Best

[bamadawg2009]

So Im thinking about building another rifle on a 700 long action. Im debating between a 6.5-284 or 25-06AI, anybody got opinions on either? The gun will be a long range rig, for deer hunting, paper punching, and long range varmit control. Im really leaning toward the 25-06 ACK. IMP.

 

[WildRose]

There's a much better selection of 6.5 bullets vs those available for .257.

 

[rscott5028]

There's a much better selection of 6.5 bullets vs those available for .257.

Sad but true

 

[Aldon]

With those two choices being so close ballistically speaking, the bullet selection and for that matter die selection will likely weigh the objective choice to the 6.5x284

 

[J E Custom]

So Im thinking about building another rifle on a 700 long action. Im debating between a 6.5-284 or 25-06AI, anybody got opinions on either? The gun will be a long range rig, for deer hunting, paper punching, and long range varmit control. Im really leaning toward the 25-06 ACK. IMP.

I would also consider a 280 AI.

The 7mm has the best selection of bullets and recoil is not an issue with the 280.

In these parts it is the favorite F Class cartrige at 600 and 1000 yards.

It can be loaded with 90 grain bullets to 190 grain bullets, Giving it an impressive
all round use.

It is very capable of clean one shot Elk kills with 160+ grain bullets and with the lighter bullets
it makes a great deer cartrige.

For targets the 150, 160 and 168 grain bullets are very accurate.

Just another option

J E CUSTOM

 

[Greyfox]

I would go for the 6.5x284, Brass, bullets, and well proven load recipes are readily available. Ballistics are superb, and accuracy well proven in all competitive circles. Recoil is light and it is perfect for deer out to 1000 yards. You will only need one bullet for all your work, 140 VLD.

 

[bamadawg2009]

Thanks guys Im building this rifle for myself now but when she gets old enough it will become my little girls rifle. I already own a 280AI and love that gun, but I shot a 25-06 and was really impressed with the accuracy and light recoil of the rifle. I really do like the looks of the 6.5-284 so I havent made up my mind for sure.

 

[WildRose]

Thanks guys Im building this rifle for myself now but when she gets old enough it will become my little girls rifle. I already own a 280AI and love that gun, but I shot a 25-06 and was really impressed with the accuracy and light recoil of the rifle. I really do like the looks of the 6.5-284 so I havent made up my mind for sure.

With that being the case the .260 rem jumps right back up high on the list or should.

 

[Gene R.]

My 13yo boy just loves shooting my abolt in 25-06 w/boss break. Matter of fact we were shooting yesterday morning and he was watching his hits @ 200 on a steel plate off a bipod. I can't speak for 6.5x284 recoil. But by the time he's 16yo he should know this rifle inside and out for his first trip to wy for deer and goats. But we do love the quarter bore in our house,so I might be bias.

Gene

 

[rscott5028]

25-06 is a great cartridge.

6.5x284 is better than 25 cal due to high BC bullets.

My kids have killed plenty of deer with both.

Recoil is about the same. But, I'm a fan of muzzle brakes on most rifles anyway.

260 Rem is pretty close to 6.5x284.

260 and 25-06 are pretty comparable if you're using factory ammo. ...and, 6.5x284 has limitted availability.

Hence, 260 Rem is a good choice since you have the option of factory ammo as well as ability to handload for LRH.

There are lots of other great cartridges out there too.

-- richard

 

[WildRose]

25-06 is a great cartridge.

6.5x284 is better than 25 cal due to high BC bullets.

My kids have killed plenty of deer with both.

Recoil is about the same. But, I'm a fan of muzzle brakes on most rifles anyway.

260 Rem is pretty close to 6.5x284.

260 and 25-06 are pretty comparable if you're using factory ammo. ...and, 6.5x284 has limitted availability.

Hence, 260 Rem is a good choice since you have the option of factory ammo as well as ability to handload for LRH.

There are lots of other great cartridges out there too.

-- richard

Another point in favor of the .260 is the availability of Lapua Brass since you can just neck down their .308 brass.

 

[rscott5028]

Another point in favor of the .260 is the availability of Lapua Brass since you can just neck down their .308 brass.

I don't think you have to neck down 308 anymore.

Lapua makes excellent brass for both 6.5x284 and now 260 Rem.

Norma makes about the best brass I've tried for 25-06.

-- richard

 

[WildRose]

Ahh I didn't realize they were making .260 stamped brass now.

That's even better.

I just checked and you are correct. Lapua brass stamped .260 rem indeed is available and at less than 1.00/pr ea.

 

[Daveinjax]

The 6.5x284 is the best round by far! The 260 rem. is a great round but this is a long action. The 25-06 is a turd at long range. The AI case means you will have to fire form cases. Nothing will help the 25 cal. Low BC bullet problem. The 280AI is a great round , as you know.Use at ballistic program to compare the 25-06AI and the 6.5x284 out to 1000yards and you wil understand why I say forget the 25-06AI and go with the 6.5x284!