Another Long range varmint discussion

[Jtate]

87 grain V-Max started at 3200 fps stays above 1800 fps to apx 625 yards. ( almost to the 800 yard goal ) 1800 fps being the bullet manufacture standard for expansion. ( Sierra is marketing some bullet that they claim will open at 1300 fps, but none so far in 6mm ) however my experience has been at all ranges the bergers tend to pencil though and the V-Max type bullets have a more devastating impact.

 

[boltfluter]

My longest shot on about a 3lb Rockchuck is 742 yds. Hit with an 87 V-max and he did explode! This bullet, combined with an 8 twist barrel, is devastating at most any distance you can make a hit! The 8 twist makes a huge difference. Just food for thought.

Paul

 

[searcher]

There has been a lot of advancement in bullet technology over the past several years much brought on due to the "long range rage". Seems the advancement in heavier varmint bullets hasn't kept pace. I'd really like to see some heavier .224" and 6mm varmint bullets than what is currently available. They wouldn't have to be super explosive - just something that will come apart enough to not enter the next county.

 

[CJ6]

I'm a firm believer in the 6-284 . Get a 28"+ barrel, 8 TW and use the 108-115 class bullets @ 3520-3550 fps and enjoy.

 

[pdog06]

Swap the bolt head, Spin on a 6br barrel and never look back. Using 87gr Vmax or 105 Amax works really well on some long distance varmints. Great barrel life, exceptional accuracy, and much better in the wind than the 204.

This is if you can find the bullets

 

[Skookum]

Thanks for all the replies. Barrel was ordered about a month ago, I'm going to give it another week for the smith to call and then I might try a new load work up. The gun always shot 40gr Vmax really well, better than the 39 SBK, unfortunately both are nowhere to be found so I am stuck with what I have. I cleaned the snot out of the barrel and did pull a ton of copper out but haven't tested accuracy yet.

As for the BR I bought some of the new Berger 108 elite hunters and am also going to give some V-Maxs if hornady ever decides to make more bullets again. I found some 90gr ELDs so I may settle for those or some 95gr TMKs since I have always had great success with those in other rifles.

 

[Idaho-Lefty]

You'll LIKE, the 108 Elite Hunters and they seem to like, a little, "Jump" ! They shoot very well, in a my 1- 7. 5 twist, Criterion bbl'd, 6 XC with .040 Jump ( Groups were NOT as good at, .015/ .020 off ).
Now trying, some, 95 gr. Berger Classic Hunters for, 300 - 700 yard Varmint / Targets and hoping for, SOME, "expansion" on, Varmints ! I will use, the 108's for Deer & Antelope.
My thinking is that, a 95 grain Classic Hunter, may expand a bit, AND, I want the accuracy of a Berger for 300 yard PLUS shots that, other Bullets MAY NOT provide ( 87 V-maxes & others can be, IFFY on group, repeatability ).
Let us know how, the 95 TMK's work out for you, as Sierra's are, my # 2 favorite Bullet !
PS; GOOD choice of, Cartridge !

 

[JSH]

87 grain V-Max started at 3200 fps stays above 1800 fps to apx 625 yards. ( almost to the 800 yard goal ) 1800 fps being the bullet manufacture standard for expansion. ( Sierra is marketing some bullet that they claim will open at 1300 fps, but none so far in 6mm ) however my experience has been at all ranges the bergers tend to pencil though and the V-Max type bullets have a more devastating impact.

6BR, 87 grain bullet?
If so interested in what powders your having luck with. Also barrel length.

 

[Webster]

I have one of those Cabela's specials, a Savage model 10 chambered in .204 Ruger that I have since put in a chasis system that accepts AICs pattern magazines. The rifle is probably the most accurate factory rifle i have even seen or shot, and it saddens me to say that after roughly 2000 rounds and 3 years of varmint shooting I am noticing a steep decline in accuracy. It went from making tiny, .1"-.2" groups to breaking the 1" mark and I believe it is time for a new barrel.

While I enjoyed the 20 cal life, I am the proud owner of an AR that shows great promise in accuracy and will fill that void for inside 400 yards as long as the government doesn't force me to have an unfortunate boating accident.

I am looking in the realm of a faster .223 cal or possibly a 6mm chambering that isn't quite the barrel scorcher as the .22-250 but something still very capable out to 800+ yards. I like the idea of the 22 Nosler in a bolt gun to run heavier bullets but am wondering what everyone else is running for their long range, ground dwelling rodent rifles.

I have a 14 twist 6BR 4200 shots still shoots around .350" with a good bullet. Get a faster twist for 85-90 gr bullets for distance. Past something like 500 yrds the 22s have a lot of wind drift and drop. Also have a 6BRX that I have not shot a lot.

 

[VTplinker]

I have one of those Cabela's specials, a Savage model 10 chambered in .204 Ruger that I have since put in a chasis system that accepts AICs pattern magazines. The rifle is probably the most accurate factory rifle i have even seen or shot, and it saddens me to say that after roughly 2000 rounds and 3 years of varmint shooting I am noticing a steep decline in accuracy. It went from making tiny, .1"-.2" groups to breaking the 1" mark and I believe it is time for a new barrel.

