Getting started -- Where to buy new/used 6mm BR Norma for 100 yd benchrest

[Pareto]

I'm getting a bit frustrated with my .223 bolt action and rather than jumping to a custom .223 I was wondering if I could find or build a good short range (100-200 yd) 6 br rifle for a reasonable price (Rifle only strictly under $2000). I'm thinking benchrest stock, 1:14 heavy barrel, 20-24 inches, no neck turn chamber. I'm hoping that 6 br will give me more consistent performance at the bench. I don't plan to compete or if so, only sporadically. My focus is on shooting the standard 100 yard centerfire targets and just doing well for my own pleasure. I mostly have access to 100 yard indoor lanes only, though I can make a long drive to very sporadically shoot 200 yards, but I don't really practice outdoors at all.

Any suggestions or sellers who specialize in used 6 br guns?

I already have good scopes.

Thanks.

 

[PopCharlie]

You might be able to find a used rifle in your price range here:

The Shooters Corner | Lake Hopatcong, NJ

theshooterscorner.com

6br brass is unobtainium right now. You can go to ammoseek.com, set up an account, then set up searches to alert you when brass is available.

PopCharlie

 

[hoz53]

You can get a .223 to shoot really well at short range. I have a .223 Shilen 14 twist barrel from NSS that shoots as well as my 6BR at short range. I actually haven't shot it too much since the thing shoot so well and I don't want to wear out the barrel. If you already have a .223 rifle, it's cheaper to just get a good .223 barrel and stock or buy a used 6BR as mentioned previously. You can find Alpha 6BR brass but Lapua is difficult to find.

Alpha 6mm BR Brass with OCD Technology

Product Information Cartridge: 6mm BR Finish: Brass Condition: New Quantity: 100 or 500 *Same Lot Number Primed: No Primer Size: Small Primer Pocket *This is not loaded ammunition.

www.bluecollarreloading.com

Here's a few .223 5 shot groups with Berger 55 FBs and 24 gn AR Comp at 100 yards:
View attachment 1385072

is that a rem 700 and a nut barrel?

 

[hoz53]

Yes, a clone that takes a small Savage prefit barrel.

ok thanks

 

[Pareto]

I have a Howa and not convinced it's worth rebarelling vs finding a good Rem clone or Remage

 

[Pareto]

Can someone recommend a smith in No VA if I get a Shilen alternut barrel to install it?

 

[PopCharlie]

Check with Jeff Walker, Walker Custom Rifles. He is in Culpeper, but he's worth the drive. He's built 2 rifles for me. His work is outstanding. He has a website.

Walker Custom Rifles

Building precisely accurate long range Hunting, Target, and Tactical Bolt Action rifles.

walkercustomrifles.com

PopCharlie

 

[mjl650]

Another good smith a little farther away near Richmond is Zach at Old Dominion Custom Rifles.
He has done 3 for me.

OLD DOMINION CUSTOM RIFLES

We build custom rifles using quality parts and machining processes to offer high quality rifles at affordable prices. Any groups you see throughout this website are shot at 100 yds off the bench...

www.olddominioncustomrifles.com

 

[R.Morehouse]

Before you decide, take a look at the 6ppc. It is kind of its own little world. You can fine-tune to the smallest degree. I wish I had access to a local 100yd indoor range. If I did, I would fully enjoy burning up powder and barrels just playing with all the different variations of bullets/seating/neck tension/primers, etc., etc......I think the 6ppc is the "razor's edge " of the precise accuracy fun one can have in this type of scenario.......But I may not be right in the head....

Regards
Rick

 

[Rat Rifle]

Before you decide, take a look at the 6ppc. It is kind of its own little world. You can fine-tune to the smallest degree. I wish I had access to a local 100yd indoor range. If I did, I would fully enjoy burning up powder and barrels just playing with all the different variations of bullets/seating/neck tension/primers, etc., etc......I think the 6ppc is the "razor's edge " of the precise accuracy fun one can have in this type of scenario.......But I may not be right in the head....

Regards
Rick

Hey, Brass Cases keep us away from Brass Poles

 

[Bill Norris]

Another good smith a little farther away near Richmond is Zach at Old Dominion Custom Rifles.
He has done 3 for me.

OLD DOMINION CUSTOM RIFLES

We build custom rifles using quality parts and machining processes to offer high quality rifles at affordable prices. Any groups you see throughout this website are shot at 100 yds off the bench...

www.olddominioncustomrifles.com

Totally agree. Zack is top shelf. He has built 8 for me with another one on the slate waiting on a barrel. Best quality, workmanship, and price anywhere.

 

[Pareto]

Aren't all these custom rifles more in the 4k and up range? I'd like to shoot a bit more with cheaper stuff to see if I really want to get into benchrest. Hence my reluctance to shoot 6PPC with its low barrel life and greater hassles of brass prep. I'd stick with .223 if I could get a gun like afret's.

 

[Rat Rifle]

Attend a match. Ask questions, talk to people.

 

[Pareto]

Attend a match. Ask questions, talk to people.

I did. They told me to just shoot my 223 at first or get a 6 br.

 

[slm9s]

There are several used 6ppc's on gunbroker that will fit your needs well. You can put up a WTB in the classifieds here for a 6br, but if you're unsuccessful - in the long run the 6ppc might be better suited for 100-200 yard BR anyway.
My two cents.

 

[liljoe]

The only reason you hear about short barrel life is because they are not competitive to win. You can shoot 5000 rounds through a 6 PPC barrel just like any other, but you can't win at the nationals doing it.
Plus there are hundreds of used barrels sitting on shelves that can be bought very cheap.
If you find someone who shoots a lot, I bet you can get brass for free also. It might have a few firings on it but for shooting in your backyard it would be perfectly fine.
Joe

 

[urbanrifleman]

I have everything you need to build a Rem 700 footprint clone or 700 into a competitive benchrest rifle in my store. Many of my customers have done it and are competing right now. Some are doing quite well.

 

[Rat Rifle]

I have everything you need to build a Rem 700 footprint clone or 700 into a competitive benchrest rifle in my store. Many of my customers have done it and are competing right now. Some are doing quite well.

He wants to shoot 100 yards, on an indoor range, for His “own pleasure”.
As per post #1

 

[urbanrifleman]

He wants to shoot 100 yards, on an indoor range, for His “own pleasure”.
As per post #1

I was just saying that my formula works. It is also extremely affordable.

 

[Rat Rifle]

I was just saying that my formula works. It is also extremely affordable.

I understand what You are saying and I agree with the workability of Your formula. The service You provide is extremely beneficial to the shooting sport. I congratulate You on the success of Your Barrel Program and Your business in general. Depending on the future course our sport takes, I may yet be one of Your customers . The term “extremely affordable“ is relative to the course of action most bench rest shooters take. I don’t think any aspect of bench rest shooting is extremely affordable. The cost of the rifle is a mer portion of the total cost involved in BR shooting.

My personal advice to the OP, given His stated requirements would be:
1. Shoot what You have.
2. Get a quality Rimfire.
3. Acquire a 6mmBR at a price You consider affordable (good luck)

IMO, the 6mmPPC is way too much trouble, considering Your stated requirements.