Next caliber up to 1,000 yds

[swampshooter]

My 6.5x284 barrel is about 1/2 shot out, might make it until fall. I'm debating my next caliber. Longer bbl. life would be a plus, but not an absolute. Calibers I am thinking of are 260, 7x08 and 284. What are the pros and cons as you guys see it?

 

[ShootDots]

I am on my second 6.5 x 284 barrel.. It is a GREAT caliber... However, after this time around I am going to an improved 7mm caliber. A derivative of the .284... It has the same OR better ballistics, longer barrel life and longer case life! In order to get the 6.5 x 284 shooting where it needs to be (close to or just above 3000f.p.s.) you really are pushing the limits of the brass and primer pockets usually don't last long. I will get an improved case that COULD run 180gr bullets well up past 2900, however, I will run them down to about 2860-2875 and enjoy long case and barrel life!..

 

[dragman]

.284 you can push the 180's at the same speed as the 6.5X284 can push the 140's and get at least 50% better barrel life. I love my 6.5X284 but when it gets re-done it will probably go to a .284 like my last gun.

 

[XTR]

The 260 and the 7-08 are both great rounds and I've seen a well driven 260 win the TN State F open championship; however, both the 260 and the 7-08 are based on the 308 case and lack the case volume to really compete at 1000. Go with the 284 Win.

 

[articmp]

I am shooting my 6.5 284 with 48.3 grn of imr4831 with 142smk's that is netting 2850fps. Has won 2 score relays in 4 matches, best group to date is a 5.514. Don't think that is too shabby for a savage with a douglas barrel, burris scope, and lee reloading equipment. Load shows zero vertical at 125 yards. This is my first season shooting benchrest, got bit by the 1k game. Hope at the speed I am.running that my barrel will last a while.

 

[Terry]

Why did you choose to not consider the 6 Dasher?

 

[jr600yd]

After my 6.5/284 barrel went south I punched it out to 6.5/06. Same bullets ( 142 SMK's or 140 Berger VLD's ) and 53 GRS of H-4831 for 2850. Just a thought!

 

[Switchbarrel]

.284. Longer barrel life. If you haven't thrashed it yet, expand the necks on your 6.5x284 cases & continue using them.

-Rick

 

[swampshooter]

Right now I'm leaning toward a 284. 1 1/4" straight barrel, 32" long. 9 twist. There's a gunsmith not too far from me that does excellent work and normally has some Bartlein barrels in stock.

 

[Elwood]

Have a look at what is winning the major competitions, my guess is it will be a 7mm of some sort in F open.

 

[boltman13]

In order to push the long, heavy for cal bullets needed for long range shooting you need to really stoke the furnace to get the high velocity we all crave. The price we pay is added recoil and shorter barrel life. The very top shooters are willing to forgo barrel life to get extra velocity. I am neither a top shooter, or particularly recoil sensetive, but I simply can not afford to rebarrel every 1,000 to 1,200 rounds. Of the rounds you mentioned originally the 260 would be the best in barrel life and recoil I believe. A 260 AI would bump you up some more, and still allow you to use the fine Lapua 260 brass. It will not get you up to the 6.5-284 level, however. I would personally recomend the 6.5 Creedmoor. It can push any 140 gr bullet you like to 2,800 fps+ with a 29-30" tube, and you do not need insane powder charges and can expect good brass life, and barrel life as well. Brass selection is limited to Hornady, but Nosler is said to be available eventually, but I thing Norma may be making brass for both companies. Which ever way you decide to go, best of luck.

 

[swampshooter]

WW has always made Hornady brass in the past. If Norma is currently under contract to make Hornady brass I haven't heard about it. Last I heard Nosler brass was made by Federal and then sorted and prepped by Nosler. I want to stick with Lapua brass, I can neck up 6.5x284 to 7mm.

 

[Mark Walker in TX]

2012 F-Class Nats
1st - David Bailey - 7mm
2nd - Bob Seabold - 7mm
3rd - Jim Murphy - 7mm
4th - Mark Walker - 7mm
5th - Shiraz Balolia - 7mm

See a trend?

 

[brxbrad]

The subject is "Next caliber up to 1000 yds".......What is your primary use for the gun. Mainly midrange with occasional long range or the opposite. If you shoot mainly midrange, I would suggest 6BRX or Dasher. Great barrel life and and depending on your wind reading skills, a great shooter out to 1000. If you shoot mainly longrange, a 7mm or variant would be the way to go. I used two rifles for competition, 6BRX and 6BR. After approximately 3000 rounds I had the BRX upgraded to 7mm. I haven't got to shoot it yet but as soon as I get my neck turning equipment, it's off to the range for load development. I'm really anxious to see what I've got. The BR will soon be upgraded to 6BRX.

Two Cents......

 

[Erik Cortina]

For F-Class I would recommend a 284. When compared to the 6.5-284, it has twice the barrel life and better ballistics.

 

[Steve Blair]

2012 F-Class Nats
1st - David Bailey - 7mm
2nd - Bob Seabold - 7mm
3rd - Jim Murphy - 7mm
4th - Mark Walker - 7mm
5th - Shiraz Balolia - 7mm

See a trend?

[br]
Mark, worth noting that Shiraz won Berger this year with a .300 WSM. Just sayin'.