Hi all, I have been reading this forum for a few months and decided to get in on the fun. I live at the south end of San Francisco Bay and I am getting back into highpower and smallbore silhouette shooting after a 12 year hiatus. I have two 308’s, one is a model 700 and the other is a model 70. I am thinking of re-barreling the model 70 to a 6.5. Almost all of my shooting will be at 200 meters at reduced size animals. I also had shoulder surgery last year and back surgery earlier this year so recoil is an issue. It never bothered me in the past but now it hurts to shoot a 308. I am hoping this will improve with time and healing.

I am considering the 6.5 Creedmore or 6.5 X 47 Lapula and maybe the 6.5 BR. The nearest full course highpower range is about 135 miles from here and my shooting partner lives about 150 miles in the other direction so most of my shooting will be at the local 200 meter range. I am not familiar with any of these rounds and am soliciting any info you all might be able to throw my way. I was a AA shooter 12 years ago so I am familiar with the basics of the game. I am just looking for something easier on my shoulder. There is also a small bore match put on at a range nearby so small bore will not be a problem.

I'm shooting a 6.5X55 SWED WITH 140GRN AND i'M NOT FEELING A HUGE DIFFERANCE IN RECOIL COMPAIRED TO THE 308????? ;) ;)

Why would you shoot 140s at all the animals. I use 107s at the 3 light animals and the 142 at the rams. Big difference in the 2 loads.

Any of the 6.5's work well. There's minor differences in them. The 260 has less expensive brass than the '47. The swede will fit your winchester action with its longer magazine, but you don't need all that case capacity. The '47 is popular due to its efficiency and accuracy. It's about the smallest case I would recommend.

You can make reduced loads with any of the 6.5's you choose or a 7 if you choose. I recently shot a reduced 260 load that was a 107 SMK going 2000 fps. It was very pleasant to shoot and it took all CPT when they connected. Be sure to Look up prices and availability of dies and brass then make a decision.

EQ,

Is that you Marion? I've got a 6.5 TCU reamer that works super in combo with an 8-twist barrel. As you know, the 6 BR will get the job done at Chabot all day long with powder-capacity to spare. Heck, a 6 TCU will do the job and brass is dirt cheap, but most of the reamers are for pistols shooting light bullets. A 95-gr Berger VLD out of a 6 TCU would be a Chabot killer. But then again, a 6.5 TCU will do the same with 107-gr SMK's and also allow shooting the 142 SMK's up to about 2,500 fps if you want to hit Sacto, Coalinga or Avenal on occasion.

Heck, I've got a 6.5 TKS barrel (Hart 8-twist) that's been setback that would probably fit your 700 and I can dump 100 to 150 rounds of brass on ya if interested. Shoot me an email if interested and we can workout a deal.

Yea Dan that is me. I enjoyed talking to you yesterday at the range. I will shoot you an email.

Marion