I am going to be building a 6.5mm rifle that will be used primarily for varmint hunting. I have two choices I am considering, the .260 Remington factory and a 6.5-284. ( I eventually want to make the some 1k yard shots!) I am kinda at a toss up, I like the 6.5-284 because of its longer range capiblilities, but the cost of brass and the cost of dies are much greater. I just want to make sure that going with the 284 choice is worth the extra $$. GHD and I both agree that the 284 is the way I WANT to go, but not if it is gonna be a major pain in the arse!
If you are an owner of both of these calibers, please give me some input! Also, if you have the 6.5-284, where did you get dies for reloading? I have checked with Lee (my 1st choice for dies) and they will make it for about $100. I want the FL and neck sizing dies, with a seating die...any input would be appreciated! Also, where is the best place to buy Lapua brass??
--Thank God Bush won, I can finally sleep with peace of mind that we do not have a Liberal, anti-war, anti-gun communitst headed to the White House!

You might consider a third alternative: The 6.5x55, loaded to its true potential, will always outperform the 260, which is also a fine cartridge.

The 260 can't run with the larger case at 1000 yds on targets.

Don't think Lee dies or "saving money" if you really want to have a long range performer. One does not have to throw money away either but don't step over diamonds picking up pennies.

You just reminded me that I had a 264 WM made up in 1961 with a 1-12 twist for long range woodchucks.

6.5-06 deserves a good long look

M.H.,

At most, you will get about 150 fps gain with the 6.5x284. In reality, you will probably get about 100fps increase at the same pressure and equal length barrels. Either will work great at 1,000 yds with the right bullet. In a short action, I would go with the 260 Rem and lean on the 6.5x284 if using a long action.

I'm with Vapodg,

6.5-06 chamber in a tight (1:8") twist match barrel will get you out there. If you want to go to 1km you will need a Palma profile barrel at 27-30" long.

A bull barrel at 26" will get you to 800-900 easily enough and won't be too unwieldy. Be sure to get a forward sloped scope base or invest in a premium long range scope.

The most important thing is to buy a reamer from Dave Kiff at http://www.pacifictoolandgauge.com/index.asp

Have fun.

JCN

I'll go along w/ Hogwild on this one. It depends on the rifle you want to use for the project. I had a M700SA, and the mag. box really doesn't allow you to use the extra powder cap. of the 6.5x.284, the bullets just go too deep. I decided on a .260AI. So far I'm happy w/ the vel. I am getting from the 27" bbl. 100gr @ 3400fps+, 120gr @ 3100fps & 140gr @ 2800fps. I'm still trying to dial in the perfect load combo. Stay tuned.

Savage99: What dies do you suggest then for the 6.5-284?? I want a FL,Neck, and seating dies. What brand and where do you get them?

I like RCBS dies. I buy that sort of stuff from Grafs.

I also have a number of Redding FL bushing dies. Others buy a Redding Neck Bushing die and a Redding Bump die for FL. I have not tried those yet. Some also buy a competition seater.

Others even go so far as to use Wilson type straight line dies in an arbor press.

I feel that competition seaters, while desirable, are the last thing to get. The idea being one wants to prep the case right before the bullet goes in.

I just talked to Mo Defino of Master Class sports and he feels that the 6.5 X 284 is the minimum today for 1000 yd target shooting. Remember they use 1-8 twists and shoot the 142 MK. You have not discussed what twist or bullet you might shoot for varmints?

MarmontHunter:

You haven't let us know what length/action you will be using. That will determine which cartridge you should choose. If you have a short action, you should probobly choose the 260AI, as the action will accomodate it with better choices for bullet seating.
If you have a long action, I would suggest the 6.5-06, as case and dies are redily available, easily formed and loaded, and without a magnum case it cannot be outperformed by any of the other 6.5's.

Jerry