Fac Variation and Which large calibre rifle?

Phil P · Apr 7, 2024

Ok, so I’ve been invited to go and do some long range shooting at Eskdalemuir range in July (range is over a mile, 1750m ish).
The lad I’m going with said I can borrow one of his rifles but it also looks like I’ll get some deer stalking later in the year so I’m considering trying to get a variation for a bigger calibre as my 17hmr and .22 won’t cut the mustard for deer anyway.
So, .243 seems to be the calibre of choice for most as an all rounder but what are people’s thoughts? Mate has a .270 and 6.5 creedmore as well as a .243, anything else worth looking at? Cost of ammunition is also a consideration?
I’m not thinking of something that will stretch to the full 1750m but something that will stretch its legs a bit.
Also I’ve not had my FAC for that long (since January) so most importantly what’s the odds on getting a variation for .243 or something bigger after only having it such a short time?

Thanks.

David. · Apr 7, 2024

Minimum requirement is surely a .338 Lapua Magnum
But being sensible, have you done the DSC 1&2 deer management/stalking tickets? Some Forces were using it pretty much as an entry requirement to grant deer calibre rifles.
I was reading that, within reason, if land is deemed suitable for centrefire rifles, there may now be a bit more scope to chose calibres other than the minimum legally required .243.
A .270 used to be regarded as a bit of a rough round. Beyond that, I don't stalk so have no experience.

Phil P · Apr 7, 2024

David. said:
Minimum requirement is surely a .338 Lapua Magnum

But what’s the odds on me being allowed something that size? Also have you seen the price of .338 Lapua amo?

.

davidroberts30 · Apr 7, 2024

Phil P said:
But what’s the odds on me being allowed something that size? Also have you seen the price of .338 Lapua amo? .

Well I suppose if you can convince your fao the need you could get a 50bmg

Phil P · Apr 7, 2024

davidroberts30 said:
Well I suppose if you can convince your fao the need you could get a 50bmg

Can you imagine the mess deer stalking with a 50 cal

Bobthebuilder · Apr 7, 2024

Only reason I got a .243 is it’s the minimum calibre for roe deer in Northumberland, don’t really do enough with it to warrant keeping it but just about to get my certificates renewed as it’s not worth anything to get rid of it, use the .22 for most rifle work and that’s not been out much in the past couple of years either

Scholsey · Apr 7, 2024

.243 won’t be big enough for deer once/if bullets go lead free, don’t think commercially sold venison is allowed to be shot with lead even now. Think you will be lucky to get a mid/large calibre CF within your first 5 years of a FAC, know anyone that could mentor/supervise you so you only use it under their guidance?

davidroberts30 · Apr 7, 2024

Phil P said:
Can you imagine the mess deer stalking with a 50 cal

Be fine at a mile

Wigeon · Apr 7, 2024

6.5 x 55 Swedish. Olden but golden.

Phil P · Apr 7, 2024

Scholsey said:
.243 won’t be big enough for deer once/if bullets go lead free, don’t think commercially sold venison is allowed to be shot with lead even now. Think you will be lucky to get a mid/large calibre CF within your first 5 years of a FAC, know anyone that could mentor/supervise you so you only use it under their guidance?

The lad I’m going to the range with is quite happy to mentor, he’s on an open ticket and being deer stalking for years. He was also one of my references for my ticket so FEO knows him already. To be fair I’m probably better giving my FEO a call and seeing what he recommends.

Midnight plough boy · Apr 7, 2024

.2506 fast round and relatively flat.

Hooby Farmer · Apr 7, 2024

Friend shoots .308 for deer easy accessibility to casings and bullets (he does his own reloading). He even uses a modified Australian .303 Lee Enfield.

Rnold · Apr 7, 2024

If you wish to shoot long range target, you will find that the requirements in the build of the rifle will be different from a rifle that you would take stalking. It's not just about the calibre.

I shoot out to 1000yds with a 308. It is a very heavy ,long barrelled rifle with multi radial rifling and a muzzle brake. All aspects of the chassis stock are full adjustable with a large stable fortimier bipod fitted and a monopod to the stock.
The sight will also be different in terms of the reticle details. You need to be able to achieve a large amount of elevation with the reticle and also have a good range of MOA movement for windage. The scope will be fitted to a sloped rail (20 degrees).

