Custom Build Questions

[John Sanner]

I am wanting to build a rifle that will be used for long range deer hunting and sometimes it will be used to shoot at a 1000 yard range. I know I am going to build it on a Savage target action. I am considering a 6.5x284 or a 6.5/06. Which one would be better for me? I know brass would be easier and cheaper to get for the 6.5/06.

 

[iSnipe]

Why choose a Savage target action over the various ones that are out there?

iSnipe

 

[John Sanner]

Cause I already bought one from my neighbor for $300 and it is brand new.

 

[trueblue]

John,
My vote would be for the 6.5-06 and I would look at the improved version.

 

[long450]

6.5x284 if you ever think you might sell it. Good brass is readly available in the form of Lapua. Easy to develope good loads. Be sure your barrel has a twist to shoot the heavy bullets. Nothing wrong with the 6.5-06, but lots of 6.5x284's shot in long range competition for some reason.

 

[Boss Hoss]

Hands down the 6.5x284----there is a reason that we use this in 1k and 600 yd BR. Additionally, in my safe which is full of rifles Speedy has built it is the most accurate Sporter in the safe. True story here----my 12 year old nephew took this 7.2 lb rifle at 100yds and fired two, five shot groups of .4 and .35! Now that was with my competition rest and rear bags with the swivels removed albeit with a different top and absolute perfect set up also with about 1 hour of instruction including dry firing. My brother was not happy about this because it has set his expectations pretty high for the future and he knows that he is going to have to spend some money!!


This was the FIRST time he had ever fired a rifle.

 

[liltank]

Just for some reassurance, I plan to make my next build with a Savage target action. I have had the chance to shoot a custom build using this action in a .338 Lapua mag. Very crisp trigger and you can build practically any caliber on this action. I am a short action fan so my vote would go to the 6.5x284. One thing to remember is that both of these chamberings are going to be extremely fast and going to burn barrels. Just a little FYI. I think they will serve you well though. You should be able to get about 3000rnds in the either caliber out of barrel.

Tank

 

[trebark]

I think they will serve you well though. You should be able to get about 3000rnds in the either caliber out of barrel.

Tank

My understanding is that you can expect to get maybe 1000 rounds of barrel life from a 6.5x284.

 

[liltank]

My understanding is that you can expect to get maybe 1000 rounds of barrel life from a 6.5x284.

Your probably right. I have not shot one, but I do know it is a barrel burner.

Tank

 

[trueblue]

I think 3000 rounds is a little optomistic for the 6.5x284. Also, if I were to build a 6.5x284 it would be on a long action, not a short action, due to seating of the longer bullets.
The brass issue is mute, as you can get Lapua 30-06 brass and neck it down for the 6.5-06 AI.
My vote is still for the 6.5-06 AI.

 

[liltank]

Well like I said, I know of a .338 Lapua built on the short action target action from savage. It ejects empties fine, but a loaded round would require pulling the bolt. The 06 casing is shorter and still work just fine. Being it is a target action, there is no need to be a long action because it still is one shot at a time.

Tank

 

[trebark]

I am wanting to build a rifle that will be used for long range deer hunting and sometimes it will be used to shoot at a 1000 yard range. I know I am going to build it on a Savage target action. I am considering a 6.5x284 or a 6.5/06. Which one would be better for me? I know brass would be easier and cheaper to get for the 6.5/06.

In terms of ballistics, I think you make a good choice with either cartridge. In terms of barrel life, you will get much more barrel life out of the '06 than you will the x284

 

[Sully2]

6.5-06 would get my vote...hands down

 

[6.5 mag]

the 6.5x284 will only hold sub moa till just over 1000rds but you can get 1500rds with some tweaking .most guys would not burn that barrel out in 10 years but if you want to be able to shoot too a 1000yards you should shoot it out in a couple years.gun)