Final Build Decision (6.5-06 ai vs .280 ai)

[Monttrap04]

I have a blueprinted Rem 700 LA/bottom metal with a standard bolt face and a McMillan HTG edge fill stock sitting in my gun room right now. I have decided on fluted Bartlein 2b. I was pretty set on a 6.5-06 AI to shoot 130-140s but am now kicking around the .280 ackley shooting 140s-160s. I am looking for some persuasion one way or the other.

My main focus for this rifle will be as a lighter weight, lighter recoiling rifle for big game. This will primarily be used for deer/antelope hunting but lots of the places I hunt deer offer an occasional chance at an elk. On dedicated elk hunts I will probably just continue to take something .30 cal or larger.

A few considerations:

1) I don't like long barrels. 24" is max for me and prefer 22-23"
2) I don't mind forming brass and working with one-off type cartridges. I have a good quantity of suitable brass for either.
3) I don't plan to shoot game much past 600 but would like to ring steel at 1000.
4) I don't need one rifle that will do everything.
5) I am not interested in anything other than these two options.
6) Recoil is a consideration but not over overall performance.

Any input is appreciated.

Thanks

 

[dok7mm]

I love my 6.5-284s and my 6.5 Sherman (basically a 280 AI with slightly more powder capacity). Based on your requirements, I would go with the 280 AI option, as you can go light with 140s or load the heavier options and have the capacity to push them. I have taken a slew of animals with a straight 280 in a 24" inch barrel, but my present 280 is 26". Sounds like you'd be in good shape with either choice.

 

[Rich Coyle]

.280 A

 

[lancetkenyon]

I am nearing the end of a build after having this very same dilemma. 6.5-06AI to run 140s @ 3150 or .280AI to run 160/168s @ 2900-2950. It started life as a .30-06 a long time ago. I build it into a medium weight (11#) .25-06AI about 14 years ago for a deer/antelope rifle. Time for a change. My goal is an 8-8.5# finished w. scope light carry deer rifle that can be a back up elk rifle as well. So I went .280AI. I can still push 140s @ 3100ish if I so desire as well.

R700LA BDL
Manners EH1
Proof Sendero Light
Hawkins 3 port brake
Fluted bolt
Carbon Fiber knob
Allow bolt shroud
Shilen Match trigger @ 1.5#
Seekins 20MOA alloy Picatinny
Seekins 30mm Low alloy rings
Premier Heritage Light Tactical 3-15x50

 

[Plinker147]

I would go 280AI, just for wider bullet options and stamped brass and better barrel life

IMO going AI in a short barrel isn't worth while. Go at least 24,

 

[MudRunner2005]

.280 AI gets my vote between the 2... If you want a 6.5 on a long action, the 6.5 Sherman would be your best bet over the 6.5-06 AI. The .280 Sherman would also be another excellent option, basically, it's a .280 AI that's been improved even more.

Once again, just personal opinion.

 

[benchracer]

I have a blueprinted Rem 700 LA/bottom metal with a standard bolt face and a McMillan HTG edge fill stock sitting in my gun room right now. I have decided on fluted Bartlein 2b. I was pretty set on a 6.5-06 AI to shoot 130-140s but am now kicking around the .280 ackley shooting 140s-160s. I am looking for some persuasion one way or the other.

My main focus for this rifle will be as a lighter weight, lighter recoiling rifle for big game. This will primarily be used for deer/antelope hunting but lots of the places I hunt deer offer an occasional chance at an elk. On dedicated elk hunts I will probably just continue to take something .30 cal or larger.

A few considerations:

1) I don't like long barrels. 24" is max for me and prefer 22-23"
2) I don't mind forming brass and working with one-off type cartridges. I have a good quantity of suitable brass for either.
3) I don't plan to shoot game much past 600 but would like to ring steel at 1000.
4) I don't need one rifle that will do everything.
5) I am not interested in anything other than these two options.
6) Recoil is a consideration but not over overall performance.

Any input is appreciated.

