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Best Compeition Caliber?

B3dlam

B3dlam

Sergeant
Full Member
Minuteman
Jan 3, 2012
753
6
Kodiak, AK
Alright so I am looking at building a new bolt action rifle likely using a nice high end action like a badger and a chassis of some sort. I am curious about caliber for tactical/practical style compeittions.

My current gun is the one in my signature an AR-10 I built up in 6.5 Creedmoor.

I am strongly considering just sticking to 6.5 creedmoor for the bolt gun as I know its a great option and I already have the reloading supplies. That being said I am wondering if there are any other things that I should be looking at. I have heard good things about 6mm calibers like .243 win.

Any input you guys have would be appreciated.
 
Re: Best Compeition Caliber?

If you don't reload, I would stick with the Creed. It seems to have the best factory match ammo options.
 
Re: Best Compeition Caliber?

Since you already have a Creed, use that.

Nothing else will give you enough of an advantage to change.

Shoot comps for a couple of years and then you will be able to answer your question.
 
Re: Best Compeition Caliber?

First things first.
Go with the best receiver.
Surgeon
The receiver is the heart of the rifle and that is one place you should be willing to spend the money to get the best available.

Second, go with the stock design that fits you best.
For some that is a chassis system but for most that is a McMillan stock. Only you can decide.

Third, you don't give nearly enough information to allow well considered opinions on caliber. The various matches that fall under the umbrella of "Tactical Matches" is simply too varied to say that any one cartridge and bullet combination is perfect.
Some matches have a category for 308 Winchester only and some matches in the past have been limited to only 308 Winchester. Matches out in the wide open prairie country can have targets out to 1100 yards and beyond while other matches might only shoot out to 600 yards. On top of that you have individual or team matches to consider.
Since you are in Alaska, and specifically asked about rifles for tactical competitions, your best bet would be to find out what specific types of shots will be taken at matches way up there and build accordingly.
 
Re: Best Compeition Caliber?

17 HMR AI
laugh.gif
 
Re: Best Compeition Caliber?

I reload so exotic calibers don't bother me I basiclaly just wanted to know if there were any calibers that offered signifcant advantage over the 6.5 creedmoor while still saying in a short action size. I already have a .308 caliber rifle if the competion limits me only to that but I have heard a lot of people discussing how in a lot of competitions the .308s are getting beat out by other calibers.
 
Re: Best Compeition Caliber?

6.5 is fine. Sure there are other calibers that are popular right now, but if you know your dope you should be fine with it until you make up your mind for yourself.
 
Re: Best Compeition Caliber?

laugh.gif
grin.gif
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Dustin Morris</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I'd like to see everyone but me running a 308.

Dustin </div></div>

To the OP:
What distances do you intend to regularly engage in a match with said rifle?
 
Re: Best Compeition Caliber?

Everyone will pick their own favorite, then argue for its merits. You seem already to have chosen yours.

If the one you've chosen works for you, and makes sense to you, and if you understand it ballistically, and if it's a viable choice, why change? Your question seems to me to really be "what is the latest hot caliber?".

Good luck with your choice.
 
Re: Best Compeition Caliber?

Pick something that you can afford to shoot A LOT. A guy who owns a 7 WSM and can't afford to shoot it often enough to develop the skillset isn't going to beat a guy that burns out 308 match barrels every year.
 
Re: Best Compeition Caliber?

I haven't found anything better than loading my 260 a little hot. The 139s at 2950 are pretty dam good.
 
Re: Best Compeition Caliber?

Like already mentioned, if you already have a Creed stick with that.

I am a fan of the 6.5 calibers as they work well for us. Yes the 6mm are quite popular also.

Sure there are some matches that may call for a wind cutting magnum. I had a 7/300wsm that was a slick rifle but my 260 works better for me. And yes the mag type calibers can be expensive to feed.

My partner ran a DPMS 6.5 CM LR for a couple yrs and took it all the way to 1100yds and done well with it at a couple matches. So you could run your gasser it until you get your bolt gun finished.

Just MHO.

 
Re: Best Compeition Caliber?

In my opinion you can't go wrong with any of these three calibers. 6.5 Crede, 260rem, or 7mm-08. All three have great ballistics, barrel life and low ammo cost and barrel life which will let you afford to pay for all the practice you need to train to compete.

