New Varmint gun ???

[Shooter32]

I am wanting to start working on a new long range groundhog gun . I am looking for something that will drive the 87gr V-max or the 90gr Nosler somewhere between 3800 and 4000 fps . I was wondering if this could be done with the 6x284 or if some other caliber would be better for the chore at hand . Any and all input will be considered . I am not worried about barrel wear as it will not be shot at long periods at a time and not shot like a dog town gun . And it will be a 1.250'' straight barrel so setting it back till it is gone will not be a problem . I just want something that is fast and accurate .

 

[mikecr]

I take it your not really gonna 'hunt' while toting a 12Lb barreled-20Lb naval gun. So with this, it's target shooting-at hogs.

But you won't hit em long range without testing, load developing, and more testing. Something no fun with barrels burning out and bullets blowing up.

I don't understand your direction.

 

[Preacher]

I believe he's heading in the direction of Richards big 30's with no freebore and 125 grain bullets at 4 grand... Lots of air time involved with these special rifles.....
Half the fun is load development, and like he mentioned a 1.250 can be set back till it's to short for even a XP-100............
This is exactly why I have a 1.350 30" Bartlien barrel about to be chambered for the 7mmSAUM AI.........

 

[Shooter32]

Yep mike like the Preacher said i want something to have maximum effect at long range . It is target shooting at groundhogs at long range, i have plenty of rifles that i can tote around if i want to go that route . The only reason to not go with the 300WSM like Richard is i would just rather have a 6mm bore instead of the 30 . But if i cant come up with something that will compare with the 30 then that is what it will be . It is hard to argue with a 125gr Nosler BT running at 4000fps!!! :thumb:

 

[AckleymanII]

The cartridge you are looking for does exist, it is a 7 mag necked down to 6mm. Send me a private message and I'll get you some info.

 

[Jake31]

Shooter32, go with the 6x284. It will shoot the 87grn V-max at 3700fps with a 30", 1-12 twist barrel. My last 6x284 was specifically built around the 87grn V-Max, I loved it. I am currently building a new 6x284 with a 30", 1.8.5 twist barrel. I am building it around the 105 and 107grn type bullets. The 87grn V-Max s a great bullet. However, I learned from experience, heavier 105 and 107grn bullets give me a much better chance at hitting the target at long range.

 

[Shooter32]

Thanks for the info that is alot better numbers on the 6x284 than i have been reading . That is what i thought it could do or maybe a little more .

 

[PJ]

Guys,
Forgive me on this one. But how would the DTAC bullets work for you? I think they go up to 117 grn. bullets. I hear they are pretty accurate. I know one guy using them in a 243. He loves them.

 

[FrankintheLaurelMts]

Why is 3700-4000 fps needed !! You'd fry a barrel very fast with the pressures needed to get a bullet of that size going that fast...I have a 6/284 with a 10 inh twist and shoot the 87 grain V-max..but no where near those velocities..and it's hard enough on cases...Tame it down to 3400-3500, just turn the knob extra couple clicks and you'll still hit the target....

 

[ANDY5]

Why don't you try the 6x47 your bbl will last and it will knock the dogs dead wway out there. Greg West just shot one last weekend at 703-4 ranged yards. Knocked it dead. Little less than 243 so less recoil, you see your shot etc. Another friend of mine shoots a 6mm Remington with 90 grainers and he loves it. That is also what I shoot, though I use 85 grners. Works great.
Andy5

 

[Shooter32]

I know at those speeds that the barrel will burn out alot faster than it will if i tame it down . But i want to balance out the best bullet and speed combo to get the best and straightest trajectory possible . So that means running a medium wieght bullet with a good BC at high speeds . As i stated i am not worried about burning the barrel up this is not a dog town gun it will not be shot 500 times a day . Only maybe 50 shots a day twice a year hunting and then playing on the bench, so if the barrel lasts for 700 to 1000 rds i will be happy, it will be a 1.250'' straight taper so setting it back is no problem .

 

[PAshooter20BR]

go with the 6mm AI. put the 87gr out at about 3700 or the 75 gr v-max out at 3850. Give Richard Franklin a call. He can satisfy your needs.

 

[Ackman]

Really something isn't it, how people read and don't pay any attention. Your post clearly says this'll be for groundogs and not high volume shooting. Still you get all these dire warnings about barrel life and why worry about flat trajectory, and advice about prairie dogs. Amazing.

Horsepower and flat trajectory are nice to have with chucks....zero at 250-300 and stay on fur out farther. I shoot rockchucks with all kinds of stuff. The best so far is a .257Wby and 100's at 4,000. Since 6mm is what you want.....with a 6mm the best have been a 240 Gibbs with 70BT loaded conservatively at 4100, and the .243AI shooting 70's at 3750-3800. The 6mmAI offers a pretty good increase over the 243AI and should do what you're wanting. A friend gets 4150 with 70's through his 6AI and does it without much problem. I'm having one made right now to replace the Gibbs.

 

[Preacher]

Shooter32,
Why don't ya just get a really nice 22 long rifle and sneak up on em, and get em that way. You just gotta know that 22LR barrel will last lots longer 'O)

 

[Shooter32]

Preacher you know i am to lazy to go sneaking up on anything that is why i want something to shoot them way off with !!:lol: Thanks for the info Ackman but i am going with a 6.5x284 that i just bought, i will burn the barrel out of it and then probally put a 6mm tube on it unless i just fall in love with the 6.5 . :wave: