My next build…

[Ucsdryder]

I want to build a trainer type rifle that mimics my hunting rifle. Something cheaper to shoot so I can preserve my barrel on my hunting rig while still getting similar practice rounds down range.

Long barrel life
Cheap to reload
Low recoil
Factory brass available
1000 yard range on steel

I like the thoughts of a 22 caliber like a creedmore or similar but barrel life seems to be an issue. I already reload for 6.5cm so the cost of getting started would be low. I think the answer is 6.5cm but it’s kind of boring!

 

[fightthenoise]

The answer is 223 shooting 77’s at 5-700 yards. 10k rounds barrel life or more, can’t be cheaper to reload, zero recoil, and shooting bullets with bc’s in the .3’s and .4’s at 600+ will absolutely translate to shooting bullets with bc’s in the .6’s and .7’s at 1000 as far as reading wind and fundamentals go. And you won’t have to walk/drive as far to jack with your targets.

Shooting 200 rounds of bolt gun in a range trip guilt free is a serious thing of beauty.

 

[crich]

What rifle build are you currently shooting? Ive been contemplating a switch lug setup for this exact reason.

 

[Antares]

Ugh. I don't need this thread in my life. I was just looking at .223 Tikkas earlier today...

 

[kharb22]

I want to build a trainer type rifle that mimics my hunting rifle. Something cheaper to shoot so I can preserve my barrel on my hunting rig while still getting similar practice rounds down range.

Long barrel life
Cheap to reload
Low recoil
Factory brass available
1000 yard range on steel

I like the thoughts of a 22 caliber like a creedmore or similar but barrel life seems to be an issue. I already reload for 6.5cm so the cost of getting started would be low. I think the answer is 6.5cm but it’s kind of boring!

22br. 6mm Br necked down. Shoots 88gr ELDM's at around 2900 FPS pretty easily. Around 3k for barrel life.

Sent from my SM-G998U using Tapatalk

 

[Wrench]

I built a 223ai for just this. I can shoot 223/556/wylde in it and reload with 223 lee collet dies. Pet load sends a 70rdf at 2890 and has taken yotes in the 800's.

 

[B23]

I want to build a trainer type rifle that mimics my hunting rifle. Something cheaper to shoot so I can preserve my barrel on my hunting rig while still getting similar practice rounds down range.

Long barrel life
Cheap to reload
Low recoil
Factory brass available
1000 yard range on steel

I like the thoughts of a 22 caliber like a creedmore or similar but barrel life seems to be an issue. I already reload for 6.5cm so the cost of getting started would be low. I think the answer is 6.5cm but it’s kind of boring!

Sounds like you already know the answer and it may be boring but if it checks all the boxes, who really cares.

 

[83cj-7]

I’m convinced I hat .223 is the answer. Look how easy it is to find decent brass in bulk, cheap bullets, burns half the powder of any .473 base cartridge. If I’ve learned one thing from this whole shortage, it’s that fancy new boutique cartridges are not worth it. I will now be focusing on cartridges based on .223 and the 06 case. I can form them into whatever I want from there.

My buddy shoots the 75 ELD-m at 2900 and it’s impressive to 1000 yards. The trajectory and wind drift very closely matches most hunting bullets at normal velocities.

 

[Keith Stone]

I built a cheap 223 trainer for this reason and I love it but running an 18lb 223 can do some harm on recoil management if you don’t watch it. So since your already set up for 6.5 just buy some cheap bullets like Barnes match burners and it’ll do everything the 223 will do.

 

[762 ULTRAMAGA]

I want to build a trainer type rifle that mimics my hunting rifle. Something cheaper to shoot so I can preserve my barrel on my hunting rig while still getting similar practice rounds down range.

Long barrel life
Cheap to reload
Low recoil
Factory brass available
1000 yard range on steel

I like the thoughts of a 22 caliber like a creedmore or similar but barrel life seems to be an issue. I already reload for 6.5cm so the cost of getting started would be low. I think the answer is 6.5cm but it’s kind of boring!

How about a 223 or 223 ai throated for 88 eldms, guys are getting 2800 + with that combo which is plenty for 1k

 

[sndmn11]

22br. 6mm Br necked down. Shoots 88gr ELDM's at around 2900 FPS pretty easily. Around 3k for barrel life.

Sent from my SM-G998U using Tapatalk

And some guy he knows already has the sizing die.

I vote 22br.

 

[wind gypsy]

223 is the king of economy. 6 BR would be pretty sweet though.

 

[mapticon]

Yeah, been gnawing on this question too. Decided to buy a 6.5 Grendel upper with a 20" barrel and the resized mag for one of my ARs and give that a shot. Cheaper than a whole new gun.

But you aint wrong going with 223 either.

 

[Lawnboi]

Buy the 223.

75eldm going 2900 fps, pickup Hornady brass, 35 cents a boom….. that’s shortage prices too.

Any more and your costs as far as barrel life and components goes up.

1k is definitely pushing it, but it will do it no problem.

Shooting my 223 is much easier on everything but wind compared to a 6.5 cm.

The best firearms related purchase Iv ever made, second only to that thing screwed on the front.

Edit: it turned into my main <400 deer rifle as well.