Posted by Pete van Meurs on Sep 14, 2011; 11:13pm
URL: http://oldforum.flyshooter.com.au/calibre-for-fly-shooting-your-views-tp4717409p4804814.html

For best accuracy there is an ideal case capacity fo every bore size using the typical weights of VLD bullets associated with each calibre. It runs something like this -

6mm - 105 to 115 gn bullet - 6mmBR or it's derivatives (maybe 6x47 Lapua with 115's)
6.5mm - 120 to 130 gn - 6.5x47 or 260 Rem
6.5mm - 140gn - 260AI or 6.5x55 (std or AI)
7mm -  162 to 180gn - 280AI or 7mm Short Ultra Mag
30 cal - 180 to 210gn - 300WSM (or 300 Win Mag for the heavier bullets)

The object of the exercise is to achieve velocities in the 2,800 to 3,000fps zone where experience has shown VLD bullets seem happiest. Run them over 3,000 to reduce wind drift and you will probably lose accuracy. For example in 6.5mm with 140gn you can use a 6.5/284 like I do on rough days but it will get parked in favour of the 6mm Dasher if the conditions are readable as the balanced cartridge will always offer greater and more consistent accuracy. I have used a 300 Rem Ultra pushing 210 gn at over 3,300 but it is no way accurate enough for 500mt
Fly on good days.

Pete