6.5 PRC or 280AI, build of buy

[jpope02]

I like the 6.5 PRC over the 280ai for hunting the lower 48. But to build a quality accurate hunting rifle in either caliber pushes $2000 bucks. I love Tikka t3's so I rechambered my 6.5 creed Tikka to 6.5 PRC, opened up the bolt face to .532" and added a muzzle break. Now I have Light, accurate (3/8'') moa quality hunting rifle for less than $1K that shoots Berger 156gr EOL elite hunter bullets LIGHTS OUT.

 

[whirlwindjml]

Some people flat don't understand that bigger jump doesn't mean your rifle won't perform. People are way to hung up on this myth. However, I would suggest 2.950 minimum. I run aics mags so I load to to 2.950 for everything from 135-156.

Thats true it may work. But if it dont ya cant get closer. That sucks

 

[arch408]

280AI. More versatile. I'm a Remington M700 fan. You can build a really nice accurate rifle with a used rifle or you can buy an action for about $400 or less.

 

[FEENIX]

This rifle is intriguing to me, I just cannot understand how the price can be so low with a $900 barrel on it... is it lacking in something?!

I think there's a general consensus at least with this thread (https://www.longrangehunting.com/th...ltralite-with-proof-cf-barrels.233802/page-11) that there might not be an aluminum bedding block so they can keep the weight down under 6 LBS.

 

[Huskershooter6.5]

Wow, you guys are all awesome! So much help and more things to think about. I'm just too indecisive. So without changing the direction of this post too much. What if I built a 6.5 PRC on a bighorn origin SA like previously stated with a Wyatts box and proof Prefit, then later down the line buy a proof Prefit in 300WSM for bigger game? Is that feasible?

 

[kelly1]

I was in the same boat 2 years ago,and had a custom action ,stock etc ,just needed 6.5 barrel already had a 284 barrel .
Started seeing alot of Coopers in 280 ai used on our gun forum,( im in Canada) some of them were unfired, picked up a unfired one and later a Kimber Montana in 280 ai as a light weight backpack gun.
No regrets and two accurate guns for the price of one custom.
The Cooper weighed 7.5 lb bare and you could probably find a used one for 1500 to 1800 I bet.
If you go prc I would say go medium or long action as the heavier bullets are coming out and you would benefit imho..kelly

 

[BrentM]

Wow, you guys are all awesome! So much help and more things to think about. I'm just too indecisive. So without changing the direction of this post too much. What if I built a 6.5 PRC on a bighorn origin SA like previously stated with a Wyatts box and proof Prefit, then later down the line buy a proof Prefit in 300WSM for bigger game? Is that feasible?

Yepper

 

[BrentM]

you probably are correct about the factory rifles mine has a 26 inch 8.5 twist benchmark and chambered for the 195 and with a full load of 26 I am getting 2812fps with great accuracy s.d. of 7 its been a truly great rifle I have not got to shoot it past 600 yet as the longer range is several hours away and cant seem to find a good weather day when I have the time

Yes, mine are 8 twist. Built 3 26" 7 mags.

 

[Jeffrey Van Zandt]

Yepper

with the long action you could still do that and even bigger cals if needed

 

[BrentM]

with the long action you could still do that and even bigger cals if needed

Do you mean bigger cartridges? You can do any caliber you want in a short action except maybe stuff in the 400's but then you can always do a wildcat short action cartridge.

On another note, why is anything bigger needed..... it's not, it's just desire. Longer case, more powder, bigger boom, more velocity...… yep, you can also go the cheytac etc too. At some point a person has to make a decision where they want to be a leave it at that and he wants to discuss a short action decision.

 

[BrentM]

Thats true it may work. But if it dont ya cant get closer. That sucks

That is correct, but I have not seen any PRC not shoot well due to jump. I understand why people are concerned but the results say that concern isn't always warranted. I was and still am the same way, big jump bugs me, but reality is, it doesn't always matter. I have had several 6.5-284's that shot exceptional at .100. This PRC runs everything from .080-.135 (135-156's) without any problem at .5 moa. It caught me off guard. All I did was load every test at 2.950 and shot it for velocity and then checked accuracy. Every thing shoots fine. I made this suggestion to a couple of friends and they had the same results. None of use messed with seating depth since the results were solid.

 

[JIsbell40]

. You are killing me smalls!! Sounds like you are running on a lack of sleep! Lol

Always running on lack of sleep. You should know this by now

 

[JIsbell40]

Still don't understand how .020 diameter more has anything to with delivering damage to the vitals.

bullet design, sectional density, velocity, and shot placement are what delivers damage to the vitals.

on another note lots of animals are hunted with 140-150 grain 7mm. No one seems to bat an eye at that but state a 6.5 with 140-150 and people get all twitchy. So confusing

Back to the drawing board then. Nobody shoots LR 140-150 .284s and compares them to 140-150 .264s. The world is going the way of the popgun and that's fine. This is the gun owner equivalent to drinking star bucks, voting for Bernie, and driving a Prius.

About 1,000 dead white tails behind why I think what I think not just the "it does better than it should" to me that argument means you're expectations are too low.

 

[Huskershooter6.5]

Back to the drawing board then. Nobody shoots LR 140-150 .284s and compares them to 140-150 .264s. The world is going the way of the popgun and that's fine. This is the gun owner equivalent to drinking star bucks, voting for Bernie, and driving a Prius.

About 1,000 dead white tails behind why I think what I think not just the "it does better than it should" to me that argument means you're expectations are too low.

If a 6.5 PRC makes someone look at me as a Starbucks drinking, Prius driving, Bernie voter I'm gonna need to pick a new caliber haha