GetReel
Well-Known Member
I'm just guessing at these velocities. I'll be getting a 24" barrel in either choice.
I've got VV N560, VV N565 I'd like to use.
I've got VV N560, VV N565 I'd like to use.
I'm a one bullet kind of guy, I hate using this one for this, that one for that… re-zeroing the scope and such. If I was going to shoot 140gr bullets, I'd absolutely pick the 6.5x284.It comes down to what are you trying to do? I normally build rifles around a bullet weight I want to shoot in a velocity range I'm trying to accomplish. Sometimes it works out and other times it doesn't
You'll have a lot more flexibility with the 280ai. Shoot a 140/150 bullet for deer and shoot a 180 for bigger game. Then you aren't handcuffing yourself to the bigger bullet and recoil that comes with it.
For a long action build, pretty tough to beat the 280ai and in my opinion the options it gives you.
If choose based on components, the choice is clear. I already have everything I need for the 6.5x284, that includes 300ct of the 156's.Splitting hairs….. 7 will offer a little more bullet frontal area and weight.
If it was me I d base it on what components I might already have if any for the 2 calibers, estimated cost to shoot each ( very similar is my guess), component availability and lastly ( most important) which one you want!!
Yep, that's why responded accordingly in #7 ...Nothing wrong with a 6.5/284, but your comparing apples to oranges.
Why compare two different caliber/chambering?
I was in the same boat recently. I wanted a 6.5-280 Ackley with a 26" carbon barrel. I had to order the barrel and it was going to take 12 - 14 months for the builder to receive it. I went ahead and ordered the barrel, reamer and started piling up components. Then one day the builder calls and says we have a 7mm carbon that will finish at 26" that the original customer backed out on, and if I still wanted a 7mm-08 carbon they would make me a deal. I had already ordered and paid for a 24" heavy contour 7mm-08 rifle that was going to be done in a week or two, so I decided a 280 Ackley was the logical step since I had brass, primers and Whidden bushing dies for the 6.5-280 that could easily be used for the straight 280, the rest was history. They chambered the barrel and spun everything together and about 2 weeks after I picked up the 7mm-08 I picked up the 280 Ackley. It quickly became my go to, accurate and easy on the shoulder, easy to carry at 8 3/4lbs dressed out and with ammo. There is also the benefit of not having to resize brass or fight for bullets with the 6.5mm manbun crowd.
I vote 280 Ackley for now, but keep the components build the 6.5-284 down the road to use for whatever you deem necessary. This is exactly what I am doing with the 6.5-280 Ackley, except that I am trying to get it as light as possible.