6.5 creedmoor for competition

[jw4fun]

Hello I am very new to this. I have a 6.5 creedmoor ,Can the 6.5 creedmoor be used effectively for F-Class open? the barrel life seems to be longer than the 6X284 and less recoil over the 308 . I would like to shoot at 500 to 1000 yards and since I do not reload yet but in the near future. I thought this might be a good caliber to learn from and start with since Factory ammo is available locally. Any suggestions are welcome

 

[DennisH]

First, if you start shooting in matches, you will definitely start reloading very soon.

It's definitely cheaper, and you will have to find the exact load your rifle likes @ 600yds.

It's not a popular rifle in F Class competition, but it will get the job done. There are many calibers very close to the Creedmoor that are used in competition.

You didn't state which rifle or action you have, but most are fairly easy to put new barrels on.

Personally, I like a BRX, 6.5x47L, and a 6.5x284, JMO. I believe the 260 is pretty close to the Creedmoor, just to name one.

The Creedmoor should be a great starter if you already have one. Also, once you start reloading, it's fairly simple until you feel it's time to take another step.

There are some decent videos on YouTube that will give you an idea, just don't look at the advanced reloading versions first.

 

[ShootDots]

My riflesmith has built many 6.5 Creedmoors for tactical style matches. According to him, the accuracy levels of the Creedmoor ammo is hard to beat, even with well crafted handloads, albeit they are woefully "under-powered" as is most factory fodder. Having said that, IF factory ammo is accurate in YOUR rifle, it would be "adequate" for 1000 yards and probably "decent" at 300-600 yards. Once you start handloading, you will be "competitive" at 1000 and VERY competitive at 600. Remember, the 6.5 x 47, the 6.5 Creedmoor and the .260 Rem are so ballistically similar as to be almost indistinguishable one from the other. Last summer I shot well enough at 1000 yards with a 6.5 x 47 to obtain a "High Master" classification in F-Open at Long-Range. So, if I can do it with a 6.5 x 47, YOU can do it with a 6.5 Creedmoor..

 

[DennisH]

Shotdots, which bullet does your 6.5x47 like?

Mine loves 120's and 123 Scenars.

Not hijacking, just comparing and hopefully giving the OP a little info to start with.

Dennis

 

[ShootDots]

At the moment Dennis, my 6.5 x 47 is NOW a .260A.I. I had 3 / 6.5 x 47 barrels. The MOST consistently accurate bullet I have found in them was the 123 Scenar. Then the next most accurate was the 130 Berger VLD and the one I got my HM Classification with was the Berger 140 Hybrids. Now in my .260A.I. I believe I have a "hummer barrel" and it is eating the Berger 140 LRBT's up like candy! I am getting 2920f.p.s. with single-digit e.s.'s. It is SUPERBLY accurate all the way out to 1000..

Now I also have a 6.5 1-8.5 twist barrel in my closet waiting for one of my Dasher barrels to go south. It will become a 6.5 x 47 and it will shoot the Lapua 123 Scenars.. It will be used for 600 F-Open competition.

 

[jw4fun]

Thanks for all the advise and input. I bought the rifle from a dealer who had done some modifications already. The rifle was a Savage 112 short action now equipped by a gunsmith with a Shilan 26" barrel. I took the rifle out over the weekend set up for a hundred yards and the accuracy was amazing shooting Hornaby 120grain A-max at 6 shots all bullet holes were grouped and touching each other some in the same hole.
Therefore the gun can shoot where as the shooter is still learning.
The rifle came with well equipped with night force scope and Boyd stock custom trigger and I feel like it was a good deal as an entry rifle to begin with in competition shooting. Any thoughts please all input welcome.
Now I am looking at types of front and rear rest.