Author Topic: What calibre should you choose? (Read 1050 times)

Dobermann · « **on:** September 13, 2006, 11:47:53 AM »

At long last I have saved up my pennies and have decided after a huge amount of research and trial on one to go for a H&S Precision HTR rifle. I went into my gun dealer here in Ireland and was about to place the order for a 6.5 x 55 26inch stainless match barrel with a 1 - 8.5 twist and some doubts were put into my head about the ability of the calibre. I would like to be able to shoot long range target out to 1000 eventually so is a 6.5 x 284 a much better choice? or is their an alternative?? I have a .270 at the moment that kicks quiet hard and you really feel it after 40 or 50 rounds.
The more I learn about shooting the more i know i don't know

regards

Dob

RLB · « **Reply #1 on:** September 13, 2006, 12:04:14 PM »

All you've asked for can be found in a .308win...7.62x54

RLB....it's super accurate, low recoil, plenty of ammo choices.

I myself perfer a .270..but you asked for a honest unbiased opinion...still the .308 is damn hard to beat.

poncaguy · « **Reply #2 on:** September 13, 2006, 02:51:21 PM »

A 7mm-08 would have less recoil and is a very accurate round...........

Slamfire · « **Reply #3 on:** September 13, 2006, 04:39:49 PM »

I think you've made a pretty good choice, the various 6.5-.308s seem to predominate in 600 yard shooting. There's not much difference in the capacity of the cases. Shooters seem to feel they do better than with the .308 due to less recoil, and the 6mms as they burn out barrels quicker.

TreyAzagthoth · « **Reply #4 on:** September 13, 2006, 06:24:37 PM »

300 win mag with a muzzle break.

kudzu · « **Reply #5 on:** September 14, 2006, 03:01:01 AM »

What willl your uses be? Hunting, long range target, both, etc.

Questor · « **Reply #6 on:** September 14, 2006, 03:13:10 AM »

Not many gun dealers would be able to competently advise you on the capability of any cartridge at 1000 yards or meters. The long bullets available for the 6.5 should be as good a choice as any for 1000 yards or meters. I assume you've checked what others are using for long distance shooting and have matched the rifle, the cartridge, and the twist rate based on that research.

kyote · « **Reply #7 on:** September 14, 2006, 03:13:22 AM »

if the .270 kicks and you feel it and it is uncomfortable.I really can not think of a caliber that would suit you well for 1000 yard shooting.but as one has already said..the .308 would suit you well.and i believe the 30-06 would be even better.and either one of them you could ackly improve and get a little more horse power of of them.and they would be better.pushing on the heals of better long distance rounds with out all the recoil.Good luck.

Questor · « **Reply #8 on:** September 14, 2006, 03:19:45 AM »

The .308 is popular in the U.S. for long range shooting, keeping in mind that "popular" means that there are probably only a few thousand in a country of 300 million who have ever even tried it. The issue here is bullet availability and gunsmithing. Sierra makes famously excellent and readily available match bullets for the .308. Bullet availability in 6.5 is relatively rare, especially in match bullets. If 6.5s are available to you in match bullets, there is no reason you should prefer the .308 to the 6.5, provided you are starting with the right kind of rifle for it.

Mikey · « **Reply #9 on:** September 14, 2006, 03:36:54 AM »

Dobermann: I would opt for the 6.5x55. It is one heck of a great hunting caliber and may well outshoot the 308 in long range matches. You should not have any doubts about the ability of that caliber. The 6.5x55 is an incredibly accurate cartridge and I doubt you will be disappointed. Match ammunition and match bullets are available. HTH. Mikey.

Dobermann · « **Reply #10 on:** September 14, 2006, 03:58:39 AM »

Thanks Guys

This is what it's looking like

Maker : H-S Precision
Barrel : 26" Heavy Contour 10x match grade stainless steel (treaded)
Stock : H-S Tactical Pro-Series synthetic stock
Rifle : Pro-Series 2000 Heavy Tactical / Long Range rifle
Bullet : Sierra 142gr MatchKings
Twist : 1in 8.5" (any advice on twist rates appreciated)
Extra : Mercury Recoil Reducer (any opinions)
Scope : S&B PM2 5-25x reticle in second focal plane

Regards

Dob

The Sodbuster · « **Reply #11 on:** September 14, 2006, 06:17:25 AM »

I can't speak from experience with either 6.5X55 or 6.5-.284, but I would refer you to an article in the most recent Guns & Ammo magazine on the 6.5-284. Other posters have advised you to consider the .308. The 6.5-284 gained popularity among the highpower rifle competition crowd because it offered bullets equal in sectional density to a 190 grain .308 caliber, but had less recoil than a .308. Of course I understand the 6.5X55 has been used in target competition in Europe for a long time too.

nasem · « **Reply #12 on:** September 14, 2006, 08:31:26 AM »

guys, if he is having some trouble with the recoil of a 270 then he is not going to like the 308 all that much.

