Looking for advice from you Striker/TC pistol gurus!

[backwoods83]

I have my parts list together for a 500yrd and closer TC prohunter pistol.
Encore frame, full spring upgrade kit with 2# trigger spring.
M4 rilfe foreend.
Harris canting 6" bipod.
Flex tec pistol grip.
2.5-8x28 Nikon bdc.
Custom 6 hole base with matching rings.

So here is the question, I am going to have MGM make a custom barrel, 18.5" long so it finishes at 20" with the brake installed, so out of the cartridges I list and someones experience I would like opinions on which one is the most effective and efficient, I don't want a cloud of unburned powder coming out the brake, so here goes.
7mm-08 120grn NBTs with Varget
284win 140 vlds H4350
243win 87grn vld Varget or 4064
6.5x284 123 amaxs Imr4350
260 123 amax Imr4350
Last odd ball option, 30x284win 168 NBTs 4064
I will greatly appreciate any input from you long range pistol shooters, thanks.

 

[RT2506]

Go to the "Specialty handgun" thread and ask this same question. I would also PM Ernie from that thread. He is the man when it comes to looooooooooog range pistols.

 

[backwoods83]

Thanks I will ask over there.

 

[tinkerer]

For 500 yards, I would vote for 7-08, with a 243 second. Most of the others I think are overkill, but its up to you.

I have been very impressed by my 243 striker and factory 100 gr ammo.

Larry
Tinkerer

 

[backwoods83]

Actually Larry, I was leaning toward the 7mm-08 but just wanted some opinions from guys like you that shoot the longrange pistols, thanks.

 

[Buttermilk]

I'm shooting a 30-280 AI from a 15" MGM bbl. This barrel will do 2750 FPS with 165's. I've only shot game out to just under 300 yds with it. Some day hope to get to 500 yds.

I also currently have a 280 AI MGM bbl. Only have 20 rds down the tube on this one but it's already shot sub-MOA at 200 yds. This is my second 280AI bbl. First one was accurate for a T/C Encore handgun, shooting very close to 1/2 to 2/3's MOA with select loads.

Of the rounds you've listed, I might lean towards the 284 Win. Had one of those and it was accurate at 200 yards, with a couple of select loads doing just over an inch at that distance. That round would push 140's to 2700 fps in my barrel, and Berger 168 VLD's to 2554 FPS (throated so the 168's base of bullet was at the neck/shoulder junction).

My 284 Win barrel had it's best accuracy/velocity with 139/140's using VV150 powder, and with the Berger 168 VLD, I used RL-17.

My 280AI was faster and just as accurate.

Never had an issue with unburnt powder out the end of the barrel. Most of my barrels were 15" long, and now have one that is 16.5" and another on the way that is 16.5" in length.

With your 18" length, shouldn't have any issues with powder.

Me personally, I'd prefer the Burris 3x-12x AO scope for out to 500 yds. That's what I now use on all my T/C Encore barrels.

Regards,
Rog

 

[backwoods83]

Thanks for the input, the reason I have been considering something based off the 284 case is because I have plenty of Norma and Lapua 6.5x284 brass laying around, but I also have a pile of lake city 308 brass that I use for 243 and 260, and maybe 7mm-08 if I choose that one. I'm really considering one of the 7mm's but its a toss up between the 7-08 120nbt 3000fps or 284 140nbt 2850fps, they are so close its a tough decision. I like the idea of the 30x284 but I think I may save that idea for an old 110 action I got laying around. I chose the nikon because I have gotten aggrivated with AOs in the last couple years, but I did like the fact that it was a 3-12, if I don't like the Nikon I may sell it and try the burris.