Trainer rifle help

[Rook57]

Hey Guys,

Currently building a multi purpose rifle in 280 Ackley with a switch lug/barrel. The thought is to have a rifle to play in local prs comps and hunt with it, switching barrels to make it lighter when stalking game, heavier when sitting in a deer blind or shooting comps, etc etc.

As far as choosing a training chambering, I am thinking 6-06 or 6.5-06 and loading the ammo toward the minimum charge weight to preserve trainer barrel life. What do you think? Any other chamberings I should consider?

Thanks in advance.

 

[EXTREMEPREJUDICE]

.223, you can load it 100 different ways for a trainer depending on what you are attempting to achieve. Lot's of factory offerings available, long barrel life and relatively cheap. Works for me, as always YMMV.

 

[fdkay]

7x57 would allow you to use the same bullets

 

[Cayjotiethumper]

.223, you can load it 100 different ways for a trainer depending on what you are attempting to achieve. Lot's of factory offerings available, long barrel life and relatively cheap. Works for me, as always YMMV.

.223 is a different action.

 

[Sheldon N]

A long action may not be the best choice for a switch barrel hunting/training/occaisional comp gun. Mainly because the options for 10 round magazines are limited/awkward and any training round on a long action is still going to be a barrel burner.

What about something like a 6.5 PRC/223 combo, or 7 SAUM/223? Yes you would need a different bolt or bolt head, but it's so much cheaper (and more fun IMO) to shoot 223.

 

[EXTREMEPREJUDICE]

.223 is a different action.

Gotcha!

 

[Rook57]

A long action may not be the best choice for a switch barrel hunting/training/occaisional comp gun. Mainly because the options for 10 round magazines are limited/awkward and any training round on a long action is still going to be a barrel burner.

What about something like a 6.5 PRC/223 combo, or 7 SAUM/223? Yes you would need a different bolt or bolt head, but it's so much cheaper (and more fun IMO) to shoot 223.

Unfortunately, it’s a done deal. On my next build I will definitely change to a short action, but in the mean time... I have to make it work so any ideas would be great.

 

[Sheldon N]

I have to make it work so any ideas would be great.

If I were in that situation I'd probably build a 6.5x55 Swede w/ Lapua brass and run 140 ELD-M over H1000 powder. Would work well enough as both a trainer or a match caliber, and would have decent barrel life if you didn't cram too much powder in there.