Help me decide on a NEW Barrel

[DennisH]

I have most calibers or had them.

I am using a Savage Target Action.

I need to build a rifle with an X-Caliber rifle to bring, shoot, and show at events.

I just can't decide on which Caliber. I have thought about a 6.5x284, a Dasher, a 308, along with a few others, even a 6.5x55 ( would have to buy dies etc., which has me on hold with this caliber), but would buy a set if that's what you think I need to build. I always wanted to try one along with a 260 which I have had or shot one. I have even thought about another 6.5x47.

Question: Is a 338 legal in F-Open competition? The only reason I would build a 338 is because I have the powder to support it, "ONE" time only.

Help give me some thoughts, a proven cartridge, or go for a really wild one.

I will be shooting it in 600 yard competitions.

Just a pre-warning, I will be selling some of my other rifles. If interested, drop me a PM. If I don't have one built your looking for, a simple barrel swap should take care of that. I should have a hunting 260 ready within 2 weeks, nice rifle for someone.

Take care, serious responses please.

Dennis

 

[FatBoy]

Most ranges have a caliber restriction. You'd have to check your local range rules. It is not illegal for F Open, but you may find you have np place to compete.

That said, 338 anything is way too much gun for 600y. Little 6mm s dominate 600y matches, with some guys shooting their 1k rifles if they aren't feeling like taking any chances on wind.

 

[Dgd6mm]

no 6mm? If not my vote would be a short action 6.5 cartridge, anyone of the 3 you named would work. If singling one out it would be the Lapua.

 

[M-61]

I put together a 6.5BR, Savage target action and a 3 groove 1-8 Benchmark at 1.14 no taper. It's new but so far it shoots better than I could expect for just starting out. I am hooked on the BR cartridges so I am prejudiced.

 

[normmatzen]

I would vote for a 6BRX or 6 Dasher. I actually have a Savage PTA based long range BR gun with an X-Caliber barrel chambered in 6BRX and it shoots as good a group and any 6mm barrel I have used prior to the X-Caliber,
I also think the 6BRX and the 6Dasher are virtually identical in performance. I would also pick the 6BRX/6 Dasher as their barrel life is the longest in your list

 

[swd]

Another vote for the BRX or Dasher. There's a good reason they're so popular!

 

[Dgd6mm]

Another vote for the BRX or Dasher. There's a good reason they're so popular!

 

[Kakumba]

It may be allowed under US NRA rules, but no, 338 is NOT legal for F Class, if you look at the ICFRA rules. Only allowed up to 8mm.

 

[JarheadAZ]

I have an L-W drop-in 28" 1:8" .260 Rem barrel on my 2001 Savage 10FP action. I have mostly shot the rifle in 1000yd F Open Class, using necked down Win 7-08 brass (now Hornady), 142SMK/140A-Max, H-4350, and CCI BR-2's. Even with its SAAMI chamber, I have kept and cherished this rifle for well over a decade.

Not for sale. but all you need is one of these http://www.lothar-walther.com/339.php, a set of barrel blocks, and and a Wheeler Savage Barrel Nut wrench.

Greg

 

[SHootSTraight22]

If your just building a gun to show or advertise a product and the gun will be shot to demo that product,, it would make since to build the gun in a sweet shooting caliber that people can bughole... The "bugholing" groups will help sell your item or be your advertisment and example how "great your product is.." Theirs a reason guys shoot 6mm's during/at all types of matches.. It's sweet shooting, low recoiling, and easy to make very accurate.... Build something simple like a 6mm Creedmoore... Not only is it cheap to demo (by letting guys shoot as many rounds as they like) but brass is cheap as well... You can easily build a .2-.3moa 6mm Creed to help show your product..
I shoot a 6.5x47L in tactical/practical matches... That would be my second choice but I still think simple, cheap, and a 6mm will win the price, if the price is to impress prospective buyers and making them impressed with the item while shooting it.. Hope that helps some...