Itching for a new Rifle

[BigJim]

Well it's that time of year again,spring) and time to try something new,rifle) I am torn between a .308 and 7mm Rem mag. Already have 22lr, 22mag, .223, .243, 7.62x39, .270 and 30-06.

Most of my shooting is bench rest but I would like to get someting I could use for hunting also if the need should arrises. I had a 7mm Rem Mag a number of years ago, while I liked the power it provided I did not like the recoil,could have been bad head spacing). And I am not overly impressed with the .308 from a power stand point,Would rather use my .270 for that). That leaves me between a rock and a hard place as to what to get. Any sugestions would be appreciated.

Help, help where do I spend my limited funds.

Thanks
Big Jim

 

[DogBuster]

You have no 6.5mm.....are you looking for a field weight rifle or heavy varmint/target rig.....?? Take a look at the 6.5 x 55 Swede....great ole cartridge....low recoil & shoots flat !!

 

[longlowdog]

Off the shelf Savage F-Class 6.5-284 for the bench and if it does not shoulder well enough buy a synthetic field type stock to drop it into for hunting. Reports in the U.K. shooting press have been very favourable for a rifle that costs £1000 over here,,$2000, but I'll bet it dosn't cost that on your side of the pond.).
Could also look at new T.C. Icon. Fully bedded, floated and accurate right from the go.

 

[BigJim]

Have never had the opportunity to use a 6.5. The short barrel life of that caliber is very disturbing 700 to 1000 rounds.

I am looking for a 300 yard or meter rifle that will take down a deer,whitetail 200 to 250 lbs) with one shot. Since I do not shoot competition 1 MOA at 100 yds would be acceptable. If it could be used for Elk or Bear that would be even better.

Have not seen a 6.5 in the stores, seems most are special built or special ordered.

Have never used a .308 so I don't know how good or bad that caliber is. I like the idea of the lighter recoil but don't know if it will have the smack at that range. The 7mm mag will do the job but do not like the recoil. So there I am stuck.

 

[olympian]

6.5x55 in a Tikka, accuracy and barrel life are exceptional.

 

[sunbuilder]

Hi Jim,

Looks to me you have your bases covered pretty well for hunting with the .243, .270, 06'.

So now you could probably use something "bigger" for elk, large bear.

But, most of your shooting is 300 meter target.

Not really a job for one cartridge.

You need 2 new guns.

One for target,6BR)

One for Elk size game,.338 win mag, .300 WSM, ect.)

Scott

 

[BigJim]

I was looking at a T3 and really liked it nice trigger and smooth bolt, but it was in synthetic and seemed a little light in weight. Any suggestions on model?

Jim

 

[BigJim]

Scott I liked your suggestion but the budget and wife will limit my ability to do that.

Thanks
Jim

 

[sunbuilder]

Jim,

Which is more important to you now?

I do a lot more target shooting than hunting, so a small efficient round makes a lot of sense.

Maybe it would be more practical to "rework" one of your existing rifles, rather than buying a "new" one.

If you are recoil sensitive, then I would not shoot anything bigger than the 06', you already have. With the proper bullet selection, it's plenty good elk medicine. I guide in WY and have seen dozens of elk cleanly harvested with the 06"

What platform is your .243 on? It could be re-barreled and chambered to 6BR for less than new gun.

Odds are very good that a custom barreled factory gun will shoot much better than stock factory too.

Don't be intimidated by custom aspects of gun building, that's were the real fun is.

Scott

 

[DogBuster]

Here's my factory 6.5x55 Swede...T3 Tikka loves Varget & 120 NBTs...H4831 & 130 Nosler ABs..RE22 & 140s...8 twist handles them all...Lapua brass...very moderate recoil...well balanced all around cartridge...scope shown is Leo 6-18 Target for load development...adjusted trigger to 30 oz....used Leo bases & Burris Signature rings...very fond of this rifle..:thumb:

 

[BigJim]

Scott

Now that is a beautiful rifle, I wish Cabelas had it in a wood stock the question would be over by now.

Sorry but the 243 is going to stay the way it is .25 MOA at 100 yards,Savage American Classic Walnut) 6-24x50MM IR scope.

I must have some Scotch in me $1.00 per case for the 6.5 Norma,$95.00 for 100 plus shipping) is a bit high. I try to keep my cases to $0.30 each. One day at the range 100 shots would run about $180.00 for brass, heads, powder and primers not to mention range fees and gas. Too rich for my blood.