You cannot shoot this rifle from your shoulder.

308 is at its limit at 1000yds. Weight and load of ammunition become important to achieve good results. It is a relatively cheap round to use but is being replaced by the 6.5 creedmore in popularity.

If you have been invited to shoot long range go and enjoy and learn from others before you buy. I made enough mistakes in acquiring equipment along the way .
You don't want to be spending £ 10 every time you squeeze the trigger.

Phil P · Apr 7, 2024

Rnold said:
If you wish to shoot long range target, you will find that the requirements in the build of the rifle will be different from a rifle that you would take stalking. It's not just about the calibre.

I shoot out to 1000yds with a 308. It is a very heavy ,long barrelled rifle with multi radial rifling and a muzzle brake. All aspects of the chassis stock are full adjustable with a large stable fortimier bipod fitted and a monopod to the stock.
The sight will also be different in terms of the reticle details. You need to be able to achieve a large amount of elevation with the reticle and also have a good range of MOA movement for windage. The scope will be fitted to a sloped rail (20 degrees).

You cannot shoot this rifle from your shoulder.

308 is at its limit at 1000yds. Weight and load of ammunition become important to achieve good results. It is a relatively cheap round to use but is being replaced by the 6.5 creedmore in popularity.

If you have been invited to shoot long range go and enjoy and learn from others before you buy. I made enough mistakes in acquiring equipment along the way .
You don't want to be spending £ 10 every time you squeeze the trigger.

I’m looking more at a deer caliber rather than something specifically for long range but thought it would be good to take and put through its paces while I’ve been offered the opportunity. No point investing a fortune in a super long range rifle when the closest range I could use it at is 4 hours away (could be one closer, need to look into it).

milkloss · Apr 7, 2024

I’d push towards the .243 as you’re more likely to use it at home as well. Quite a nice popular round and not too pricey. You’ll need a fast twist to get range with heavier bullets though. The easiest one to get on ticket for distance would be the 308 but as said above, it’s only a 1000 yard rifle and needs to be built for it.
I’d borrow a rifle and see how you get on.

Conan1301 · Apr 7, 2024

6.5 creedmoor, plenty of choice of bullets and cheap to shoot. Use mine for foxes and deer.

zero · Apr 7, 2024

Have a look in your favourite gun shop and see which ammo they keep in stock then work from there. It's a pain in the rear if you end up driving miles to re stock.
I have a .243, used to have a .308 and if I was starting again I'd probably go 6.5x55 or creedmoor.

Rnold · Apr 8, 2024

Phil P said:
I’m looking more at a deer caliber rather than something specifically for long range but thought it would be good to take and put through its paces while I’ve been offered the opportunity. No point investing a fortune in a super long range rifle when the closest range I could use it at is 4 hours away (could be one closer, need to look into it).

I ve seen good results target shooting with hand loaded 6.5 x 55 out to 1500 yards. It has a slightly larger case than the creedmoor and takes larger heads. Its a very old calibre but very popular for deer in europe.

I enjoy using my 6.5 x 55 but shes old. Built 1941 by Husqvarna to stop the Russians. Iron sights

David. · Apr 8, 2024

Is 6.5 Creedmore developed from the 6.5 Swedish?
Quite interesting the history behind some of these rounds.
It is hard enough to source supplies of mainstream ammunition at times, let alone the specialist wildcat ones. Better to go for something that several manufacturers produce, in the hope of finding a brand that shoots nicely in your chosen rifle.
Unless you would enjoy reloading.

Rnold · Apr 8, 2024

David. said:
Is 6.5 Creedmore developed from the 6.5 Swedish?
Quite interesting the history behind some of these rounds.
It is hard enough to source supplies of mainstream ammunition at times, let alone the specialist wildcat ones. Better to go for something that several manufacturers produce, in the hope of finding a brand that shoots nicely in your chosen rifle.
Unless you would enjoy reloading.

I don't know the answer to this. They all have different attributes and it's a balance to find some thing that goes the distance you want at a price you feel comfortable with.

When I saw the results with the 6.5 x 55 I started to wonder whether I should be bothered with looking for anything larger like a 300 WM.

Fac Variation and Which large calibre rifle?

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