.284 Winchester for F-Open - Still Viable?

[vervi1jw]

I was just on the line next to one at a midrange match that shot a 399-27x using a 284 Win. I think it was the same rifle the he used to during his team F-open 4 man team win at Raton. From what I understand, which usually isn't much, they are just easier to handle/shoot than the bigger magnums.

 

[ThunderDownUnder]

Would you still put this new bullet on a .280 AI or move up to a magnum for more speed? If you get 2900-3000 from a 180 in AI, might need that extra speed. The barrel I ordered is a 1:9, so I don't think that will work. Need 1:8?

Your 9T barrel will give a Sg = 1.35 for 75F at sea level for a velocity of 2900fps. A 8.5T would produce a Sg = 1.51 for the same data. Without a doubt you will be able to launch the 195gr Bergers at 2900fps with a 32" barrel. You may find that the accuracy node is below 2900fps and with the high BC of this bullet it really doesn't matter. So long as you find a node somewhere between 2800 to 2950fps it will be an excellent long range choice!

As for recommended twist rate, for sure the 8.5T would provide a really wide range for bullet stability and would be first choice as recommended by Litz. Bryan also points out in his book that if using quality reloading components like for BR or FO then Sg >= 1.3 is fine. Unless you plan on shooting in the arctic regions of the planet the 9T should stabilize the 195gr Bergers.

Ian

 

[WindSurgeon]

I ended up buying Petros' gun in .284 Winchester. It was too good of a turn key set up to pass up and a proven winner. Getting out to shoot it this week. Took a while to get all the dies, necks turned, etc.

 

[Jefferson]

Lapua40X why the 284 instead of the 280AI or the 284AI could you please talk a bit about case head stretch, I want a case to work the way it should with no problems, is there a problem with the 284 and 180 bergers with a hot load,

thanks

Jefferson

 

[Petros284]

Windsurgeon

let me know how she runs for you! Have fun!

Pete

 

[WindSurgeon]

Thanks Pete. Now I just need to get the wind to die down up here. Been blowing 20 MPH for the last week.

Lapua40X: I don't know the answer to your question on case stretch, but will let you know how it goes after firing a few hundred rounds. The recommendation on this rifle is to FL size ever two firings, so I would assume some case stretch. I think the AI's would be a fantastic round. I have a new Panda F-class action arriving this week (Came quicker than I expected) and another 7mm 8.5 twist barrel blank on order. Not sure what exactly I will do with that gun just yet (280 AI, SAUM, etc.). It depends on how well I do with the .284 win I just bought! ;D

 

[nhm16]

This thread a few years back has a pretty good discussion of the bolt thrust issues surrounding the .284's rebated case head design.

 

[WindSurgeon]

Thanks. That's quite a thread. Good info.

 

[PALarson]

After all that has been said most agree the 284 is a great choice for mid range and long range F-open. Ted Webster wins plenty of matches with his 284 in both Mid range and Long range. You can't go wrong with the 284 shoot it and smile. As a High Master in mid range and long range I shoot a 280 AI but due to the estra length I would rather have the 284, both offer about the same balistics and accuracy. My next barrel is going to be in 284.
Paul Larson

 

[Scott Harris]

David Gosnell just won the AZ State Long Range F-Open Championship with a 284 WIN. He beat several 300 WSMs and 284 Shehanes and posted an outstanding 995/1000 aggregate. There's your answer. Nice job David.

 

[Erik Cortina]

David Gosnell just won the AZ State Long Range F-Open Championship with a 284 WIN. He beat several 300 WSMs and 284 Shehanes and posted an outstanding 995/1000 aggregate. There's your answer. Nice job David.

Yes, buy he's a ninja!

 

[BIGMAC]

David Gosnell just won the AZ State Long Range F-Open Championship with a 284 WIN. He beat several 300 WSMs and 284 Shehanes and posted an outstanding 995/1000 aggregate. There's your answer.

What bullet,powder, load used??

 

[savageshooter86]

anyone know what Berger bullets Ballard used setting his record? All I can find is 180 Bergers. But which model? Assuming the VLDs

 

[TonyR]

anyone know what Berger bullets Ballard used setting his record? All I can find is 180 Bergers. But which model? Assuming the VLDs

As far as I know, it was what would now be called Hunting VLDs because that was what was available at the time. I believe that Danny Biggs was shooting 180 Hybrids when he broke that record a couple of years ago.

 

[brxbrad]

If you're building or considering building a new .284 Winchester get with Dave Kiff and have him design you a reamer that will enable you to shoot 180 VLD's, 180 Hybrids, or Sierra's. This will allow you to find which bullet that will offer you the best results plus give you options when components get hard to find. Read
http://www.6mmbr.com/gunweek088.html
and
http://www.6mmbr.com/gunweek053.html
Read them carefully......pay attention to the load development section ... especially the part about ES, and SD......groups.......and long range. Look at the builds and the barrel lengths and the powder used. You may find what you are looking for.........


Hummmmmm.....

 

[coreydelong]

I just ordered a reamer from PTG after talking with Dave. We are going to use 180g Hybrids. We chose a 0.314" neck with a 0.220" freebore.

 

[savageshooter86]

brxbrad- read the articles earlier and never stated what bullets he actually used. Both articles are good reads with lots of information

 

[brxbrad]

Savageshooter86..Here ya go

From NBRSA 1K Winner Jerry Tierney article:
7MM 284 (Light Gun)
BAT action, Jewell trigger set at 1lb.
30" Krieger, 8.5 twist med. Palma taper
.277" x .284" barrel chambered with a Riles reamer
McMillian "F" class stock
Gunsmith: Scott Riles; scope/iron sight rail, Jack Davis
Wood stock and bedding for both: J. Tierney
Rear sight: Warner #1
Front sight: Scott Riles
Prone scope: Leupold 6.5-20X
BR scope: NF 12-42X BR
Weight: BR - 16.63 lb., prone - 12.5 lb.
Match Load: 54.0gr H4831, CCI BR
Bullet: Berger 180 VLD

From Ballards Article.....
It's throated for the 180gr Bergers. I selected a Broughton 5C because, as my gunsmith says, "They just shoot". This is a 1:9" twist, 1.

 

[KT]

brxbrad- read the articles earlier and never stated what bullets he actually used. Both articles are good reads with lots of information

Charles used the VLD's for the record.

 

[Zilla]

David Gosnell just won the AZ State Long Range F-Open Championship with a 284 WIN. He beat several 300 WSMs and 284 Shehanes and posted an outstanding 995/1000 aggregate. There's your answer.

What bullet,powder, load used??

I used 180 Hybrids (pointed) with H4350.