Yes I know I can reuse the brass which would help but it is still high on the cost scale. I figure I spend about $75.00 each time I go shooting now,$20 in gas to get there and back, $10 range fee, $15 in powder, $3.00 in primers, $25.00 in heads and since I only lose about 5 cases maybe $2.00 in brass).

I really really like that Tikka you have, I noticed that you have a removable box magazine on it. Just what I am looking for. You have a great gun, hope I can find one just like it.

Thanks
Jim

 

[Macs]

turn the 06 into a 6.5-06, you already have the brass and the gun, cheap way out, good barrel life and kills the heck out of the elk. Just an idea.
Best of luck,
Chuck

 

[BigJim]

Chuck

I know I am dumb but how do you turn a 30-06 into a 6.5-06 forgive me but I have never heard of that caliber.

The 06 I have is a Remington 7600 pump BDL that is no longer manufactured. Can I keep it as is or do I have to modify it?

That would destroy the value of the fire arm.

 

[Macs]

Well if you don't want to change the 7600 then it probly won't work for you. The 6.5-06 has been around for alot of years like more than 30 that I know of. The easiest way is to neck a 25-06 up to 6.5 but you can neck the others down like the 270 & the 30-06 just a little more to it. They shoot real well and shoot very good to 1000. You can shoot them up to 3100fps if you want I even have one that is AI and get around 3300fps with 140 Bergers. Just a thought, and brass is cheap.
Best of luck and God bless,
Chuck

 

[BigJim]

Thanks Chuck

I will check and see if there are barrels for for the 06.

Thanks again.

Jim

 

[jo191145]

Its time to buy a Savage and begin barrel swapping at home. Buy one Savage action, a couple of stocks for Bench and hunting and any darn caliber barrels you want.
Make sure the mag box will handle the hunting cartridge you prefer and any bench cartridges can be fed single shot.
The bolt heads are also replaceable so the skies the limit.

Warning: Barrel swapping can be addictive. Use common sense and never swap and drive.

 

[BigJim]

Well it looks like I need to build a rifle. Scott your right I need two not one. Half the problem is solved. Yesterday I picked up the first half of the solution a Marlin 336CS in 35 Remington not too crazy about the effective range of 150 yards but it will do deer and bear up to that range effectively. Nice looking rifle, my first lever gun it's now scoped and I am waiting on delivery of dies, heads and brass.

Now for the second half of the problem. Started to look for a used action for a 6.5 tack driver. Nothing cost effective yet but since I was in the middle of deer country all I could find was 30-06s and 270s. Waiting for next months gun show to see what I can find.

The real question now is which 6.5? I really like your 6.5x55 it really is a nice rifle. But I am not sure I can find the brass for it. I was wondering about the 6.5-284, brass is available from Midway USA and I liked the 142 grain heads they have for it. But I also was thinking a 6.5x47 looked pretty impressive and I understand it can be built off a 308 action with very little change to the rifle?

Which way to go? 6.5-284 more available supplies or 6.5x47 better performance and less change?

Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks
BigJim

 

[DogBuster]

6.5x55 Swede brass is every where....I just sold 200 pcs Rem
Lapau...Win...Rem & Norma all current production..headsize is .479" on Lapua & Norma...opposed to .473" Rem & Win..
requires a LA..the 260 works in a SA...
Buy a SA Savage & build a 260 !

 

[boogershooter]

My brother has a 6.5x55,looks like poop!He stuck some old barrel on it that looked like it was pulled out of a scrap pile but wow will it fool ya!Watch out for that itch, me thinks its contagious.I got it too,recently ordered a custom 6.55-284 its gonna be a year out,so in the meantime I called the smith back and asked him to put together a more reasonable custom...savage target action,broughton barrel,and a manners stock.Maybe I'll see it in a couple months.Like a kid at Christmas, ay!

 

[BigJim]

OK dogbuster and boogershooter for discussions sake let's say I was able to find a M-94 Mauser in 6.5x55 SE what then?

This might be possible since I have a dealer close that handles old WWII rifles,I bought my Yugo SKS from them and rebuilt it, not much work since it was in good shape)

Let's say I can find one with the action in good condition. I would want to restock it and have the barrel worked on for accuracy or should I replace the barrel?

What stock,sport, original or bench rest?) Do I have the barrel cut and to what length? Re-crowned definitely! Leave the barrel with the sights on or chop? This would be my winter of 08 project gun.

What are your views on this.

Thanks
Jim