New build caliber question

[txgw]

Excuse my long post but I am brand new to all of this. I know this has probably asked several times but I haven't really found what I'm looking for with the search.

I am looking to rebarrel a Rem 700 SPS Var. that is currently 22-250 with a 20" Krieger barrel, and am looking for input on caliber and twist rate. I am looking to shoot at 6-800 and possibly even out to 1k. I reload so availability of factory ammo is not an issue. The purpose of this rifle will be mainly shooting steel, however it may get used to get rid of nuisance critters at <600 or for other purposes explained below.

A little background on me. I've grown up shooting but have never really shot at much over 300 so I am just now getting into shooting at these longer distances. I want to end up with a good shooting rifle but don't have the cash to spend on a full custom gun which is the reason for the rebarrel. Also I am Law Enforcement in very rural TX right on the Mexican Border. This rifle may be carried in my patrol pickup and used if necessary.

Thanks in advance for your input

 

[billyburl2]

Re: New build caliber question

If you are set on going with the 20" barrel, I would choose 308.

 

[txgw]

Re: New build caliber question

I am planning on a 20" #17 or #18 contour for a compact rigid bbl

 

[Goin'Hot]

Re: New build caliber question

You could keep it a 22-250 with an 8 twist barrel and shoot the 75 grain Amax bullet. 6.5x47 or 6.5 Creed with a 8 twist barrel for any bullet up to 142's. 243 with an 8 twist barrel would be fine with 105 Amax or 107 SMK's. These would be more for the steel and varmint applications than the larger critters due to the 20" restriction.

 

[txgw]

Re: New build caliber question

Ok next question. Why such an aversion to a 20" barrell? Everything I've looked at/read/talked to people says that you are just losing 100-150+/- fps but gain a lot stiffer barrel with less harmonics to deal with. Like I said before, I'm just getting into the long range shooting and trying to learn as much as I can before investing a bunch of money. I didn't realize that I was limiting myself very much with a 20" barrel.

 

[turbo54]

Re: New build caliber question

What twist is your current 22-250 barrel? 1:9 will almost certainly handle the 75amax, which is pretty darn decent. At 1:8, you can use the 80amax...

If you're set on a new cartridge, I would choose 7-08 or 7-08AI. Fits your short action great, nice barrel life, superb ballistics and downrange energy to get the steel ringing.

Other folks will jump in and say either "308 for a beginner", or to choose a 6.5CM or 260.

308 sucks. It's saving grace is a long-lived barrel, nearly free brass, and factory ammo.

The 6.5s are great, but 6.5CM brass is offered ONLY by Hornady. 260 brass is more available. Both use barrels fairly fast, say 2500-4000 rounds depending on how aggressive you are.

7-08 is much gentler on barrels, drops just a smidge more than a 6.5, but drifts LESS in the wind. A fine choice, and highly under-rated. You'll want a 1:9 or quicker (but no quicker than 1:8) for the 7-08.

 

[txgw]

Re: New build caliber question

My 22-250 is a 1:14 twist so I not sure it will quite get up to the 75 grainers, but then again I've also never tried.

 

[turbo54]

Re: New build caliber question

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: txgw</div><div class="ubbcode-body">My 22-250 is a 1:14 twist so I not sure it will quite get up to the 75 grainers, but then again I've also never tried. </div></div>

Nope. That twist is for itty bitty varmint bullets. My 220 Swift with 1:14 twist would handle nothing heavier than 55gr.

You'll definitely want a new barrel.

Unless you are very, very recoil sensitive, I think you'll want to step up to at least a 6mm. Again though, take a hard look at 260 and 7-08...my preference being the 7mm.

 

[Sonic Crack]

Re: New build caliber question

Turbo is correct, 1:14 twist .224 will only handle up to 55 grain bullets. If your looking to use the same bolt face as your 22-250 you can go with a number of calibers, 6XC, 243, 6MM Rem, 6.5CM, 260, 7-08, 308 just to name a few or put a faster twist barrel on your 22-250 to shoot the heavier bullets. I know you can look on the Shilen barrels site and they tell you twist and bullet weights, you can even look on bullet makers sites and with certain bullets (mostly heavy bullets per caliber) they tell you a twist to use. As always I'm sure the smith you use will be able to guide you in the right direction as well.

 

[majohnson2]

Re: New build caliber question

My new 6.5CM is based on the HV#17 barrel profile. It shoots tiny groups, doesn't seem to be temp influenced. They are heavy, so plan on shooting from a bipod or something. The benefit of the weight is a reduced recoil.

 

[txgw]

Re: New build caliber question

Thanks guys, I'll look into those.