OzFclass

Which of these calibres would be best for competition target shooting (including benchrest, f-class, metallic silhouette etc)? How do they compare for performance, accuracy, barrel life, availability of competition-grade components etc?

Quinny,

For F-Class at long range, I think the 6.5x55 Swede would be the pick of them. With a 30" barrel on a 6.5x55, you can drive a 140gn VLD for example at up to 2900 fps. Whereas the 7mm 08 would struggle to push a 168 VLD (similar BC) at the same speed. If barrel life is critical, then the 7 would probably last better.

Alan

Thanks for that. I was considering the 7mm-08 because it should get longer life, and the 162gr Hornady A-Max (.625 BC) will get around 2650fps from a 24" barrel, and is supposed to be a great long range bullet.

There is no doubting the ability of the Swede though, a mate has one, and is very accurate. But I have also been reading alot of praise for the 260Rem. No doubt that they are all good, I am just interested to see how they compare and if anyone has any opinions about one over another.

As for barrel life, I don't want something that will only last 1000 rounds like a 6.5-284.

The reason for my question is that I am thinking of adding another Tikka to the safe, I already have a 308, so looking at something a bit better suited to long range competition.

Currently running a 260AI and run it hard but get 3155fps out of a 28 inch barrel with 123 Lapua's. This is a very accurate load shooting 5 shot groups of 2 inches at 500M & 4-5 inches at 1000yds.
Barrel life is expected to be somewhere between 1400 & 2000 rds which is a lot of matches.

I also think the 6.5x55 would be the great alrounder. Good ballistsics, managable recoil, decent barrel life. 6.5x55 Improveds are all the rage in my area and all the ones I have seen have shot very well for the new shooters who own them. They are shooting 142gn bullets at 2950 fps.

lapua has just started making .260 brass and would be deffinatly worth a look.

G,day Rod, what cal, cals were you using when you kicked my arse at ACT Queens , I used a 6x47 only ,and dont think i could put up that score again sorry to get off the track , I still havnt got over it but it might help answer the question, as the scores were the best ive seen,and groups ,Chop.

Chop, I used a 6 Dasher and a 284. It is probably the last time I will use that 284 as it is just about shot and I have 2x 6.5 barrels coming to turn into 6.5WSSMs, ballistic equivalents to a 260IMP.