Cartridge for getting started in long range shooting

[gunnermhr]

To shoot competitively you will need to reload, both for accuracy and affordability period. Go with a 6BR 8 twist, deadly accurate, so are the many of the 6BR improved versions, I just like the 6BR, and for what it's worth I don't think they're under performers at distances greater than 600 yards, at least for paper punching. Someday if I go to an improved version I will probably have to go with a Dasher, why? Why not there are as proven at long range as the 6BR is at short to midrange.

I think the question should be what would you go with?

6BR
6BRX
6 Dasher
6x47

That's a much tougher question to answer.

 

[NateHaler]

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

Yes. Which is why I recommended it too!

The main thing is to get in the game. Overthinking one's equipment, esp. as a beginner, is a recipe for frustration and failure. Learn by doing. Spend what you can afford. Keep It Simple, Shooter. You can easily sell beginner gear, if in fact you actually outgrow it, and then buy other stuff. When I started fishing, I did not buy the same gear as Skeet Reese would use. The Zebco reel with rod and line all included was okay for a beginner. Now I could buy Reese-level stuff, but I got smart and sold my boat.

 

[Trapper243]

You can get good match grade ammo for the 6.5 Creedmoor. Hornady loads the 140 A-Max with around 41.5 grains of H4350. Normally you can find it for 22 to 25 dollars a box. Factory match ammo will allow you to get out and shooting rather quickly. Same could be said for a .308 and maybe the .308 would be better because you will probably get longer barrel life. Both have a .473 bolt face and by the time you finish off a barrel you will have probably decided what you prefer.

 

[NateHaler]

You can get good match grade ammo for the 6.5 Creedmoor. Hornady loads the 140 A-Max with around 41.5 grains of H4350. Normally you can find it for 22 to 25 dollars a box. Factory match ammo will allow you to get out and shooting rather quickly. Same could be said for a .308 and maybe the .308 would be better because you will probably get longer barrel life. Both have a .473 bolt face and by the time you finish off a barrel you will have probably decided what you prefer.

There's a LOT more variety available in .308 factory ammo vs. the 6.5 Creed, but the Hornady stuff you mention is good ammo for sure -- although the best deal I've ever found is $25/box if you purchase it by the case. Mile High Shooting Sports has the case deal, in case (ha!!!) you're interested, and shipping is free: http://www.milehighshooting.com/hornady-ammunition-6-5-creedmoor-140gr-a-max-10-boxes-per-case/

 

[Michael Courtney]

Lots of folks like the 6mm bullets out to 600 yards, but I recommend considering how much the wind blows in your match locations and lean toward the 6.5mm if you are in a windier spot. When the wind picks up the 6.5s have a distinct advantage over the 6mm and .308, and that advantage is very real at 600 yards.

 

[tmoss 22-250]

Thanks for all info. Seems like real good folk on this forum.
To answer the question yes I do reload an I think I've settled on the 6mm BR.
I have a 22-250 & 308 to plink with until I get it built.
The action is a 700 that I picked up an I'm going to true it and fit the barrel as a project.

I like one about the Hayabusa
In the words of Quigley "ain't had much use for one, never said I didn't know how to use it" LOL

 

[jonbearman]

I'm with mark and nat,go for the 6BR and dont look back.I have a switch barrel and it is really nice to be able to switch calibers when ever I feel the need.

 

[wapiti25]

We have more 6 BR's at our club shoots (600yds) than any other, they win. Start with a long (26+") 1-8 twist barrel. I'm shooting a 223 1-8 (26") using 80gr bullets and only can beat some of the 6 BR's but not win, second a few times. Lapua Brass and 105gr or 107gr bullets.