Does anyone have a lightweight hunting rig in 6.5-280 Ackley

[Darryle]

I have a 6.5-280 AI built on my trusty old M700 by WTO. It has a Stocky's VG2 stock, 26" Proof barrel, B&A two-stage trigger, and tips the scale right at 9lb with the pictured Z6 3-18x50 (22oz I think). It was intended to be a medium-light rifle for back-pack Coues hunting... so light but still really accurate and easy to shoot. The brake is from WTO, and it cuts the recoil substantially.... feels about like my friends un-braked 243 or my (heavier) 25CM for comparison.

This is the information I was looking for, WTO was/is on the short list of builders, except I am wanting to use one of the ultralight titanium actions available.

Thank you!

 

[AggieHunter]

I have a 6.5 x 280AI that my good friend and custom rifle guy Randy Fite built for me. I use 130 Nosler AB w/RL26. getting 3100 fps. hand loads that Randy help to design. Deadly accurate. Fun to shoot. very mild recoil - maybe 243 type recoil. My kids have shot it w/no issues. Jewell trigger, Krieger Barrel, Deviant Action, HS Precision bottom metal w/a magazine, leupold scope, mcmillian stock, Randy's custom muzzle break. His phone number is 936-662-6263. Not sure on the weight but close to your requirements.

 

[MadMarkie]

This is the information I was looking for, WTO was/is on the short list of builders, except I am wanting to use one of the ultralight titanium actions available.

Thank you!

Happy to help!

I really can't recommend WTO enough.... the re-barreling transformed it from a mediocre 25-06 into the perfect pack rifle for me. It's boring accurate with 140 and 156 Berger EHs or 140 ELDs, and was a breeze to tune right from break-in. Give them a call.... they would probably be happy to build an amazing rifle on a Lone Peak, and what a gem that would be!

 

[big johnson]

Most ultra lite rifles aren't made to shoot off a bench . Recoil can be stiff a lot due to stock design and pencil barrels. I have owned several over the last 30 years. The lightest was a 6.5 cm on a skeletonized 700 short action 23" pencil barrel, no brake, blind mag ,mag tech rings, Leupold ultra lite 3x9 scope 9oz. with cds with 4 rounds in the gun total weight was 6.0lbs. even. Kicked harder than my 340 that weighed 7lbs ,4oz. with 2 rounds in the box . Iv'e sold both to friends who still hike a lot. To me the definition of ultra lite stops at 7lbs. My son built a 5 1/2lb. 300wm then put heavy glass on it to keep the weight under 8lbs. that's not a bad way to go. Lots of options just do your home work.

 

[Philward]

The right brake will make recoil a non-issue. My little 7 yr old son can shoot my 7 Allen Mag (338 Lapua Improved case) with no trouble or pain. (9 lb scoped but a lot more gun than a 6.5/280 AI and it hardly moves. I can spot shots at 300 yds) The Terminator brakes are a good option, but there are too many to mention.

Not sure how this reply got posted, not intentional.

 

[JAYgs8163]

I have a 6.5-280 AI built on my trusty old M700 by WTO. It has a Stocky's VG2 stock, 26" Proof barrel, B&A two-stage trigger, and tips the scale right at 9lb with the pictured Z6 3-18x50 (22oz I think). It was intended to be a medium-light rifle for back-pack Coues hunting... so light but still really accurate and easy to shoot. The brake is from WTO, and it cuts the recoil substantially.... feels about like my friends un-braked 243 or my (heavier) 25CM for comparison.

Quick question. Do you like that Stockys stock, VG2? I've eyeballed them but have hesitated to get one.

 

[Philward]

Quick question. Do you like that Stockys stock, VG2? I've eyeballed them but have hesitated to get one.

I have one on a rem 700 long range, fits well and shoots pretty good. Could use a cheek piece to provide better cheek weld to stock.

 

[MadMarkie]

Quick question. Do you like that Stockys stock, VG2? I've eyeballed them but have hesitated to get one.

It's a great stock.... really light, nice and rigid, and bedded well with minimal fuss (I have the version with Al pillars, not the full length block). It was part of a special price bundle with the Proof barrel, which they do every so often. My only complaint was the 80G sandpaper finish that it came with, but I smoothed that down a bit while doing the rattle-can + sponge DIY camo. I also added flush cups for a sling, and it seems really well built after drilling into it. Looks like we might share AOs, so let me know if you want to check it out some time!