F-Class.....where to begin?

[kombi1976]

I think I should point out right here and now that I have zero experience in any sort of target disciplines and my paper punching and silhouette experiences end at toying at the local range with my .22LR hunting rifle.
That said I'd like, eventually, to get into fly shooting and have a rifle built for the purpose.
Of course, it would be great to buy a purpose built rifle.
Problem is anything written F-Class rifle written in front of it seems to come with a price tag of at least $2500 and, in addition, I'm not a fan of 6mm cartridges, prefering 25 cal.
So it would be excellent to start without selling my children for medical experiments, if you get my point.
After casting about and asking a friend who's an avid F-Class shooter about it I decided that 250 Savage AI would be a decent cartridge.
Can I obtain a decent short action, have it rebarreled, fit new trigger, target scope & suitable stock and still expect to enjoy F-Class?
I know I'll be zero threat to those people with much deeper pockets than mine but I can see little point in blowing multiple thousands on rifle when I'm doing it for fun, not serious competition.
BTW, does anyone know of a company that makes a match bullet in .257 cal?
And now I'm going to be really difficult.......I hate Remingtons.

 

[tiriaq]

Lack of approriate bullets is the reason that .25 rifles are not more popular. .22, 6, 6.5, 7, and .30 are well covered. If you want a .250 Savage based cartridge, go with one in 6mm. Its been done, and works well. If you don't want to use a purpose built target action, and don't like Remingtons, there is always the Savage. Or being in Australia, why not use one of the Australian made target rifles, and rebarrel/restock it as desired. My Nielsen 300 action would work just fine as a base for an F Class rifle.

 

[maynard]

Here in Ontario we have started F(M) class. Off the shelf, out of the box F (Manufactured) Class. I think the DCRA will also be offering prizes for this class at the APM.
With the F(M) class you are limited to what modifacations yo can do to the rifle, like bedding, re-crowning the factory barrel and reshaping the oringinal stock.
If you want to build something economical, pick up a used Sportco for a lower end doner action or if the pocketbook allows look at a Barnard or Millennium action.

 

[catnthehatt]

Kombi, a 250AI would do just fine, but as was stated, a lack of bullets is the determining factor.
You could get a Sportco, shoot it in 308, and shoot it with the irons and sling on it for Palma matches.
On any given day you could take the same rifle, put a scope and bipod on it , and shoot it in "F" class!

Drilling and tapping , and of course buying a scope would be mandatory, but this is a cheap way of doiing it, and still having fun.
There is no rule anywhere stating that you cannot shoot thee 308 in "F" class, and there is
nowhere stating that it is not feasible!


Cat

 

[Levi Garrett]

If your gonna shoot with a lot a wind at up to 1000 meters, get a 7 rem mag.
Its just rocks with 168 gr match.
If the range will be less than that say 600 max, go with a .308 and 155 match
Frank

 

[prosper]

I'd suggest s Savage, in a 6.5mm of some sort (.264. Same ballpark as your .25 at .257)

Maybe a 260.

Or get yourself a Cooper. Don't think I've ever heard of a cooper-based F class, but they shoot like a hot damn

 

[Terry Perkins]

Can I obtain a decent short action, have it rebarreled, fit new trigger, target scope & suitable stock and still expect to enjoy F-Class?

This will probably cost you $1500 to $3000 for the rifle.

After casting about and asking a friend who's an avid F-Class shooter about it I decided that 250 Savage AI would be a decent cartridge

I know in Australia the popular calibers in F Open are 6, 6.5, and 7mm. This is reflected in the variety and availability of bullets. This is for F Open. There is also F Standard in Australia, which I believe is restricted to 308 win and bipods (could be slightly wrong).

I know I'll be zero threat to those people with much deeper pockets than mine but I can see little point in blowing multiple thousands on rifle when I'm doing it for fun, not serious competition.

Mindset and ability go a long way.

There are many individuals in this forum willing to answer your questions. If you're looking for face to face contacts, try www.ozfclass.com/

Terry Perkins