Near 22lb?! Damn! What's your barrel length?
32 inches
Near 22lb?! Damn! What's your barrel length?
I went 6.5 CM when I was in the same decision time. I already had/still have a 6.5 PRC for hunting and wanted to keep rounds lower, so decided to go the 6.5 CM.
Run a 26" heavy stainless IBI barrel on mine, and usually shoot 50 rounds string, so the barrel is pretty warm at the end. Have adjusted my loads for this, and still hammer them down range with fairly low ES and DS numbers.
Working on finally getting a heat shield built for it. I have been running it without and always wondered why about 1/2 way through I would have to adjust the scope. Finally dawned on me it might be the heat coming off the barrel and "heat wave" my optics view out of kilter. DUH!!
Having some 3d printed parts to mount the heat shield. Once you have brass, I'm about $1.16 for my reloads.
I’m making the same decisions right now. Although I have lots of 308 components, I think I’ll go with 6.5CM. Less recoil, a bit cheaper to feed. Better in the wind too.
I bought a Begara B24 HMR in 6.5 CM to Play with 6.5 CM is a Great little Cartridge . Cheaper to shoot too . JMO RJ
Your prob getting some FIRE CRACKING in that throat with that MUCH HEAT Wally Have you bore scoped it ? RJ
Don't know way all keyboard junkies want to drink cool aid? If choosing 6.5 bullets why not just use .260 case ? will push 140 grain bullets at over 2800 fps without stressing case or barrel life. All components easily accessible. A .308 case can be necked down or or straight 260 can be purchased. Life does not have to be like a box of chocolates ! " And that is all I got to say about that " LOL
Your prob getting some FIRE CRACKING in that throat with that MUCH HEAT Wally Have you bore scoped it ? RJ
Update: went with 308, found a used rifle on the EE which will make a fun weekend plinker. Thanks for all the input.
Windy
I'm thinking of a .223 AI for my next range toy. Long throat, 7-twist for the 88gr bullets. Can still "make brass" with factory .223 loads. Less trimming with the Ackley shoulder. Less case intrusion with the longer throat. Kind of a lot going for it except it's just a bit more affected by wind drift vs a 6 or 6.5.
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Just a thought.