AusVarmint

I tried this a while ago. Time and finances pushed me out.

I had a BAT actioned 6.5x284. Went from abysmal to nearly average before stopping

Seriously considering dabbling again.

I remember Rinso once saying that heavy gun is good for beginners as it takes away some of the bad handling technique issues. As a beginner, a heavy gun looks very "specialist"

Thinking a 6.5 again like a 260 or 260 ai or SLR or swede.

Also need to consider what rest to get. I've read SEB are awesome, they also have a waiting list and high price.

I wont be turning up expecting to win anything but I like nice gear and will happily come last due to lack of ability but don't want the equipment to be the limiting factor.

what caliber/cartridge combo and rest would you recommend for a second time around amateur?

Work out why your shooting it and what you want to get out of it.
Are you shooting for shits & giggles, do you just want to see what your varmint or hunting rifles can do, is winning or seeing your name at the top of score sheets important, are you happy to just compete against yourself and see a improvement in your performances and scores.

rule 10 (IIRC) Sean. And I don't want to shoot my varmint rifles

Plane jane 6br in a heavy gun should get you going

No neck turning or nothing fancy, I see a lot don't bother with that anymore anyway.

6br is the 600yd cartridge of choice it seems so why not!

6 BR.not bad for 500m fly, but you need something heavier for 1000yd. The plain old std. .284Win. is a pretty good cartridge to go to. Some very good projectiles out there from Berger and Sierra. I have shot a .284 Win. with 175 gr Sierra M/K for at least 16 years and have no complaints and some successes.

As to a front rest I feel that a joy stick rest is not essential. A good windage screw top is all that is needed, and I also have used one for the same time period as above. If set up is done correctly and a good stock shape very little adjustment is needed if at all once rifle is returned to battery

One must pay utmost attention to ones loading methods, and time spent in sorting projectiles into uniform lots pays dividends.

I am sure you will get a lot of advise on this issue, listen to it all especially those who have been shooting LRBR for some time and have the runs on board.

Hope this is of some help and hope to see you at the Southern Cross 1000yd. Championships at Narromine next year.
Trevor.

Thanks Trev.

Yes I will be there. Dave has offered to loan me his rifle if I don't have mine sorted.

I ordered a BAT SV sometime ago to make a kick ass varminter in 20 dasher. It should be leaving the States soon, Have the stock and barrel. I'm just thinking that I could build something like a 6x47lap on that action and be up and running soone and order another action for my varmint project.

Might have a lead on a second hand Stolle. Any opinions on the Pierce actions for a fly rifle

g'day again trev

adding to what others have mentioned, another factor that must be considered is the availability of high quality cases (yeah I know they cost more but they are worth it- most likely rws,lapua,norma) and a consistent supply and availability of hopefully a range of accurate projectiles in the calibre that is selected.

this applies to powder and primers as well.

scope wise, something with the resolution to see holes on the fly target in most conditions and which holds point of aim at both 500m and 1000yds. and which in conjunction with a tapered base has the adjustment range to go from 500m to 1000yds and back in a reliable manner.

unfortunately precision accuracy does not come cheap but it can be very expensive, frustrating and time consuming and at times impossible to get unsuitable gear to shoot to expectations.

good luck with whatever you decide.

cheers
dave

Nice can of worms you kicked over there mate.
Stick with LG
I would look at a simple case ie no neck turn ie 6br, 6x47 Lapua, 6.5 x 47 Lapua, 260AI ( I would leave the long actions alone) You have a good range of 6mm projectiles to work with including the 103 Copperhead and the 6.5's also have plenty of choice with 120, 123 & 130 grn projectiles I would stay away from the 140's unless you want a big case full of powder.
I am more than happy to chat about barrel twists etc if you like.
Scope wise the old NF 12-42 is hard to beat with a 20MOA rail but you can spend some more on a March if you like.
I have heard my old 260AI might be for sale it held the small group record for LG at one time and was a shooter but it may be gone now. That was a Clancy built Stolle action and thumbhole Richards Microfit stock.
I would look for a second hand front rest by any of the big makers SEB, Farley, Sinclair fixed or co-ax as you prefer.

Trev,

Do a 260ai if it's a single shot, that or a 6mmbr/dasher. I had a 260ai built and I'm going to give it a run at fly when I get some cases formed and the grist sorted. Having said that, it's hard to go past and easy option of a 6mmbr.

Rinso what sort of dollars?

I know the scope and stock and barrel and trigger. They are the easy bits. Calibre and cartridge is the more difficult choice. I still have redding comp dies for 6x47l but is there much of a gain in compensation for poor wind reading to go with a smaller 6.5 launching Say 130 gn pills?


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I have a lead on a rest

and may be able to get a BAT

model MB for the type of cartridge I'm talking about?

trev

although it is only theory, but it is probably pretty close to reality.

following, are the approx wind deflections for various calibres/projectiles in a 5 knot breeze @1000yds.

the velocities nominated should be achieved by each calibre without excessive pressure in a 26-28 inch match barrel.

6x47 lap 105 hybrids@3050fps = 40.8 inches
6mmBR " " @2800fps = 47.1 inches
280 AI 162 a -max@ 2900fps = 38 inches
308 155's sierras @ 2900fps =58.3 inches

the wind moves every calibre, just some more than others!!

but while theory is one thing, unless they shoot to the required accuracy standards, it is all irrelevant.

muzzle brakes can make the big kickers much more pleasant and easy to control with bag control and technique/follow through.

cheers
dave

Dave how do they look with a 130 Gn pill out of a 260 rem?


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I have no experience with 6.5x47 lapua but have seen them really shoot in the hands of others.

according to litz

130 berger vld @ 2950fps = 41.2 inches deflection @1000yds in 5 knot crosswind. (perhaps other projectiles will give slightly better wind drift figures)

check out http://www.accurateshooter.com/featured/65x47/

btw mike gaizauskas used a 6.5x47 to set a new IBS 1000yd BR group record earlier this year

(also 5 knots is approx. 5.8mph and around 10kmh)

everyone has differing opinions and experiences, but I find if I can guestimate the wind speed/direction (which rarely happens) a well sorted gun in 7mm jacko/6x47/6mmBR/280 AI and I assume the 6.5x47 would all do the job at 1000yds as do many other calibres.

cheers
dave

Or you could go back to the HG idea, 210 SMK at 3100, for wind drift at 5.8 mph, 3 oclock, of a whole 30.24 inches, with a scope/mount setup that can handle 21.8 MOA. You will only burn 76gr 2217 at a time, so nice and cheap to run.

Jeff