6.5 or 6.5x284

Mcarso1 said:

With the action I have now is it more or less difficult to go to 6.5x284 verses the 28? And cost wise as well?

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I have to assume you mean the .280 Remington version of the 6.5-280 Remington Improved (30 degree shoulder or the 40 degree Ackley shoulder)?

The costs are fairly straight forward, look up the components from reputable suppliers and add. As an example, the 6.5-280 Rem. Improved is more costly right from the start due to the cost of dies.

The 6.5-06 (standard case) is the simplest solution and a terrific cartridge. The 6.5-284 would be my next choice but there will be adjustments in the magazine, feed rails and ramp. I don't care what the amateurs want to pipe in with for an opinion, they don't know.

If you want to reduce the effects of felt recoil, you need to either reduce the powder charge (ejecta) and/or the bullet weight. Contrary to the arm chair enthusiasts, the 130 Berger hunting bullets will kill an elk just fine. You have to know your load and your ability to place the shot precisely.

If you want to 6.5 Creedmoor, sell the rifle you have, get a short action and build what you want or choose from the ever increasing number of factory rifles chambered for the 6.5 Creedmoor.

Mcarso1 said:

I am not a reloader myself yet but have several buddies who load a bunch that are willing to help me out and get me setup for the round of choice.

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You couldn't ask for more, although there is a good supply of factory ammunition which will shoot with good accuracy until you get to that point.

Regards.

lee31 said:

6.5x284 all the way. I wouldn't worry about barrel life to much. My neighbor has over 2400 rounds through his. Doesn't shoot as good as it used to. But it's still hangs around 5/8th inch groups at 100 yards

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I second this.

6.5-284 or 6.5gap maybe if staying 6.5 . But I really like my 280AI. You have the brass already. 140s should be 3100-3250, 168s 2750-2950.

I see Christensen arms ridge
Line is available in 6.5x284 as well as 280ai and then the 28 as well? Decision is tough. May buy one of these and keep my 280 as is.

Well decided to leave my 280 as is and purchased a ridgeline in 6.5x284, really excited to start with the new piece. Hope this caliber is everything I have heard and read about it. I picked up my own reloading goodies to so I plan on loading rounds for barrel break in and then start hunting loads from there. All load advice would be appreciated, throw it in there. Also gonna start the scope search now so opinions on light scopes with zero stop good for out to 1000 would be appreciated as well. Learning a lot from you guys! Spending lots to, lol!

The accurate shooter site has a section on the 6.5x284 with load information.

Thanks I will check it out. This is the first new rifle I have purchased since mid 90's , what recommendations for barrel break in?

I own and shoot both with a very high level of satisfaction. The 6.5 Creemoor will do everything to 600-700 Yards that a 6.5x284 will do to 1000+ yards on game. Given the particular rifle you are condidering, I would personally choose the 6.5x284 to keep my options for longer range hunting opportunities open. As others have stated, I wouldn't pay too much heed to the 6.5x284 barrel burning paranoia unless you are planning to engage in hot/high volume competition where few cartridges capable of its level of ballistic performance will hold groups much past 2000 rounds...

DocDoc said:

The accurate shooter site has a section on the 6.5x284 with load information.

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I need a link!

I guess I'm too stupid to find it...every time I see someone mention this I go look and can't find it...

Google accurateshooter.com and calibers are listed down the left side. Not to difficult.

DocDoc said:

The accurate shooter site has a section on the 6.5x284 with load information.

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Keep in mind that the load data in Accurate Shooter(and many reloading manuals) contains mostly loads used for target/competition and have remained unchanged for several years. There are more recent, well proven loads that can provide higher velocities and improved barrel life using contemporary, slower burning powders. These loads are easily located on this site.

RL26 and 6.5-284's w/130-140's is generally a top performer.

Greyfox, you have some load info for me to start out with? Light for break in the starting point for hunting loads? Appreciate it.

6.5 Sherman pushing the new Berger 155 Elite Hunters would be a nice setup with lower recoil.