Which cartridge for my next Cooper?

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29 May 2002, 08:52

GeorgeS

Which cartridge for my next Cooper?

I've got an opportunity to get another Cooper at a good price.

Which cartridge should I get it in?

I've already got a Cooper Model 21 Varminter in .17 Mach IV, so this one will most likely be a Classic or Custom Classic.

I also already have bolt-actions in:
.17 Remington (sporter);
.223 Remington (varminters);
.22-250 (sporter and a varminter);
.243AI (light varmint);
.25-06 (varminter, heavy sporter).

BTW, I'm not interested in a rimfire at this price level.

TIA,
George

29 May 2002, 10:02

Curtis_Lemay

This is a little biased POV but, I've had an obsession to play with one of those in 6.5/284win for a long time. Might prove interesting to play around with.

Just a thought

29 May 2002, 12:32

GeorgeS

Curtis,

That's one of several cartridges I was looking at closely.

Setting aside the "need" for a cartridge I don't already have

, do think it's different "enough" from the .25-06 and .270?

George
P.S. I already have a 6.5JDJ single-shot.

29 May 2002, 12:45

Curtis_Lemay

quote:
Originally posted by GeorgeS:
Curtis,
Setting aside the "need" for a cartridge I don't already have, do think it's different "enough" from the .25-06 and .270?

Well, it's a lot shorter than either 25/06 Rem or the 270Win case. Everything I've ever heard about it says it's as good for long range as either of the other two (btw, there's a running thread in the benchrest forum about the 6.5/284win if you haven't seen it yet). Plus you have to remember one critical thing about this hobby, it's not about need, it's about want. I don't really know if you have a preferred small caliber size, I happen to focus in on the 6.5mm because of the higher b/c, longer bullets, and greater bullet selection [Roll Eyes]

...plus it's just a wee bit different than everyone else's 22rf, 22/250, and 223 [Razz]

29 May 2002, 15:51

<JoeM>

GeorgeS
Why not head down the other road and go smaller? Like maybe a 20 Tactical or a 19-223?
I am going to have my Cooper 21 in 223 rebarreled by Cooper to 20 Tact here real soon.

29 May 2002, 16:13

GeorgeS

Joe,

I don't trust the supply of .19 and .20 caliber bullets. Right now, only Hornady and some "boutique" bullet-makers offer these two calibers. The same is true of the .17, but Hornady sells a LOT of .17 caliber bullets and are unlikely to drop them.

I'd like the gun to have some resale value if I decide to sell it in, oh, about 40 years! [Big Grin]

George

30 May 2002, 11:21

Pokerplayer

MACH IV one of the most efficient little rounds

31 May 2002, 13:43

<JoeM>

GeorgeS
Well there are two sides to the bullet supply thing. If we as shooters dont support those bore diameters, then sure as hell they will go down the drain. But the worst case scenario is that in 40 years, you have to put a new barrel on it to get it sold. Thats all. I have spent money on far more foolish things in this world.