6.5 Creedmoor build 2K budget

KyCarl said:

Just remember light recoil equals light impact! Physics plain and simple when you pull the trigger an equal amount of force is applied both directions!
I would use a 300WM before a 6.5CM!

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I would disagree with that. My 6mm cm pushes a 105g to 3100 on 42g, faster than a 243 while using less powder. Same with the 7 blaser mag pushing a 195 to 3000fps on 64-69 g vs 70-90g in larger cases.

OK Cool you can have your opinion but you are only talking about speed?
Let's discuss Foot Pounds Of Energy. I can run a 70 Gr out of my 22-250
that is faster than your 6mm or a 100 Gr out of my 25-06 that averages
3300 FPS! But that sure doesn't make either one an Elk rifle! It's what happens when they get there that matters!

Tagging in...

I will agree with all the others in saying the 6.5CM isn't a good elk round.

If you want one I would look for a Seekins PH1 or bump the budget up to $2600 and check this link...

https://www.longrangehunting.com/threads/custom-6-5-creedmoor.214842/

I would take your friend somewhere that he could shoulder a few brands of different rifles makes. That will give more direction to the name brand of rifle that best suits his needs.

KyCarl said:

OK Cool you can have your opinion but you are only talking about speed?
Let's discuss Foot Pounds Of Energy. I can run a 70 Gr out of my 22-250
that is faster than your 6mm or a 100 Gr out of my 25-06 that averages
3300 FPS! But that sure doesn't make either one an Elk rifle! It's what happens when they get there that matters!

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not at all your completely missing physics and my point of view. i was comparing small yet subtle differences in very similar calibers. A 6mm cm and a 243 are basically identicle, yet the 6cm is slightly faster and uses less powder, therefore there is less felt recoil than an equally performing (speed) 243. Just as the 7 blaser vs 7rm or equal speed load in a 7rum etc

2000$ budget?
Custom action, remage barrel, Timney, and 4-500$ stock that fits well.

Edit: missed the "with optics" part.

Savage and a SHV would be my choice.

If your friend wants to go with 6.5CM, I suggest you help enhance velocity with a 26" barrel and go with long, tough Bullets like 140gr Accubond or 139gr Scenar, at well over 2800fps. Maybe the X-Bolt Hell's Canyon LR?

I'm not one to pour gas on the fire, but, while the 6.5 CDM will do the job, there are better choices out there as a dedicated elk rifle. BUT with the proper bullet and within proper ranges, 6.5 CDM will do ok.

Check out the Christensen Arms Mesa rifle.

If it were me, 270 or 30-06 for a non magnum gun, or a 7mm 30 cal magnum. I have a 7mm STW & RUM even though the others can do the job that would be "my" minimum guns. I do have a Howa 270 that shoots very well. It's stainless, with the rubber coated stock, & a Leupold VX3. I have less than $1200 in it, but it shoots sub moa all day and would be good to 4-500 yards on a elk with the right bullet (LR Accubond)

I would do the savage 110 high country 6.5prc (ballistics are better and more energy) and a Nightforce SHV scope, 20 moa base and some rings. Slap a small lightweight bipod on there and be done. I think it would be a great little rifle and he would be able to use it for multiple applications.

6.5mm is a bad idea for ELK. If you're on a budget do this:

Rem700LR(7mm rem mag or 300 win mag) $700 in your hands (https://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/mobile/product/79957/redirect) - this is an amazing deal considering it comes with a $280 bell and Carlson stock with integral aluminum bedding block. And if it won't shoot you only have about $400 in the action so you have a good start to a custom rifle.

Factory trigger is serviceable ($100-150 Timney or trigger tech optional)

Glass bedding (easy to dIY for $15 jb weld but $100-150 at gunsmith)

Sightron siii 3.5-10x44mm ($650 new) - best glass/tracking for the $ IMO

Harrels prescion muzzle brake ($100-150 install by gunsmith) - will reduce recoil by 70% and allow you to spot your impacts over 3-400yds.

Get a good 20moa steel one piece scope base (<$100, recommend tps)

TPS aluminum low 30mm rings ($120) - recommend aluminum rings due to different thermal expansion of steel/aluminum, don't want to stress scope tube.

That's a total of $1870 (conservatively) for a 1moa 1000yd hunting rifle. If you reload great, if not, you can buy good 7mmRM/300WM at any gun shop.

bh5k said:

Looking to build a 6.5 Creedmoor for an elk hunt this fall. Have a 2k budget for the package (including optics) what would you guys recommend? I have built full custom rifles in the past, but not really done a lot of making long range rifles based off of factory builds. Something factory that would fit the bill with some gunsmithing...or recommend something else? Could maybe push the budget another $500 if need be.

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If you are building the rifle yourself, yes it's doable at the $2000.00 mark

Bergara Ridge + Nightforce SHV F1 should come in right at $2000

Or if you want something more tactical pay $150 more and get the HMR.

Have 2 Bergaras both are sub .5MOA with handloads.

You are welcome in advance.