6.5x284 or 6.5-06

[mrb1982]

I want to shoot 140 grain bergers. I want to be between 2900 and 3000fps if possible. I want to be able to fit the round in the magazine. I am thinking about putting a 26" Remington magnum contour barrel on. This will be an all purpose gun. Anything from just messing around to varmints, coyotes, antelope, deer, and even an elk if I were in the position. I have some kids that may shoot this gun in the future also. I do reload.

So which caliber, 6.5x284 or 6.5-06 do I go with.

 

[Plinker147]

6.5-284 just because you can buy quality stamped brass. I have 2. 6.5-06 and really like them but if I was going to build again it would be 6.5-284. Ballisticly both cartridges are twins.

 

[horsefor4]

I own both my personal thoughts the 6.5-06 is a better round cheaper to load for due to brass price and with a 1&8 twist same gun.

 

[mrb1982]

Is an 8 twist barrel what you guys all recommend for 140's?

Is the nicking down process the first time on the brass for a 6.5-06 a pain? Do you get the donut the first time around? Would it be better to first neck it down to .277 and then down to .264? I have also heard of expanding 25-06 brass but 30-06 brass seems to be a little cheaper generally.

Always been enamoured with the 6.5x284.

I don't want to go to the case size ofor a 264 win since I already have a 7 mag. And a 260 just doesn't push the 140's as fast as I would like I don't think.

 

[dok7mm]

I would opt for the 6.5-284 in a long action, 26" barrel with Lapua brass. Should get very close to 3K.

 

[Plinker147]

Necking 270 down or 25-06 up is super easy. Just full length resized die and your done. You have trim a good bit off of 270 cases.

Brass is more plentyful for 6.5-06. After messing with numerous wildcats I just prefer stamped brass now. You will be happy with either one.

 

[Greyfox]

While both are good rounds, I'm partial to the 6.5x284. It's very easy to obtain Benchrest grade accuracy, and feeds reliably in a LA with longer VLD style bullets. The superb brass from Lapua and Norma IMO, offsets any cost advantage of using re-sized 30-06 brass. I'd go with a 1:8 twist. I just added another 6.5x284 built off a 700 LA and am very pleased with the results.

 

[mrb1982]

Interesting. Any ballistic advantage to a 28 inch tube in either of these calibers or is it pretty diminished after 26?

 

[captacademy]

While both are good rounds, I'm partial to the 6.5x284. It's very easy to obtain Benchrest grade accuracy, and feeds reliably in a LA with longer VLD style bullets. The superb brass from Lapua and Norma IMO, offsets any cost advantage of using re-sized 30-06 brass. I'd go with a 1:8 twist. I just added another 6.5x284 built off a 700 LA and am very pleased with the results.

Very impressive Greyfox!

 

[Varmint Hunter]

The 6.5x284 seemed to be "the cartridge" for 1,000 yd benchrest at one time. Interestingly enough, it got a reputation for being hard on throats. The 6.5x06 would likely use more powder to achieve the same velocity. Presumably, that would further hasten any throat wear.

I'd go with the 6.5x284 and use the Lapua brass. There wouldn't be enough velocity difference to measure and you wouldn't have to reform brass or have improperly headstamped brass.

 

[BergerFan222]

I would opt for the 6.5-284 in a long action, 26" barrel with Lapua brass. Should get very close to 3K.

In a 26" barrel, pushing to 3000 fps shortens brass life. If I ever build another one, it will have a 30" barrel. 3000 fps with longer brass life.

 

[Greyfox]

In a 26" barrel, pushing to 3000 fps shortens brass life. If I ever build another one, it will have a 30" barrel. 3000 fps with longer brass life.

I get 10+reloads out of my Lapua at 2975FPS in a 26" barrel. Much over 26" gets to be too much for my carry LRH rigs.

 

[JTB]

If you choose the 6.5-06 you can neck-down Lapua 30-06 brass if that is your concern. They are both great shooters and you can easily chamber a 6.5-06 with a 140gr bullet to touch the lands with the M70 or 700 long action magazine length

 

[mrb1982]

You have me convinced on the 6.5x284.

Now talk to me about recoil. I have a 270 win with 130's and a 7 mag sendero shooting 180's that has a brake.

How does the recoil on a sporter type barrel 6.5x284 compare to these rounds?