Help me pick an F-Class caliber!

[Tyler Kemp]

I have a 6mm AI that is definitely not going to get used for F-Class, as I can't afford that many barrels.

However, I could maybe afford one more barrel, for F-Class. My inclination is to get another sort of 6mm to shoot the 115 DTACS I plan on using in my 6mm AI anyways, but I am open to suggestions.

PS: I like 40 degree shoulders, they look cool.

Thanks,
Tyler

 

[Buffalobob]

What distance F-class and what action is your 6mm. I assume you are talking about a switch barrel rifle.

 

[Kevin Thomas]

Hi Tyler,

For what it's worth, I'd go to the 6.5-284 and never look back. Just not one for reinventing the wheel here, and the track record for this round is undeniable. Great cases available, a huge range of outstanding match bullets to choose from, and very little (if anything) to say against this one.

Kevin Thomas
Lapua USA

 

[Savagebien]

i'd pick the 284 or IF u want one tyler, a 6 dasher since u like the ackley stuff.

 

[Tyler Kemp]

6 Dasher seems economical, competitive with the 6.5-284, uses the same bullets, good cases.

My action is a Savage 110.

 

[bwaites]

Hi Tyler,

For what it's worth, I'd go to the 6.5-284 and never look back. Just not one for reinventing the wheel here, and the track record for this round is undeniable. Great cases available, a huge range of outstanding match bullets to choose from, and very little (if anything) to say against this one.

Kevin Thomas
Lapua USA

Except our US F Open team got waxed at Worlds while shooting the 6.5-284.

This by the GB team shooting 7mm WSM's, 7mm Shehanes, and 7mm-300's.

While I'll be the first to admit that the shooter is more important than the stick, I really wonder if the 6.5 days are numbered as a competitive round in F class.

Milanuk tried the 6 Dasher in F class, he can probably tell us if it is competitive or not.

Bill

 

[Michael Eichele]

The 7mm short mags and similar have ballistic advantages but they also generate ALOT more recoil than the 6.5x284. This will lead to recoil fatique. Many a shooters have shown up on day one and spanked everybody with a 7mm short. Then got whooped on day two due to focusing on recoil more than the shot. Hands down the best balance between recoil and minimal wind drift is the 6.5x284.

If it were me and bbl life WAS an issue, I would be looking at the 260 remington. If bbl life were not an issue, I would be looking at the 6.5x284.

 

[adam32]

Wasn't the new 1000yrd record set with a plain .284 Win...?

 

[canderson]

Tyler,

I don't think you can go wrong with anything 6-7 mm. I have shot both a 6 dasher and a 284 shehane. You need to pick a caliber and shoot it a lot. You can give up a little drift, if you learn to read the wind. I personally would recommend a 6mm for the economic value. Less money per round and pretty good barrel life (approx. 1800+ rounds). A 284 should have similar life. Bullets for a 6 are about $25/box. 6.5 are $30 something/box, 7mm are colose $40.box. My favorite is the dasher. I can easily shoot a 105 or 108 3000+ fps. It is ACCURATE and very easy to learn to shoot. I have outshot several 6.5 in matches. Everything that I hear from the 6.5 guys is a new barrel about every 800-1000 rounds. Sorry to ramble.
Chris

 

[Tyler Kemp]

I've read horror stories about forming the 6mm Dasher, but is there really anything special I need to do with it?

 

[canderson]

Tyler,
I have a 269 neck dasher, so I have to turn the necks slightly. I then, expand to 25 cal. then adjust a 6br neck die to get the case to headspace off of the expanded neck. I set up for a slight tension when closing the bolt. Then I load the cases with 4895 and a sierra 107 or berger 108 jammmed and fire. These fireforming loads are very accurate. I shot a 595/600 at 600 yds with my fireforming loads. I have also shot several 6-7inch ten shot groups @ 1000 with the fireforming loads. The expander and the 6br neck die are the only pieces that are considered extra equipment to buy to set up a dasher. I tried to use the COW to fireform, but after shooting some of my fireforming loads on targets, I gave up on the COW method. If you have any questions feel free to ask away.

Chris

 

[Tyler Kemp]

I reload for a close friend some 25-06 ammo for deer season. Could I expand the necks with these? It might give me some awful runout, but as long as it forms nice and straight I would be happy.

 

[canderson]

You might can. I would try to find a tapered expander button if you are going to just a reloading die. I bought the sinclair expander for about $40. I know $40 is a good bit of money escepically if you have to buy the 6br neck die. If you decide to go with a dasher, let me know, we can probably work something out on expanding the brass.
Chris

 

[eddybo]

6x47 lapua if your going to shoot 115s I use a 7.5 twist with the d-tacs