Gonna build a 6.5, but which one?

[Deleted member 103481]

If you're only interested in steel at long range and not deer just do the creed. I read that as wanting to reach out on deer also.

 

[simo hayha]

Shortaction. 65creed
Longaction. 65x55 swed ai

 

[Rick Richard]

I have a 6.5X47 and 6.5 SAUM. I use the SAUM for elk hunting mostly and the 47 for range time. Both are very accurate, but the 47 is much cheaper to shoot. For your daughter, I would recommend the the 47 or a Creed for the intended purposes you mentioned. Good luck!

 

[David_L6]

6.5 SAUM in a medium length action (like Stiller makes). I've seen how that caliber can shoot. My son built one using a Remington Model 7 action. Tack driver and he's still working on loads. The Model 7 isn't really a good choice for this cartridge as it limits you to 2.8" OAL max.

If not the 6.5 SAUM, consider the 6.5-284. That one really needs a medium or long action. I have a 284 Winchester in a Remington Model 700 short action. Limited by OAL in this rifle too.

Personally, I'm a 7mm guy. I have most of them. 7mm-08, 284 Winchester, 7mm SAUM, 280 Remington, 7mm Rem. Mag.

 

[clownbuster]

Considering 6.5 Creed, 6.5 PRC, 6.5 SAUM, 6.5 GAP and possibly .260 Rem Ack Imp.

Basically a hunting rifle with some steel shooting for fun out to 1000 yards or more. Deer sized game or less.

Would like for my daughter to be able to use it for deer. She is already shooting .243 Win comfortably.

Reloading is no issue. Would certainly prefer readily available components and dies. Prefer Redding Bushing dies. Would like to build on a short action or medium action with a 26" proof carbon barrel with brake.

What do you guys think?

If budget is not an issue for you, and considering your daughter, I'd build a 6.5 SAUM. 140 Hybrids @ 3185 fps. Mine is built on a Lone Peak Arms Razor Titanium action, 26" Proof carbon barrel, MCS EH-1 Elite Tac stock, Spuhr rings and Vortex Razor AMG glass. Even at bantam weight, the rifle "feels" heftier. Recoil is soft enough to see hits from 100 - 1400+ yards. Both my 19 year old daughter and 11 year old son carry and shoot it with ease for the last two years.
Brass? Can come and go, but 100 pieces will last 99% of shooters the life of their ownership of the rifle if they take care of it.
Something like this.

 

[clownbuster]

...and the accuracy and consistency is H A R D to beat...

 

[ntsqd]

For the stated use and users I'd be wanting to stay with a short action.

I had to look up the 6.5X47 as I've no familiarity with it. It is more similar than different to the Creedmoor. I'd say Creedmoor is easier for components in the US, but I doubt that there a huge functional difference between the two. I'm sure that upset some folks, but that is my assessment. Worst case it looks like you could make 6.5X47 cases from Creedmoor cases.

If that's not enough bang at the target then I'd be looking at one of the short action magnums, but for me personally it wouldn't be in a 6.5 bore.

 

[Mikecr]

6.5x47L with 130s
260AI with 140s
With both, Lapua small primer brass.
Both exactly the right capacity for those bullets, accurate, and extending barrel & brass life.

 

[reekax]

Seems everyone has the 6.5 Creedmore fever these days. My vote would be for a 6.5-284 Norma. Less drop and drift than the Creedmore at 1000 yards. Faster and therefore more energy down range. Proven 1000 yard match winner. Lapua and or Nosler brass, both are excellent choices. Hornady brass, not so much. Must use long action however to accommodatce the high bc 140+ grainers seated close to the lands. Those bullets will not encroach into the case body as they would on the 6.5 Creedmore case in a short/medium action. Round could be loaded down to creedmore velocities if too much kick for your daughter right now. Creedmore cannot do anything that this round does except fit into AR10 magazines. 6.5-284 is more accurate at 1000 yards. Don't believe it? Check out the wind drift and drop and time of flight between the two cartridges.

 

[436]

Considering 6.5 Creed, 6.5 PRC, 6.5 SAUM, 6.5 GAP and possibly .260 Rem Ack Imp.

Basically a hunting rifle with some steel shooting for fun out to 1000 yards or more. Deer sized game or less.

Would like for my daughter to be able to use it for deer. She is already shooting .243 Win comfortably.

Reloading is no issue. Would certainly prefer readily available components and dies. Prefer Redding Bushing dies. Would like to build on a short action or medium action with a 26" proof carbon barrel with brake.

What do you guys think?

Buxndiverdux,
For a younger hunter, I think the .260 Rem would be my pick.

 

[Matt Tatum]

I have a saum and the creed. For deer and range time, seems like the creed is the way to go. Especially if you don't want to load for it. Recoil is very light, barrel life is long and it has plenty of energy for killing out to 500 yards

 

[stx]

For you purpose, the CM will do everything you're wanting! I have 2 Creedmoors and a 6.5x284 that I do most of my hunting and culling with......all 3 are enjoyable to shoot.....but for deer and long range steel/target, the CM is more than enough! I shot one of mine out to 1300 yards at the NRA Whitttington Center and have taken many, many whitetail and hogs with the 6.5 CM. I have more rifles than I can easily fit in my large gun safe, but I choose these 3 rifles most of the time because they're a Real Pleasure to shoot! There's also a real good selection of factory ammo for the CM!

 

[TRG65]

I have used 6.5Addiction, 6.5 Creedmoor, and 6.5x47. Of those go with the creedmoor. It is the easiest to get components and has the least work. My addiction shoots great and is my most flexible with powder choice, but I don't know it does that much more than a 260AI does. I get 2900 from a 24" barrel with H4831. I think I can get more with rl26 and that might put it past 260ai, but the low sd's and accuracy I get with this load is hard to beat.

The creedmoor shoots 2780 with the same bullet from a 24" and the x47 gets 2800 those both are using rl16.

All this is with a 147 ELD

 

[Creedmoor shooter]

For you purpose, the CM will do everything you're wanting! I have 2 Creedmoors and a 6.5x284 that I do most of my hunting and culling with......all 3 are enjoyable to shoot.....but for deer and long range steel/target, the CM is more than enough! I shot one of mine out to 1300 yards at the NRA Whitttington Center and have taken many, many whitetail and hogs with the 6.5 CM. I have more rifles than I can easily fit in my large gun safe, but I choose these 3 rifles most of the time because they're a Real Pleasure to shoot! There's also a real good selection of factory ammo for the CM!

People can say what they want about the CM, but for its size it's no slouch. I've shot mine out to 1454 yards so far and it does just fine. I would however limit my hunting shots to 600 and in on deer just to be safe. It's an awesome deer and black bear round