OzFclass

Just wondering if a poll could be conducted regarding calibers for F Class amongst our readers.
Obviously it is only relevant to the Open category

Good evening Paul,

Weathers looking better for the 800 tomorrow, but the NW wind will be fishtailing again.

About calibres, I'd just as soon have a chat about it so people know why it is your favourite. In fact I'll get it started now !

Ever since owning a .264 Magnum in about 1970, I've had a soft spot for 6.5mm. When I returned to shooting after an 18 year spell, and was told about F-Class Open, it had to be a 6.5. Then I read somewhere that the 6.5x284 was winning a swag of long-range shoots in the US, so that became the one. I now think that there is probably a slightly better choice in 6.5, something that will still safely push a 140gr projectile at 2950fps, but with a longer neck and less case capacity. The 6.5x55AI seems to come closest.

But 6.5mm is a great all-round choice if you have just one rifle in F-Open. There is one group starting to prefer 6mm, and another raving about 7mm. That suggests that 6.5 must be pretty close to the ideal !

Barrel life can be a concern, but when you work it out, the additional cost of a 1500 round barrel over a 3000 round barrel is about 25 cents a shot, or about $6 per Saturday. Its worth it !!!

Alan

Hi Paul

When I started shooting fullbore I used a 308, then switched to 223 preferring the lower recoil. My scores went up as a result. When F-class started I put a Harris bipod on the 223, added a cheap Tasco scope and got into it. I have a soft spot for the 223 and still use it occasionally - it can still do 60/60 on the fullbore target after 2600 rounds. It makes a great rifle for introducing new shooters and its capability is easily underestimated.

When putting together an f-open rifle I was tossing up between 6 and 6.5. I went with 6.5 based on the higher BC projectiles and the developing record of the 6.5x284 in the US. I ended up going with the 6.5x55AI which although not as common, is also quite capable and said to be a better sized case for a 6.5. The compromise for me was the higher recoil than the 6mm. Given it works OK (if I do my bit), and having the reamer and dies, I don't plan to give it away any time soon!



Mark Hamersley

Currently shooting a 300WinMag which I won the District Champion of Champions with in '03-'04. (377/400) Having a new rifle built at the moment in 6.5/284..... no experience with this calibre but thought I'd give it a go. Certainly believe that big recoil adds to fatigue which = negative results on scores. Should be able to about half the recoil with the 6.5mm so hopefully I'll be able to have some success with it. Having said that Dennis Rigby from 18th Battalion is posting great scores with a 22BR and there are plenty of shooters with various 6mm's as well. I think we are spoilt for choice with accurate chamberings these days... can make the decision difficult!!

Michael

Personally i run a 6BR for the shorts up to 700 or 800 yds depending on the conditions. From there i use a 6.5 x 284 out to 1200 yds. As the 6.5 x 284 is nearing the end of its life i am turning to a 6.5 HI.
In the past i have used a 22Br and a 243
Having said in the original post it probably only pertains to Open, in Std i use a 308 and also a 223
Can't have enough toys in the cupboard i say, but thats just my opinion


Paul