Some dumb questions.............

[afret]

I'm thinking of getting a 6BR rifle for shooting paper targets mainly at 100 yards and 200-600 yards once in awhile. I been shooting AR-15s and don't have a bolt action rifle other than a couple of .22LRs so I'm pretty ignorant about bolt guns. Would an "average" 6BR have the potential to shoot better groups at 100 yards that a .223 rifle with a good aftermarket barrel?

I know Savage has factory 6BR rifles but would it make more sense to put one together with parts from a place like Northland Shooters Supply? They offer Savage and Remington actions. Is one better than the other? It's nice that the Remington action can use the TriggerTech Diamond trigger which I like a lot. Would I be able to get everything I need to put a complete rifle together from NSS?

Thanks!

 

[hogpatrol]

Need a LOT more info. Do you reload or shoot factory ammo? What is the main mission? What's your budget for rifle AND glass?

 

[sidecutter]

savage model 12 6BR

 

[6MMsteve]

I'm thinking of getting a 6BR rifle for shooting paper targets mainly at 100 yards and 200-600 yards once in awhile. I been shooting AR-15s and don't have a bolt action rifle other than a couple of .22LRs so I'm pretty ignorant about bolt guns. Would an "average" 6BR have the potential to shoot better groups at 100 yards that a .223 rifle with a good aftermarket barrel?

I know Savage has factory 6BR rifles but would it make more sense to put one together with parts from a place like Northland Shooters Supply? They offer Savage and Remington actions. Is one better than the other? It's nice that the Remington action can use the TriggerTech Diamond trigger which I like a lot. Would I be able to get everything I need to put a complete rifle together from NSS?

Thanks!

what is a good group to you .5 or .15 to me it's .25 or .3

 

[6MMsteve]

I would get the Northland barrel.. Criterion they shoot pretty good...my 6xc shoots bergers in the .2s to .35s consistent at 100...6br will be better on barrel life I think.. Rem action you can do it all yourself with the remage nut system...triggers and stocks galore...one action all kinds of possibilities

 

[swd]

I’d watch the classifieds. You can get a nice used custom actioned rifle for what new parts and labor costs. You’ll be much happier with a custom action than a Savage or Remington.

 

[urbanrifleman]

Some of the smallest groups in my book at home are from 223A bench guns. If you are shooing close then the 223A can hang with a 6br if the wind isn't blowing too bad. And 80 Bergers shoot really small even at 600 yards.

 

[afret]

Thanks for all the replies. To answer some of the questions, I started reloading .223 for my ARs a few months ago. As for group size, is it unrealistic to get groups under 0.2" center to center on a regular basis? I've been able to shoot 0.2x groups with my AR with a Kreiger varmint barrel but not consistently. Seems like all the stars have to align for that to happen. I just got a Bartlein varmint barrel from Compass Lake yesterday and got the upper put together this AM. I will go to the range Friday to break it in then see how well it shoots. I really like shooting semi autos but was thinking that it might be a bit easier to shoot small groups with a bolt gun. This accuracy thing is pretty addicting. LOL

Oh, and as for glass, I use Vortex Golden Eagles on my target ARs and would put one on a target bolt gun. They are good budget scopes for target shooting. I don't want to spend too much on a rifle. Maybe keep it under $2K?

Thanks!

 

[WyleWD]

In the long run you'll be money, and time ahead to look for a good custom action or a Remington action and put a good barrel on it. As 6mmSteve, SPJ and others have suggested. And, you'll be a more happy shooter in the end. Especially with a really nice trigger like the Diamond.

Buying a new factory bolt rifle that shoots consistent groups like you want is a crap shoot at best. It might shoot ok for a short while or once in a while at best. JME. WD

 

[joshb]

1. Take a look for used Sightron 10-50. They usually go for $7-800. Great scopes. I like them more than my GE. That’ll save you some bucks.
2. I’ve built a few custom 223 bolt guns. They shoot well to 500. If you’re tight on money, it would save you a bunch on dies, brass and bullets.
3. I love my custom 6br’s. They shoot! If you can swing it, buy a custom from the classifieds. Shop wisely. Look for a gun under $2k. Be patient. They show up now and then.

