243 F Open?

[CharlieNC]

Currently I shoot a 223 in mid-range Ftr. Toying with putting together a rifle for F Open long range, I like a 6mm for good ballistics and low recoil. Looks like one of the 6BR improved variants would provide a nice velocity boost, but I really don't like the prospects of modifying brass and needing specialty dies. The cartridge guide indicates some have been working with slower powders to increase barrel life in the 243. So I'm asking if anyone has success in this area to achieve velocity equal or better than the BR improved variants, slower than 243 for barrel life, and good accuracy in the 243. Yep, want it all!

 

[280man]

Depending on what part of the country you shoot in and what the competition is like it will be extremely difficult to be competitive with any 6mm at long range in F-Open.

If you’re just wanting to have fun build a Dasher or some other 6BR variant and get after it.

 

[CharlieNC]

Rick I shoot with a pretty tough crew here in NC.

 

[Scott Harris]

and what does that crew suggest you use for LR F-Open?

 

[johnnyi]

You can run the 103/105/108 in the 3150 range with 42.3g of RL23 from a 30" barrel out of a 6 Creedmoor. I'm using this for a target match that only requires 10 shot in 3 minutes or less. Works very well, super accurate out to 1000 yards. I have shot as far as 1110 and still holds very good accuracy with the 108 LRBT. However I have experienced the barrel is SUPER HOT, Well in Houston, Tx anyway at only 10 shot strings. I have fired as many as 15 that made the nearly branding iron hot. The accuracy is super and to be honest I was tempted to try one in a F-Open rifle. But with heat these fast 6's give...I dont believe they will hold F Open accuracy in Match 2 or 3 when the sun is beating down. Not to mention the barrel wear. But I think 6 creedmoor in that 3150 range would be as fast as I would venture and not forming of brass and all of that mess.

 

[CharlieNC]

and what does that crew suggest you use for LR F-Open?

Unfortunately I have not attended a LR match with my 223. The 6BR guys do well in midrange, but the most of our matches are just 300yd. Majority of shooters around here are Ftr, not many open shooters. One unfortunate aspect of Fclass matches is there is little time available to walk around to check out gear and shooting techniques, with scoring and pulling targets. I would like to attend a LR match as an observer to learn more regarding these aspects.

 

[Scott Harris]

Unfortunately I have not attended a LR match with my 223. The 6BR guys do well in midrange, but the most of our matches are just 300yd. Majority of shooters around here are Ftr, not many open shooters. One unfortunate aspect of Fclass matches is there is little time available to walk around to check out gear and shooting techniques, with scoring and pulling targets. I would like to attend a LR match as an observer to learn more regarding these aspects.

Get a 284 WIN. that's what all the cool kids are using....and a few match winners too. A 284 WIN will serve you well at a windless range and at windy ranges. My recent experience with no-turn 284 WINs indicates you don't even need to turn necks when using Lapua brass.

 

[280man]

Head to Butner and start asking those guys. I think you will find the .284 to be fairly popular for LR

 

[CharlieNC]

Thanks guys, I will check out the 284. Maybe have it in time for the state match at Butner in Sep. At my age can't afford to wait too long!

 

[lawman29]

http://www.accurateshooter.com/shooting-skills/john-whidden-shares-championship-secrets/

 

[KenOath]

Get a 284 WIN. that's what all the cool kids are using....and a few match winners too. A 284 WIN will serve you well at a windless range and at windy ranges. My recent experience with no-turn 284 WINs indicates you don't even need to turn necks when using Lapua brass.

I don’t turn Lapua brass for .284 either and won my fair share of matches, tuned up easy and shot well in calm and windy conditions.