6.5 vs 270 -- Another "which xx-06 variant" with or w/o AI thread.......

[cdherman]

OK, I have this Savage LRH in 25-06 (that I bought from cabellas used, in retrospect I know why it was not expensive) that I have decided to rebarrel. I have HAD it with .257 caliber. Not that its not something useful, just with the lack of heavy .257 bullets (don't start telling me about custom stuff), I cannot further pursue them.....

I have a Tikka 6.5x55 T3 Lite that shoots well, but slowish with the 22" barrel. A heavy as heck 6.5 Creedmoore that also shoots well, but zero carry joy. I also have a really nice (I hope) 280 AI on the way, on 700 action. It should satisfy my 7mm needs for a while..

I don't want to mess with bolt face or the magazine because the gun is not worth the trouble (so that rules out a number of magnum choices). Kind of a budget build here, basically barrel swap (although I will probably go with a Bartlein barrel in savage prefit from Southern Precision Rifles)

Choices I have considered are: 6.5-06, 6.5-06 AI, 6.5x284, 270 Win, 270 AI

I have piles of 25-06 brass, so the 6.5-06 versions are interesting. Just need some dies. Have lots of .264 bullets too.

I can get quality Lapua brass for the 6.5x284, but would need new dies etc. Would get less velocity, but accuracy potential is upside.

I already have a good set of dies for the 270, including a micrometer seating die, so that saves there, but the 270 is not able to push equal G7 BC bullets as fast as say the 6.5-06 or AI version.

No one much loves the 270 AI, though it PUZZLES ME, since the 6.5-06 AI and 280 AI are both getting plenty love. And there are a few nice .277 heavy LR bullets out there.

I doubt that barrel life is much an issue. I would build this gun with about a 25" heavy sporter contour barrel and use it as a "heavy carry" gun for deer. I want a gun that I can shoot a deer with and then carry to find a deer down and potentially still shoulder and shoot off hand in a pinch (my wonderful Creedmoor, while nice and accurate, is useless if I ever have to pursue a wounded animal).....

I like to get at least 2900 fps out of a decent heavy LR bullet, say 140 in 6.5 and 150 in .277.

I am favoring the 6.5-06 AI. BUT, the 270 AI intrigues me.... Dies would be a challenge it seems....

 

[FEENIX]

No one much loves the 270 AI

I'm OK with that, it propels the 175 Matrix VLD out of mine at 2993 FPS ...

(150 NAB .270 Win vs 175 Matrix VLD .270 AI)

I do not fireform. I have an accuracy load for .270 Win; 2919 FPS with 175 Matrix. In a pinch, I can shoot factory ammo.

I use Hornady dies for .270 Win and Redding dies for my .270 AI (https://www.midwayusa.com/product/631506/redding-2-die-set).

 

[desertcj]

I'd go 6.5-06 Ackley probably. Unless you just want to play with a .277?

 

[elkaholic]

6.5 Sherman uses the 270 case and will out do the A.I. and pretty much keep up with a WM with a lot less powder. Quite a few built by guys on this forum. It is capable of reaching 3300 with a 140 in a 26" barrel....rich

 

[RockyMtnMT]

The 27 and 25 cal standard twist both suffer with lack of high bc bullets because they can't stabilize them well. The 27 is a little bit better supported but with either one you need to go with faster than standard twist rates if you want to utilize high bc heavy for cal bullets to make them long range contenders.

I heard this stuff about the ¼ bores and no high bc bullets and if someone would just make the bullet we will rebarrel our riffles and buy them by the thousands. We designed the bullet and all the loud mouths shut up and never rebarrelled or bought bullets.

We designed a 128g bullet for a 7 twist in the ¼ bore and it makes the 257 Bee a legit 7-800y hunting rifle. Ours is running that bullet at 3250fps with a 24" barrel.

We would be happy to work with you if you would like. Otherwise you will be better off with the 26 cal or 28 cal.

Steve

 

[MudRunner2005]

+1 on the 6.5 Sherman. The 6.5 Sherman pushing the new Berger 155 Elite Hunters will be a beast.

Another good option is the .280 Sherman pushing the new Berger 175 Elite Hunters.

Both cartridges use the .270 Win case to form brass from.

 

[CaptnC]

I own 25-06, 6.5-06, 270 and 30-06...did own 280 and kept the dies for my next one.

So, my choice is the 6.5...less recoil than .277, .284 and .308

In this order bases on 06 case;
6.5 Sherman
6.5-06 either or 6.5-06 AI

Add to the list these 6.5's
264wm
6.5x284
6.5x55

 

[couesaddict]

Or just do a 270 Sherman with an 8 twist like I did. 170 bergers at 3080 for an accuracy node. Can be pushed over 3100. Takes a little longer for a barrel due to the lack of popularity but I'm certainly happy with the outcome. I believe Rich has a couple smiths that are willing to do savage prefits for the shermans also if it's something that strikes your fancy.

 

[Deleted member 46119]

In a pinch, I can shoot factory ammo.

And there in lies a very big argument in favor of a 270 AI with an 8 or 9 twist.

 

[FEENIX]

And there in lies a very big argument in favor of a 270 AI with an 8 or 9 twist.

Aye Sir!

 

[FEENIX]

I heard this stuff about the ¼ bores and no high bc bullets and if someone would just make the bullet we will rebarrel our riffles and buy them by the thousands. We designed the bullet and all the loud mouths shut up and never rebarrelled or bought bullets.

Liberals?

 

[wildcat westerner]

Considering you have the rifle and a lot of 6.5 bullets, I say SHOOT 'em! Ballistics tables tell you that diameter bullet from mid size cases simply shoots flatter and drifts in the wind less. After shooting 6.5 x 284 for sixteen years, I find no fault with this cartridge, but the next barrel from Bartlein will be chambered in 6.5 Sherman, the absolute practical max capacity you can get for the 6.5 diameter bullet, plus you end up with four in the magazine, not three or two.

G.S.

 

[JTB]

270 is now competitive at longer ranges with the 170gr EOL and other high BC options. With a G7 of .339 and near 2900 fps the standard 270 it will deliver about 1300 ft/lb of energy at 1000 yards compared with about 1000 ft/lb from a 140gr 6.5 elite hunter at 3000 fps from the 6.5-06. The 6.5 will have slightly less recoil but if you are using a brake that will be less of a factor. I have a 6.5-06 and not a 270 but if you put a 1:8 twist barrel on the 270 it will be a great option. I know there are too many variables to mention in making this selection, just saying that if you want the 270 it would be a great choice. I know high BC options (>.600 G1) are available from matrix, Berger, and Nosler. I use the 170 EOL in a WSM exclusively and it has been a great shooter.