Lee, have you worked with the Norma version of the 6BR?

[Otony]

In reading over some of your articles I noted that your father experimented with the original version of the 6BR cartridge, and I assume you were in on that as well. However, I'm curious if you or he has any experience with the later, fast twist (1 in 8") Norma version utilizing a heavy bullet (105-107 grain)?

The Norma version, especially using Lapua brass, seems to be the darling of many long-range riflemen. I'm gathering the pieces to build one up using a Savage Target Action, bt I have to admit that I'm hedging my bets by also buying a 30" .308 barrel.

Any chance you might be able to share some insights? I know this little popper is not the barrel burner you are using of late, but perhaps it holds some interest for you?

[Lee Martin]

Otony – my dad’s go–to benchrest gun is in the original 6 BR. We’ve formed all of the cases from Remington BR brass (30 cal from the factory, small pocket). I can’t remember how many barrels we’ve used since 1989, but it now wears a Hart 1:14 for 65 – 68 grain FBs.

Now dad finished another action last year and I’m trying to convince him to do a 6 Norma or the improved Dasher. I’d like a heavy bullet rig in the 90 – 107 grain bracket. If you build one, you may want to consider the following:

• Order a 1:8” for 90 – 107, 1:10” or 1:12” for 70 – 90 grains.

• When Norma standardized the round they lengthened the neck. The Rem BR was 1.52” overall, the Norma is 1.56”. They also increased the base diameter by 0.001.

• I recommend Lapua brass over Norma. It’s much cheaper, harder, and lasts longer. But that said you’ll want your reamer to be set-up for Lapuas. Their rear is 0.001 larger and with a tight chamber, Lapua brass may not fit Norma specs.

• Neck-treatment – if we build one I’ll go with a 0.268” neck. Recent lots of Lapua BR measure 0.268” – 0.269” loaded for a 0.271” chamber. Their concentricity is such that you probably don’t need to neck-turn. Sizing buttons from 0.265” – 0.267” would give good tension.

• One powder which seems to mate well with heavy-bullet 6 BRs is 8208 XBR. It’s less temperature sensitive, meters like a dream, and loads to 100% density in that case (note – it’s a tad slower than the old Thunderbird 8208/T-32. Loads are usually 1.0 – 1.5 grains higher with the XBR). Varget, 4895, and RL-15 are also strong.

• Don’t let anyone tell you a heavy 6 BR isn’t good at long range. The F-Class, 600, and 1,000 yard guys have had tremendous success with them (especially the improved versions).

I like the sound of your project so please keep us posted. And if you have other questions feel free to email or call.

-Lee
www.singleactions.com
"Building carpal tunnel one round at a time"

[Otony]

I want to thank you for the terrific response. I have been haunting most of the F-Class and Long Range forums, so a little of what you have advised was already in the data banks.

So far I've picked up quite a few pounds of Varget, but due to your suggestion I will be picking up a keg of 8208 XBR. Apparently metering through powder measures isn't really a strong point for Varget, and even though I intend to dribble to weight with an electronic scale, it is nice to be able to dump the bulk of the charge in a pan and come close each time!

Next on the agenda is rounding up sufficient brass from the same lot to be able to load ahead for at least two matches. You have confirmed what everyone else has written, Lapua brass seems to be the best out there.

My Target Action is in the queue at Savage, and should be done in a few more weeks. I already have a Right Hand Savage stock in the Low Profile Varminter pattern that I picked up for a song, and I ordered a Left Hand version when the action was requested. Since the action will fit the RH stock by merely adding a LH bolt notch, it will be the sacrificial test bed for modifications (adjustable cheek piece, LOP for prone work, etc). Once I've determined what works, I will make my permanent mods to the LH stock.

The action itself is a bit of a puzzle. No matter what refinements one introduces to it, it will never be a BAT or Barnard. Still, it requires a lot less work to get it running than trueing a Remington 700, and has the small advantage of being able to change barrels in the shop with a few rudimentary tools and gauges. The trigger is probably the weakest point on the Savage, beyond that is any perceived problems with running true which can only be determined once we check it.

Scope mounts and rings are the least of my worries at this point, but EGW will probably get the nod for the base, and one of the myriad of tacticool picatinny rings will be chosen to hold things down. I have decided to use a Sightron SIII scope, it gets very good reviews with most end users, but I still haven't been able to choose between 6-24 or 8-32. Never having used a scope past 10x, I'm frankly a bit concerned with FOV at higher powers. I realize I'm not hunting with it, but if would be nice to look through a few before making a final choice.

I'm going to campaign with a bipod and rear sand bag. The rules allow for a front rest or a bipod, but I feel like I would learn more using a bipod over a rest. We shall see, but for now I'm leaning towards using an Atlas.

I'm definitely going to be using the 6BR Norma cartridge. The only reason I'm hedging my bets with a second barrel in .308 is twofold. First, because I can change barrels easily, but more important is the second reason. The primary range I'll be using for actual matches is Rattlesnake in Richland, WA. It is known for one thing in particular, and that is wind. As fine a cartridge for long range work as the 6BR is, if it has one failing it would be the ability to buck the wind. It may be a ballistic match for the .308, but there is still a marked difference between a 105 grain bullet and one weighing 60+ grains more. Overall, I want to avoid trying to work accurately with two cartridges, so my intent is to suffer the consequences for a season or two and use the mighty midget 6BR. I an certain my shoulder will thank me for it!

I need a better spotting scope, and a decent shooting mat, but otherwise it doesn't take a lot more equipment on the line. My mentor is a retired Army Sargent who has a long history of coaching rifle teams. He can read the wind, and is a steady hand. Between the two of us, we are both new to F-Class, but he has plenty of previous long range experience "standing on your legs like a man"!

[lah]

Don’t let anyone tell you a heavy 6 BR isn’t good at long range. The F-Class, 600, and 1,000 yard guys have had tremendous success with them (especially the improved versions).

You see the same in IBS long range also. The 6MM rules.

[cmillard]

I shoot a 6BR in F class and love it!!!