Bolt Rifle vs. AR Spacegun in XC HP

[flatlander]

Now that the dust's settled after the NRA National Champs at Camp Perry, I'm wondering whether Carl B. will switch from his HAGAR spacegun to a T2K or tubegun next season? Sherri's T2K in 260 undoubtedly had an advantage at 300&600, though that wasn't a factor this year, as I understand that both shooters dropped the incredibly few points they did lose in offhand at 200. Also, from what I heard from friends who shot NRA week, conditions were generally very favorable all four days.

I shot a HAGAR for the better part of two seasons, and if someone had made a run of good small primer pocket brass, would still be shooting that cartridge. My upper was 100% reliable, and very accurate. I just couldn't face the prospect of putting the time & effort into forming cases every couple of years after making 1200pcs. of it initially.

Instead, I sold the spare upper I'd built, most of the remaining brass, die set, and put together an Eliseo R5 in 6BR. Then, a year later, I put a RTS in 6.5x47 together, which would be comparable to Sherri's T2K in 260 Rem. Either one of these 6.5mm cartridges have a significant advantage over the HAGAR's 105 VLDs at 600 with 139-142gr. bullets. It'll be interesting to see what Carl decides to do.

 

[Mudcat]

Its basically personal preference, especially at that level of the game. I think you will also see, and note, that the top level of the game usually doesnt worry a whole lot about stuff like maximizing velocity, or getting the newest round or gadget out there. Skill trumps gadgets and if you are good, you just need a good accurate rifle that works well with you ergonomically. Note that Sherri's 260 loads are fairly wimpy, as she is after accuracy over velocity.

I doubt you will see Carl changing anything solely based on what Sherri used. They dropped their points offhand, and there, bolt or semi probably isnt the issues, other than I would think the T2k trigger is more condusive to good offhand scores than a spacegun.

 

[spclark]

They dropped their points offhand, and there, bolt or semi probably isnt the issues, other than I would think the T2k trigger is more conducive to good offhand scores than a spacegun.

Given the performances both Sherri and Carl displayed this year and last, you may very well have highlighted where the difference is.

Had Carl shot standing like he did last year, he'd have won with 2399. (Another of us 6HAGAR shooters from Michigan alerted me to this statistic earlier this week.)

 

[distinguished]

Its too bad that the companies who promised to make brass for the HAGAR jerked John Harrison around and did not keep their promise. [ Jameson & Silver State Armory]
Unbelieveable performances by both Sherri and Carl. I think the choice of rifles boils down to what fits the individual shooter best.

 

[Klong]

The trigger lock time on the bolt could be the difference in the points scored. The bolt"s have an advantage in x's at 600 yards and can shoot a better (ballistics) cartridge.

The AR is easier to shoot in the rapid fire stages for me.

 

[distinguished]

Lock time is slower in an AR. My HAGAR will run 105gr VLD Bergers at 2900fps so I don't see a disadvantage at 600yds. I have T2K also and the advantage I see is the ability to use heavier bullets at 300yds for rapid fire. The AR is easier to shoot rapid with for me as well since you eliminate working the bolt. I switched to bolt guns for the additional challenge of having to work the bolt. Either rifle will shoot tens and X's all day if the shooter can hold it there, I'm still working on that part. LOL