Let's forget barrel life within reason.. Let's face it this isn't a money making hobby. We are in it for fun! I am thinking a rifle for the dogs out there 800 to 1200 yards per say. I get a bigger kick out of those than the close ones. It will only get 150 rounds or so per year. What do you think the pure velocity I thought 6x284 for splat factor and just a 284 for ballistics but I question if speed might be king on the dog field as distances change and you may not notice. What loots like a few yards is actually more like fifty. Let hear your thoughts.
800+ yard prarie dog gun
- Thread starter stretch257
- Start date
Anymore I always think about what brass is available when considering a project like this, and the brass matchup I look for is Lapua, just like many others. I have 3 rifles that would probably fit your "mission" here - a 243AI with 10 twist, a 6-250AI w/12 twist and a 6X47L with 10 or 12 twist. For long range PD's I'm still wanting to shoot 80 to 90 grain bullets, so these twists are ideal for those bullets. Another caliber, or group of calibers that would probably work well is the 6 Dasher type rounds with the same bullets. Others will argue for the fast twist, heavy bullet stuff, but I got into these rifles before that was popular, so don't have any experience there. For this type shooting, I think accuracy, optics & a good spotter are more important than any specific caliber. Have fun with your project.
CaptainMal
Silver $$ Contributor
Sure like Smokin Joe's ideas.
I use Lapua brass for both my Dasher and the 6.5 Ackley. The Dasher will/would work well for you if you set it up as a target rifle with tuner and get those 105's + to shoot. I mean 1,000 yards is where it thrives.
If you get unpredictable winds the 140's from my 6.5 AI will help. It may not be as accurate at 1,000 but is sure can bang gongs well and take out the "dogs". Only thing there is a bit of recoil that slows down the recovery so you can enjoy the hit.
I use Lapua brass for both my Dasher and the 6.5 Ackley. The Dasher will/would work well for you if you set it up as a target rifle with tuner and get those 105's + to shoot. I mean 1,000 yards is where it thrives.
If you get unpredictable winds the 140's from my 6.5 AI will help. It may not be as accurate at 1,000 but is sure can bang gongs well and take out the "dogs". Only thing there is a bit of recoil that slows down the recovery so you can enjoy the hit.
Stretch -
Howdy !
Thinking out-loud.....
+ one on what SmokinJoe said about brass availability, should you be considering a wildcat.
I shot a 6mm wildcat formed from 7X64 Brenneke brass. I have had no trouble obtaining
7X64 brass ( Norma ) at all, while I cannot say the same for attempts to come-up w/ .308Win brass for another wildcat project.
A straight-up 6mm Rem would have enough oomph, as I imagine a 6.5 X 55 would.
Like SmokinJoe said, you'll want gice some thought to brass availability & quality.
With regards,
357Mag
Howdy !
Thinking out-loud.....
+ one on what SmokinJoe said about brass availability, should you be considering a wildcat.
I shot a 6mm wildcat formed from 7X64 Brenneke brass. I have had no trouble obtaining
7X64 brass ( Norma ) at all, while I cannot say the same for attempts to come-up w/ .308Win brass for another wildcat project.
A straight-up 6mm Rem would have enough oomph, as I imagine a 6.5 X 55 would.
Like SmokinJoe said, you'll want gice some thought to brass availability & quality.
With regards,
357Mag
I have a 6br that i have been using as well as a 6.5x284 for this it works very well just it's my match rifle. I have a 6.5x47 lapua on the way for matches and am just wanting to chamber aanother barrel for my action to use specifically for pdogs. A 6x47 lapua was on my list of options I have brass for it and 6.5x284 brass and dies. They would be top on my list.
Rechamber that Br to a dasher and you'll have what you need.
My favorites for flippin dogs...I enjoy watching the "air time", 6SLR with 115's @ 3000+' or good ole .284 with 162 A-max. Simple brass for both and will give excellent "air time" up close and the ballistics to buck the wind and get those ones that think they're safe out beyond 1k, IMO. Speed always kills!! Good Luck with your quest! Eric in DL
stretch257 said:
Hi Stretch. First off I have never shot or even seen a prairie dog live, LOL, (I'm in Maryland).
However, small targets is what you are looking for so I believe the guys here have covered everything pretty well.
Why not put 2 barrels to work for you as a "switch barrel set up, a Dasher and the 6.5 in whatever case you desire from mild to wild. This way you can come to your own conclusions, and possibly through in another barrel at a later date if you feel a need.
I might add this is what I'm doing, hopefully. Best of luck to you.
I have no pproblems building a dasher but is it worth the trouble of fire forming dasher vs 6 x 47 lapua? Obviously I will loose barrel life on the first barrel but by the time ya fire form the brass for it would it be a toss up? And almost an advantage to the 6x47 lapua for velocity vs effort to fire firm? Just a question not trying to ruffle feathers.
Hi Stretch, after reading extensively on this forum with my project I hear what "Birddog" says as being true.
Actually I have several AI (Ackley Improved) rifles and they all shot very well when fire forming the cases.
Give everything some thought before making up your mind regardless of what anyone says. There's a of of things to consider, so don't rush your decision.
If you have questions after thinking about it, ask the questions on this forum, there's no better place!
Actually I have several AI (Ackley Improved) rifles and they all shot very well when fire forming the cases.
Give everything some thought before making up your mind regardless of what anyone says. There's a of of things to consider, so don't rush your decision.
If you have questions after thinking about it, ask the questions on this forum, there's no better place!
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