Caliber choice for a new guy

[ronsatspokane]

If you're doing it for fun then shoot a 223 at 600. It's a hoot and you can clean targets with it at 600. I pull mine out occasionally for the fun of it. These days I'm only loading 69 grain bullets in a 1-9 twist 223. They are not as nice as shooting the 80.5 fullbores or the 90 grain bullets but I don't have a barrel with a tight enough twist anymore.

 

[Sandstorm]

Your gonna get a 100 different combinations from all the shooter on AS forum.
I shoot Open, but going to get with some of the others and lean toward the 308 and FTR as your
first outing with bullets and brass and dies aleady...your half way there.

 

[Dgd6mm]

.223 shoot FTR for 600 yards. It's very satisfying and challenging.

 

[searcher]

If you want to use an existing gun - the .308 would be my choice. Does it shoot better than your .284 does? My idea of a great F-Class rifle are accuracy, low recoil and heavy enough barrel to not overly heat up on you during a 20-shot string. Whichever of your rifles has the best of these traits would be my choice.

 

[Infrequent Shooter]

between 223 and 308, I would go 223. recoil is friendly and you can improve your skills. If other options are available I would go 6mm of some kind. Recoil will wear you down. Goal is have fun and improve your skills. Opinion are like........ Good luck!

 

[FrozenInMinnesota]

I ended up getting a old howa 204, had my smith put a 8t 223wylde barrel in m24 contour on it. Shoots 75gr eldm really well. I plan to use that first and go from there.

 

[effendude]

Hi Frozen,
Welcome to F-Class. I'm one of the guys who worked hard to get F-Class accepted in MN about 20 years ago. I ran a weekly league in Elk River for years, getting about 40-50 new shooters into the sport each year. My suggestion to new shooters is first to decide F-Open or TR?

You've got a couple rifles ready for TR already. A 1-8" 223 is perfect to learn wind reading skills. 80 and 80.5 grain Bergers shoot great. 155 to 200 grain bullets in the 308. The 223 hits the easy button as less powder, less recoil for 88 shot days. I shot 308 for years and was usually beat by 223 guys.

F-Open is another world completely. The 6BR and now with the availability of factory brass for variants gets the easy answer. 105's shoot great, long barrel life. I love the 284 and especially the Shehane variant. The 284's with 180 grain Bergers shine best at 1000, and windy days at 600 over the 6's. If you're looking to rebarrel one of the 308's, the 284 is an easy path since you already load for it.

I had many guys show up with 7 WSM, Rem Mags, 300 Win and RUM rifles over the years. 22 shots in one night was enough for them and they found other rifles quickly.

Pick up a NF BR in 12-42X with a NP-2DD reticle, used around $1000 on this forum and you'll be set! FFP doesn't work well on a small target.
Good Luck and enjoy!
Scott

 

[FrozenInMinnesota]

Hi Frozen,
Welcome to F-Class. I'm one of the guys who worked hard to get F-Class accepted in MN about 20 years ago. I ran a weekly league in Elk River for years, getting about 40-50 new shooters into the sport each year. My suggestion to new shooters is first to decide F-Open or TR?

You've got a couple rifles ready for TR already. A 1-8" 223 is perfect to learn wind reading skills. 80 and 80.5 grain Bergers shoot great. 155 to 200 grain bullets in the 308. The 223 hits the easy button as less powder, less recoil for 88 shot days. I shot 308 for years and was usually beat by 223 guys.

F-Open is another world completely. The 6BR and now with the availability of factory brass for variants gets the easy answer. 105's shoot great, long barrel life. I love the 284 and especially the Shehane variant. The 284's with 180 grain Bergers shine best at 1000, and windy days at 600 over the 6's. If you're looking to rebarrel one of the 308's, the 284 is an easy path since you already load for it.

I had many guys show up with 7 WSM, Rem Mags, 300 Win and RUM rifles over the years. 22 shots in one night was enough for them and they found other rifles quickly.

Pick up a NF BR in 12-42X with a NP-2DD reticle, used around $1000 on this forum and you'll be set! FFP doesn't work well on a small target.
Good Luck and enjoy!
Scott

Thanks. I only have the 223 left. I can get one of those scopes new for that price so I just might. I shoot moa matches at that range (3" at 300, 4"@400.etc) on steel. I havent in a few years though.

 

[effendude]

Thanks. I only have the 223 left. I can get one of those scopes new for that price so I just might. I shoot moa matches at that range (3" at 300, 4"@400.etc) on steel. I havent in a few years though.

I've got a national record setting 6BRX coming up for sale on the forum in the next day or so. Built for the now ex-wife (long story) I offered to sell for her. 600-16X at 600 yards for a woman. Not sure what your price range is.
Scott

 

[FrozenInMinnesota]

I've got a national record setting 6BRX coming up for sale on the forum in the next day or so. Built for the now ex-wife (long story) I offered to sell for her. 600-16X at 600 yards for a woman. Not sure what your price range is.
Scott

Nothing at this point. Lol

 

[Desert Fox]

FrozenInMinnesota, I just got back from Alexandria, Minnesota this morning. You ain't kidding about the weather there. Anyway, a 284 will be a perfect choice if you want to shoot F-Class. Lot's good high BC bullet in this caliber.