would not classify it as either. Just stating my experience.

That's definitely very positive to hear and even better that your posting from personal experience. Hopefully this is an issue that is no longer present.

 

[SonicBurlap]

That's definitely very positive to hear and even better that your posting from personal experience. Hopefully this is an issue that is no longer present.

Never was as far as I'm concerned.

 

[stello1001]

Never was as far as I'm concerned.

It's a bold statement that came from Terry cross, I felt it carried a lot of weight. Just felt the OP should have as much info as possible so a more educated decision could be made on his part. If I were in his shoes and someone big in the precision shooting industry made such a comment about the rifle im considering buying, I'd like to know about it.

But again, it's actually a very very good thing to know others have never experienced this.

 

[Rocketmandb]

At what range are you going to plink?

Probably everything out to 1000-1200 or so. I've currently got a 300 PRC and a 6 BRA for long range stuff. The 300 is a bit overkill in the range mentioned, and with the 6 it's difficult to spot misses at 1000+ in most the conditions I shoot in. I'm building a new 300 and will likely swap my existing 300 over to a 6.5x284 long action after it's done, that would cover some of the reasons for getting a .308, but the main reason is that I don't have a .308...

 

[SonicBurlap]

Probably everything out to 1000-1200 or so. I've currently got a 300 PRC and a 6 BRA for long range stuff. The 300 is a bit overkill in the range mentioned, and with the 6 it's difficult to spot misses at 1000+ in most the conditions I shoot in. I'm building a new 300 and will likely swap my existing 300 over to a 6.5x284 long action after it's done, that would cover some of the reasons for getting a .308, but the main reason is that I don't have a .308...

Just asking, because I shot both the 6.5 and the .308 B14 HMR and HMR Pro and especially at ranges over 800 the 6.5 was more accurate and constant, under 800 there wasn't much difference. You might just end up having to work a little harder for your results but if it's going to be the one .308 in your collection it might as well be an HMR, whatever version.

 

[Rocketmandb]

Just asking, because I shot both the 6.5 and the .308 B14 HMR and HMR Pro and especially at ranges over 800 the 6.5 was more accurate and constant, under 800 there wasn't much difference. You might just end up having to work a little harder for your results but if it's going to be the one .308 in your collection it might as well be an HMR, whatever version.

Yeah, it'll be that one .308. And since I know the HMR Pro (and like it), it makes the most sense for me.

 

[SuperSneakySniper]

Wow fellas, thanks for all the input! Very helpful.
Basically, im thinking about going in the opposite direction as many of the others. I'm thinking of shedding all my high-end custom guns and sticking to something affordable, simple, and gives me the ideal bang-for-buck.
I'm far from a top level competitor, and I rarely shoot in competition anyways, so i feel my money might be better utilized in other areas.