Need input on my midwest mid-range "concept" rifle

[Guest]

Unlike some of you folks in CO, TX, and open spaces, the Midwest is not as friendly to precision shooters. And as much as I would love to have a .338 LM, it just isn't smart or responsible with this flat terrain. I am finding myself shooting between 300 and 500m. My next project is to build a bolt-gun that is shorter, lighter, and better mid-range ballistics than my current 308 setup.

I've been looking hard at the 6.5x47L and 6mm BR cartridges for the following reasons:
- low recoil
- inherit accuracy
- flat trajectory
- BC
- base diameter (ability to convert/build from .308)
- Lapua components and loaded Lapua ammunition

Now here is where it gets tricky:
I want the barrel to be a maximum of 20". I have read that the 6.5x47L requires a minimum 18.5" to achieve a complete burn of the powder. I have no idea of what the 6mm requires, and hopefully someone can chime in on that. I know I will suffer loss of velocity, but with my intended ranges, it will not be an issue.

And to make it harder, I am strongly considering trying to get an AI AE mkII and just doing a re-barrel for whatever caliber is chosen. I'm assuming either caliber would work considering the 6mmBR was once an AI chambering for the varmint model, and Zak Smith had his AW chambered in 6.5x47L.

If I were a patient man, I would wait for AI to unveil their "new chamberings" in 2 days, but Stacey won't slip and say what they are, and I doubt they will be as obscure as the one's I have mentioned.

 

[jasonk]

Re: Need input on my midwest mid-range "concept" rifle

Another...If it were me statement.

Don't cut the legs out from under a high BC 6.5 cartridge, go at least 24" and 26" is even better (preferred).

If you want a 20" gun, stick with 308, it'll do just fine and BC isn't all that important under 500 yards and hardly noticeable at 300.

Also, an AI (AE or AW) will not get you that shorter lighter package you want by any stretch of the imagination.

 

[jasonk]

Re: Need input on my midwest mid-range "concept" rifle

And really...if I were in the market, this is about as good as you can get for what you're looking for.

http://www.snipershide.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=1533001#Post1533001

 

[darrenk75b]

Re: Need input on my midwest mid-range "concept" rifle

Honestly, with a 500 yard max range, a 22" barrel should suit you well. .260 Rem, 6.5x47L, 6.5CM, .243 or 7mm-08 would all work well, not to mention the 6br you noted. Your not shooting long range, so some velocity drop will set you at a disadvantage.

 

[BLANKSGUNS]

Re: Need input on my midwest mid-range "concept" rifle

Coming soon, we are posting information on the new site this week, all week long. We have already posted the Bartlien barrels are and will be the USA standard barrel and we are looking at several different caliber.