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Looking for caliber suggestions on F-Open build.

Nellej12

Silver $$ Contributor
Hello all,

I'm looking to build or possibly buy a new F-Open rifle. I'm on the fence as to what caliber to go with. I currently have a Savage model 12 F-class in 6BR with a bartlein barrel. The last 2 years I mainly shot 600 yards but I'm going to start shooting 1,000 yards this summer. Guessing I'll shoot 60% at 600 and 40% at 1,000.

I would like the new rifle to be good at both distances.

Here's my questions/ wants:
1. What caliber? (6.5x47, 6BRA/X/Dasher, .284, .......)
2. Want it to perform good at 600 and 1,000 yards.
3. Good barrel life.
4. Fairly easy to reload for. (I'm Still learning the craft, Been reloading for 2 years now)
5. Not looking to break the bank on the build either. :) Somewhere between 2 to 4k on the build.

Any suggestions on Action and stock to go with would be greatly appreciated too.


Thanks for the help,

Jeff
 
Straight .284 on a Bat MB or M action with a jewel trigger and probably a McMillan stock. The .284 is like the Ford F-150 of open cartridges. It's not the latest wildcat or super sexy but it is the perfect combination of power, ballistic coefficient and accuracy with tolerable recoil in a 20-22 lb rifle. The Bat actions are heavy but that isn't a big concern for an open rifle.
Good luck!
 
I have been selling stuff for my friend who passed last August and am now starting on the rifles.There is a fine f class rifle coming up.It is a 284 on a Barnard action,right bolt left port.I have to do some research on who made the stock but it is a master class type stock.To build this new you would spend 3k, this rifle will be much cheaper.Drop me a PM if you are interested. Thanks Ralph Mollett
 
6.5 in a .260 AI, 6.5 x55, 6.5 x55 Imp. (my choice) can all send a 140-142gr high BC bullet at 2950 fps MV and are very capable of excellent aggregate grouping. But, you will give up some to the 7mm's at 1000 in a bit of wind. Using a 150gr bullet may help level the playing field but I have not seen enough reports of performance at 1000yds (or 600 for that matter). I will be testing the Sierra 150's in a 7.5tw soon and plan on comparing it to a 142 out of an 8tw at 1000yds.
 
338 Mollett said:
I have been selling stuff for my friend who passed last August and am now starting on the rifles.There is a fine f class rifle coming up.It is a 284 on a Barnard action,right bolt left port.I have to do some research on who made the stock but it is a master class type stock.To build this new you would spend 3k, this rifle will be much cheaper.Drop me a PM if you are interested. Thanks Ralph Mollett
Click to expand...
I'm a lefty, So in a perfect world a left bolt - right port and/or Right bolt - Right port. I shoot a Right bolt - right port now. Looks like a good deal tho.

Jeff
 
If I was to build a new F-Open rifle for 600-1,000 yards this is what I would have built:
Bartlein 7mm barrel 30-32” long chambered for 284 Winchester (6.5/284 Lapua brass/180 Berger Hybrids)
Stolle Panda F-Class Action
Bix-Andy 2 stage trigger
Will McCloskey/CERUS stock
NF 15-55x Competition or Kahles K1050 10-50x56 in NF rings
Of course the final result depends on who you have do the building for you.
 
Last edited:
Nellej12 said:
Not yet, I plan on shooting it this summer at 1,000 and start buying parts soon. New rifle would be for next year. Planning ahead. :)
Click to expand...


I was in your position a while back. On calm days, the 6BR is good to go, but won't shoot in the wind like a 6.5 or 7mm. Was going to go with a 260 AI or straight 284. Got away from 1000 yd and the new build never happened. Good luck with whatever you choose.
 
Lbart said:
[If I was to build a new F-Open rifle for 600-1,000 yards this is what I would have built:
Bartlein 7mm barrel 30-32” long chambered for 284 Winchester (6.5/284 Lapua brass/180 Berger Hybrids)
Stolle Panda F-Class Action
Bix-Andy 2 stage trigger
Will McCloskey/CERUS stock
NF 15-55x Competition or Kahles K1050 10-50x56 in NF rings
Of course the final result depends on who you have do the building for you.
Click to expand...

Whats Barrel life like on a .284?
 
Ringostar said:
You could also get a 284 barrel for your Savage and swap them for each match. Screw on the 284 for 1000, and back to the BR for 600.
Click to expand...

I thought about that but I would like to hopefully get something with a better trigger. (jewell, Bix-n-Andy).
 
Get a good action and build a new rifle. I would not try to reinvent the wheel. It will end up round in the end anyhow. Maybe a used rifle? Get the best stuff you can afford right away. Its cheaper in the long run and avoids frustration. .284 works good. You can shoot it at 600 also. Sometimes it gets windy and you have an advantage. One of my .284's set a women's National record at 600 yrds.
 
I LOVE the .260A.I.! It is fast, flat shooting, SUPER accurate with VERY HIGH B.C. bullets. At 600 yards it would be VERY, VERY difficult to beat by ANY cartridge. Once you get to 1000 the .260A.I. is still VERY formidable, however, a real accurate 7mm will overcome the 6.5's IF the wind is contrary. Now you stated that you will be shooting about 60pct. at 600 and 40pct at 1000. If the reverse were true, I would opt for a 7mm. But in your situation I would go for the .260A.I.
As far as which 7mm to go for>>> a "straight" 284 will get you where you want to be. It will shoot good at 600 and 1000. Having said that, you will need a SUPER accurate 7mm to overcome a .260A.I. at 600 yards. I can guarantee you that the vast majority of .260A.I.s, as far as straight up and down accuracy goes, will be noticeably more accurate than your "average" .284. BUT If you get a real great shooting .284, it will equal a .260A.I. in accuracy. However, getting a GREAT 7mm barrel is more difficult to find than just about ANY 6.5 barrel!
 
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