#12 Postby jlorimer » Mon Jul 11, 2005 11:54 am
I have been playing with the 6BR for over 4 years. I would say the BR is one of the most accurate cartridges in it's standard form, that one could wish for - for shooting up to 500m in reasonable conditions, however, I do believe the 6.5 139 gn scener bullet from a good rifle, from 500m outwards, is superior.
From my analysis of open F class Queens and prize shoot results, in North Queensland, over the last 4 years, the 6.5 shooting the 139 grain bullet,in trying conditions, is worth a 1-2 shot advantage per range, from 600m out, over the 6mm 107gn bullet. The 6mm bullet will match the 6.5 bullet, only by running over the 3100fps mark.
I think the way to go is - Shoot the BR for the short ranges, and the 6.5 for the long ranges, and you have all options covered.
On the barrel life scene. I have a 6BR that has done just over 3000 rounds, with nude bullets, and 30.4gns of 2208, whilst it still is an accurate rifle, I have detected throat erosion out to 75mm. I think this barrel is at it's useby date. I am at present shooting a 6BR at just under 3000fps, and I expect to get around the 2000 - 2500 rounds out of it. With a 6mmX barrel, using 35gns of 2208, I got around 2000 acurracy rounds. One of my .308 barrels at 2950fps, dropped it's bundle approaching the 2800 mark. I had a 6.5X6mmBr front end, that gave me around 1500 rounds. at present I am trying out a .243 ackley improved, and I think it will probably only make betreen 1100 & 1500 rounds.
I think we all tend to overstate our accurate barrel life. I feel if you want to shoot Open F Class, then you should budget for a new barrel every year, and, have a spare in the cupboard. I made the error of not doing this, and am now paying the penalty, of trying to get a rifle up and running in a couple of weeks.
Keep em in the ten, John Lorimer