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Caliber recommendations for F-Open

I know this question has been asked many times but most of the threads look pretty old.

I shoot F-Open. So far at 300 and 600 with a Savage 6.5-284. I'm going to need a new barrel the end of this year so it's probably a good time to change calibers. I may occasionally get a chance to shoot 1000 but its club matches not the US Nationals.

I've had recommendation for 6BR since I mostly shoot midrange its very accurate and easy to load for, and 284 Win since it's king of 1000 at the moment.

Like everyone else components are an issue I have a ton of 6.5 bullets and a good supply of SRP so I'm thinking 6.5x47 might be a good option. Very accurate and capable of 1000 without breaking the bank.

I do see the 7mm and 6mm projectiles are starting to come back but pretty expensive compared to what I have on hand.

What do you guys think?
 
All three are solid choices for mid range. If you have enough primers and projectiles to shoot out the barrel, go ahead and go with the 6.5x47. You can always change again on the next barrel.
 
All three are solid choices for mid range. If you have enough primers and projectiles to shoot out the barrel, go ahead and go with the 6.5x47. You can always change again on the next barrel.
Thanks, I'm kind of thinking that. I might even order barrels in a couple calibers and try both.
 
The 2021 California mid range championships were won with a 6.5 Creedmoor and the 2021 Nevada state was won with a 6 Dasher if that’s any help.
 
And the three years prior, the California mid range championships were won with a 260AI with 140 hybrids. Pleasant to shoot all day and will also perform well at 1000.
I think the driver of that particular 260AI could win with a 22 Hornet in a hurricane, lol
And the 260AI is a great cartridge!
 
My .02 and not sure if its worth that. 600Y and in I think Id stay with a 6br or variant or a 6.5X47L. If your going to shoot 1000Y as well then go 284 win
 
Does it get windy at your regular ranges? Staying with your 6.5 might be all that you need. The 6.5x47L is a great cartridge along with a 260. I wouldn’t recommend the 284 unless you’re shooting mostly long range. I started with a 260 for everything. It was competitive at 600 and at 1000 on calmer days. Not so much on tricky wind days.
 
Does it get windy at your regular ranges? Staying with your 6.5 might be all that you need. The 6.5x47L is a great cartridge along with a 260. I wouldn’t recommend the 284 unless you’re shooting mostly long range. I started with a 260 for everything. It was competitive at 600 and at 1000 on calmer days. Not so much on tricky wind days.
I'm in the northeast. Most of the ranges around me have lots of trees. We don't typically get full value winds like the open ranges further west. Bad days get really twitchy with the trees causing gusts and direction changes. 1000-yard ranges are a couple hours from me and I haven't made it to them yet. Hopefully I'll get to shoot a couple this summer. 600 is where I normally shoot matches. My first season was last summer. I used a Ruger PR in 6.5 Creedmoor and got as far as Expert qual with that. Now I got the bug completely. :)
 
how 'bout 6.5-284 :)
That's what I have but I'd like something that will get me better that 1200-1500 rounds on the barrel before I need to swap it. I like to shoot so I'd like to shoot the gun between matches as well without burning it out. :)
 
Has the new 284 lapua brass been tested extensively to see how many loading the case will take until primer pocket loosen up?
 
Here is another data point and the perspective from which it comes.

I mainly shoot Midrange F-TR and most of that with a .223 using 90 grain Berger VLDs. I shoot often at Riverbend Gun Club in Dawsonville, GA where the winds are generally under 10 MPH but can become switchy after the morning match.

I bought a great 6mm BR and use Berger's 105 Hybrid Target projectile. The rifle handles and the bullet flies very similarly to the 90 VLD from my .223, and, as such, it was an easy transition from a wind reading and gun handling perspective.

The challenge that I have with the 6BR is in the more windy/switchy conditions. The 7mm guys (284/Shehane) seem to have a meaningful advantage in both X count and dropped points.

All of the above to justify why I am going to switch to 284 Win for next year's F-Open matches.

Given your component situation, I think 6.5X47 would be a great choice for your rebarrel project. I have played with that caliber using an okay stock and 'trued' Remington 700 action and even shot some practice rounds at 600 yards in calm conditions with good scores like 200-14X but, have not tried it in competition. I know my .223 is better as an F-TR rifle and I have more confidence in my 6mmBR load than the work I have put into the 6.5X47. Just haven't had the time or extra components to really find the best load for it.

You've got a fun project ahead--good luck with it,
Henryrifle
 
Here is another data point and the perspective from which it comes.

I mainly shoot Midrange F-TR and most of that with a .223 using 90 grain Berger VLDs. I shoot often at Riverbend Gun Club in Dawsonville, GA where the winds are generally under 10 MPH but can become switchy after the morning match.

I bought a great 6mm BR and use Berger's 105 Hybrid Target projectile. The rifle handles and the bullet flies very similarly to the 90 VLD from my .223, and, as such, it was an easy transition from a wind reading and gun handling perspective.

The challenge that I have with the 6BR is in the more windy/switchy conditions. The 7mm guys (284/Shehane) seem to have a meaningful advantage in both X count and dropped points.

All of the above to justify why I am going to switch to 284 Win for next year's F-Open matches.

Given your component situation, I think 6.5X47 would be a great choice for your rebarrel project. I have played with that caliber using an okay stock and 'trued' Remington 700 action and even shot some practice rounds at 600 yards in calm conditions with good scores like 200-14X but, have not tried it in competition. I know my .223 is better as an F-TR rifle and I have more confidence in my 6mmBR load than the work I have put into the 6.5X47. Just haven't had the time or extra components to really find the best load for it.

You've got a fun project ahead--good luck with it,
Henryrifle
I'm about 60% convinced to get 6.5x47 and 284 barrels worked up. I can shoot the 6.5 while components are tight and switch to the 284 once I can get bullets for it. :)
 
I'm about 60% convinced to get 6.5x47 and 284 barrels worked up. I can shoot the 6.5 while components are tight and switch to the 284 once I can get bullets for it. :)
The 6.5 x 47 is an excellent "all around" cartridge, even for 1000 yards IF the winds at your range are not bad. However, with your pick of these two rounds, you will be in GREAT company! You could not do a whole lot better, however, you could do a whole lot worse than these two rounds..
 

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