6.5/284 vs. 6.5/-06

[spradley19]

Could someone tell me which would be a better cartridge to go with? I have been hearing a lot and researching the 6.5/284 but recently I had a smith that I use suggest the 6.5/-06 instead of the 284. Just wanted to know if some of you guys have experience with either?

[Dano1]

They are for the most part, the same thing, but the 6.5-06 is a long action number and a 6.5-.284 is a Short action cartridge. Both have almost the same case capacity. A 6.5-.284 is some what limited to bullet length if in a short action, however if loaded in a long action, it doesn't matter.

The 6.5-06 can have issues with bullet length in a long action, but it's a rare thing.

Load data is interchangeable because they are so similar. If you throw a 6.5-06 Ackley Improved or 6.5 Gibbs you have a diffrent story. They are faster.

As far as accuracy is conserned, that depends on the rifle, the reloaders ability and the nut behind the trigger. Some say that a short action is more accurate, but I've seen some really accurate long actions too.

I've been looking too and I settled on the 6.5-06 AI. It looks fun to me. Should be done by mid May at the latest.

Dan
Dan

[maxxlogan]

How about the 6.5x55 Swede.......

Just as easy to load...shoots flat enough and can get same accuracy (repeatability) from the round...

I like to avoid the wild cats but some just cant resist....

[Rimfire]

Both are long action cartridges. I havre owned a 6.5-284 on a short action and would not do it again. Even with 120 class bullets I had to remove the bolt to remove a live cartridge in a 700 action. Both are great cartridges. The 6.5-284 will be easier to load just buy lapua brass and have at it, no fire forming. All depends on what you want to do.

[spradley19]

I guess I should have given a little more information. I am looking for a lighter weight 1000yd rig for hunting deer and smaller game. It will be pretty hard to give up shooting the 300RUM but I am just getting the new gun itch!

[Bart B]

Years ago, a couple of folks tried the 6.5-06 for 1000-yard matches. After wearing out a few Hart barrels (about 900 rounds each) they quit.

Accuracy with the '06 case necked down to 26 caliber was no better than the original .30-06. Best they could do for 20 to 25 shot groups at 600 was 5 - 7 inches, about 15 inches at 1000. Couldn't keep muzzle velocity spread low enough. With some newer powders made now, who knows?

These days, the 6.5-.284 is winning long range matches. The way to go, it seems.

[puppezed]

There are also other good 6.5 calibers like .260 rem and 6.5x47 Lapua.
Take a look at this shootout:
6.5mm Shootout: .260 Remington vs. 6.5x47 Lapua vs. 6.5 Creedmoor