Choosing an F-Open cartridge.

[cp255]

I want to get into F-Open. I’ll mostly be shooting 300 and 600 yards and might dabble at 1,000. I’m thinking of building on either a TL3 or a Prometheus single-shot action, but I’m undecided on the cartridge — leaning toward a 6.5 or a 25 Creedmoor. My bigger dilemma right now is whether to build with a standard or magnum bolt face. Thoughts?

 

[swd]

The 6.5 Creed will do just fine. The 25 is intriguing but the limited range of truly capable bullets would hold me back especially for your first F Open build. I have a friend that has 2 mid range state championships with a 6.5 Creed so it definitely can get the job done.

 

[cp255]

The 6.5 Creed will do just fine. The 25 is intriguing but the limited range of truly capable bullets would hold me back especially for your first F Open build. I have a friend that has 2 mid range state championships with a 6.5 Creed so it definitely can get the job done.

I’m tempted by the 25. Right now I run the 153.5-gr Hybrid at about 2,700 fps out of my 6.5 Creedmoor PRS/tactical rifle. When I did the math the 25 actually drifts a bit less at 1,000 yards and would produce a little less recoil. But you’re right — if my gun doesn’t like the 135 Hybrid, I’m kind of stuck.

 

[Fire Dog]

For 300-600 the easy button is the 6BR…. Easy to load for, economical to shoot, and will keep up with the “Big Boys” at a 1,000 if conditions are not too crazy.
CCI450’s, 30gr of Varget, 105’s or 107’s{my current choice} and you are in business and shopping for a quality front rest.
Welcome to a whole new world of fun and frustration…
Saying that, I am at the moment building a 6GT as a fellow club member has one that is a true hammer and kicking 284’s, dashers, BRA’s and 6.5C’s in the butt…

 

[rardoin]

Just go with a cartridge that will run a 180/184 hybrid Berger at around 2800fps MV or better and call it a day. You will be set for any distance. Been there, done that, have a crap load of dies and old brass I'll never use. A straight .284 is great as well as the short magnums... 7/6.5 PRC and, the one I shoot, 7 Sherman Short mag. The only advantage of the magnums over the straight .284/Shehane variant is the ability to run faster MV's and still have great brass life. Sure, the 6's and 6.5's mentioned above are fine but the big competitive matches are won and national records set by the 7's...and .300's. Most shooters that start in F-Open with anything less get to a 7mm or .300 sooner than later, yours included.

 

[Precisionhunter417]

6MM Dasher with 105 Berger BT @ 2750-2850 and go to town.

30" Bartlein 1:8 barrel 1.25" straight.

 

[gmr4]

If winning is what you want to do or being competitive you will need to shoot a Berger 180 hybrid 2900 FPS… some will say 2880 is fine.. it is a 7MM magnum game even at short range.. a 6BRA did win the mid range nationals this year but that was a really highly experienced competitor… I scored for hin one day and he could really shoot his condition. 6.5-7PRCW, 7 Saum, 7 Sherman Short or 7Max.. there are others.

 

[marchx]

I did well in f-open shooting 6.5 creedmoor, BUT I did not win. I lost to shehane or prcw. I could win in calm weather, but I do not control the weather. I control only choice of cartridge that can outshoot creedmoor or dasher on a windy day.

 

[Fast14riot]

I’m tempted by the 25. Right now I run the 153.5-gr Hybrid at about 2,700 fps out of my 6.5 Creedmoor PRS/tactical rifle. When I did the math the 25 actually drifts a bit less at 1,000 yards and would produce a little less recoil. But you’re right — if my gun doesn’t like the 135 Hybrid, I’m kind of stuck.

The 153.5 Berger is a good bullet, and running about 2800 it is nearly identical drift to a 7mm 180 going 2800. The Berger 180s do require pointing for best performance. I shoot a 260AI with the 153.5 with good performance and scores, but I've been shooting it in F/open at long range for 8-9 years and know its performance and habits.

 

[swd]

I’m tempted by the 25. Right now I run the 153.5-gr Hybrid at about 2,700 fps out of my 6.5 Creedmoor PRS/tactical rifle. When I did the math the 25 actually drifts a bit less at 1,000 yards and would produce a little less recoil. But you’re right — if my gun doesn’t like the 135 Hybrid, I’m kind of stuck.

The 25x47 has me really intrigued but by the time I buy dies, barrel, bullets, reamer and fresh brass I'm looking at $1500+ just to find out how well I like it at 1000 yards. And I do my own barreling.. The 6.5 has a decent amount of very well known bullets.

Sure a 284 will give you better ballistics but for your first Open rifle you definitely don't need one. Buy an action long enough and if in a few years you want one it's a just barrel away. For mid range even at state championship level a 6.5 Creed can get the job done. I've won individual days at LR state championships in Master with a 6BRX and 6.5x47. Big guns aren't the whole answer..

 

[cp255]

The 25x47 has me really intrigued but by the time I buy dies, barrel, bullets, reamer and fresh brass I'm looking at $1500+ just to find out how well I like it at 1000 yards. And I do my own barreling.. The 6.5 has a decent amount of very well known bullets.

Sure a 284 will give you better ballistics but for your first Open rifle you definitely don't need one. Buy an action long enough and if in a few years you want one it's a just barrel away. For mid range even at state championship level a 6.5 Creed can get the job done. I've won individual days at LR state championships in Master with a 6BRX and 6.5x47. Big guns aren't the whole answer..

You don't have to tell me big guns arent always the answer. I actually just won the 600 yard NJ state championship last weekend shooting a 598-36x with a 223. I was shooting F/TR but still beat all the open shooters. That being said it was a very calm day. I never needed a wind hold outside the 10 ring (except for one of my nines where I got blown slightly out the other side.)

 

[Texas Solo]

For 300 to 600 go with a 6mm.
BR, BRA or Dasher. It will give up a little at 1000 but not much.
The 6mm's are so much easier to tune and super accurate!
105 Berger, 7.5 twist, 28" at 2900fps

 

[Belly Benchrester]

You should stick to FTR…be a man

 

[swd]

You don't have to tell me big guns arent always the answer. I actually just won the 600 yard NJ state championship last weekend shooting a 598-36x with a 223. I was shooting F/TR but still beat all the open shooters. That being said it was a very calm day. I never needed a wind hold outside the 10 ring (except for one of my nines where I got blown slightly out the other side.)

Since your already pretty experienced I would strongly recommend a 6 Dasher! They're magic at 600 and can hold their own at 1k as long as it's not super windy. Everyone should treat themselves to the joy of a good Dasher.

 

[marchx]

Since your already pretty experienced I would strongly recommend a 6 Dasher! They're magic at 600 and can hold their own at 1k as long as it's not super windy. Everyone should treat themselves to the joy of a good Dasher.

Why not 6gt? Brass available from lapua, no fireforming.

 

[Fire Dog]

Why not 6gt? Brass available from lapua, no fireforming.

And Peterson…