6.5 long action hunting rifle opinions

I both compete and hunt with the 6.5 Creedmoor cartridge. Adequate for my purposes including elk within 300 yards using 147 gr. bullets.

BUT... for a larger 6.5 cartridge I would stay with the 6.5/214 due to its proven accuracy and availability of factory ammo for hunting.
Yes, the 6.5/284 is a "barrel burner" but hunting rifles are seldom shot more than 500 rounds in any owners lifetime so your barrel is safe.

Going larger (and faster) than the 6.5/284 is unnecessary and the greater recoil of the even bigger 6.5 cartridges makes it more difficult to see impact and miss indicators.

Eric B.
 
.Going larger (and faster) than the 6.5/284 is unnecessary and the greater recoil of the even bigger 6.5 cartridges makes it more difficult to see impact and miss indicators.

Eric B.

Eric, while I agree there is some increase in recoil the 264wm is very gentle for a magnum.

I own many of the 6.5 herd, the barrel for my 5th 6.5 arrives today.

I have several magnum calibers above the 264wm that are not much fun to shoot, the 264wm is the ***** cat of the magnums.

From a prone position I can see bullet impacts at 600yds quit easily.

My 6.5X284 is one of my best shooters, but if I planned to shoot elk size game my 264wm would get the call!
 
I stuck with the 6.5-284, and amazingly the rifle is finished already. I just picked it up tonight. 2 weeks to build 2 custom rifles (the other was a 270). That's the fastest turn around time ever :D

Gosh, that's fast! What is your rifle maker's name, etc.? My smith recently retired and his protégé is slooooow. ha
 
Gosh, that's fast! What is your rifle maker's name, etc.? My smith recently retired and his protégé is slooooow. ha
My barrel maker took 7 months on three barrels I ordered at the same time. Talk about so slow
 
As for barrel life - they tell me that if you don't shoot it hot at the range - and clean it regularly - you will easily exceed the 1,000 rounds that is usually kicked around for Weatherby's barrel life.
My 257wby barrel accuracy went around 950rds, good luck getting there with a 6.5-300. You will also struggle with c.o.a.l in a vanguard action and the 6.5-300. Consider a new dbm to get the mag length to 3.7"
 
I think HARPERC said it best when he said the 6.5/284 is at "...right the crossroads of being enough-without being too much.", as in too much recoil and to much of a barrel burner. But still with great accuracy - in a good rifle, that is.

Eric B.
 
Your right Eric...he makes a good point...to my knowledge no one has a 6.5x284 Ackley Improved or has mentioned needing one...on a standard bolt face it is the sweet heart of the 6.5 family.

Hard to improve on that chambering!

I do push my 6.5-06 faster than my 6.5x284...but then guys are doing the AI thing to the 6.5-06...in the ever constant...need for speed!
 
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