Good luck,
Merritt
 
Re: Best Compeition Caliber?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: RayDog</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I haven't found anything better than loading my 260 a little hot. The 139s at 2950 are pretty dam good. </div></div>

Your 260 recipe for 139's at 2950 please sir
smile.gif
 
Re: Best Compeition Caliber?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: B3dlam</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I reload so exotic calibers don't bother me I basiclaly just wanted to know if there were any calibers that offered signifcant advantage over the 6.5 creedmoor while still saying in a short action size...</div></div>

Sounds like you're a little bored, looking for something different. I'll throw in a vote in for the 6.5 SLR/S. I keep fighting off the urge to order a reamer for it myself, but I really don't have the time for another caliber right now.
 
Re: Best Compeition Caliber?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: mwroseberry</div><div class="ubbcode-body">In my opinion you can't go wrong with any of these three calibers. 6.5 Crede, 260rem, or 7mm-08. All three have great ballistics, barrel life and low ammo cost and barrel life which will let you afford to pay for all the practice you need to train to compete.

Good luck,
Merritt </div></div>

Well and simply stated. Trigger time.
 
Re: Best Compeition Caliber?

You need to evaluate what type of shooting the intended matches will have you doing.

For example, at Thunder Valley where you don't do that much humping, and most all shots are taken prone, and you'll likely need to make 1000+ yard first round hits, and the wind is always a bastard, there's no reason not to choose a 300WM, 300WSM or 7WSM with 26"+ barrel.

Meanwhile at Mammoth, where you hump your shit 5+ miles/day, have shots out to ~800 yards and moderate wind to deal with, plus positional shooting, a 22" 260/6.5CM (possibly gasgun) makes a lot more sense.
 
Re: Best Compeition Caliber?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: turbo54</div><div class="ubbcode-body">You need to evaluate what type of shooting the intended matches will have you doing.

For example, at Thunder Valley where you don't do that much humping, and most all shots are taken prone, and you'll likely need to make 1000+ yard first round hits, and the wind is always a bastard, there's no reason not to choose a 300WM, 300WSM or 7WSM with 26"+ barrel.

Meanwhile at Mammoth, where you hump your shit 5+ miles/day, have shots out to ~800 yards and moderate wind to deal with, plus positional shooting, a 22" 260/6.5CM (possibly gasgun) makes a lot more sense. </div></div>

I do just fine with my little 7-08 at TVP thank you
wink.gif
 
Re: Best Compeition Caliber?

The best caliber is the one you have, that lets you spend the rest of your money on the over-the-road costs in order to use it at matches.
 
Re: Best Compeition Caliber?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: mwroseberry</div><div class="ubbcode-body">

I do just fine with my little 7-08 at TVP thank you
wink.gif
</div></div>

I didn't say TVP requires a magnum, just that there's no reason NOT to use one there.
 
Re: Best Compeition Caliber?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: turbo54</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: mwroseberry</div><div class="ubbcode-body">

I do just fine with my little 7-08 at TVP thank you
wink.gif
</div></div>

I didn't say TVP requires a magnum, just that there's no reason NOT to use one there. </div></div>

I know just busting your chops. Any method of logic is sound. But Turbo brings up a good point. Find the caliber that lets you get to all the ranges you want and then build your rifle around it. If you never shoot past 500 in low wind a 223 is more than enough. If you're going to be shooting where wind or distance is a killer then a larger round is king.

Good luck,
Merritt
 
Re: Best Compeition Caliber?

Nothing wrong with having two sets of ammo in the same caliber. 6.5C is pretty impossible to load in accurately. Stick with that for simplicity of get reloading equipment.

Spend money on the rifle, more on the glass and time spent on trigger time.

Rich
 
Re: Best Compeition Caliber?

6.5x47 Lapua with 130 vld's, 6x47 Lapua 1in 7.5 twist and 115 dtacs or 260 AI with 140's. My personal experience with these three has been unbeleivable for across the course. My next build will be the 6xc with the dtac's should be good.
 
Re: Best Compeition Caliber?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Graham</div><div class="ubbcode-body">The best caliber is the one you have, that lets you spend the rest of your money on the over-the-road costs in order to use it at matches. </div></div>
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
 
Re: Best Compeition Caliber?

Another voice for the 6.5CM. The factory loads are accurate for those that don't reload. You can spend the day shooting and not feel any Ill effects. The round has a lot to offer the shooter.
 
