First Build - Looking for thoughts...

sable tireur · Jul 1, 2019

FIGJAM said:
If I go with a cartridge that requires a magnum bolt face, would I need to do anything to the feed ramp or any other modifications?

Just in general, the rails will need to be widened to accommodate the larger diameter cartridge. Sometime the feed ramp needs some adjusting because of the difference in the geometry of the feeding going from '06 length and diameter to belted magnum length and diameter. Most of the belted mags are similar in length to the '06 but a few are longer (300 Win Mag, 7mm STW, etc.).

The follower can be replaced as well.

djm670 · Jul 1, 2019

sable tireur said:
Just in general, the rails will need to be widened to accommodate the larger diameter cartridge. Sometime the feed ramp needs some adjusting because of the difference in the geometry of the feeding going from '06 length and diameter to belted magnum length and diameter. Most of the belted mags are similar in length to the '06 but a few are longer (300 Win Mag, 7mm STW, etc.).

The follower can be replaced as well.

My guess he is talking shorter than 06 length with 6.5 PRC?

lancetkenyon · Jul 1, 2019

.280AI. Run a 26" 1:9" Proof Sendero Light and push a 175 Berger Elite Hunter @ 2920-2975ish. Elk medicine. While I am not sure if it is a 1200 yard elk round, it will get to 1000 in most cases.

Not sure if there are any heavy factory ammo available that will match that however. Mostly 140-160 bullet weight options.

But, very easy to load for when you get ready.

Alibiiv · Jul 1, 2019

FIGJAM said:
I have a rem700 Sendero SF II in 2506 that I have loved, but want to rebarrel to a long range friendly cartridge. the gun has some serious sentimental value, so I will never sell it, but just want to give her a face lift with a carbon fiber barrel, new trigger, stock etc.

I handload - at least I have all the stuff, but a new promotion and kids haven't given me much time. So some nice factory ammo is important, at least for the next few years or until I can work up a load. I am thinking about either a 280 AI or 6.5 prc.

Anything else I should consider? If I go with a PRC my current bolt face won't work, anything else I am going to replace to get it to work?

I had a man crush on the 6.5x284, but not sure what factory loads are out there.

Purpose will be range work out to 1200, deer, elk, black bears etc. out to whatever distance I feel comfortable. Right now thats about 800-900 yards. I don't believe you have to have a big magnum cartridge to kill elk, my go to rifle to slay those suckers has been a 270wsm with 145gr eldx and it has been a hammer on them...so the 143gr eldx or the 147gr eldm in the 6.5 will be fine.

I'm thinking with the idea of factory ammunition in mind the .270WSM sounds like a good cartridge for what you are looking for in a hunting/range rifle. Not sure about how the cartridge will work in a long action, and probably have to open the bolt face?? The original thought about the .280 Ackley Improved would make a great choice for what you are making the build for; and......it's cool

. There's a great selection of ammunition to choose from for whatever you want to hunt or shoot. I've made these suggestions based upon the criteria of having off-the-shelf ammunition. If you're looking at 6.5 caliber, the 6.5-06 has a lot going for it also, and....ammunition is available off-the-shelf.

L.Sherm · Jul 1, 2019

Alibiiv said:
I'm thinking with the idea of factory ammunition in mind the .270WSM sounds like a good cartridge for what you are looking for in a hunting/range rifle.

You would definitely have to work on the feed lips and ramp for the short fat 270wsm case.

Overkill338 · Jul 1, 2019

L.Sherm said:
You got elk and bear on your list, 280AI

How does the 280 AI actually compare to the 7mm Rem Mag?

L.Sherm · Jul 1, 2019

There close, if you reload then 280AI will get you factory ammo speeds of a 7 mag.I have ran 140's in 3-280AI at 3220-3240 in 24" tubes and 162's at 3070 in a 24" tube with RL23

L.Sherm · Jul 1, 2019

In a previous post you can see where Lance is running the 175 at mid 2900's I'm loading for my nephews 7 mag with 180 Bergers at 2980

SMK1000plus · Jul 1, 2019

Another vote for 280 AI! I love that cartridge just as much as any of my 7mm RMs. If you ever wanted to go back to 25-06 you still could, even adding a faster 7.5" or 8" twist for the newer, heavy high BC bullets available for it now.

Remmy700 · Jul 1, 2019

yup 280 AI or a 6.5/06 AI on that bolt face.

FIGJAM · Jul 1, 2019

Remmy700 said:
yup 280 AI or a 6.5/06 AI on that bolt face.

The 6.5x284 norma also uses a standard bolt face doesn't it?

L.Sherm · Jul 1, 2019

FIGJAM said:
The 6.5x284 norma also uses a standard bolt face doesn't it?

Yes

Remmy700 · Jul 1, 2019

FIGJAM said:
The 6.5x284 norma also uses a standard bolt face doesn't it?

Yes sir. I was also thinking of that but I think 6.5/06 AI will be right along side of that one, and lapua 30/06 brass is easy to find.

slickyboyboo · Jul 1, 2019

280 AI, and never look back! You will enjoy the 280 AI, it will do anything you need.

First Build - Looking for thoughts...

sable tireur

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djm670

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lancetkenyon

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Alibiiv

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L.Sherm

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Overkill338

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L.Sherm

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L.Sherm

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SMK1000plus

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Remmy700

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FIGJAM

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L.Sherm

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Remmy700

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slickyboyboo

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