Some advice needed

[Caleb85]

i know everyone is getting geared up for the season but I have a few questions. I am building a rifle because the F-class bug has bit! I would appreciate anyone who would take the time to put you two cents in.
1. I am ordering a stock from McMillan and I want to know, is a three way or two way butt plate a must?
2.( cartridge) .. I didint know where to begin with this, was thinking a dasher but with just starting out I'm thinking just sticking with a 6BR.
3. Barrel, should I go with a 1.25 straight? Or would a heavy Palma or heavy Varmint be good enough?
4. Twist rate, I am looking at a 8 twist but would one be ok with a 8.5 or a 7.5? ( 105's to 108's)
Thanks for all your time.
- Caleb

 

[ShootDots]

First things first.. What range(s) do you plan on shooting at? I have had 3 and am now down to 1 MBR "Tooley" stock by McMillan.. They are "good" stocks>>>but the BEST stock I have is a Shehane Tracker. Awesome in tracking AND looks! Also, after NUMEROUS barrels and variations of them, I am convinced (although I have no empirical data other than my own observations) that the #17 HV, of Krieger style, where you have a 1.25" for 6" and tapers to .980 or 1" at your finished length, are easier to tune than a "straight tube 1.25"

As far as a cartridge, that will depend on the distance(s) you plan on shooting.

 

[Caleb85]

First things first.. What range(s) do you plan on shooting at? I have had 3 and am now down to 1 MBR "Tooley" stock by McMillan.. They are "good" stocks>>>but the BEST stock I have is a Shehane Tracker. Awesome in tracking AND looks! Also, after NUMEROUS barrels and variations of them, I am convinced (although I have no empirical data other than my own observations) that the #17 HV, of Krieger style, where you have a 1.25" for 6" and tapers to .980 or 1" at your finished length, are easier to tune than a "straight tube 1.25"

As far as a cartridge, that will depend on the distance(s) you plan on shooting.

Sorry forgot to say. I will probably stick with the mid range for now. I was looking at the "F-class " stock by McMillan, one more thing what about twist rate?

 

[Scott Harris]

Hi Caleb,

Sounds like you will be shooting mid-range F-open. Ben always has good advice. Here's my .02:
1. I consider a 2-way buttplate important to have. usually you adjust the height to match your cheekpiece height.
2. 6BR is hard to beat out to 600 yards. However, if you live somewhere where it gets windy, then I'd suggest using a 6.5x47 Lapua. Heck I'd suggest just skipping the 6 BR and getting a 6.5x47 L. The 6.5 edges out the 6BR on windy days and it is a lot better at 1,000 yards.
3. 30" straight 1.25" barrel is the gold standard for F-Open. KISS
4. A 7.5 twist ensures you can shoot any 6mm bullet. Use an 8-twist if you choose the 6.5x47 Lapua.

 

[ShootDots]

Sorry forgot to say. I will probably stick with the mid range for now. I was looking at the "F-class " stock by McMillan, one more thing what about twist rate?

I have been in this F-Open game for 5 years now! Time sure does go by fast! I have learned a few things on this "adventure"! If you are going to go with 1 rifle for ALL Mid-Range, which will run from 300-600 yards, you need to look at every aspect of competition. Wind, wind-bucking ability as well as accuracy... After seeing almost every conceivable wind condition(s) and or lack thereof, I have come to a conclusion. A 6.5 of sorts, either a 6.5 x 47 or a .260A.I. shooting a 140 class bullet in the low to upper 2800's is very difficult to beat at Mid-Range. So, as much as I like a 6BR or even a Dasher, if having only 1 F-Open gun for Mid-Range, the 2 aforementioned cartridges would be exceedingly difficult to beat under all conditions..

I just noticed what Scott said, he is on the exact same page as I am!!

 

[Caleb85]

I thought about the 6.5-47L but didn't really want to fight for and buy $123 brass.

 

[ShootDots]

I thought about the 6.5-47L but didn't really want to fight for and buy $123 brass.

Then go for the .260A.I. Easy brass availability, extremely accurate and easy peasy to tune! Oh and the brass is Lapua, which is some of the finest made!

 

[Scott Harris]

I thought about the 6.5-47L but didn't really want to fight for and buy $123 brass.

People always look at the initial price and think it's expensive. After 40 reloads, you'll think just the opposite.

 

[Caleb85]

People always look at the initial price and think it's expensive. After 40 reloads, you'll think just the opposite.

WOW!

 

[DennisH]

I'd suggest just skipping the 6 BR and getting a 6.5x47 L

I thought about the 6.5-47L but didn't really want to fight for and buy $123 brass.

As stated, the brass will last with a fairly hot load.

I have a BR, BRX, a Dasher, a 6.0x47L, and a 6.5x47L.

6.5x47L is my first pick (accuracy & ease of loading), and it's a tie for 2nd; BRX - Dasher. The 6BR is great for anything shorter than 600 yards.

 

[Nude nut]

I thought about the 6.5-47L but didn't really want to fight for and buy $123 brass.

Wish I could get 6.5x47 brass at that price we pay double tha here ib Oz.

Cheers Trev

 

[Geno C]

6.5x47 brass over the last couple of years hasn't been any easier or harder to find that 260 Lapua brass. 260 brass is a bit cheaper but it all adds up to peanuts in the end when it comes to most brass so I wouldn't put that in the equation as long as you can find it. That being said, it's mostly a small rifle be large rifle primer difference. I have alway had and will always have a 260. I have a 6x47L too though so I do know about the brass situation

 

[LitLBoy]

Consider a 6.5CM and form your own brass from Lapua Palma .308 turn the necks to the neck wall that you want and match your chamber, plus advantage of SR primer.

 

[Caleb85]

Ok a stock question, what fill?
And what contour of barrle should be had?