WHAT WOULD BE BEST CAL TO SUIT 300-1000 yrd OPEN F CLASS ?

[jerryatric]

i would like some down 2 earth opinions on the better cals to suit open f class . i currently shoot 223 up to 600 yards & my 308 from 700 to 1000 but would like to move into open class & give it a go . please remember its got to shoot 100% at 300 yrds but be able to deliver the goods at 1000 yrds .

[Ben F]

If you dont like constantly testing loads or changing barrels try 6BR.there are plenty of 6.5s around that have proven to be good at all ranges but there no better than 6BR if you can read conditions.

[jerryatric]

yes i have allways thought of building a 6.5 but the 6br allways seems to be on peoples #1 books - ive have only shot a carl castuv 6.5 - iknow there not acurate but was only on pigs -- never seen 6br in action at my local range , but might have to find out a bit more about them .. thanks 4 replying .

[AlanF]

Jerry,

As you may know, you are allowed to change rifles/barrels between ranges in F-Open, (as you do in F-Std) so many shooters tend to use different calibres for the shorts and longs. Most seem to use their short range setups up to about 600 yd/m, unless conditions are good, when they may use them right out to 1000 yds. If I was using a 2 gun strategy, without question my short range setup would be a 6BR. It is inherently accurate, easy to load, and relatively easy on barrels. For the longs, wind-bucking ability becomes a major factor, and accuracy can be sacrificed to some extent. Opinions vary as to whether 6.5mm or 7mm is best for the longer ranges. Currently 6.5s are more common, but 7s are increasing in numbers and starting to win. Despite having a 6.5 myself, I think something like a 284Win or 280AI would be the best current option as a rifle for any conditions at the longs.

Now, if you're talking a single chambering for all ranges and conditions (and I suspect you are), then it brings in the faster 6mm cases plus a variety of 6.5s as the better options. There is the 6BRX, 6 Dasher, 6x47 Lapua, .243 Win and AI, 6.5 HI, 260 Rem and AI, 6.5x55 and AI, 6.5x284, and other similar chamberings. There are several factors that need to be weighed up when choosing, and most are a matter of personal preference.

Barrel life would be best for the small case 6.5s such as 6.5 HI and 260 Rem, and worst for the slightly overbore cases such as .243 Win/AI and 6.5x284.

Recoil is least for the smaller 6mm cases such as BRX and Dasher, and most for the bigger 6.5s.

Many of the above cartridges require fire-forming (except 6.5x284 and standard versions of .243 Win, 260 Rem. and 6.5x55). In general, the smaller 6mm cases seem to be easiest to tune.

Looking at it on paper, I would say the 6 x 47 is hard to beat, although it is very new and unproven, and there are several variations of the wildcat to confuse things.

That's my opinion - there will be MANY others.

Alan

[jerryatric]

any opinions about the 7 x 57 or would it be 2 much recoil at 300 yrds . i dont mind the 308 but thats the biggist cal iva ever shot . dont really want to have to muck around with switch barrels & special neck turning ect .

[AlanF]

Jerry,

The standard 7 x 57 would be okay for recoil, and possibly accurate at 300, but I don't believe would have enough capacity to push the required heavier bullets out to the longs at a decent speed.

If you want a standard calibre with reasonable recoil, and good barrel life, then I would probably recommend the 6.5x55 Swede as an all-rounder. But don't buy a factory rifle in this calibre - they are set up with a very long throat for round nose projectiles. You would be best to get one throated for either 120 or 140gr target projectiles such as Sierra Matchkings.

Alan

[jerryatric]

thanks mate 4 replying ,, the 6.5 might be the go -- seirra s are pretty good as i use them in my 223-- 69 gr & my 308- -155 gr match kings .

[Sam Walker]

Wot's a 6.5 HI then ? never seen it mentioned before....

[Ken L]

Wot's a 6.5 HI then ? never seen it mentioned before....

It is a longer necked version of the 260 rem with an AI style shoulder angle made from a 308 case necked down to 6.5 with the front of the shoulder bumped back to give a longer neck with out shortening the body length.
I can comfortably get 2950 fps with 139 lapusa out of a 30 inch barrel using 2209 and shooting 99's at 300 yards on an open target. The nut behind the bolt always seens to screw up that odd shot. but he does the same with a 6 Br as well so there is nothing wrong with the cartridge.

Ken L

[VickiMcc]

Heres a pic