help me pick next build (small caliber!)

[nm.otter]

I think you are the exception and not the rule, at least compared to the people I talk with about reloading. Most enjoy the tinkering and working up different loads.

That would be me, yes.

The folks I know who have the same opinion about not wanting to reload, just don’t. They spend the money on factory ammo and go shoot

That would also be me.

 

[willfrye027]

No suppressor, 24-26” barrel 22creed. 88 going 3250 will do serious work. The longer barrel is much more pleasant on the ears too if you have to shoot without plugs. 73 grain absolute hammers at 3650

This. Also in CA and I really like 24-26” barrels. Makes a very noticable difference to my ears..I think the weight out there helps a little with barrel rise as well.

To the OP: I’m on 22 creedmoor barrel 3, they have all been slightly finicky in their own way. The 6 creedmoor I have with a 26” barrel is essentially a ballistic twin to my 24” 22 creedmoor, felt recoil is very very similar.

Personally I’d go 24-26” barrel and lean towards 6cm or 243ai. I’m kind of done/annoyed with my 22cm.

 

[nm.otter]

Personally I’d go 24-26” barrel and lean towards 6cm or 243ai. I’m kind of done/annoyed with my 22cm.

FWIW 6mm Creedmoor and .22 GT have identical ratios of case capacity to bore area.

 

[willfrye027]

FWIW 6mm Creedmoor and .22 GT have identical ratios of case capacity to bore area.

I am considering rebarreling my old 30-06 to something like 22 GT or 22BR. I like guns that just shoot how they’re supposed to every time they come out of the safe. My 25 creedmoor does that but it’s a little more recoil than I prefer

 

[nm.otter]

I like guns that just shoot how they’re supposed to every time they come out of the safe. My 25 creedmoor does that but it’s a little more recoil than I prefer

6.5mm Creedmoor for me.

I'm craving the ability to stay in the scope for the entire shot, regardless of position.

 

[willfrye027]

6.5mm Creedmoor for me.

I'm craving the ability to stay in the scope for the entire shot, regardless of position.

9-9.5lb and 22cm or 6cm has been that for me. My 25cm is 9.25lb and it requires a little bit more focus to shoot well I’ve found.

 

[nm.otter]

7 pounds 15 ounces is a handful. A lighter suppressor is in my future.

 

[Gstew1930]

Hello sir I’m interested in buying your cz527
Just made a account so have to wait 7 days before I can message you.

Please PM me

?????

 

[wyosam]

I guess just milking 100ish fps or so more since i will be hand loading anyhow plus a bit better brass life. I understand the downside of having to fire form tho.

Correct me if I wrong on this

Fireforming is just shooting your rifle, I assume you’re into that. Pick up a little velocity, though generally modest. Better brass life. Trimming cases sucks, and I don’t want to do it anymore than absolutely necessary.


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[mighteywhitehunter]

6mm Creed is my vote. I used to reload a lot, now with a family my time is more precious, I try to shoot Factory ammo whenever possible.
Second choice would be just a .243 win, skip the AI.

 

[eLightfoot]

This. Also in CA and I really like 24-26” barrels. Makes a very noticable difference to my ears..I think the weight out there helps a little with barrel rise as well.

To the OP: I’m on 22 creedmoor barrel 3, they have all been slightly finicky in their own way. The 6 creedmoor I have with a 26” barrel is essentially a ballistic twin to my 24” 22 creedmoor, felt recoil is very very similar.

Personally I’d go 24-26” barrel and lean towards 6cm or 243ai. I’m kind of done/annoyed with my 22cm.

My 22cm barrel has been really good, probably have 4-500 rounds on it now. What issues were you having?

 

[willfrye027]

My 22cm barrel has been really good, probably have 4-500 rounds on it now. What issues were you having?

First barrel was really slow and then started blowing up 88s

Next barrel was good for 500ish rounds and then opened up

Current barrel was good for first 150 or so, now groups opened up and pressure signs so probably just need to back off on the load.

25 creedmoor I don’t think I’ve touched the load in like 800 or so rounds. Same with the last barrel which I gave away at 1200ish rounds.

Probably I am pushing things too hard but still, doesn’t give me warm and fuzzies

 

[TaperPin]

I know a great way to get better velocity at lower pressures - just go with a 6mm-06. They are easy to load for, feed like greased bananas, accurate, and with starter loads still spanks a creedmoor. I know it’s not on the list of this year’s cool cartridges. A #4 contour 28” long has become my new favorite 6mm, and I giggle like a toddler watching the chronograph spin numbers like a Las Vegas slot machine. The version based on a necked down 280 AI goes a little faster still.

 

[pods8 (Rugged Stitching)]

As I mentioned in our prior PM discussion on the 243AI topic I generally don't think it makes too much sense vs just shooting a single 243 barrel as is.

That said as I noted to you I am having some barrels made up, lol. But I'm having a few barrels all reamed at the same time to the same headspace. Its something fun to do and I had a lot of brass already. I also have a 6cm so its something different to try. It could have made fine sense to leave them as 243win (easy button) but I merely wanted to tinker with this extra gun. While a cool looking cartridge that may allow running slower powders better I still don't think it makes too much practical sense.

 

[43.6N]

Edited after re-reading op

22” barrels will be very fast in any of your cartridge options.
Here’s what I’ve seen:

18”
-22 GT (77gr TMK) 3100fps
-6cm (95gr TMK) 3000fps

16”
-22cm (77tmk) 3100fps

In your case (California? No suppressor?)
I’d go with 243ai (or 6cm). Reload the hopefully soon to be released sierra 117gr TMK. Then your pick of the mono bullets to hunt your home state.