Hi

I'm sold on the Blaser concept, and am wanting to purchase an R93 Professional to replace my 7mm08 Sako 85 Finnlite. Preferred caliber would be 6.5 x 55. However, if I am going to spend that much money, I want the most accuracy out of it as possible.

My question is, am I going to loose accuracy potential with the 6.5 caliber if I have a 20.5 inch barrel, as opposed to the standard 22.7 inch? Or, would I be better off choosing a 7mm08 if I am getting the shorter barrel? It will be used for bush hunting and also taken on long walks, so I am wanting weight to be at a minimum.

Any advice appreciated

Regards

ftnz

You have not said what country you will be hunting in, but I would guess NZ? I use a 308 Tracker barrel quite a bit. [19 3/4"]

I have taken several deer and pigs with it, as well as a javelina at 412 yards. My buddy shot a javelina at 328yards with it as well.

Accuracy is not a problem with the shorter barrel.

I have a 375 H&H Tracker bbl as well.

I also killed a black bear with a K 95 Stutzen in 308.

So I would much prefer a 7mm/08 with a short barrel to a 6.5x55, especially in brush.

I like a 308 even better. The 308 is my most favorite calibre in this power range.

One thing to realize is, YOU WILL have more than one barrel, sooner or later.

Hi N E 450 No2 - correct, I am in New Zealand, with reds, fallow and sika being the targets. Goats and pigs perhaps too, if the opportunity presents.

In terms of caliber, I have always wanted a 6.5 x 55, but like the 7mm08 too. While it is going to be used in the thick stuff, it still needs to be able to hit out at a distance accurately (400?), as I do get to the tops too.

Cheers for the comment
ftnz

PS - yes I probably will get more than one barrel at some stage!

I don't think the 2" less is gonna hurt you velocity wise. But then I don't truly think the 2" more is gonna hurt you with your weight nor your stalking. The 7-08 has become my all time favorite for medium and smaller big game: 350# mule deer and under. I have other rifles for elk. I have kilt two WT deer with a .260 and the performance was very impressive however.
One thing to consider, if you are going to the expense of a Blaser, you might want to get it in a calibre you are sure to like and then, down the road, get a second barrel in a cartridge you fancy.

quote:

Originally posted by stillbeeman:
I don't think the 2" less is gonna hurt you velocity wise. ----------

One thing to consider, if you are going to the expense of a Blaser, you might want to get it in a calibre you are sure to like and then, down the road, get a second barrel in a cartridge you fancy.

+1

Gidday Mate,
As with your good self, I too like the 6.5x55 and the 7mm-08 and have had rifles in both calibres here in NZ. Recently I made the decision to sell a 6.5 and keep the 7mm.
If you plump for the 6.5 I'll let you have some bullets for reloading for free, just cover the postage.
There is little to choose between the two rounds where it matters, performance on game, either will serve you well.

FT,

One nice thing about the r93 is they are very accurate right from the factory. I own 4 barrels, and they can all outshoot me.

My 2 kopecks say get the caliber you want, make sure it has the 400+ reach, enjoy the heck out of it, and make a plan for the next barrel.

Good Hunting

Thanks for your comments folks, and also for your offer oldun, much appreciated.

Just have to find a store that can supply one here

Cheers

Try Stager Sports of Alexandra,they are the Blaser agents here in NZ, phone 03 448 8844 ask for Hugh he's the owner.
The Blaser is compact rifle and with the standard 22.7" barrel it is probably not much longer over all than the Finnlight.