Thanks

Both of the cartridges you are considering really are at their best in 26" barrels or longer. You could go with a fluted Bartlein 3b without adding substantial weight to your setup.

Because you mention that the primary purpose of the rifle is deer and antelope to 600 yards, the 6.5, with the 147 ELD-M as the flagship bullet, seems like a better fit.

However, if you just can't live with a barrel longer than 24", the 280 AI and heavier bullets is the better option.

With either chambering, going with anything less than 24" is a waste of potential. If you want a short barrel, go with a smaller capacity case or something based on a short mag.

 

[Monttrap04]

Thanks for all the responses so far. Much appreciated.

I know the shorter barrel requirement neutered things a bit but I did have some practical rational behind the AI other than just velocity.I also shoot a standard 6mm-06 and a .30-06. Having the 6.5 or .280 in an AI version would help eliminate some potential ammo mix-ups since most of my brass will not wear the proper headstamp. Probably not a deal killer but something that made some sense to me.

Thanks again.

 

[scooterf79]

I've got a 280AI and really like it. I think both of those are good choices. I think however the 280AI would probably be the most practical choice. Mentioning the 6.5 gets me excited. I've got a new 700 action that may need a new barrel....
Great site!
Scooter

 

[Frank in the Laurels]

280 by a landslide, much easier to work with and control.Limitless brass available using /06 if necessary. You can always make the big ones act like the little ones but not vice versa... 280AI..great choice.

 

[86alaskan]

Ok, out on a limb here, go with the 6.5-06 and chamber around the 160gr matrix. problem solved. excellent high BC 6.5 that'll take an elk easy, but the ability to go down around 120 for a nice light recoiling antelope rifle. if you've already got the big guns for dedicated elk rifles, go a little smaller and enjoy the light recoil.

 

[B23]

With the barrel length you are wanting to spec (22-24in.) I don't think there would be any point in doing a 6.5-06AI and a 6.5-284, especially with that length barrel, would be a better choice. I'd even consider a 6.5x55 Swede or 6.5x55AI, too.

 

[JTB]

I have a 6.5-06 (not AI) and use this rifle as you decribed. It shoots the 142gr LR AB at 3100 from a Douglas 24" barrel. It is a pleasure to shoot with no brake and has been very effective on large game. I had it out a few days ago ringing the 1000 steel with about a 6" grouping. I don't use it much hunting because someone seems to borrows it every season. Comparing the relative BCs of the 6.5 140-160 vs the 7mm 140-168 and associated velocities they can be fired from the -06 AI platform you basically end up with similar energy at 700 yards but a flatter shooting 6.5 vs the 7mm. For the bullet weights you mentioned it looks like the 6.5-06 AI may have a slight advantage.

 

[Don A Parsons]

The rifle you build will be the one you want, that's all that really matters.

Go with the 24" barrel since it will do everything you put in your post.

I'm came from the short 20" heavy barrel 308 winchester days and it shot good,,, but it didn't take me long too realize that tagging iron at 1000 meters on most every shot is a lot easier with a National match 32" and 34" barrels.

Yes they are heavy but it's just part of one step as I push forward too the 1 mile if I ever get there.

Any Who,,, we all do what we do as its up too us too pick & choose where we want to be.

Having the solid actions and endless optics along with Jewel triggers means that I can change my game plan at any time,,, so this year Im 65% done building my all round F Class match rifle with 28 1/2" heavy heavy barrel that can be used for game & critter harvests.
Interchangeable weigth system from 11 lb to 22 lb for open F.

The second rifle is soon too get underway as it will have a heavy heavy barrel the same length,,, 10 lbs too 18 1/2 clip on FTR weigths.

Both rifles have 2 optics for the quick attach rails.

BDC optics for Harvesting and Varmint hunting,,, 6-25x50 for both classes of F.

And I can do iron silhouette match as well.

All rifles I own have too be able to do all or I won't own them.
That way I can shoot the barrels off both of them every year.

Western Canada Don