Scotch_egg

1 hour ago, 1066 said:

I loaded up a batch of PPU .223 brass and shot it on Saturday at Bisley in my old CZ 527. No problem at all with it. Only 109 yds, wet and breezy but managed 10/10 into less than an inch.

You can certainly shoot.  What load? 
 

1 hour ago, miki said:

What wieght SPX ?

What twist rate in your barrel ?

What length are the bullets ?

50gr 

1/8

i haven’t measured a bullet as they are currently, patiently awaiting collection. I’m laid up so relying on other for taxi duties and too tight to pay postage cost on the weight of 10 boxes of bullets when they are a couple of miles from my parents. 🤣

1 hour ago, Elliott said:

223 77gr TMK’s are great. Had my Tikka 223 rebarreled in 1/8 twist, 25” barrel chambered specifically for this bullet.

53gr V-Max used to perform well out to 400 yards in my other 1/12 twist barrel. Flatter than the 77 TMK’s but lower BC and more wind drift. I’ve got a 204 Ruger shooting 39gr Blitz at 3,750fps if I want something ‘flat’ out to 250 yards.

High BC 77gr TMK’s are great. You can always dial for elevation. Gravity is consistent, it’s wind that’s variable!

What speed are the 77gr out of the 25” tube??? Note the “op” want something around 18”. 
 

I agree wind is the nemesis.  But the portability of a long tube is a PITA. Especially when poking out of the vehicle window…..

On 11/27/2022 at 6:33 PM, chaz said:

May be a while Scotch. But will do. 

Chaz.

How are you getting on Chaz? 
 

I have picked up some Hornady SPX and some N133 so just need some brass now. I was going to stick with heavier bullets but after playing with my ballistics calculator I’ll be better off with the lighter bullets fort it’s intended use. 

18” barrel is where you have got me stumped. Quite the range of options you have listed. From a petite .222 to the old school .22 swift and the 22 creedmoor. 
 

I have gone with a 20” 6mm creedmoor. A bad first outing after following viht’s over cautious load data hasn’t been followed up due to a seriously broken leg. I hope to get out over summer. However due to boredom I have added a 20” .223 to the stable, idle hands and a reality check of the way costs are spiralling. 
 

I did some google and the .223 is about as flat to 300. Wind was different of course. But the bullets are are almost half the weight to achieve this. But when shooting a few rounds down range it’s a hell of a lot cheaper. On barrel wear and component cost. I’ll use the .223 a bit more on the crows at lambing and a bit of range practice.  At 59p a fresh hand loaded round with the a new ppu case it’s a no brainer. Using some spx bullets I got off here at a decent price. If you reload the brass 4 times it significantly reduces that price. 
 

I am hearing the .22 creedmoor is making inroads up north. With a good following for being flat but usually a much longer barrel. 
 

My dads 20” 22-250 is still hard to beat when it comes to it. Not quite sure is the .22 creedmoor is just reinventing the wheel. Much like the 6mm creedmoor is to 6XC, .243 and 6-6.5X47. 
 

if you want that fast flat round for one shot one kill capability sacrifice has to be made somewhere and that really is barrel life. You do get to a point of diminishing returns though. I’ve seen some boomers such as 22-284 and even .243’s shooting the same bullets at the same velocity as my 26” 6mmbr with the same length barrel. 
 

I can also say my .20 Tac with 18” barrel was amazing. I just regretted having a truck axle of a barrel so moved it on when my style of shooting changed.  The short barrel wasn’t an issue and was still keeping up with longer barrelled .204’s to a degree. 
 

There is a lovely re-barrelled Sako A1 .222 with an 18” barrel for sale on SD that would be a sweet shooter I’m sure. 
 

gratuitous rifle photos added, because let’s be honest we all like to see a rifle. 
 

.223 Tikka T3 in TRG stock,  shorted by @Ronin

6mm creedmoor Sako 85 barrel by @Ronin

I’ve just heard about the IR recall. I doubt I’ll be sending mine back. 

There is some threads on the stalking B directory asking the same. I can’t find them off hand however there was a really good post from a chap that’s tried them all and. The pard with the higher base mag wins it. That’s what won it for me. 

