Seekins Havak Element review

[SteveB]

I thought I already owned the greatest 300WM hunting rifle ever built, a Brockman custom Dakota 76. I’ve hunted all over the US and Africa with that rifle. So when GJM started raving about his new Element, I discounted much of his enthusiasm. I mean, how great could it be next to the Brockman? But he wore me down and I paid my $2750 and the rifle arrived the other day. Pulled it out of the box and did a double-take; amazingly light! Great action and trigger! Even with that cushy butt pad and the cool muzzle brake, I thought this thing is going to sting off the bench, though.



Seekins said 6 lbs and they did not lie. I rigged it up with Magpul bipod and RLS sling. The only appropriate scope I had in rings was a SIG Sierra3 BDX 4.5-14, a bit heavy and the reticle stadia lines are too thick, but I was eager to shoot it.



I had 6 different 300WM loads:



Seekins did a great job saving weight on this rifle. Bolt head is steel but the bolt body is aluminum, as is the receiver (with steel insert). The magazine is a work of art in carbon fiber; look at the room for longer OAL:



At the range, I shot 3-shot groups at 100 and chronoed each round. I ended up shooting about 25 rounds off the bench, and the rifle felt like I was shooting .308! The lack of recoil in a rifle this light was astounding. The winner was my favorite round in this caliber, the Barnes 180 TTSX, 2973 fps (81° here today); here’s the group:



ROUND. VELOCITY GROUP SIZE
FED 165 TSX. 3000. 0.9”
NOSLER 180 ETIP. 2887. 1.2”
ICC 180 TTSX. 2976. 1”
BARNES 180 TTSX. 2973. 0.334”
FED 185 BERGER. 2921. 0.7”
FED 200 TERM ASCENT 2820. 0.6”

So, it shoots, it points and balances well, you can run the bolt hard, the trigger weighs 2 lbs 9 oz and has great feel. Lots of nice touches, like the mag release that won’t dump your mag in the field, nice big trigger guard for gloves, LOP a touch over 13”, integral QD sling sockets, integral 20 MOA rail with a bubble level. I don’t even mind the Model 700-style safety because the rest of the rifle is so good. I would love to know what their cost is on this rifle, because this thing is a steal.

[ccmdfd]

Nice write up and great looking rifle!

[flyrodr]

Nice write-up. Thanks.

Seriously considering an Element myself. Likely in 6.5CM. Kinda like my grouse gun: a lot of carrying, and only a little shooting.

[SecondsCount]

It's pretty amazing what a good muzzle brake can do.

That stock design looks like a perfect blend of precision benchrest with a hunting twist. Now for some better glass

[GJM]

It's pretty amazing what a good muzzle brake can do.

That stock design looks like a perfect blend of precision benchrest with a hunting twist. Now for some better glass

The muzzle brake is extremely effective on this rifle, and out in the field, the blast isn't bad on the shooter or someone behind the rifle. On the side, it is a different story. Steve has a VX6 2-12 that will likely find its way onto this rifle.

[Lost River]

Now that is an elk rifle!

[newyork]

Is the PH2 or pro hunter also worth a look vs others in its price. Lass (Christiansen/Nosler etc). Looks to be about $1000 less.

[ccmdfd]

This thread makes me want a 300 Win Mag.

And I have no need or use for a 300 Win Mag!

[newyork]

Any updates on this rifle SteveB?

[flyrodr]

Got my Seekins Havak Element in 6.5 Creedmoor a couple of weeks ago. Put a NF ATACR 4-16x42 on it (nice, but heavy, at 30 oz.), and have run around 60 rounds of mostly Hornady ELD-M and -X through it at local range (indoor, and 100 yd max). I'm liking it quite a bit, and getting 5-shot groups under an inch (but not under 3/4", yet).

Question for those who seek light weight packages (I almost said "elements"), specifically the scope. I'm looking for something closer to 20 oz., preferably FFP, a zoom range near 3-15X, probably MOA (because I'm old, etc.). Also, a zero stop, dialable elevation (capped windage OK).

Locally, I've gotten recommendations for the Vortex Razor HD LHT 3-15X 42 (19oz, but it's a SFP); a couple of the Leupolds, etc.

But I'd appreciate additional thoughts. Lightweight, durable, etc.

Thanks!!