Short-action F-class rifle, caliber?

[Oliveralan]

Hello,

I have a .308win, it was my first rifle, i have put close to 1000 rounds down the barrel (i know, not burned yet...) but i want to upgrade it and specialize it a bit more.

So, what calibers would you recommend that i can fit in a remington short action? i will mainly use this gun for F-class but also for hunting if im sitting tight in a spot as a really accurate mid range thin skinned game rifle.

I want to launch 6.5 or 7mm bullets, probably in the 140gr (142mk) and 180gr (180 Berger) range respectivly.

I was thinking:
.284 Win <-- Favorite right now
.264 WM <-- not sure if this will work in a SA

To supliment my F-class gun i am building a AR15 in .300whisper with suppressor for short range, buying a Kimber M84 in .260 remington for a light carry gun, and either a .300wsm or 7RUM for long range.

Feel free to post any advice or ideas,

Thanks,
Oliver

[Buffalobob]

F-class is composed of two fields: open/unlimited and FTR. FTR is restricted to military calibers of 308 and 223. Open is any caliber.

So if you want to shoot F-class I would suggest you stay with the 308.

Here is an F-class rifle at work both hunting and competing.

Why is she smiling? Quantico F-class


Long Range F-class - Professional Soldiers ®

Jeff in Texas Pig Hunt

Home For Thanksgiving



You do not say what action you have so it is hard to say what to do. If it is a Remington action, then take it up to Eddie Harren and tell him to put you in a new barrel and a match chamber.

[Oliveralan]

I am aware of the difference between F-Class Open and T/R. I want to shoot Open because i feel a 7mm cartridge (or 6.5mm) is more veristile so i can also use it for medium range hunting, where i dont move much. The .308 drops and drifts a litte too much for my liking.

I currently only have one rifle, the .308 and i feel a heavy barreled .284win or other 6.5/7mm cartirdge will be more versitile.

thanks for the links, will check them out, have read some before already.


EDIT:
Just finished reading the links you posted, great story in Texas there, i went to South TX during thanksgiving this year and shot a few pigs too, longest shot was a mere 260yards but still a lot of fun. Will be going back in spring break.
Also, that's a real nice ram, will you be at Quantico for the feb. match? I wont be able to make the Jan one but i hope to get to the feb one, havent shot in one since november.

-Oliver

[dirtball]

Three of the most widely used calibers are:

6.5 X 284
6.5-284 Cartridge Guide

284 Win

7mm WSM

7mm Cartridge Guide

These all have light to moderate recoil while shooting high BC bullets at very respectable velocities.
There are LOTS of others from the 6mm BR to the big 30 cal magnums but these three take more than their share of wins.
Dave

[Oliveralan]

Thanks Dave,

I know the 6.5-284 is a real barrel burner, how about the 7mm WSM? if i clean it good and don't overheat it, what kind of barrel life can i expect?

-Oliver

[RJ338]

In 6.5 consider the 6.5 Creedmore or 6.5X47 Lapua, both will give long barrel life, low recoil and great accuracy. Of the two, the Lapua is better brass.
The 284 Win. will do all you need in the 7mm( see www.6mmBR).

[dirtball]

Originally Posted by Oliveralan

Thanks Dave,

I know the 6.5-284 is a real barrel burner, how about the 7mm WSM? if i clean it good and don't overheat it, what kind of barrel life can i expect?

-Oliver

Oliver
The problem with F-Class is you ARE going to overheat your barrel. You fire 15 to 20 rounds in 20 to 30 min and 50+ rounds in a day.
I have a 6.5 X 284 that I set back at 850 rounds do not know how many more I will get, but have another barrel in the safe to go on it.
Most of the time 1,000 to 1,500 rounds MAX, of 1,000 yd accuracy and it is toast.
If you read the links in my previous post they talk about barrel life of most of the 7mm's.
Dave

PS: There will be Rec Fire on Range 4 Sat and probably Sun