 

[CT10ring]

I'm thinking of getting a 6BR rifle for shooting paper targets mainly at 100 yards and 200-600 yards once in awhile. I been shooting AR-15s and don't have a bolt action rifle other than a couple of .22LRs so I'm pretty ignorant about bolt guns. Would an "average" 6BR have the potential to shoot better groups at 100 yards that a .223 rifle with a good aftermarket barrel?

I know Savage has factory 6BR rifles but would it make more sense to put one together with parts from a place like Northland Shooters Supply? They offer Savage and Remington actions. Is one better than the other? It's nice that the Remington action can use the TriggerTech Diamond trigger which I like a lot. Would I be able to get everything I need to put a complete rifle together from NSS?

Thanks!

Interesting question 6BR vs .223 for accuracy. I'd say at 100 yds, based on my 6BR (Stiller Predator single shot, custom build cost $2500+), vs a stock Rem 700 5R 223 1/9 twist - with a trigger upgrade and bushed bolt ($1100 all in), they both shoot about quarter MOA. If you were to go out further past 100, the 6BR would easily be more accurate. Heavier (maybe -better) bullets, more case capacity. Never owned a Savage, but "guess" the Savage 6BR would be a good option for the $. I only mention cost, because there is good value in some factory rifles. The 6BR is inherently accurate and so is a good .223 bolt rifle, and plenty .223 AR's as well. Reloading your ammo will allow you to find the best accuracy possible.

 

[joshb]

Ah, the Remington 5r 223. I have an older one and it shoots really well for a factory gun. Do they still make “good ones”? I have an older one and figured I got lucky.

 

[CT10ring]

Ah, the Remington 5r 223. I have an older one and it shoots really well for a factory gun. Do they still make “good ones”? I have an older one and figured I got lucky.

I had a 5R .223 - 8 years back.
Just a great shooting rifle.
Sold it and a lotta others when I got divorced.
Not that I had to, but just too much stuff to move around.
Cars, tractor, motorcycle, table saws, guns, etc.

So bought a rem 5R .223 1/9 (marked "tactical" on the bbl.) last year to reset.
SS 1/9 twist.
Sent bolt to Jerry/"Carlsbad", he cleaned it up, bushed bolt, turned down the pin. Superb work.
I'm not a machinist, but the 5R action, bolt, bbl, look to be high quality.
Shoots very well.
Lucky?
dunno. but this one was screwed together well.

 

[afret]

Wow! Thanks everyone for all the great info and advice. It gives me a lot to chew on. Maybe I should just get a .223 bolt gun and put a nice barrel and trigger in it. But then I would have to figure out which brand to get. LOL

My nephew just told me my brother left him a 22BR with a Remington 40X action I think. My nephew doesn't know anything about it. I think I might borrow it and see how it shoots. I have to read up on the info on this site on reloading for it though. Hopefully I can find the dies my brother used.

Thanks again!

 

[golong]

I am with others that at 100 yards and handloading, .223 will get you what you are after. I will add that a .223 barrel is going to last a heck of a lot longer than a 6BR barrel. Barrels are made to be replaced, but it really adds up if you shoot a lot. I have a .223 being spun up just for that very reason - shooting my 6, and even 6.5, for trigger practice is just killing my wallet because of barrel replacements.

 

[swd]

6BR’s aren’t barrel burners. And on the days you go to 600 yards it will have a nice advantage over the 223. And it’s easy to load for and a pleasure to shoot too. But for now shoot that 40X 22BR and have fun!

 

[dgeesaman]

Wow! Thanks everyone for all the great info and advice. It gives me a lot to chew on. Maybe I should just get a .223 bolt gun and put a nice barrel and trigger in it. But then I would have to figure out which brand to get. LOL

My nephew just told me my brother left him a 22BR with a Remington 40X action I think. My nephew doesn't know anything about it. I think I might borrow it and see how it shoots. I have to read up on the info on this site on reloading for it though. Hopefully I can find the dies my brother used.

Thanks again!

That 40x / 22BR sounds like a perfect fit.

Nothing against bouncy ARs but I predict you’ll have a lot of fun.

David

 

[Dgd6mm]

If you look at Northland check out their selection of actions.

 

[Evan]

I imagine that 40x 22BR has a 1:14twist? If so the 52/3gn flat base match bullets will likely shoot very very well indeed.

 

[afret]

I imagine that 40x 22BR has a 1:14twist? If so the 52/3gn flat base match bullets will likely shoot very very well indeed.

I think it does have a 1 in 14 twist. Thank you for the tip!