F-class T/R vs Open with tactical setup

[CacheCropp]

I am having a tactical rifle built and at the point I need to choose a cartridge to buy a blank for. Am considering 308, 260 and 6.5x47 and the rifle will have a 22-24" barrel and finish about 12 lbs.

I am thinking of also shooting some f-class matches for training and fun. I don't want a target specific rig, just to use my tactical rifle for occasional f-class matches. So I'm wondering if I should go with 308 which will put me in F-T/R class from a bipod. Or would shooting a 260 or 6.5x47 out of tactical rifle in F-Open be just as fun?

 

[Travelor]

I would recommend building in 308. Reason is you will not have to shoot against the "belly bench rest" hotrod guns and more importantly, your build just ends itself much better to the 308 cartridge.

If you have not done it yet, I would specify a cut rifled barrel in a heavy contour and go a little longer - sy 24" as it should be more durable and easier to hold steady. Think of extra barrel length as the same as extra cubic inches in an engine.

George
High Master F-Class

 

[CacheCropp]

Thanks for the advice George. I know cut rifled barrels have an easier time fluting barrels without stressing the lands/grooves, but if I am not planning on fluting, what benefit do cut rifled barrels provide? I've had people recommend Hart (button) Brux, Krieger and Bartlein.

Also is there any evidence that 5R, 5C or any style canted lands offer much improvement? Thanks again.

 

[Magnumwill]

BlueRidge,

My 2 cents if you are not planning on competing in large national f-class or regional matches build which ever gun you want. If you are just doing it for fun I would go with the 260. If you are planning on being a serious F-Class competitior go with the 308. I built my tactical rifle in 6xc and I use it for F-class. Im not really serious about f-class right now I just do it for fun. If I ever get really serious I will 1) either build another rifle or 2)build a 308 for FTR which is in the works.

 

[Laurie]

My 2 cents if you are not planning on competing in large national f-class or regional matches build which ever gun you want. [Magnumwill]

+ 1 on that. If you're mainly shooting tactical, get the rifle you want and need for that. I'd also agree to go for a 6.5 cartridge not the .308 if that's the case. It seems that ballistically, there isn't much difference between .260 Rem, 6.5X47 Lapua, and the 6.5 Hornady Creedmoor. They all feed well too from magazine rifles. They're all accurate in the right rifle. So, it's down to personal preference and factors like brass availability, quality, and price. The other factor to consider - my apologies if you're already there ahead of me - is bullet weight, and hence the chamber form you specify. At the usual short action magazine length, you're restricted to 2.8", maybe fractionally more, so 140s have to be seated deeply. Most people work on the assumption that something in the 120-130gn range will be their primary bullet - 120gn Sierra MK, 123gn Lapua Scenar, or 130gn Berger and ask for a chamber with freebore to suit one of these or similar.

Good shooting. I have rifles in .260 Rem and 6.5X47L, and I like both. I've seen both cartridges perform well at all ranges out to 1,000yd in various disciplines, although a longer barrel is a good idea, I'll go further and say near necessity, for long-range F-Open success.

Laurie,
York, England

 

[Travelor]

My experience with cut rifling has been that the barrels last longer and seem to shoot better. But that is just my experience. My 308 Krieger barrel is now got 3500 rounds through it and still shoots very well out to 1000 yards when I do my job.

I have not had a 5R contoured rifling barrel, but have heard great things about them.

I shoot 3 different calibers (5 guns) with Krieger 4-groove rifling and have had such good luck with them I am hesitant to try any other brands or rifling style.

I am currently am having a new 1000 yard F-Class open gun built and have commissioned Gary Ocock (Bench Rest Hall of Fame shooter and builder) to build it. When I mentioned I wanted a Krieger barrel and asked his advice, he told me that there are none better in his opinion. BTW, this gun is going to be a F-Class Open gun in 284 Win with a 32" barrel in a McMillan F-Class stock and BAT action.