Why 6mm at MidRange?

[JDMock]

Having both a small hammer and a big hammer is getting to be a popular choice of the "Hammer people" but that's up to you...

I think that the 6mm's are used because they win. Good shooting...James

 

[kyreloader]

Seems like I am hearing from both sides here a bit.

Some shoot the 6mms due to less recoil/cost and a presumed increase in precision/accuracy. Some shoot 7mm because it can win (2015 MR FOpen Nats), better ballistics but feel the recoil and cost necessitate any perceived advantage.

So all of you competitive FOpen shooters, do you have a 6mm (or other) for Midrange matches and shoot a 7mm/30 cal for Long Range matches? Or are you a one rifle/caliber shooter for both mid and long range?

 

[6BRinNZ]

My first principle is take one gun and get to know it real well. We only ever get two sighters and no chance of pre fouling so its very important to know what the rifle will do.

If the range is benign then I would only shoot a 6mm out to 1k. I think that some of the premise of what you have been told isn't correct in that if the range is windy or just plain tricky winds then ballistics will still count at 600 yards and under, the better ballistics can help save the odd point or two if you have bad pit service and are having to shoot in conditions you wouldn't if service is good...I have always lost more points to wind than I ever have to precision.

Ultimately you would have to look at a long term aggregate (in your situation) to tell if a 6mm offered any advantage at mid range. But if the range is benign and there isn't a requirement for a ballistic advantage why bother with a 7mm and go for the cheaper to run/friendlier option of a 6mm for all ranges? i..e reverse your question..why would you shoot a 7mm at long range on your range?

 

[Immike]

This may be one of the best questions asked in awhile. The dashers have been trouble on the line at 600 for sure. If conditions go to heck during the match then heavier is better ... Maybe or not. We have some good dasher shooters here and the conditions don't always stop these guys. I played around locally with a 22 br this past season and won and lost both with it. This barrel is 5 yrs old and still shoots, I don't get that with my serious competition gun. The span of winning potential is much wider with a small cal than a big one. If you find what tracks and shoots for you then nurse and feed it. One of my latest conversations with a shooter was how to manage 2 barrels on one rifle. This cat can be skinned but you have to make it work with you. What ever your confident in will serve you well, can't completely just buy that one. If you have the time then expand, if not then place your best foot forward.

 

[Catfur]

Because shooting is fun, and shooting accurate, pleasing little 6mm cartridges is fun!

Sure, they blow around in the wind a bit more than a 7mm 180 at 600 (but less than at 1000, by a lot), but they're fun!

 

[Albany Mountain]

This appears to be a F-Class post.

In Benchrest the 6BR or 6 Dashers shoot 2" groups at 600 yards, most 7's can't do that. Even at 1,000 the BR/Dasher often shoot smaller groups.

Certainly not a sling class question

 

[Tarmacshooter]

For 6mm and .223 heavy shooters, when the wind kicks up, you better be on your game. We have a VERY good .223 shooter who can't shoot bigger calibers. He places really well up to a point at MR but at 1,000 he just can't compete. He's been shooting for years and has the experience.

 

[Bottom Fodder]

Life would be simple and this forum boring along with most hunting forums if the 308 was the only caliber ever made

 

[XTR]

Is this Easter week for old threads?

 

[rwj]

Is this Easter week for old threads?

Guess so…

 

[NZ_Fclass]

Just because I picked up a nice BR last year, intending it for a project, but kinda liked it.

 

[Rtheurer]

Is this Easter week for old threads?

I love replies to threads that are 6 years old...

 

[Bill K]

Why ? Because it works for them and they enjoy that manner of shooting, mainly. Each of us have our own preference that works for our style of want.

I am curious why others shoot 6mm or other calibers at midrange while shooting a 7mm at long range?

In starting shooting, I have been told or had embedded into my psyche to shoot a precise 6mm (Dasher/BR) or 6.5 (6.5x47) for midrange. Whereas, I have been instructed to shoot a 7mm (284 or improved/7RSAUM) or recently 300 WSM for long-range.

My main question is why?

Last year, I decided I would shoot my .284 Win at both mid and long-range. I noticed that the .284 is definitely precise enough to shoot midrange matches (shot a 599 with it/cleans at 300y etc.). I also was competitive with it in midrange matches even occasionally beating Dashers and BRs.

The ballistics even at 300 yards are better than the 6mms. I have heard the argument for the recoil difference and it is easier to shoot the 6mms over the 7mms for a match. I agree, but how many points should you expect to give up to recoil versus improved ballistics of the 7mms.

I am leaning towards shooting only my .284 Win this year again for both midrange and long range matches even though I have a phenomenal 6 Dasher barrel for my action.

Can someone talk me into shooting my 6mm for midrange and my 7mm for long range? If so, why??