While I enjoyed the 20 cal life, I am the proud owner of an AR that shows great promise in accuracy and will fill that void for inside 400 yards as long as the government doesn't force me to have an unfortunate boating accident.

I am looking in the realm of a faster .223 cal or possibly a 6mm chambering that isn't quite the barrel scorcher as the .22-250 but something still very capable out to 800+ yards. I like the idea of the 22 Nosler in a bolt gun to run heavier bullets but am wondering what everyone else is running for their long range, ground dwelling rodent rifles.

If you were going to do a re-barrel, I would do a 223 with a fast twist, wylde chamber on that savage, from shilen. If you're looking to push it higher for sure, the 22 nosler sits right under the 22-250 in the latest nosler manual, but the 22 br is next under that as well. Depends what you want to spend on components and "ticky-isms", but the br may be easier down the road if the 22n flops (doubt it though). Also, if your sticking to varmints, the tried and true selection is arguably better in 22cal than larger.

 

[BULLET 05]

6BR, 87 grain bullet?
If so interested in what powders your having luck with. Also barrel length.

I use this same bullet in my 6br. I have a 10 twist. I haven't got a G-hog past 387yard yet. But the one I did get at that distance was pounded. Thing never moved. The one I killed at 315 yards medium sized critter it almost blew all its insides out his back.

 

[Webster]

I'm a firm believer in the 6-284 . Get a 28"+ barrel, 8 TW and use the 108-115 class bullets @ 3520-3550 fps and enjoy.

A barrel burner

 

[Tommie]

A barrel burner

So are Top Fuel dragsters.

 

[Webster]

I have one of those Cabela's specials, a Savage model 10 chambered in .204 Ruger that I have since put in a chasis system that accepts AICs pattern magazines. The rifle is probably the most accurate factory rifle i have even seen or shot, and it saddens me to say that after roughly 2000 rounds and 3 years of varmint shooting I am noticing a steep decline in accuracy. It went from making tiny, .1"-.2" groups to breaking the 1" mark and I believe it is time for a new barrel.

While I enjoyed the 20 cal life, I am the proud owner of an AR that shows great promise in accuracy and will fill that void for inside 400 yards as long as the government doesn't force me to have an unfortunate boating accident.

I am looking in the realm of a faster .223 cal or possibly a 6mm chambering that isn't quite the barrel scorcher as the .22-250 but something still very capable out to 800+ yards. I like the idea of the 22 Nosler in a bolt gun to run heavier bullets but am wondering what everyone else is running for their long range, ground dwelling rodent rifles.

Nice bolt face diameter chart.

Bolt Face Diameters for a Given Caliber

So I figured i would post a cheat sheet for everyone that may need help for your next rifle build. These calibers should work with your receiver with just a barrel swap. Some calibers may need minor work done on the feed rails to work correctly. I dont have every caliber listed but its close...

www.schoutdoors.com

The 223 and some of the 20 cal use a .378 bolt face diameter. 308 cartridge based type cartridges use .473".
All the 6mms 308, 22-250, 220 Swift should be .473". If you chose the wrong caliber you are looking at a new bolt and barrel.

 

[CJ6]

A barrel burner

How many shots do you need ?

 

[Webster]

I have one of those Cabela's specials, a Savage model 10 chambered in .204 Ruger that I have since put in a chasis system that accepts AICs pattern magazines. The rifle is probably the most accurate factory rifle i have even seen or shot, and it saddens me to say that after roughly 2000 rounds and 3 years of varmint shooting I am noticing a steep decline in accuracy. It went from making tiny, .1"-.2" groups to breaking the 1" mark and I believe it is time for a new barrel.

While I enjoyed the 20 cal life, I am the proud owner of an AR that shows great promise in accuracy and will fill that void for inside 400 yards as long as the government doesn't force me to have an unfortunate boating accident.

I am looking in the realm of a faster .223 cal or possibly a 6mm chambering that isn't quite the barrel scorcher as the .22-250 but something still very capable out to 800+ yards. I like the idea of the 22 Nosler in a bolt gun to run heavier bullets but am wondering what everyone else is running for their long range, ground dwelling rodent rifles.

Check out the 6XC specs. Joh Whidden has great articles on the caliber. Wil post if I find it.

 

[Jr solocam]

I think, for performance on critters at 800+, one will need to sacrifice barrel life at least somewhat....thats not a bad thing...

 

[AckleymanII]

Couple of thoughts on the long range varmints.

1. heat index of the powder you are using

2. amount of powder you are using

3. do you want a barrel set back as the leade is shot out?

87g V max out of a 6 XC with AA2700(buring rate of the 4350's, and one of the coolest burinng powders you can shoot). Go long barrel, long as you can stand, and absolutely with a muzzle break so you can see your exact hits, and weighted stock is also a plus.

If you want to go for more speed, then go 243 AI, or 6 Rem AI with appropriate throats with AA2700 and cci 250's for very, very low SD.

I do not like lobbing 20 bullets to kill one p. dogs.