Cooper 6BR twist - slow?

[Williamb]

Hi - new to the forum. While I posted this elsewhere there seems to be much more discussion of twist rates here.

I would like to get a 6BR principally for some paper punching and occasional varmint shooting. I really like Cooper rifles and if I can find one in 6BR it would allow me immediate gratification; however, their standard 6BR has only a 1 in 14 twist rate unless you special order a different barrel twist,+$350.00).

Seems to me that 1:14tw is really slow and would limit my choice of bullet weights. Since this will be my first and maybe only 6BR I would also like to also have a barrel that would not limit me to lighter bullets.

I think I need a faster twist at least 1 x 10. What are your thoughts about the 1 in 14 twist rate and do you have suggestions on the optimum tw for bullet weights which will perform for bullets in the 70's to 105's?

Thanks -

 

[6BR]

With a 6BR, I would go with a 1-8 twist barrel. The 1-8 twist will allow you to shoot everything. I am having a 6BR built with a 1-8 twist, however, I am having it throated to shoot 80 to 105grn Bullets. My bullets of choice will be the following;
1. 105grn A-Max
2. 88grn Berger Match/Varmint bullet
3. 87grn V-Max

My rifle will be used for varminting out to 600 yards. I have heard the 88grn Berger is a very good bullet and performs well on varmints. 6mmBR.com shows the BC of this bullet at .395. The 87grn V-Max has a BC of .400 and the 105grn A-Max has a BC of .500.

 

[Williamb]

Seems like we have similar objectives in mind. What components have you chosen and who is doing the work?

Thanks-

 

[6BR]

WiiliamB, yes, it does seem so. I have yet to choose a smith for the build but here are the components I will be using;

1. Chamber-6BR Match Chamber for Lapua brass no-turn .272 neck.
2. Action-Stiller Predator Single Shot, Right Bolt, Right Port.
3. Barrel-Bartlein 28", 1-8 twist, 236 Bore, 1.250 straight cylinder with 6 deep flutes, Barrel throated for 80 to 105grn bullets.
4. Stock-Manners-T4A, color OD Green,Awesome stocks).
5. Jewel 2oz Trigger.
6. Badger Oversized Bolt Knob.
7. Vais Muzzle brake.
8. Stiller 20MOA Scope Rail.
9. Nightforce 30mm Rings.
10. Nightforce NXS 8x32x56mm.
11. All metal coated Matte Black
12. Total weight with scope 15 lb's

The rifle will be used for varminting from 0 to 600 yards. I plan on using the 88grn Berger and the 105grn A-Max. The two bullets have a high BC and are pretty good terminally on varmints. I shot my friends 6BR, and I was hooked! I have never owned a 6BR, and I can't believe I waited this long. I am looking forward to shooting this rifle.

Who is going to be your smith and what components will you be using.

 

[Williamb]

6BR -

Thanks for the info. Seems like all excellent choices.

Wm

 

[Twud]

It will likely shoot 60s, my 1/12 shoots 75s and 80s real well. There's a ton of great 60+ grain bullets out there. Unless you plan on some real long range work I'd go for it.

 

[CentrePunch]

I have a 6mmBR Cooper with the 14T barrel, i have no trouble holding 1/2 moa for 5 shots at 530yds using 68grn Bergers.
A buddy of mine scored a 507yd PD kill with the same rifle loaded with 65grn V-max's
Hope this helps you make your mind up.

Ian.

 

[Williamb]

Thanks for all the advice. For my first 6mmBR I decided to have a gun built. For my first barrel I decided on a 1:8 twist which will give me the most flexibility.

Thanks

 

[CEHansen]

According to Dan Pickett at Cooper a stock Cooper .243 1:10 barrel chambered for 6BR would be considered a stock ordered rifle and therefore not subject to the $350 custom upcharge. I was strongly considering doing this until I found a 6BR Cooper Phoenix new-in-box with a 1:8 barrel on GunBroker.com. Immediate gratifier that I am, I decided to forego the 5 month wait. I don't feel in any way qualified to suggest if this compromise is worth considering. I'm just throwing it out as an FYI.

 

[mwood]

Cooper offers a 10:1 twist as a no cost option as it is the same barrel as their .243. If you are using the gun for target, the 14:1 twist can be more accurate under 300 yards.

 

[Williamb]

Thanks for the info about the 1:10 twist. They really should put that on there web-site. I have a couple of Coopers and really like them.

Thanks

 

[CEHansen]

FYI

Maybe someone would be interested in this;

http://www.forthehunt.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=106113678

These are the people that sold me my Cooper Phoenix 6 BR 1:8 twist. Very easy poeple to deal with.

Carl

 

[tenring]

I just bought a Cooper M22 Varminter in 6mmBR with 1:8 twist, it was part of a special run they made. I am hoping it will do well with one of the 105 gr. VLD's.