Building a precision rifle in short action caliber, caliber advice

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Mike112288

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I had my first custom rifle built last year on a bighorn tl3 in 223 rem. If I built a second one this year perhaps on a impact precision action, what caliber would you go with for an occasional target shoot nothing competitive. Just long ish range bottle blasting and Steel plates. 6.5 creedmor, 308, 22 creedmor, 22 br or some 7mm cal? I’m thinking even a 308 would be good enough but a creedmor would be nicer with its trajectory. Any ideas?
 
I’m no expert but I think 6.5 Creedmoor sounds fun. 223 is my favourite caliber so you already have that one 308 is great too but
you may as well jump on the 6.5 bandwagon
 
6.5 creedmoor is a great cartridge for target shooting. More efficient than the 308 and less recoil. Also you can usually find brass and loaded ammunition for 6.5cm without a problem cause it's been so popular.
 
Yeah I was pretty stoked about the 22 creedmor but the barrel life is garbage. I also like 204 ruger so not sure if that’s too close to the same as a 223. I used to own a 204 years ago but badly had the chance to shoot it. 308 has the military ammo going for it. As well but the 6.5 and 7mm biullets interest me more
 
Considering a similar build, but I like the 7mm 08. Halfway between 6.5 CM and 308, great bullet selection and check the BC’s on heavy 7mm bullets :) and just because it’s different.
 
Any of the 6.5 cartridges will work for you. Great ballistics, lots of component variety, proven component combinations, long barrel life for a casual shooter etc etc.
 
I always thought 308 was a full boring cartridge. I was impressed by the 6.5x47 and 6.5 creedmoor and 6mmBr, 6mm Dasher, 284 win. Then I found a quality barrel in 308 to have put on an action I had. Now I wish I would have gone 308 years ago. It's accurate with just about every standard powder. I have no issue finding reloading components for 308 whereas it sometimes gets spotty to get 6.5 components at certain times of year. All of them are great. I'd stay away from the 22-250, 22 creedmoor etc but consider 223 and 222. Barrel life will become important to you eventually.

I find 284 Winchester very interesting. Great bullets available for 7mm and the recoil is manageable. However it can be a little harder to find 284 win brass unless you want to neck up 6.5-284 brass.
 
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Yeah I hear how boring 30& is but it’s supposed to be very accurate too. The 284 win and 6.5-285 also stand out to me. I don’t care for barre burners that’s my problem with the 22 creedmor and 22-250
 
.308 can be a lot of fun and is very accurate. You just have to put the time into it.

5 shot group at 100 meters with a .308
46796725054_4e02721459_b.jpg
 
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Lots of good choices and advice here so far, I think you need to consider a few other things too. Do you reload or will you be shooting mostly factory ammo? This is a huge consideration for obvious reasons, if you don't reload then you will have to stick to factory ammo offerings. This means sticking with more main stream options, 308, 6.5CM, 6 CM, 223, etc. Some others are available but can be tougher to get a reliable source. I had a rifle built last year in 6XC, it is pretty much a ballistic twin to the 6CM-which I should have built due to the various factory ammo options available now, and the selection of different brands and primer types for brass. But I am extremely happy with the 6mm choice, maybe slightly harder on barrels, but if you don't shoot comps you should be fine for a couple of shooting seasons on one barrel. 6.5CM also has great factory ammo options, and lots of choices when it comes to reloading components too, brass, bullets and powder are fairly easy to source now, I haven't had any issues anyways.

Good luck!
 
I'm putting together a switch barrel gun in 6 Dasher and 284. For what you are wanting to do I think the Dasher is the way to go. I really like my 6.5X47's as well. But as was mentioned if you don't reload then the options become a bit more limited. Then the 6 Creed may be a good option or the 6.5.
 
While not perfect in every way. The 6.5 Creed, that I shoot, is a dream to deal with, ok barrel life, dies and components are readily available, little recoil, low powder charge, shoot great, factory ammo options. Every time I shoot mine, I have a smile on my face. I still have a need for a 308 one of these days, and a 7mmRM. Or maybe a 300, or one of each.
 
Yeah i have had all above mentioned calibers - and repeating others views - if there is one that makes me smile more than anything, its the 6mmBR. Extreme accuracy, no recoil, easy to load for, and easy on pocketbook to shoot.
 
Get the new 7.6 Creedmoor. Mine shoots 155's @ 2930 fps with Varget in a 26" barrel. Barrel life is the same as a .308!!:dancingbanana:
 
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