Any thoughts on a 6.5-284 for sheep hunting?

[Timnterra]

I'm contemplating building a rifle for high altitude mountain backpack hunts for sheep goats and possibly elk. I've already got a remington 700 long action and an HS precision stock I just need to decide on the caliber. I'm leaning towards a 6.5-284 in a 26" #4 profile for lighter weight. I am also considering a .280 AI.

My question in essence is: if you could build the ultimate mountain rifle for deer and sheep size game what would it be? The only cartridge restriction is it must have a standard .473 bolt face

 

[barnesuser28]

A Rem SA, McMillian Ultralight stock, this cartridge: http://www.longrangehunting.com/forums/f19/new-6-5-idea-106853/ a Brux #3 contour barrel at 24", a muscle brake, and vortex viper pst 4-16 MOA turret with the EBR 1-MOA reticle SFP. And a jewel trigger of course.

 

[Greyfox]

I went through the same decision process several years ago and went with a 6.5x284. It's predominately a a mule deer, whitetail rifle. Having taken numerous deer with the rifle using 140 VLD's out to about 1000 yards, it's been a remarkably accurate and effective gamegetter. I shoot a 26" Cooper 520 with a #5 fluted barrel, 1:8 twist. Also have a Savage LRH in the same caliber. I won this rifle at a match but it's 24" inch barrel is a tad narrower then the Coopers but shoots just as well with only about a 20FPS difference in velocity using Retumbo. You won't be disappointed with the 6.5x284.

 

[Timnterra]

That is pretty much exactly what i'm wanting to do. What velocities are you getting with the 140 vld?

 

[Greyfox]

That is pretty much exactly what i'm wanting to do. What velocities are you getting with the 140 vld?

My velocities are 2970 with an ES of 5-8. I can get up to 3025 with no pressire signs but I get top accuracy and ES a little lower.

 

[Timnterra]

How much does that Cooper weigh with the #5 26" barrel? Is that about the same contour as a Remington sendero? I was trying to keep the rifle under 10 lbs before scope.

 

[Greyfox]

How much does that Cooper weigh with the #5 26" barrel? Is that about the same contour as a Remington sendero? I was trying to keep the rifle under 10 lbs before scope.

It's about.78" and fluted, lighter then the Rem varmint taper at .83". I don't know the weight of the Sendaro. My rifle with scope(Huskemaw 5x20 with Talley 2 pc integral base and rings) is about 10.5#. I really like the extra barrel weight for the stability with the longer range shots that are quite common where I hunt in Wyoming and Alberta every year.