When you’re climbing thousands of vertical feet, living out of a pack, and relying on a single rifle to make a high-stakes shot count, the line between “nice” and “necessary” gets sharp. In the world of Western backcountry hunting, every ounce matters — and so does every decision on your rifle build. This isn’t just about saving weight. It’s about building something you can trust when conditions are tough, shots are long, and you’re two ridge lines past cell service.

That’s exactly what this .25 Creedmoor setup delivers: a purpose-built, lightweight, long-range-capable rifle that punches well above its class — and looks darn good doing it.

Backcountry hunting isn’t a casual hobby — it’s a test of grit, gear, and patience. It’s what we live for!

You’re miles from camp, far from cell service, and the weather has a habit of turning on you. Every decision you make about your gear has a ripple effect. That’s especially true with your rifle. You want something you can trust when it’s the last hour of light, your legs are shaking, the wind is gusting through a saddle, and the animal of a lifetime steps out at 600 yards. That’s not the moment to question your build, bullet, or zero.

That’s why this rifle project came to life. The goal wasn’t just to create another lightweight mountain gun — it was to build a precision-driven system that can deliver when it matters most. A rifle that fits the real-world demands of hunters who push deep into the backcountry, not just the specs on a product page.

This isn’t about chasing numbers or trends. It’s about crafting a setup that balances ballistic horsepower with packability. One that allows for repeatable precision without weighing down your hunt. That sweet spot between too much and not enough.

Every component on this rifle was chosen with intention. This isn’t a gun built to impress on paper — it’s built to perform in real terrain , with real stakes, under real pressure.

Barrel: PROOF Research Carbon Fiber

At the core of this setup is a carbon-wrapped barrel from PROOF Research , known for its unmatched blend of rigidity and weight savings. Chambered in .25 Creedmoor and threaded for a suppressor, this barrel offers precision consistency and extended performance without the bulk of a heavy contour. The heat dispersion is real, and so is the accuracy — even under extended strings of fire. I went with a full sendero contour as I like the wider looking barrel channel and that look vs saving 2 ounces is worth it to me.

Chassis: MDT HNT26

If you’re serious about weight without sacrificing function, the MDT HNT26 is the gold standard. Weighing in at 26 ounces it’s made from a hybrid of magnesium alloy and carbon fiber, this chassis is ultralight and ridiculously durable. It’s field adjustable with a folding stock, carbon fiber fore-end, and the kind of ergonomics that matter when you’re shouldering your rifle at weird angles on uneven ground.

This is my first run at an MDT and I’m enjoying the ergonomics of it so far. A standard stock vs a chassis takes some getting used to, but comfort comes with time and reps.

Optic: NightForce NX8 2.5-20x50 F1

The NightForce NX8 offers a rare combo — compact and lightweight, yet optically powerful. With a first focal plane reticle, ZeroStop turrets, and battle-tested durability, this glass is built for shooters who want to stretch their legs at range without lugging around a tank.

Suppressor: KGM R6K

Suppressors in the backcountry have to earn their place, and the KGM R6K does just that. It keeps recoil mild, report manageable, and balance on point — without ruining your packability or your zero. It's light, efficient, and deadly quiet where it counts and it’s not tool long where it’s snagging on every tree branch that I encounter.

Action: Muley Freak x Stiller Wombat

We selected the Special Edition Muley Freak Wombat action for our build due to its exceptional blend of lightweight design, precision engineering, and field-tested reliability. Crafted from skeletonized stainless steel, the Wombat action weighs just 23 ounces, making it ideal for backcountry hunts where every ounce matters.

Despite its minimal weight, it maintains Stiller’s renowned machining tolerances, ensuring consistent and accurate performance. The integrated 20 MOA rail enhances long-range shooting capabilities, and the exclusive Muley Freak branding reflects our commitment to quality and performance. This action embodies the ruggedness and precision we demand in the field. 

If you are interested in a Muley Freak Edition x TS Customs build like this reach out to us at support@muleyfreak.com and we will answer any questions you might have.

The .25 Creedmoor , especially with the 128gr Hornady ELD-X, hits that perfect intersection of flat trajectory, high ballistic performance, and shootability - especially for the backcountry.

What Makes It Work:

• Mild recoil lets you spot your own shots, even from awkward positions

• Long Boat Tail/High BC bullets stretch your effective range and help in wind

• Efficient powder burn in short/light barrels

• Terminal performance is proven on mule deer, antelope, and even elk with solid placement

This isn’t a “do everything” round. It’s a do exactly what’s needed round — and in the mountains, that’s what wins.

Hornady lists the following performance specs for their Precision Hunter .25 Creedmoor 128gr ELD-X load (24" test barrel, 200-yard zero):

• Muzzle Velocity : 2850 fps

• G1 Ballistic Coefficient : 0.633

📌 Hornady Precision Hunter 128gr ELD-X | 200-yard zero | 24" test barrel | Official data from Hornady.com

What It Means in the Field:

• Flat trajectory makes 500-yard hits intuitive

• Wind drift is manageable and predictable

• Energy stays ethical for deer- to elk-sized game well past 600 yards

• Supersonic stability gives you repeatable performance at distance

Watch below as Erik takes this 25 Creedmoor build to the range and puts it to the test.