I'm confused, which 6.5?

[Time Killer]

I know I may be over thinking this, but....
I am dropping off my 6.5 build today and am having second thoughts on caliber. I am building this on a long action and my original thoughts were 6.5x284. Is there something else I should consider.
I will be attempting to punch paper and gongs at 1000 and also deer sized game at the same distance or closer.
Not trying to start a full fledged debate, just a simple good or bad experience.
Thought? Thanks!

 

[Mikecr]

I can't think of anything wrong with your choice. That will kill deer way the hell out there -in 26cal.

 

[bigngreen]

The 6.5 are impressive, we're getting a 6.5 Sherman up and running and I've been very impressed with what they do, it's been super mellow to load for and the ballistics are nice. We'll see how the antelope like it this weekend.

 

[6mm Remington]

I think that's a good choice you selected, and one more good one would be a 6.5-06. 25-06 cases would be simple to run over a sizer and load and shoot. Either or will work perfectly! Good luck!

 

[rscott5028]

They all have pros and cons.
You've made an excellent choice.
Don't second guess it.

-- richard

 

[KurtB]

I've got a 6.5-06 I like a lot, but having lapua brass in a 6.5-284 would be very nice. Stick with your gut.

 

[liltank]

I've got a 6.5-06 I like a lot, but having lapua brass in a 6.5-284 would be very nice. Stick with your gut.

You know Lapua make 30-06 casings that you can neck down?

Tank

 

[Time Killer]

Thanks guys! I appreciate your input.
I can now go ahead with confidence.

 

[KurtB]

Liltank, Been running 270 win necked down and length trimmed. THinking I would have to neck trim 30-06 and don't feel like dealing with that. I tried 25-06 necked up and found it to be lacking compared to 270 coming down.

All mute if you can run 6.5-284 lapua. Do like the 6.5-06 though.

To the OP, be sure to spin that barrel 1 in 8. The 140 bergers and 160 woodleighs love it.

 

[LouBoyd]

For shooting VLD bullets at "long range":

Limited by a 2.28" magazine? 6.5 Grendel
Limited by a 2.8" magazine? 6.5x47 Lapua, 6.5 Creedmoor
Limited by a 3.34" magazine? 6.5x55, 6.5x284, 6.5 Rem Mag
Limited by a 3.6" magazine? 6.5-06, 264 Win mag

Sure, there are others.

 

[Hornhunter32]

I would like to build a 6.5 also. Which 6.5 has the best barrel life but good speed with the 140's?

 

[rscott5028]

I would like to build a 6.5 also. Which 6.5 has the best barrel life but good speed with the 140's?

260 Rem is popular for those reasons

 

[Hornhunter32]

260 Rem is popular for those reasons

How is the 6.5-06 on barrels?

 

[fj40mojo]

I'm partial to the 6.5x55. You mentioned shooting steel and paper and the Swede doesn't have the barrel burning reputation of the 6.5-284, so longer barrel life. A lot of your benchrest types end up down loading there 6.5-284s to velocities that are easily attainable with the Swede anyways. Lapua brass is readily available and cheaper than most other calibers. There is even an Ackleyized version that will get you well into the 6.5-284's velocity. PT&G makes a piloted reamer that has optimized throating for the 130-140grn Secant Ogive VLD bullets-6.5x55 Match.