Which caliber for benchrest?

If I was going to build a rifle which would shoot well enough for me to learn to read conditions (some here will be quick to point out that only a brain transplant would allow me to learn anything at all. Don't listen!), I would build either a 6ppc, a 6 BR, or a 223. If I was intending to shoot a 100 and 200 yards, they would be built with 13 or 14 inch twist for the 6mm's and 14 inch for the 223.
Any of these are capable of producing sub .2 accuracy and are relatively easy to shoot.
The big advantage to the 6PPC is that all the benchresters are thoroughly familiar with it so there is a wealth of information available.
The 223 is actually an under-appreciated accuracy cartridge. I used both it and the 222 in years past and I think the 223 actually shot a bit better. I have seen 223's shoot aggregates under .2 moa so they can work.
I shoot a 6BR at short range and honestly do not think it is quite as good as the PPC but it's not that bad.
If your rifle won't shoot to 1/4 moa, you can never learn to judge conditions to that level. Regards, Bill.
 
Okay here is what I decided I would like to do. I am going to build a custom on a Tikka T3 338 federal. I want to put a light varmint weight fluted barrel in 6BR. I want to compramise on the weight and length so I can carry it around on the odd wolf hunt. So for 205 gr bergers the twist should be faster, say 1in8. How about length will 22 - 23 inches be alright for personal casual 600yard shooting and such? Thanks again. Oh will a 6br feed from a tikka single stack mag.?
 
I think the 6 BR may feed just fine from that mag. I built a rifle similar to what you describe on a Sako action and it worked out real well. The 6 BR, especially with the heavy bullets, is a very efficient cartridge and velocity from a 23 inch barrel will be plenty good enough for 600 meter shooting. I think you will have a nice rifle that will be fun to shoot and which should shoot real well. Regards, Bill.
 
Blocking the mag might be necessary to get the 6BR to stack up properly and not dive when feeding?????

Spare mags get pretty pricey in a Tikka especially if you want a spare to take on a hunt.

If mag feeding is desired, I would then recommend a 6-6.5X47L or 6XC. These cartridges will feed from your mag without any muss or fuss - I would lean towards the longer 6XC with the large primer. In case, your hunt also involves WINTER and chilly temps.

These two chamberings have proven to be superbly accurate PLUS you have the added advantage of being able to push 115gr VLD's at a decent clip. Performance will be similar to the 243.

You can use the same throat as the 105's as there is plenty of case capacity to seat the 115's in a bit.

For hunting, I would like to have more horsepower then less. Wolves tend to be pretty big and got plenty of mojo. And what is to say, there isn't a moose or caribou on your hunt?

For a rig like you are describing, functioning in the field would take precedence over any range duties. You can fuss around at the bench. Having a jam when trying to get shot 2 in play shouldn't be an option.

Let me know if I can help with barrel blanks and fluting.

Jerry
 
Actually, the Tikka polymer mags feed the 6BR beautifully with no blocking. In fact, I have the very same (338 Fed.) rifle, and i just loaded it up with 6BR's to test it (again). They worked perfectly with the T3 tactical mags too and these are larger capacity.

Nothing wrong with a 22-24" barrel. it will be stiff, light and accurate as hell. Just make sure the barrelshank is the right size for a Tikka action.
 
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