looking to add a new target caliber to my collection

[Linko]

I am a target shooter not a hunter.
Currently I have these rifles:

22 LR CZ 452
22 Hornet Ruger 77/22
.223 AR's Spikes 18" & 24"
.223 Mossberg MVP bolt action
.223 Savage Model 12 F TR .223

I would like to add a new caliber. Some of the requirements are, long barrel life, 200 thru 600 yd accuracy. I realize there is no perfect cartridge to have benchrest 100-200 yard bugholes and also good for the longer ranges, but being on a budget I need to compromise. I would think i would have to buy the Savage Model 12 F Class in 6 BR Norma (1200$), buy another rifle and rechamber it or take a while and build a rifle from scratch (lots more $). Then there is the $$ Optics. Accurate and budget aren't exactly cousins I know. Just like to have some new fun cartridge.

I see the 6mm size has lot's of choices.

6mm PPC
6BR Norma
6mm Dasher
6XC

Recommendations most welcome.

 

[joshb]

6br in a Savage or 308 Remmy 5r. Good for a budget. Even cheaper, in the long run, is the Savage with a future 308 barrel.

 

[shadrac]

20 vartarg very accurate easy on barrels

 

[gilmillan1]

Cant go wrong with a savage target rifle.

 

[22DASHER]

6mm BR!! Unreal accuracy, barrel life, brass, easy loading, forgiving…..list goes on and on!!

 

[snert]

i have a 6BR, a 22-250, a 222, a 308, a 7mm mag and a PPC.

For 200 to 600 the 6BR in an 8 twist all the way. No comparison as far as versitility, energy, accuracy, ease of tuning, low recoil, no fuss or muss, good componants, lots of support, ease of finding a good chambering, ease of finding good advice...capable of outstanding accuracy on the short course and on varmints with lighter bullets, very capable for coyotes and mid-ranges with the 87 Vmax, stabalize and shoot all the way past 600 easily with the 105/107s, handles a variety of powders well, will take deer easily with properly placed and constructed bullets, is not heavy on powder use, doesn't burn barrels, will "get there" quick if need be, or will get there hard if need be....small rifle primer pocket, great tools available....shall I go on?

Find a used custom action (start with "The list" from Bob White), and have him screw on a 6mm barrel for you (re-chambered PPC or such) or get a used BR factory gun, like the Savage. Don't feel like you need that bullet to zip like it would from a 243AI, and learn to enjoy the peace and tranquility of the do it well 6BR. And no fiddling around with fireforming like the dasher (though that is a fine cartridge too)


Snert

 

[bsumoba]

probably 6BR or 6 dasher.

 

[Phil]

6br

6BRDX

6 Dasher

1.73 to 8 twist barrel

100-108gr bullets, correct powder and freeborn, lot`s of smiles all around.


The 6br would probably be the simplest, everything darn near is available off the shelf, and LOTS if info to be had.

Have fun,

Phil.

 

[Linko]

Savage has both a 308 and a 6BR in their target rifle series.

Between those two the 308 would have factory loads and if I am correct the 6BR would be strickly a reload cartridge. 308 has more recoil and therefore a little more work to get back on the follow up shot.

How does barrel life compare between them?

It does sound like the 6BR is a great cartridge. Geeze. I have been reading and reading up on cartridges. I was leaning toward the 308 until I read the 6br story.

 

[joshb]

Quick! One just hit the sale board.

 

[jbarnwell]

I would have to put in a vote for the 6 BR. Lots of reloading information and if I'm not mistaken factory ammunition is available from Lapua or Norma. It will meet your requirements for accuracy and barrel life.

 

[snert]

Savage has both a 308 and a 6BR in their target rifle series.

Between those two the 308 would have factory loads and if I am correct the 6BR would be strickly a reload cartridge. 308 has more recoil and therefore a little more work to get back on the follow up shot.

How does barrel life compare between them?

It does sound like the 6BR is a great cartridge. Geeze. I have been reading and reading up on cartridges. I was leaning toward the 308 until I read the 6br story.

I have a 308 and a 6BR. For what you are talking about, both will do, but the BR will do it better, in my opinion. Better BC, better efficiency, less recoil, and similar barrel life. There are factory produced ammo...but why? Take on reloading and enter the world of real fun! No need to go crazy cost wise. Buy a small cast iron press like the Redding Boss, one set of bushing dies full length, the versa Pac they sell and away you go. Off into the world of producing your own ammo. You will never look at brass empties the same way again.

Over time you will buy more stuff, but for getting going, read the 6BR section, learn on this easy cartridge.

You will spend upwards of $30 a box of 20 for Federal Gold match or Black Hills 308. Instead, buy componants and make the initial payout for equipment and roll your own! So much more fun.

I have fired less than 3 boxes of factory loaded ammo in 35 years.

6BR....way to go.

 

[snert]

Oh, and when you buy a scope, get a USED Weaver T36, a Sightron, a used 6-18 or 6.5-24 Leupold and save the depreciation. All reasonably priced scopes. I see Weaver t36 here as low as 300-$325 shipped and they are fine scopes.

 

[Linko]

Thanks guys.

So my saving for a 6BR begins. I am happy with my Savage 12 F TR so I dont see a reason not to look for the Savage F in 6 BR.

 

[strut64]

Here is an option for you to think about. Take your Savage 12 F TR in 223. Get a new bolt head for a .473 bolt face. Get a Good after market barrel; Stainless, lapped , savage prefit ( I got a 6Br but your options are open) and tools to change the barrels out. You can switch barrels back and forth in about 30 minutes. Then go sight it in. Same scope, Same stock, Same trigger.
Your outlay will be far below that of a new rifle. Think about it

 

[NorCalMikie]

Savage, that you already own, set up as a switch barrel rig. Swap barrel and bolt head, go shooting! 8) 8) Remember, it's a Savage so it can be just about any caliber you want.