Man Bun gun for target shooting

[CoElkHunter]

Already had two 6.5x47 Lapua rifles when the CM came out. It really didn't take off until Hornady got smart and went with small rifle primers like the Lapua. X47, accuracy is there with reloading. Four trips to Africa with that cartridge for PG. As far as long range evidence at winning, here's Williamsport's top list for light gun (17 lbs. & under) 2022.

Target Toplists

Interesting? Not being familiar with long range rifle competition events, I noticed only two Creedmoors (6mm) were on this list? Were they designed for another genre of long range shooting?

 

[Ridgewalker]

Only owned 1 6.5 CM. It is extremely easy to shoot well. Easy on barrels. Available in ammo and reloading components. Seems like the factory ammo is better controlled in production than others.
Info from my long range target shooting buds…For target shooting it is as good as any of the others. The 6mm CM has taken a slight edge ahead of it for long range, but only due to longer bullets. It wears barrels out quicker though than the 6.5. Easy to find good handloads. Cheaper to shoot than the newer PRC series. No more accurate than the 308 (which most shot before the 6.5 CM came along), but better at longer ranges (only due to higher BC bullets).
I am a hunter and not a target shooter. IMO, in spite of what people do, say, or write, it is really only adequate for deer and antelope hunting. Really messes up a coyote on the smaller side (if you plan to sell the skins).
Some of you remember I debated whether to get a 6.5 CM or a 7mm-08 for my granddaughter’s first big game rifle. You convinced me to go with the 7mm-08. She and it have worked well together! And, I thank you all for the advice.
Bottom line, if you can, you should try it. It’s enjoyable to shoot. Easy to hit with. Economical. 6.5 CM or 6mm CM would either be good choices IMO for long range target shooting.
Best of luck in your decision and have fun!

 

[Hogpatrol]

Interesting? Not being familiar with long range rifle competition events, I noticed only two Creedmoors (6mm) were on this list? Were they designed for another genre of long range shooting?

They may have worked at 1000 yard BR somewhere else, but not at that range. IIRC, that cartridge was tried but wasn't as successful as the tried and true Dasher and 300WSM.

 

[CBH Australia]

@Ridgewalker I am impressed with the performance of the 7mm-08 on pigs and the performance in general as I shot it a lot from the vehicle knocking over pigs and foxes regularly and comfortably from a standard vehicle.

@Bob Nelson 35Whelen I've looked at a Savage F class. Met an old bloke at the rifle club who has a 6Br. He was talking of selling it.
I tried it and it grouped ok but as he was watching me shoot he said he felt I was shooting on but he expected more from the rifle.
He took it to Jerome Ziersch and has it rebarrelled.
I sorted some problems I found chambering reloads in a second hand Nielsen model Mn300 in .308. (small base sizer)
Well last Saturday that old bloke beat me by .1
Chris 107.8
Guido 107.9

I think we were both in the top 5 on the day.

A couple of blokes there say the Nielsen is a competitive rifle if can I do my part.

My conundrum is scopes and the possibility of buying another rifle. I'm keen on the .260rem but I think it needs to be long throated to seat projectiles out etc to get the most from it. Factory Creedmoors however are apparently configured to seat bullets out etc which is why they can and do run the high BC projectiles making it the easy button for target shooters.

The 6Br is off the market for now, I have a retired friend who's happy meet at the range so we can do load development or practice.

 

[Ridgewalker]

My conundrum is scopes and the possibility of buying another rifle. I'm keen on the .260rem but I think it needs to be long throated to seat projectiles out etc to get the most from it. Factory Creedmoors however are apparently configured to seat bullets out etc which is why they can and do run the high BC projectiles making it the easy button for target shooters.

I believe the critical difference in 260 Rem and 6.5 CM is the twist rates. I think the 6.5 CM has the faster twist to handle the the longer higher BC bullets.

 

[CBH Australia]

I believe the critical difference in 260 Rem and 6.5 CM is the twist rates. I think the 6.5 CM has the faster twist to handle the the longer higher BC bullets.

If that's a factor building a .260 with an appropriate twist rate and throat to unleash it's full potential my understanding is it will outperform the 6.5manbun by some degree

 

[perttime]

If that's a factor building a .260 with an appropriate twist rate and throat to unleash it's full potential my understanding is it will outperform the 6.5manbun by some degree.

260 Rem has more case capacity. Right?
Looking at https://www.vihtavuori.com/reloading-data/rifle-reloading/ I get the picture that .260 Rem velocities out of a 18.5" barrel pretty much equal 6.5CM out of a 25.5" barrel.

Is that better? If you want velocity, it is. Other considerations can lead to a different choice.

 

[CBH Australia]

7" times the rule of thumb 25-50 fps loss per inch means the typical factory configuration of a .260rem means 175-350fps advantage from the .260.

Maybe it could be more with the appropriate twist and throated to allow seating further out from the powder.

I think I would like a .260 but the pros and cons could be debated. If budget is a consideration a Manbun comes in more affordable I think.