Pard DS35 is brilliant for the money. Definitely the way to go, the build in IR although odd looking at first is excellent. 

I’ve got a couple from Guy Stainthorp. This one is a slightly longer capreolus in Damasteel. 
 

8 minutes ago, geek said:

I too love my AT and initially wanted an AT-X as well, however reading a few threads from USA forums and speaking to someone who owns and AT-X at one of my clubs I am not so sure now. The problems seemed to be magazine and feeding issues and there was a photograph of broken bolt handle on the USA thread. Maybe these were early models?

Also, unless you are competing in precision rifle competitions which involves lots of quick moving (I am too old and move too slow) and lots of different shooting positions (ever other shooter would have fired the detail whilst I was moving ), what would an AT-X offer that an AT doesn't/cannot do? 

I actually miss my AT. I swapped it for an AX308. The classic look of the AT just has a touch of class. Also the plastic is far better to hold in freezing conditions.  

I use my AX for everything, I just wish it was  a few pounds lighter. 
 

The AT-X uses the same action as the AX308 and AT so any issues would be across the board.
 

I believe production of the AT is to stop from something I read over shot show reporting.  I haven’t had it confirmed. I’m certainly not a fan of the new generation of AX MK111 

49 minutes ago, DaveT said:

308 18" barrel in an MDT HNT26 works for me.

I had a 26" 260 rem plus mod....way too long for comfort in the field as much as I prefer the 260 as a calibre.

I am using Hornady 165g SST as they were all that I could get at the time.

These are running at 2595 fps and are .5 moa or less.

I use N140 in a very long COAL of almost 2.9" which JUST fits in the MDT 3 round mag.

 

Dave I love what you have done with the surgeon. 
 

Those MDT stocks are nice. Just a shame they don’t fold over the bolt. It really lets them down for me. 
 

I’ve just ran the ballistic for the 165gr SST at 2600fps for 300m

16.6” 1.4 mil drop

5 hours ago, Craigmcwill said:

Would there be much difference in the killing potential of a 20" 308 compared to a 16"? It will more than likely be all roe and within 300 yards too 

.308 is one of the most tolerant and consistent for velocity drop in shorter barrels. You are looking at a 25fps loss per inch. 
 

I haven’t ever felt the need to chrono my 16” .308 as I only use that setup for the woods and the longest shot I have needed to take was 150m. I use barnes TTSX 130gr bullets and it was a bang flop. 
 

I have just completely guessed the velocity for a 16” barrel and imagine I am gettinging higher velocities but through ballistics AE software that bullet at 300m @

2500fps 20.6” 1.8 mil 

2600fps 18.6” 1.6 mil

The bullet is still travelling at 1800fps @ 300m performance isn’t compromised. 
 

There is a Tikka T3 with border barrel currently advertised on the stalking directory with A-Tec mod for £600. A good buy in my book as the .308 lasts forever in terms of barrel life if it’s been looked after. 

I have a Fix by Q. Essentially the rifle Sig copied when making the Cross. 
 

I have 24 and 20” 6.5 creedmoor barrels and a 16” .308 barrel for it. It’s been wearing the 16” barrel predominantly because the short length is so handy. 
 

It’s a completely different experience to a traditional stocked rifle. It’s not a. Range rifle in the slightest and what I would describe as a utility rifle. 
 

If I only had one rifle it would probably be a Tikka T3 in PSE stock and an 18” 6.5 creedmoor barrel. I love short barrels.  

Be realistic with yourself. If you only shoot on a range a couple of times a year and mostly out deer stalking at normal ranges lets say <300m you won’t notice the difference In performance by just lopping  off 6” of barrel. 

The creedmoor will out perform the .308 and you won’t have to think about buying .30 cal bullets and brass on top of the. Creedmoor you already have. 
 

What are you selling? I can do a search for it. 

Osprey escapist 25 has arrived. 
 

wish I had bought one years ago. 

11 minutes ago, andybrock said:

The Osprey escapist looks just about perfect! - Thanks!

Excellent, I’ve not got it yet. Like I say I’ve just ordered it. As it happens waiting for the on call registrar. Got make use of the time. Long live the NHS. 

