caliber for F-class rifle?

[RDavies]

Another vote for 284. The recoil is fine in an F Open weight gun, certainly not anything to worry about. Barrels last a long time and you dont need to retune loads as often as with the bigger hot rods. The 6.5x284 brass seems to be more reasonably priced than magnum brass, and always seems to be available. It is an inherently accurate and consistent combination with competitive wind bucking abilities at long range.

 

[David Christian]

Have tried the 6.5 CM and 300 WSM. For consistency, ease of dialing in a load, recoil control, access to brass, and just pure efficiency, I vote straight .284 all day long.

 

[carlsbad]

America adopted the metric system for one purpose only--7mm.

 

[1shot]

I'm currently a sling/prone shooter, but I've been shooting a 284 Shehane for several years now in a 16 lb. rifle. Shooting 180 class bullets at 2,930 fps. is quite tolerable for me, but everyone is different as to their threshold of recoil.
If/when I start shooting f class, I'll continue using what I'm familiar with.

Lloyd

 

[284winner]

the 260 vs 6.5 creed, my understanding is you gain a little more case capacity with the 260 and can get a few more fps?

It's my thought exactly yet I keep hearing the 6.5 CM is RIGHT on the heels of the .260. The common word is pressures higher on the 6.5CM so velocities higher. I've always been in the camp of " More powder, more power". My .260 runs 140s around 2860 with H4831. With the newer faster powders, that number is probably prehistoric. The .260 is a great 300-1000 yard cartridge regardless.

 

[Medic505]

Barrels last a long time

I'm curious, what is the average barrel life of a 284? Not trying to be a wise ass, I really don't have a clue. I know the 6.5-285 that was the go to round when I stared F Class was a barrel eater, one reason I landed in TR. Is the straight 284 better?

 

[Jay Christopherson]

I'm curious, what is the average barrel life of a 284? Not trying to be a wise ass, I really don't have a clue. I know the 6.5-285 that was the go to round when I stared F Class was a barrel eater, one reason I landed in TR. Is the straight 284 better?

I've gone over 2k rounds at a large match and still been competitive. Only reason I don't push further is fear, though I have one barrel I'm pushing 2200 in that still lays down X's at local matches. I wouldn't be afraid at all to bring a barrel with 1600 or more on it to Nationals, if it was a shooter.

 

[boltman13]

Although I do not shoot it, other shooters I know report there is considerable increase in barrel life. It still doesn't match a 308 or 6.5 Creedmoor, however. Because I shoot more Mid Range F-Class I have both 6BR and 6.5 Creedmoor rifles. Both are great at 600 yards with outstanding barrel life.
Recoil is not an issue with either one in a heavy rifle. The 6.5 Creed is giving up some in tricky or heavy winds to the 7mm's at 1,000 yds but that's the price you pay for it's advantages.

 

[Damfino]

I guess a follow-up question would be: Do you want to participate, or do you want to compete?

6.5s can hold their own at MR, but at 1k the 7mms+ are going to walk on you.

This is a deceptively simple, but very important question. I found that it is easy to participate, but competing is very challenging. I would also ask do you want to shoot high scores and move up in classifications quickly? I started out in F-TR (308) because I shot it in service rifle and high power silhouettes. It took me years to make High Master in Mid-Range and I languished in Expert for years in Long Range. Decided to try F-Open and shot several cleans at Mid-Range with a Dasher and made Master in my first 2 matches shooting a straight contour 32 inch barreled .284. I was shocked to discover that shooting higher scores is more fun for me. Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed my 308 but getting it to shoot well is/was a lot more work than the cartridges I now shoot in F-Open. (Obligatory disclaimer - YMMV.)

 

[284winner]

I'm curious, what is the average barrel life of a 284? Not trying to be a wise ass, I really don't have a clue. I know the 6.5-285 that was the go to round when I stared F Class was a barrel eater, one reason I landed in TR. Is the straight 284 better?

Tough to beat the performance of the 6.5-284. Light recoil, accurate as heck and decent barrel life if you don't step on the gas too hard. I get around 1800 rounds from most of mine running at 2975. My 284s get more for sure. Right around 2200+. Again, depends on how much you push them. I run 162s at around 3000fps and it's all I need. I prefer the 284 w/180s when Ma nature shows up. Much better than the 6.5 bullets for sure.

 

[jnm300ultra]

I started out shooting F-Class with a 6.5-47 Lapua. Then realize I needed something for long range, 800-1000. I then built a straight 284. I have the best of both worlds. A rifle for short range and one for long range. The cheaper way is swapping out the barrels. I have noticed the recoil between the two rounds but it’s very manageable. My suggestion would be get a 284. I hope this helps, and good luck.
Jason