I'm looking into rebarreling my Striker, with the goal of an accurate long-range setup. To get the velocity needed with good wind-bucking capability, I was thinking 120 grain bullets ought to do. With that in mind, I need to have a good bullet length for barrel stability and seating depth, so was thinking 6.5mm would be the choice. Now the case. Don't want too much recoil, as it tends to disturb accuracy, so was thinking 6.5/308 (260 Rem). Would like to know everyone's thoughts/suggestions on this matter.

[ 12-16-2002, 02:11: Message edited by: savageshooter ]

Savageshooter:
If you want to shoot 120 grain bullets. I would suggest the 6.5x284. This will beat the .260 hands down. Many of the Rem XP100s have been rebarrelled to this round a it is extremely good.

A 120 grain, 6.5mm bullet at 2600 fps is all you ever need for deer-sized game. THus, a .260 will do the trick. If you want something a little more exotic and more efficient than the .260 case, the 6.5x.250 IMP will is a topflight choice.

And for those in search of more velocity (I know you are not because you mentioned keeping recoil at a reasonable level), let me just add that the 6.5mm JDJ, which pushes a 120 grain bullet at 2350-2400 fps, has taken tons of deer and is simply outstanding inside 250 yards.

Savageshooter,
Is this long range shooting only for targets or also for big game?
Also, what do you consider long range?
A 260 Rem. would be a good choice. A 260 Ackley Improved (40 degree shoulder minimum body taper) or a 6.5-284 would give you the same performance as a 260 would in a rifle. You wouldn't be able to use the magazine if you go with these other designs since you would want your bullet seated out enough to take advantage of all of your case capacity (You may get by with it in a 260 AI). A 15-16 inch heavy taper barrel would add rigidity and soften recoil. A brake that is commonly used in competition would lessen recoil down to a "puff-cake" level. If you want to use this for hunting the weight and brake might be an issue for you. Use a high quality barrel (Hart, Lilja, etc...) and have it built by a smith who commonly builds bench rigs. A match chamber, not a tight-neck will allow to use your brass without going through the pain of turning necks. You may also consider Sierra's 140 grain Match King (not for hunting). A smith I can recommend is Greg Tannel, Gre-Tan Rifles www.gtrtooling.com
Hope this helps.
xphunter