Lapua's factory 6mmBR

[master_photog]

I want to get back in to coyote hunting and want to spend less time reloading and more time hunting. In fact, I want to spend no time reloading, I've sold all of my reloading equipment.

I'm interested in Lapua's factory 6mmBR cartridge and would like to know if that is becoming popular with varmint hunters.

Since I'm not going to reload, can you suggest how I would go about fitting or customizing a rifle (that I do not have yet) around factory cartridges for accuracy?

Since I used to reload, I realize that when I had my custom rifle built, I would use the bolt/action/barrel to determine case length, bullet depth in case, etc. but now that I have the factory cartridge first, what would be the best way to customize a rifle around that 6mmBR? I realize this is a backwards way of going about it from an accuracy standpoint, but I'm calling it quits on reloading.

I'm not married to the 6mmBR either, so if you recommend another factory caliber/rifle combination, then I'd be open to that as well.

I do intend to mount a scope and some sort of an illumination device.

Thank you

 

[Dusty Stevens]

Man if you wanna hunt coyotes why not go with a 204 ruger, 223 or 22-250? Those would be my choices for factory rounds maybe even a 243

 

[JohnKielly]

According to the Lapua web site, they make one load for the 6mmBR, designed for 300 metre target shooting. They don't list any sporting loads.

 

[master_photog]

Dusty, I very much have considered the 22-250 as well as the 223, but since I'm not reloading, I've been reading about the "over-the-top" accuracy of the 6mmBR.

I'm not saying the 22-250 and 223 aren't accurate, but I'm looking to get every advantage I can without the benefit of reloading. I probably need to stop reading the massive rave reviews on the accuracy of the 6mmBR round and get what's practical for coyotes instead.

Thanks

 

[Big Mc]

Lapua makes a 90 gr.Scanar bullet in 6mmbr.Just about as good as hand-load. I said about as good. Might be too hard of a bullet for varmints Just my two cents.. Tommy Mc..

 

[jds holler]

I've never felt undergunned with any rifle that shoots MOA for coyotes. Since I save pelts, I have felt OVERgunned with anything bigger than one of the .224 cartridges. I've used full jacket bullets with my .243. and the damage was still often excessive.

I'm a caller, and almost all my shots are under 300, with the great majority under a hundred. So if you're primarily planning for long range "spot and shoot", my advice doesn't apply.

For me, the fun is in calling them, the closer the better, and I've killed many with the shotgun.

My experience has been calling primarily in the high desert sage and juniper country, and sometimes pine forest transitional areas. Total kill count over the years is probably around 200.

I understand the desire to have a good shooting rifle, but for me, the sport is much more about the hunting than the shooting. I started out with a very accurate 243, and tried calling from stands where I could shoot a half mile. Didn't have much success. When we started calling from stands where shots could only be made from a hundred or less, we really started busting dogs. jd

 

[master_photog]

JDS Holler,

I'm right there with you, I'm a caller too and I thoroughly enjoy the thrill of becoming the hunted from the hunter. My shots will also be in the 100-300 yard range.

With the amount of replies and suggestions from various forums, I am tending to lean toward that 22-250 or 204 Ruger.

Once I make that determination, I'll next have some tough decisions to make on custom or 'off the shelf'.

 

[Charles]

The guy i PD hunt with used the 105 Lapua's to shoot PD's, most hit's were pass thru's not much expansion.

 

[Phil]

.22-250 or .243 will feed much better than a 6BR unless you plan on hunting with a Sako........


Phil.

 

[Dan Hall]

If you aren't worried about pelt damage the 243 is the answer. No matter where you hit them they go DOWN. If pelts are important a 22 caliber, or any caliber for that matter, with a non expanding bullet is the answer. 223 AI, 22-250, swift and so on.

 

[Webster]

Very few companies make 6BR's. More caliber choices besides 6BR. I put a Krieger 6BR barrel on my Rem 700. I have to load single shot. Not a problem for GH. I am not willing to find out if my rifle can be modified to magazine feed. For coyotes I think you need quick followup shots or more than one coyote. Availability of loaded Lapua 6BR cartridges may be a problem. Can people like Cabella's FedEX them to you?

 

[ssv1761982]

Since you are not going to reload I think you would be happier with a factory round that has plenty of choices. Then you can try a couple different brands of ammo and once you find the one that shoots the best you can buy several boxes. The 22-250 will shoot much flatter than the heavier 6br rounds so you don't worry as much about elevation on the long shots.

 

[master_photog]

Based on the reviews and replies, I'm leaning toward a 243 made custom. The federal premium has quite a few options and are getting rave reviews as well.

 

[potatoe]

What kind of budget are you one for the rifle? I too would not go with a BR as my coyote rifle BTW and I have a 6br

 

[jds holler]

My next one is gonna be a 20; 204, 20-222, var-targ, one of those. I've shot plenty with my 243, and just don't need that kind of power. I've shot the most with my 222, and that is what I'm gonna convert to a 20. I've also shot a lot of them with my 218 Bee, and it does a fine job within it's range. I frequently carry both shotgun and rifle, and when doing so, am happy to have a light rifle.

I realize there are areas where a guy might need to shoot extreme ranges. That's more for the guys who drive around and spot coyotes a half mile away and start lobbing at them.

Our hunting is done on foot, using the terrain and cover to find a good spot to call. Most shots are taken at shotgun range in thick brush, or at one or two hundred yards on dogs that cautiously circle or stop at what they think is a safe distance to figure us out. Good camo, and use of the breeze is way more important than the particular rifle used. jd

 

[master_photog]

My next one is gonna be a 20; 204, 20-222, var-targ, one of those. I've shot plenty with my 243, and just don't need that kind of power. I've shot the most with my 222, and that is what I'm gonna convert to a 20. I've also shot a lot of them with my 218 Bee, and it does a fine job within it's range. I frequently carry both shotgun and rifle, and when doing so, am happy to have a light rifle.

Our hunting is done on foot, using the terrain and cover to find a good spot to call. Most shots are taken at shotgun range in thick brush, or at one or two hundred yards on dogs that cautiously circle or stop at what they think is a safe distance to figure us out. Good camo, and use of the breeze is way more important than the particular rifle used. jd

JD, my hunting is very similar to yours, I'm not one to drive around, glass and shoot in excess of 500 yards. Here in the Midwest, coyotes are extremely elusive and must be dealt with proper clothing, positioning and calling.

The downside of my choosing not to reload is the accessibility of the cartridges you mention - 204 - 218bee - 20-222. I agree, rifles in these calibers would certainly lighten my load, but with the advent of the .222 - .223 - .243, my factory loaded options increase significantly with these.

 

[joshb]

.223. More factory loads available, cheaper, better barrel life...." If you DO go 6br, can I get first dibs on your used brass?😃

 

[luckyshot52]

Go with the 22-250. lots of ammo choices. Winchester has a load that comes in a 40 pack that uses a 45 grain HP. They really do go about 4,000. very accurate in several rifles I have or have had. Well placed and bullet shouldn't exit and dogs drop in place.
That or a 221 fireball. I've dropped them at 350. The varmint special Remington made a few years ago is a true 1/2 moa with their factory ammo.

 

[jds holler]

So, this morning I see a couple of fresh inches of snow on the ground, no breeze, still as a tomb outside, and I'm sitting in bed drinking coffee, and thinking about hunting yodel bugs instead of out doing it. Am I getting old or sumpthin? : jd

 

[jds holler]