Additional Blaser Barrel

[Boarboy]

I’m deciding on another Barrel for a Blaser R8.
I currently have it in .308. I’ve had other barrels before in an R93. I like the 6.5 x 55, enjoy shooting it more than the .308. Some might say they might be too close? I also have a separate .222 ( tikka) for foxing. I’ve also thought about the creedmore. Any suggestions welcome!

 

[Dickie]

.375 then get it for deer & boar and you’re then read to go abroad such as Africa.

 

[njc110381]

As above really. But why not get rid of the .308 if you don't like it? Get a 6.5x55 or a Creedmoor perhaps, and going by your name get something bigger for boar - 9.3x62 or .375? What don't you like about the .308? If it's recoil, scrap what I said earlier!

 

[Shootgun]

.270 all day long!

 

[Monty3006]

I have .223, 30-06, and 375h&h barrels for my R8 and feel it has most things covered. I’d be just as happy with 22-250, 308 and 9.3x62 and you could use the same bolt head for all so save a bit.

 

[Lateral]

Normally, we have a problem, and look for a solution ! You have loads of solutions, but you're looking for a problem

What do you want to shoot with an alternative calibre ?

In these type of situations, I think the 308 is a PITA calibre. It's a good all round calibre, you can load it heavy for boar, and lighter for deer. It does everything pretty well, so it's hard to choose something different, that won't be doing a similar job.

So, apart from deciding if you're likely to shoot driven boar, or some big plains game ? I'd consider one of the 6.5's, or even a 7x64 (cracking calibre).

6.5x55, 6.5cm, and the up, and coming 6.5 PRC, are all very accurate, and will drop anything in the uk.

Then, I'd use the 308 for a "1 for 1" against a 300wm, which will cover pretty much everything else bigger, apart from DG, which you haven't mentioned.

So you'll be covered from rabbit/fox, all the way to long range hunting, plains game, driven boar !

 

[Steff]

Get another .308. You can never have enough of the ideal.

 

[scotch_egg]

.243

 

[Uncle f]

The world is your oyster. If it’s Uk deer species then depending on where your hunting, woodland, open fields/grasslands etc. If you fancy going abroad plains game/boar then the .308 will do it all. But that’s boring right so I’d look at the 6.5 gaymoor (got an R8 in one) and very good and accurate. Or go larger into the 300wm or REM mags and that will do the pigs and plains game better possibly and longer type shots overs fields etc etc.
For me I have a ruger .17hmr for rabbits and foxing a purpose .242 M12 setup for foxing with NV. An R8 in 6.5 gaymoor and 300wm. A K95 in .308 and a merkel double in .30.06 and a Mauser M03 in .30.06

the reason I list the calibres is it’s very personal and adapted to where you hunt and what you hunt? Also I like some of the individual rifles (why not) and .30.06 happens to be my favourite calibre

we all have our own ideas and favourites and there is a no one size fits all answer

good luck in whatever you choose

 

[Coddy]

Just make sure when you do the variation you put in the request for a barrel and not for a rifle If it is only the barrel you are requiring.

 

[Rasputin]

I’m deciding on another Barrel for a Blaser R8.
I currently have it in .308. I’ve had other barrels before in an R93. I like the 6.5 x 55, enjoy shooting it more than the .308. Some might say they might be too close? I also have a separate .222 ( tikka) for foxing. I’ve also thought about the creedmore. Any suggestions welcome!

When I hit my r8 got 22.250/6.5/.270

The 22.250 was my favourite thing to shoot but barely got an outing on the deer for obvious reasons so sold it. Only kept the .270 in case I want to shoot bigger stuff like boar and it’s mandated but the 6.5cm does everything and is more than capable with no recoils absolutely love it. Unless I wanted to shoot plains game or dg can’t see why I would ever clog up the cabinet with more barrels again tbh.

 

[Uncas]

Why not go for something different like .338/06 .338 federal .35 whellen
Or a touch of the exotic .45 short RWS

 

[andychas]

Why not go for something different like .338/06 .338 federal .35 whellen
Or a touch of the exotic .45 short RWS

Or the 8.5x55 Blaser

 

[libensvolenspotens]

I have barrels in 6.5x55(For deer), .308(For Boar) & .300winmag for Plains game

 

[Boarboy]

Thanks for all your responses. I initially got .308 as I do go on driven hunts and is often the minimum requirement ( or .30 calibre in general), so I got it as an all rounder. I have had a 6.5 swede before and do like the calibre, just so pleasant to shoot. Perhaps a 6.5 and something bigger/ different for boar?

 

[Boarboy]

As above really. But why not get rid of the .308 if you don't like it? Get a 6.5x55 or a Creedmoor perhaps, and going by your name get something bigger for boar - 9.3x62 or .375? What don't you like about the .308? If it's recoil, scrap what I said earlier!

Yes, I like ‘softer’ calibres in general, but then on driven hunts I don’t think I’d be too concerned with something bigger, if that makes sense!

 

[Steff]

... Perhaps a 6.5 and something bigger/ different for boar?

Then you could go for the 8x57IS in addition to your favored 6.5.

 

[njc110381]

Do you ever see yourself in Africa after dangerous game? If you do then .375H&H is the legal minimum really. If not, maybe save the expense of needing so many different parts for the gun and go 9.3x62. That's a pretty popular continental boar calibre and many will argue well up to dangerous game too if the place you are hunting allows it.

As much as I love weird calibres, if I was travelling a lot I'd go for a common calibre in case my ammo was lost on a flight. .375H&H and 9.3x62 are available in most places.

 

[Overlay]

.243 cracking foxing round and a tidy deer calibre

im looking at a 6mm br but ive got a 22 hornet, 222 243. 6.5 and 308
The guy in the gunshop at Bisley has one and he’s very pleased with it

not so sure now

 

[Shootgun]

For me I have a ruger .17hmr for rabbits and foxing a purpose .242 M12 setup for foxing with NV. An R8 in 6.5 gaymoor and 300wm. A K95 in .308 and a merkel double in .30.06 and a Mauser M03 in .30.06

Another willy-waving on your part, as usually...

The OP asked for a suggestion for a Blaser barrel, not what everyone's got in the cabinet or how many permissions you got....