I have read all over the internet in my reloading books and other books and I still can't make up my mind. I have narrowed it down too these two.
6.5-06 shooting the 140gr Berger VLD
.280 Rem shooting the 168 Berger VLD
(hoping the rifle will shoot that bullet)
This rifle is being built for deer and antelope sized game at longer ranges. Feel free to give me opinions on each and what you might choose. If you choose other and post a caliber I am not intersted in magnum's at this time. Thanks in advance.
I can see why this choice would be tuff. SInce neither the antelope or the deer need a 168 grain bullet I would opt for the 6.5. Plus with the 6.5
one can shoot 100gr ballistic tips at Mach? for coyotes and rodents. Think the 6.5 has more options and a lot less recoil. No recoil doesn't bother me.
If your going with the 280 at least have the common courtesy to have it improved as in Ackley.
That one is next on my wish list. You gain some velocity, limit case stretch, can still shoot factory ammo (surprisingly well) and then there is the cool factor.
When considering cartridge selection for a new custom barreled rifle I always check one thing first - Will high quality brass be readily available for my new project rifle?
That would make the 6.5x06 a more attractive option to me. It would also be a flatter shooting cartridge with less recoil. The only down side would be less throat life but that might not be a problem for a biggame rifle that isn't shot all that much.
The 280 isn't necessary for those two game species and the 6.5 would be more versatile. I'd go with that or a 260 Remington. I just got a 260 that is shooting .21" groupings @ 100yds with 120gr Nosler's. It should take a few deer this year!
I would also opt for the 6.5. And on the 06 case you have enough room to shoot the heavier .264 bullets that have very, very high BC. And since it's going to be a custom gun anyway, I would go with the ackley version.
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