I have just bought an Osprey Escapist. As a result of this thread I finally bit the bullet (can you even say that now days)I’ve been putting it off for ages as I’ve always just used one of the kids bags as they get through them like confetti. Issue being they are fashion items and not comfortable being warn all day. 
I think it’s great value and probably the best fit for the OP’s requirements. Better value than the one I linked earlier. I update when it arrives.

https://www.gooutdoors.co.uk/15894997/osprey-escapist-25-biking-pack-15894997

7 hours ago, lapua said:

i didn't see that in the OP's requirements!

Honestly, its fine. Ive used it extensively for holidays, walking, hunting and many business trips to Europe on the train carrying 3 days clothing and IT equipment. its really good and the single large compartment is Tardis like. its really strong and fabric is waterproof, zips aren't though

The OP said days out hiking, the fuse box isn’t that kind of bag let’s be right here. I have a similar bag that has plastic coated fabric for overnight trips etc with a single compartment. It’s ok for that kind of requirement but not hiking/walking.  
 

Matt,

the Pard DS35 is the one to go for now. Traditional looking like a regular scope. The IR is probably the best integrated unit released so far. 
 

a chap called Russ Douglass who writes in air gun magazines and does a fair bit of ratting really rates it and had a few videos up on YouTube. 

Something from osprey. They have some models with a really good airflow system to stop you getting too sweaty in the summer months. 

https://www.gooutdoors.co.uk/16111643/osprey-talon-22-daypack-sm-16111643

That fuse box doesn’t look very comfortable to wear at all. 

The Aw magazine is much tidier if you ask me. A lot shorter than the AICS. 
 

However it’s a good observation that bottom metals will need fudging to work. 

On my tour of the internet I have come across this thread on the good old snipershide.com and excellent precision rifle community. For those adverse to the name of the website just ignore it and trust me on this one. 

The attached link is to the new American Rifle Company Coup de Grace action. This feature rich action appears to have the best of everything ever made. Be that a Mauser, Sako and Remmington. All for the princely sum of $899. Which yes will translate to double that once it lands in the U.K. but the features are unbelievable. Having read the thread there are plans for a light weight model. When this will materialise no one knows. But a hunter model of this action seriously peaks my interest. 

I have no idea who brings them into the country but have personally imported a rifle previously. There is mention of proof research prefit barrels being available in the future as well which would make for a good combination when imported together. 

https://www.snipershide.com/shooting/threads/coup-de-grâce-new-action-from-american-rifle-company-899-wow.7155247/

31 minutes ago, Laurie said:

 

That rather depends on the cartridge's case capacity to bore ratio, bullet weight and pressure being loaded to. If you assume c. £900 for a new match quality barrel fitted and proofed and barrel accuracy life is 1,000 rounds in a short magnum loaded heavily (not an uncommon life), then each shot costs you 90p in barrel life alone which is pretty significant. However, it makes very little choice to make the outlay to have a competitive long-range F-Class or BR rifle built, then forfeit competitiveness to reduce that cost by even 20% which takes quite a hefty load reduction. Bearing in mind the other costs often involved in high-level shooting - entry fees, travel & accommodation and suchlike, saving barrels might be a very false economy.

It's very well worthwhile considering possible barrel life and replacement costs at the time of rifle purchase and in range use though. In the days when most of us shot 308 Win rifles at large target rings by today's standards and some of the Bisley 'Tigers' stretched barrel life on their back-up/practice rifles to 10,000 rounds, rebarreling wasn't a major ever-present concern, but many people are now buying shooting pieces chambered in cartridges with fairly high case capacity to bore area ratios (mainly 6s and 6.5s), loading them up 'hot' and then putting a lot of ammunition downrange rather quickly in a single range-outing, especially on e-targets. The barrel can as a result need replacing a lot quicker than the owner had ever considered. Free society and free choice and I wouldn't presume to criticise people's choices. All I say is to be aware of the factor. (Or then again, stay ignorant and keep our excellent gunsmiths, many of whom are personal friends, in business!)  

I went with 6mmbr with my first custom rifle 31gr of varget under an 87gr v-max for 3100fps. 