Re: Best Compeition Caliber?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: B3dlam</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I reload so exotic calibers don't bother me I basiclaly just wanted to know if there were any calibers that offered signifcant advantage over the 6.5 creedmoor while still saying in a short action size. I already have a .308 caliber rifle if the competion limits me only to that but I have heard a lot of people discussing how in a lot of competitions the .308s are getting beat out by other calibers. </div></div>

I shoot a 6x47L which has been a great cartridge, 115'a at 2960 fps.

Tried a 7 mag, 176's at 3040 fps and discovered it was too much gun for the most part because of sight picture upset and spotting shots.

I've thought of doing a 6mm wildcat based of 6.5x55 or the 6mm Crusader from Gap. Although it would have shortish barrel life the new Berger 105 Hybrid at 3350 fps would be an awesome wind cheater. Keep in mind that most tactical matches have a 3100 fps limit.
 
Re: Best Compeition Caliber?

What you have is fine, stick with it.

I would keep the rifles, their ammo, and their dies separate, just as if they were different chamberings. In some sense, they are.

I tried for quite some time to arrive at a load that would work equally well in both my Garand and my .30-'06 bolt guns. In essence, this became an exercise in futility as well as a waste of bore life. Don't fall into that same trap as I did.

My choice was the .260, which I consider functionally identical to the 6.5CM. Several years of 1Kyd comp has convinced me that it will always take back seat to the 6.5-284. Since A) I'm not in a position to continue shoooting 1Kyd, and B) I am unwilling to accept the rate of bore wear that the 6.5-284 imposes, I'll not be quitting the .260 anytime soon.

If I were to start fresh, I'd be concentrating on making the .280 Rem (AKA 7mm Rem Express) work at 1Kyd. I think it combines effective performance with tolerable bore wear. My action would be a Savage competition single shot, my barrel would be a 28" L-W, and my stock would be <span style="text-decoration: line-through">some form of McMillan flat-bottomed bag rider BR stock</span> the McMillan A3-5 Adjustable (thumbwheel adjuster), with the factory installed pillars and stacker buttpad.

I'm not at all convinced that a chassis would be either more physically effective, or cost effective for the types of shooting I'd be doing. I have an A3, and my next stock will also be a McMillan, without even the slightest hesitation.

I would be working with the short action, since I won't be magazine feeding, and I can easily enough extract an unfired round by using the bolt release. It's not like I'll be doing that all so often, anyway. A fired case extracts and ejects from the short action pretty well.

Greg
 
Re: Best Compeition Caliber?

Best is very subjective and dependent on the shooter. When just looking at what does best in drop/wind something in the 7mm flavor is best, 7mm-08 little more drop than the 6.5/6mm, but beats both in the wind, or one of the 7mm mags that beats both the 6.5/6mm in drop/wind. But then you have to factor in the shooter; can you handle the added recoil/price of the 7mm.

Also to get the performance out of the 6/7mm you need to reload; the 6.5cm has great factory ammo that is more than adequate for matches

All that said you already have a 6.5cm and the reloading gear for it. I would stick with that and compete for a while before getting into a new caliber.
 
Re: Best Compeition Caliber?

I saw a post where mile high has a blem 6.5 Creedmoor at a good pice. May for your bill as well as a custom.
 
Re: Best Compeition Caliber?

I would run the cal that you already have.

I like 308 but thats just me


What the hell is that ???

It's called SPAM How about not quoting and copying it
 
Re: Best Compeition Caliber?

Go with a 6MM Competition Match, run 115 Bergers or Dtac's with H-1000. Great barrel life, very accurate.
 
Re: Best Compeition Caliber?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Dgd6mm</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Go with a 6MM Competition Match, run 115 Bergers or Dtac's with H-1000. Great barrel life, very accurate. </div></div>

something like 6XC or 6mm Creedmoor
 
Re: Best Compeition Caliber?

For just shooting competition and nothing else considered I would go with a 6.5 WSM, yes you will burn the throat out quickly and it requires more work on your part but in the hands of a decent shooter it would be very competitive.
 
Re: Best Compeition Caliber?

The 6.5 CM offers a lot of bang for the money and its easy to reload and get good results. I'm new to shooting LR rifles, this is my 1st custom rifle. Luckily I got some very good advise putting it together a great combo.

Pushing 130gr VLD at over 2900fps with vey little recoil.
 
Re: Best Compeition Caliber?

A solid bolt gun in 6.5creed is most def. the answer for ya.
 
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