6.5x284 norma vs 6.5x47 lapua

[model70rum]

Im getting ready to start my first custom build. The rifle im using is a Kimber 8400 30-06. My first plan was to make it a 6.5x284 norma. After doing some research on other calibers, I found the 6.5x47 lapua. Will the 30-06 long action be a good candidate 6.5x47? They seem to be real close to the same ballistics. I have also read that the 6.5x47 has alot longer barrel life. Any advice on these two calibers would be great!

 

[Mikecr]

Don't be fooled by fools. The 284 case has way more capacity, and given today's powders it can flat out leave any mighty mouse in the dust.
What you're missing is that the 6.5x47 folks are shooting lighter lower BC bullets(123-130gr) than commonly loaded in 6.5x284(140-147). So when you take them at apples to apples, you see the 6.5x284 is way more cartridge.
For example, a 6.5x284 can push a 140vld at 3250fps within SAAMI max. A 6.5x47 nearly blows it's seems with the same bullet at 2950fps(300fps slower).
What could a 6.5x284 do with 123 or 130gr bullets?
(using QuickLoad)
130gr =~3350fps
123gr =~3450fps

The mighty mouses(6.5x47L & 6.5CM) are 600yd competition cartridges. This is where they shine by design(given the parameters of their intended competition).
The 6.5x284 is a 1kyd competition cartridge. It is better suited for taking on the wind(the devil) at such a distance. And it's done fairly well for a long time.

Would I build a 600yd gun around a 6.5x284,, NO. Would I build a 1kyd gun around a 6.5x47,, NO. But this is a hunting site, so there may be many more factors to consider for you.
All I'm suggesting is that there is no such thing as 'more with less'..

 

[model70rum]

Thanks for the great reply mike, thats exactly what kind of info im looking for. I am mostly wanting to build this rifle for antelope hunting. I have this kimber 8400 action that was a 30-06 and I just cant decide what caliber to go with. What other calibers would you recommend with the action that I have? Thanks again.

 

[CogburnR]

The 6.5-06, 6.5-06AI, or 6.5Gibbs would be candidates also if you want the 6.5 caliber.

 

[Oliveralan]

6.5x47 lapua is definetely a short action cartridge. The 284 win was orginially also developed as a short action cartridge.

If this is an antelop hunting rifle, the shots can be long, and there is almost always wind to acompany the antelope. So I would go with a fast caliber and forget barrel life. A 6.5-284 will go a conservative 1000rnds of competition life. That means fast strings of fire and extreme accuracy. Unless your shooting hundreds of antelope a year at 800+ yards, you won't notice it for at least 1400rnds. A 6.5-284 will serve you very well, as would a 264 win mag, 7 wsm, or for better bbl life (and slighty lower max velocity) the 6.5x55 swede. In a modern action with lapua brass, a very formidable cartridge.

 

[Dean2506]

Why not give the 25-06 or 25-06 ackley a try. I know they dont have the bc of the 6.5 but they will push a 100 grain in the 3400-3600 fps range and are awsome out to 500 yds. I am a huge .257 fan so i have to push them a little.

 

[backwoods83]

Well for those that have read some of my post, you will see that my to favorites are the 26 and 30 calibers for two reasons bullet selection with high bcs and accuracy. I will break it down for you like this. Consider the of a long action for all of this info. The greatest to least powerful 26 calibers 6.5x300wby, 6.5stw, 6.5x300wsm, 264wby, 264wm, (6.5x284, 6.5remmag, 6.5-06AI, and 6.5gibbs are so **** close I call them a tie), 6.5-06 non AI, 6.5x55swede, 260AI, 260rem, 6.5x47lapua, 6.5tcu. You just reverse that list for longest barrel life for rapid firing. The most accurate is kinda tied to about 500 yards (6.5x284, 6.5x47, 6.5x55, 6.5-06AI, 6.5-06, 260AI) then it starts to fall off with the 260rem and all the high power and wildcatted mags. If you want to use a 6.5x47 at 1k I suggest you neck it down to a 6x47 and use 115 bergers in a 26" or longer 1/7 twist barrel cause the 6.5x47 doesn't have a big enough set! The 6.5x284 would be my first choice, second would be the 6.5rem mag, and third would be 6.5-06AI. Just some of my experience and opinion good luck with your build.

 

[eddybo]

I love the 6.5x47. I have shot some really great 1K groups the x47 cases, accuracy has been great. That said, if I had the same action to build off and for hunting purposes I would go 6.5x284. I actually prefer the 243AI with 115 dtacs down a 7.5 twist barrel, but the 6.5x284 is a great hunting round.

 

[cowboy]

If I had a '06 donor action and was wanting to hunt antelope/deer/elk size game I would consider with staying with something that will handle the wind - and heavy bullets handle wind better than lighter bullets. With that said I have personally had very good results with the 280AI (Ackley Improved). Put a 1-9" twist and you can go clean up to the 180 gr. bullet. I personally use the 168 VLD and have never felt handicapped at any time.

With that said - if I had to build this rifle again I sure would toss and turn over going with the 6.5 X .284 and the 140 gr., but I'd bet I'd stay with the 280AI.

 

[RockyMtnMT]

I am running the 6.5 Dasher out of a 22" barrel over 3000 fps with the 140 Berger. That being said, the long action may as well go with the 6.5-284 and seat the long bullets way out and still use the factory mag and pick up a little velocity over the 6.5X47 Lap imp. The 6.5-06 will fit perfectly and give you very good performance. Finding brass for the 6.5-06 will never be a problem. There is very little picked up by improving the 6.5-06 so I would not for the added work.

You will very much like the 6.5 cal, so go for it.

For what it is worth, my favorite hunting bullet for the 6.5 is the 130g Swift Scirocco.

Steve

 

[Mikecr]

I am running the 6.5 Dasher out of a 22" barrel over 3000 fps with the 140 Berger

No you're not.. You've got some numbers mixed up..

 

[backwoods83]

I was kinda thinking the same, how the hell are you getting 3000fps from a necked up 6mmBR improved? Would be believable if you said 95gran vmax!

 

[model70rum]

Thanks for all the replies guys! If I went with the 6.5x284 what length barrel and twist would you recommend. I was thinking 26-28 long with a 1-8" twist for the 140 grain bullets? My gunsmith said he uses alot of douglas barrels and he has had good luck with them but he told me I can order what ever brand of barrel I want. Thanks again.

 

[Mikecr]

28", 8:1, any cut rifled barrel contoured for gun balance.
But barrels are cheap, so you couldn't loose alot going with your gunsmith's preference if he has it on-hand.