Cartridge for getting started in long range shooting

[tmoss 22-250]

I would like some advice on what cartridge to base my first long range rifle build. I've been doing some research an came up with 3 choices
6 mm br
6.5x47 lapua
260 remington
Getting in to 600yrd shooting what is a good choice.

 

[A j shooter]

I love my 6br I have two . They shoot great easy to load for . A great round. MHO

 

[3Ackleys]

260 is my vote.

what do you have now? I started metallic silhouette with a win 670 carbine .270 didn't hit too many rams but it was cool when I did!

 

[Cort]

Any of those three cartridges is an excellent choices for up to 600 yards. The 6 BR is easier to tune. The 6.5 x 47 and the 260 Remington are very close in performance. They are both better choices for beyond 600 yards than the 6 BR.

Cort

 

[hogpatrol]

One vote for 6.5-284.

 

[Bob3700]

No question, 6mmBR is tops.

Outstanding accuracy, easy to load and tune, very low cost of reloading, good bbl life.

If you own one and the bullet hole is not in the middle, it was you!

Bob

 

[tmoss 22-250]

Savage 12FV in 22-250
Remington 700 tactical 308 with 20" barrel

 

[Immike]

I have watched several people start out and the 6br has been the best choice for results.

 

[Hoier]

I shoot a 6br for 1k br and the only other round I would maybe consider would be the Dasher. But for a beginner there is no better choice than the 6br.

 

[NateHaler]

TMoss, you're asking the same questions that others have asked hundreds of times. LOTS of info on this forum, and others, and on Google, if you just search for it.

If you intend to reload, then get whatever cartridge design that floats your boat. If you intend to shoot factory ammo -- even just on occasion rather than all the time -- then you don't want a .260 nor some of the others suggested. Factory ammo means a .308 for by far the greatest variety of choices, or a 6BR with far fewer choices and more costly, but certainly available.

These days, getting ammo, whether you buy it or roll it, is not nearly as easy as it used to be. When you make your decision, then I suggest you stock up on feed for it. The liberals want your guns, and they're trying to make getting ammo for your guns very inconvenient.

If you're really going to shoot to 600y, and you're just getting started, then get a .223 with a fast twist bore, or a .308. You cannot go wrong with either, and there are some huge advantages to using one or the other. Maybe you'll be outgunned at BR matches and the like, but who cares if you're just getting started. If you're just learning to ride a street motorcycle, I hope your first bike isn't a Hayabusa.

 

[Tcon260]

For 600 yards, 6BR is a not brainer to start with…easy to load and tune, long barrel life, and tack drivers.

When you shoot that barrel out, chamber it in something else if your heart desires. My wife and I shoot both 6BRX's and 260's. No need start with something that requires fire forming like a BRX or dasher. And 260's can be a bit difficult to tune…my wife and I have shot out at least 10 barrels between us.

Once you become a bit more experienced and experiment with other calibers like .260 or 6.5 x 47, it is nice to have a 6BR barrel that you can throw on that will always shoot.

 

[slm9s]

If you reload, 6br.

If you don't 6 Creed or 260.

 

[Rustystud]

My choice would be 6mmBR no question. Another option would be 6mmBRX or 6mmDasher.
Nat Lambeth

 

[Alexander-M]

Although the thread originator did not include .308 among the cartridges to be evaluated, wouldn't it (.308) be a very adequate cartridge to start at 600 yd, and even up to 1000 yd ballistic-wise? And wouldn't the wide availability of rifles, reloading components, and the number of competitors who use .308 indicate that it would be a good choice as well?

Nando

 

[MarkS]

tmoss 22-250,

I with Nat. 6BR I also have 6BRX. When you build set up for switch barrel. I have both my custom action guns set up to change barrels without removing from stock or removing scope. That way you can add other barrels down the road.

Mark Schronce

 

[wwbrown]

If you max out at 600 yards and you are just starting out 6BR, I think the inherent accuracy, easy tuning, and tiny recoil, will make you successful and love the sport.

 

[tcob68]

My vote goes to the 6.5 Creedmoor. If you are just getting started cost would probably be a concern. Several companies are putting out accurate and affordable rifles and the Hornady factory match ammo is surprisingly accurate and affordable. Recoil is light and the Creedmoor is an efficient cartridge giving excellent accuracy and barrel life. Make SURE you get some good glass with dependable adjustments. No need in spending a ton of money to get your feet wet and figure out what you need and/or want. Just my 2cents.

 

[GSPV]

If you reload, the 6 BR would be tops. Stupid easy to load for, great barrel life, low recoil. Recommend an 8 twist set up for the 104-108 gr long-heavy bullets. No turn neck. My BRDX reamer has 115 freebore, if that helps.

Or, heck, just jump in and get a BRX.

 

[Varminator]

Have any of the fine gunsmiths that you can find on this site put a custom barrel and stock on that Remington 308 in any of your choice of cartridges and you will have two guns in one. Or just get your feet wet by putting a pre-fit on the Savage. I had a "Target Action" that I did everything right building (except I used a stock Savage 6BR take off barrel) and in the end it didn't shoot like I thought it should so I put a Shilen barrel on it in 6.5 x 47 and it shoots the lights out. A friend of mine put a Shilen pre-fit [.223] on his Savage that didn't shoot so good and without changing anything else started getting predictable accuracy with the 80 gr SMKs. I still prefer my Varmint gun with a 10 twist 6BR over everything else I shoot, just for the fun factor. Because of the slower twist it won't out shoot either of my 6 Dashers with the heavies but sure is fun with the 55gr SBK, 70gr SBK, Nosler 80s and 75 and 87 gr VMaxes. It [6BR] will hit grapefruit size targets off the hood of my truck on a bipod at 600 yards with the 70gr to 87gr bullets. Fun, fun, fun!
Mark

 

[Joe R]

I would like some advice on what cartridge to base my first long range rifle build. I've been doing some research an came up with 3 choices
6 mm br
6.5x47 lapua
260 remington
Getting in to 600yrd shooting what is a good choice.

The key question that remains unanswered is: Are you a handloader? Until that question is answered it is difficult to make relevant recommendations.

All of your current choices have a 0.473 bolt face. I assume that is not accidental. I'm also guessing that you may be thinking about re-barreling that Remington .308 action with the 20" barrel? Am I on the right track?