On 12/30/2022 at 9:38 AM, Laurie said:

 

You do realise Viht's maximum charge of N150 for the nearest equivalent bullets are  around 4gn less. Your charge of 36.4gn actually exceeds Viht's max for the 45gn Sierra SP (35.8gn)! This is a charge that might just be suitable for the higher case-capacity 22-250 Ackley Improved version of the cartridge.

Where have you got this load from? Also, what brass are you loading? (That used in American manuals' pressure gun tested loads is usually Winchester or one of the other American makes which are more often than not thinner walled and higher capacity than European equivalents, thereby reducing pressures / increasing allowable loads.) 

Unfortunately, the American manuals have almost entirely dropped Viht powders in their most recent editions (just in time for the Great US Powder Crisis of 2021-23 which has seen Americans scrambling to find and buy this company's grades, Ha! Ha!).  Over the years, Nosler has managed to squeeze out some of the highest MVs published, but in the current manual, only one load out of ten just achieves 3,800 fps (from a 24-inch barrel) with 55gn bullets and the powder used, Hodgdon CFE-223, is a much higher energy double-based type. The other nine powders max out at 3,598 to 3,747 fps - and they're warm at that.

I went with a 6mmbr for my first custom. A truly efficient cartridge. 3100fps for 31gr Varget under an 87gr V-max and a 26” barrel. 
 

I’m hoping to get 3100fps with the same bullet out of the 6mm creedmoor and a 20” barrel and 40+ grains of powder by the looks of it. 
 

No free lunch as the saying goes. 
 

Back to the OP, you could try adjusting seating depths but to be honest I haven’t a clue. I’ve always gone SAAMI spec and been lucky. Either that or what fits in the mag. You’ll know if have gone back too far as the bullit will fall into the case 🤣🤣🤣

On 12/30/2022 at 9:38 AM, Laurie said:

 

You do realise Viht's maximum charge of N150 for the nearest equivalent bullets are  around 4gn less. Your charge of 36.4gn actually exceeds Viht's max for the 45gn Sierra SP (35.8gn)! This is a charge that might just be suitable for the higher case-capacity 22-250 Ackley Improved version of the cartridge.

Where have you got this load from? Also, what brass are you loading? (That used in American manuals' pressure gun tested loads is usually Winchester or one of the other American makes which are more often than not thinner walled and higher capacity than European equivalents, thereby reducing pressures / increasing allowable loads.) 

Unfortunately, the American manuals have almost entirely dropped Viht powders in their most recent editions (just in time for the Great US Powder Crisis of 2021-23 which has seen Americans scrambling to find and buy this company's grades, Ha! Ha!).  Over the years, Nosler has managed to squeeze out some of the highest MVs published, but in the current manual, only one load out of ten just achieves 3,800 fps (from a 24-inch barrel) with 55gn bullets and the powder used, Hodgdon CFE-223, is a much higher energy double-based type. The other nine powders max out at 3,598 to 3,747 fps - and they're warm at that.

I just want to comment on this. I have done some load development in a 6mm creedmoor and N150 using viht data. It was WAY under pressure and gave sooth case heads. It looks like they are going conservative with their data. I did put a topic on here but got no feedback. Got lots on the stalking directory. I’ve not managed to get back out with the higher charges yet but I will be going above book loads. 
 

the online viht app doesn’t have Hornady bullets for some reason. I’m using z87gr v-max as per the Hornady varmint ammunition. It’s a shame the “super performance” ammunition doesn’t actually use super performance powder with the recipe on the box like the 6.5 creedmoor ammunition. 

Barrels aren’t that prices really. Primers, powder and bullets are pricey. 
 

Be prepared for a shock when you see the price of primers. If you find them in stock that is. 
 

37 minutes ago, Ronin said:

You do not need a long walk and shoot 

 

Targets set in defined area that have to be acquired - all could be achieved in an area like Gardners, WMS : Orion or I guess the place in South Wales 

Absolutely, the WMS shoot attended a few years ago was the best of them. 
 

I’ll be honest ranging with my mil dot reticle doesn’t interest me now days either. It’s bad enough judging the wind, making a stable platform and pulling the trigger. No one really has the need to use a reticle to range and the real world. Especially under time constraints.