1000 yard F open caliber.

[clowdis]

I guess that the short answer to your question is to shoot the biggest caliber you can stand. A "full load" .300 magnum with a 220 grain bullet will buck the wind better than a 7mm with a 175 grain bullet. But the limiting factor for me is what can I stand to shoot for 70-80 rounds a day for "benchrest" type accuracy. I admire the shooters like Keith (KT) that can shoot the .300 magnums but I cannot do that. I shoot better with a 7mm because I can stand the recoil and break better shots. You will probably have to decide that on your own after collecting all the opinions and data that you can gather.

 

[Beck]

I guess part of my decision will be based on the fact that I am from NC and shooting some at Butner.

 

[clowdis]

I guess part of my decision will be based on the fact that I am from NC and shooting some at Butner.

See you there!

 

[Endyo]

There ya go. Already have a experienced local shooter willing to help. I would bet clowdis would be more than willing to help you make connections and try out different calibers. Love this sport.

Also not to take away from the 300wsm but it helps to see what other's are doing and what's winning.

By far the most represented calibers were a .284 and .284 Shehane and it's fairly windy there in Phoenix.

http://www.bergerbullets.com/SW_Nationals/2016-swn-equipment-list-open.pdf


FWIW a .284 Walker won the match. A 7-270WSM finished second only by one X.

There was either 2 or 5 300 WSMs at the match, can't really tell the way they labeled the graph.

 

[Steve Blair]

It is worth noting that .300 WSM only has an advantage if 230 Hybrids are used. Otherwise, 215 Hybrids and 7mm 180 Hybrids have almost identical B.C., and significantly less recoil with the 7mm. I've run 230 Hybrids up to ~2950 but was unable to reliably manage recoil dynamics. At 2865 fps, it was just doable. One fast barrel allowed me to run my .284 Shehane at ~2965 with excellent accuracy and ES. More typical was ~2940. A 7-270 WSM or 7 RSAUM can push that a little more while maintaining good consistency. All that said, a lot of matches are won by .284 Win and 180 Hybrids at ~2820. Considering all aspects, my recommendation for a first F-Open cartridge is .284 Win, easily the path of least resistance.

 

[Beck]

Thanks guys. I have shot in two 300 yard f class shoots. Which I found was a great learning experience. In the first shoot I shot 600 51x and the 2nd 598 43x. Both with a 6 br. However I would like to shoot 500-600 and then 1000. But, I'm usually one to jump in. What better way to learn. I know I will struggle shooting at those distances with wind and mirage.

Recoil isn't really an issue but if I can have less with very similar results that's the route I'll go.

I really do appreciate all the advice. I'm sure I'll be asking more questions.

 

[Steve Blair]

Recoil isn't really an issue but if I can have less with very similar results that's the route I'll go.

I really do appreciate all the advice. I'm sure I'll be asking more questions.

Direct recoil is not the problem. It is the resultant dynamics on the rest. My two long range rifles are almost identical; Manners F-Class stocks, BAT 3LL147OCTPIC actions, Bix'n Andy triggers. Shooting my 21# Shehane is a matter of pushing it against the stop, reloading and shooting. I never give it a thought. My 21# 14 oz. .300 WSM requires constant attention because of torque, rear bag movement, body position, shoulder pressure, etc. It is a lot more work, detracting from time that could be spent assessing conditions. I've won a few matches with both but the Shehane is as effective and easier to manage. Match results show that .284 Win is also a potential winner, does not require special dies or fire forming, better barrel life and quality brass is available from either Lapua or Norma. David Gosnell (Zilla), who posted earlier in this thread, has certainly put his to good use.

 

[IdahoSharpshooter]

For those of you who wish the 284 case had a bit more powder capacity, look at the 9,3x64 european cartridge. Think of it as a 2.5" long version after you neck it down. Twenty years ago, I built a 6mm on the FL case. It was called the 6mmedusa. You could shorten it to what ever length you want.

Rich

 

[HTSmith]

No 30 Cal magnums allowed at Butner, so scratch those.

 

[6xcshooter]

why isn't the 280 improved a popular choice for f class? just as good as the 7mm saum and wsm ballistically. brass easy to get etc

 

[Auto-X Fil]

why isn't the 280 improved a popular choice for f class? just as good as the 7mm saum and wsm ballistically. brass easy to get etc

Short actions, and because more winners have used it. It's also a little less efficient than the 7mm RSAUM.

I'm not saying it's bad, just that those are factors for some people.