I have a 243 and a 308. I've fallen for a 6.5x55 and wanted suggestions/justifications to put on a variation application.
My proposed justification is along the lines of...
The 243 has a 26in. heavy barrel and bipod so is good for foxing, but not really for carrying.
The 308 is 17in light barrel and is good for woodland deer stalking, but not ideal for longer shots in open ground???
The 6.5x55 is 23in sporter barrelled and will be ideal for shooting on open farmland or moorland.

Any tips, experiences, flaws, suggestions appreciated.

Could you give a justification based on the bullets they are sighted in with?

i.e. 85 grain frangible bullets with the .243 and 180 grain premium bullets for the .308, leaving a perfect gap for 120 grain bullets for less meat damage at closer range?

I don't know if that is too technical for cops taht are not gun-wise...

Just request it for target shooting and with additional povision for using it on your approved stalking/vermin grounds.

This is providing you have somewhere to shoot targets??

I don't think "I've fallen for it" counts towards justification quite yet.

I tried "but I really, really want one" and was told no

Trans.

Complete the form BUT lay out your reasons in a covering letter. That way the FLO can quickly see and file the 'good reason' for him to agree your variation.

Dans suggestion was the easy one - but your point about needing a second rifle zeroed for longer range applications - whilst offering the penetration needed for large rutting red stags is the one I would go with. Include a scanned picture of the beast in the back of your pickup and suggest a .243 is sometimes marginal at the longer ranges you encounter on your patch You will have no problems with DCC.

Dan - you have pm!

Rgds Ian

I managed to get a 7mmRemMag justified for fox, boar, goat and deer within the last two months, by giving my FLO a ring, and having an honest chat to him. I name dropped about the local landowners i do control for and that seemed to soften them up?

I think honesty is the best policy when it comes to these renewals.

I had dinner with another constabularies chief of licensing, and it would seem that as long as you can make a justifiable request, ie: lack of penetration at long range, then you are ok.

Trans,

I can't see you having any problems adding the rifle to your list using a combination of the arguments should the need arise. Especially given the variety of types of l;and you stalk/fox on.

I tend to go directly to the FLO on the phone to discuss any cunning plan I have come up with to get a new toy, and that way he knows the application on a more personal level before I send the application in. I find it easier to talk than write to them personally.

Good luck,

FB

FB - I've seen your handwriting - I can understand that!!!

Rgds Ian

+1 to Fallowbuck,
always ring them first. That way, you already know it's a go'er before you put pen to paper.

My FLO has even rung me for a chat about the property market??

I am officially an idiot. I read four posts before I realized you all weren't talking about getting approval for a new rifle from a wife.

We may not have the same gun laws here in the U.S., but it's really the same process.

I have allways spoken to BASC first who know what reasons are 'legal'

I would be extremely surprised if you didn't get what you wanted - which rifle are you going to get it in?

I spoke to BASC prior to soliciting wider views.
They like you fellows were upbeat as to result, but "did emphasis, the need to differentiate between the roles of two similar calibres."
They also said Devon &Cornwall are currently having a "shakeup" /change of leadership at firearms dept.
The rifle is older Sako left hand action; viewable still on www.Guntrader.
I guess I'm prevaricating because I have been spending a little heavily recently and the wife is getting a little over reactive.