6.5X55 is "ok", pretty accurate caliber, but the choice of your gun could be better.
I would opt for one of those heavy fluted barrel rifles. Anything with a heavy barrel, and would cost you ALOT less and give you almost same accuracy.

--Savage makes GREAT heavy barrel stainless steel rifles.

--Tikkas Super Varmint class rifles, heavy barrel, MY FAVORIT LONG RANGE RIFLES, and they don't cost you an arm and a leg

--Tikka Tactical, comes in .223 / 308 / or 300 win mag, kind of expensive (1500-2000), but I heard they are super accurate.

victorcharlie · « **Reply #13 on:** September 14, 2006, 03:08:30 PM »

You could always add a mecury tube recoil reducer and a simm vibration limbsaver pad to the .270.....or restock the .270 with something that fits you better.......

Dobermann · « **Reply #14 on:** September 14, 2006, 10:39:41 PM »

Here in Ireland the 6.5 x 55 has a huge selection of factory ammo available as it is very popular. I have never reloaded yet but will be in the future as reloading has just been legalised in the new criminal justice bill. (So being able to reload your own ammo does not hamper your choice of calibre.) Up until 2 years ago .270 was the largest calibre available in Ireland.
The .270 I have is pretty old an Italian made Churchill hunting rifle. I have fired several .308's and they are not nearly as hard kicking so my
.270 is a bit of a pig. This rifle will be used during the season to shoot deer (not a huge amount) mostly paper. I know a heavier longer barrel might be of benifit out to 1000 but I would probably find it very hard to carry it when stalking, unfortunately for the moment I will have to compromise a bit. All my shooting buddies swear by the Sako 75 heavy barrel stainless but I have fired a H&S in .270 and it was awsome, best group of the day being a 5 shoot group at 150m of .384" and it just fitted me so well. So here is hoping I make the right choice.

Regards

Dob

safetysheriff · « **Reply #15 on:** September 17, 2006, 12:34:14 AM »

try these sites, is what i'd say: www.long-range.com and www.6mmbr.com to see what the most recent success stories have been.

i'd go with a .260 Rem' or one of the 6mm' variants.........after studying those sites.

ss'

PeterCartwright · « **Reply #16 on:** September 17, 2006, 02:21:12 AM »

Dobermann:
The 6.5's probably don't have as much regard as they deserve on our side of the "pond". In truth, the 6.5X55 has a most enviable reputation as a long range target round. (Great ballistic coefficients!) In addition, Swedes, Finns and Norweigans use their "puny" 6.5X55's to put tens of thousands of moose (elg) in their freezers annually. (Great sectional density!) If I were going to purchase a dedicated long range gun, I'd probably look long and hard at the 6.5-.284. But for the "compromise" gun, I don't think you can do better than the old 6.5X55. The Swede's recoil is extremely mild to boot!

Disclaimer: I'm a nut about the 6.5X55. I have a reworked '94 Mauser that serves as my "go to" deer rifle.

dbuck · « **Reply #17 on:** September 17, 2006, 09:41:59 AM »

I have a 6.5X55 set up with a custom Savage with 26" barrel and a Leupold 6.5X20 Long Range Scope with Kenton Industries turret knobs and yes using Sierra 142 Match King Bullets it's ideal rifle for the 1000 yard line for anyone and you won't be undergun either. I have used mine at Camp Perry at 1000 yards and I love mine and you can shoot all day because the recoil is light.

dbuck

Don Fischer · « **Reply #18 on:** September 17, 2006, 10:18:35 AM »

I've never shot 1000yd anything but I think you'll find that guy's that are serious about it don't take their "huntin' gun" and expect much. If what you want is a 1000yd rifle, build a 1000yd rifle. But if you want a hunting rifle, build a hunting rifle. In either the 6.5x55 will deliver more than most of us can use!

Dobermann · « **Reply #19 on:** September 18, 2006, 09:09:53 PM »

It will have to be 6.5 x 55 it should handle anything out to 600 no problem and if I get into longer range shooting will get a rifle for that. Unfortunately no rifle does everything, thanks for all the advice, will hopefully have the rifle within 9 months (takes a long time to get a rifle from the states).

Regards

Dob