need to justify 6.5-284 to fill gap

11 April 2008, 05:36

I've had a hankering for this chambing for quite some time.
It seems to outshine everything else I can think of to compare it with.

I reload, so ammo availability isn't an issue, and I want this to be a synthetic light varmint/tactical hunter type rifle, possibly in a M40A1 type stock, light enough to carry comfortably, heavy enough to shoot comfortablly. The Manners ultralight stock is appealing and would let me put a slightly heavier barrel on it.

The 6.5mm bullets have great BCs and there are a good variety of match and hunting procucts out there - the 6.5-284 just keeps coming back as the best candidate.

Thoughts against?

11 April 2008, 07:40

Thomas Jones

If you want one,thats justifacation enough...tj3006

11 April 2008, 07:47

nyrifleman

I've had an itch for a .340 Weatherby despite the fact that I have a perfectly fine Dakota in .338 Win Mag. CAS is not putting together a custom .340 on a stainless M-70 action.

Like TJ said, no justification is needed.

11 April 2008, 08:12

Fjold

I couldn't think of a single reason to justify one, so I built a left handed MRC short action with a Krieger barrel. It shoots lights out as far as I can see.

Frank

"I don't know what there is about buffalo that frightens me so.....He looks like he hates you personally. He looks like you owe him money."
- Robert Ruark, Horn of the Hunter, 1953

NRA Life, SAF Life, CRPA Life, DRSS lite

11 April 2008, 08:27

308Sako

Satisfying the willy for a 6.5/284 was the best thing I ever did rifle wise. The cartridge excceded my expectations for accuracy and laser like trajectory... without major recoil! Easy to load for and great bullets what's not to like?

11 April 2008, 09:19

fredj338

I certainly would build one, just don't do it on a SA. You'll deprive yourself of some very good 139-142gr match bullets. If you want to go SA route, then I would go 260ai. I built one & love how it shoots.

11 April 2008, 13:51

seafire2

I'm with Fred on this one...

I looked at a 6.5 x 284... I got to play with and handload for a 6.5 x 284... I stayed with a 260 Remington instead...

The AI version or the 6.5 x 55 will pretty much give you all that you will get form a handloaded 6.5 x 284... plus better availability and better price on brass...

I love the 6.5 bore, but a 6.5 x 284, or a 6.5/06 or 6.5 Rem Mag or 264 Win Mag will not really give you anything more... or very little more at a substantial increase in powder conusmption and barrel wear.. than the 260, 6.5 x 55 and 6.5 x 57 will give you...

Most 6.5 bore bullets are also the most accurate in the 2800 fps range anyway...and their high sectional density and aerodynamics mean you don't need high velocity to get maximum performance out of them...they are already flat shooting and deep penetrating..

Life Member: The American Vast Right Wing Conspiracy

Jan 20, 2009.. Prisoner in Dumocrat 'Occupied America', Partisan in the 'Save America' Underground

Beavis..... James Beavis..... Of Her Majesty's Secret Service..... Spell Check Division

"Posterity â€” you will never know how much it has cost my generation to preserve your freedom. I hope you will make good use of it."
John Quincy Adams

A reporter did a human-interest piece on the Texas Rangers. The reporter recognized the Colt Model 1911 the Ranger was carrying and asked him "Why do you carry a 45?" The Ranger responded, "Because they don't make a 46."

Duhboy....Nuttier than Squirrel Poop...

11 April 2008, 13:53

TC1

quote:
Originally posted by fredj338:
I certainly would build one, just don't do it on a SA. You'll deprive yourself of some very good 139-142gr match bullets. If you want to go SA route, then I would go 260ai. I built one & love how it shoots.

Amen to the bold part. Another thing to consider, be sure you send it to a smith that's good with feeding issues. The rebated rim and fat case on the .284 can be trouble at times. Not that it can't be fixed, but some smiths can make a gun shoot tight groups but can't make one feed. Make sure yours can.

All that said the 6.5-06 is basicly the same round, just more user friendly. Flame suit on

Terry

11 April 2008, 14:33

Don Edwards

If I make the decision to add a new caliber, it's gonna be a 6.5 in some form. Been looking @ the 6.5 x 284 myself, but would investigate the external ballistics of the others mentioned as well. Remember...if it was only about "Need" all any of us would own is a 30/06.
Cheers,
Don

11 April 2008, 17:57

tom holland

I also was wanting something in the 6.5 finally settled on the 6.5x284. I do agree the 6.5x284 should be on a long action if you look at Nosler #6 the standard 284 has a OAL of 2.800" SAAMI spec on the 6.5x284 max is 3.310". Well good luxk

12 April 2008, 22:23

Bug

Recent experience with a couple of rifles belonging to a pard has given me some insight here. First, if you chamber for the 6.5-284, be sure to chamber it for the Norma ammo. One chambered for the straight 6.5-284 Winchester had too short of a throat to chamber Norma ammo. I know it is only a matter of 0.10" throat/leade length, but it does make a difference. We "fixed" his by buying a throater reamer. If you decide to go with a long action (which I would), I'd give serious consideration to the 6.5-06, Just for the brass issue. The dies ARE harder to come by, though.
There is almost no difference (single-digit percentages) between the two cartridges. The '06 based round just has more-plentiful /cheaper brass, and no feeding issues. The 6.5-284 has that Lapua brass thing going fo it. Pick one and be happy!,,,,,Bug.

12 April 2008, 22:40

z1r

quote:
Originally posted by TC1:
quote:
Originally posted by fredj338:
I certainly would build one, just don't do it on a SA. You'll deprive yourself of some very good 139-142gr match bullets. If you want to go SA route, then I would go 260ai. I built one & love how it shoots.

Amen to the bold part. Another thing to consider, be sure you send it to a smith that's good with feeding issues. The rebated rim and fat case on the .284 can be trouble at times. Not that it can't be fixed, but some smiths can make a gun shoot tight groups but can't make one feed. Make sure yours can.

All that said the 6.5-06 is basicly the same round, just more user friendly. Flame suit on

Terry

I agree Terry. IMHO, the 6.5-.284 is best in a push feed action. The 6.5-06 will feed much more reliably and is better suited to a CRF action. As you say, you had better make sure the smith knows how to make one feed and be prepared to pay. Ballistically you will not notice a difference.

12 April 2008, 22:52

nordrseta

New rifles are always a good idea. Most any 6.5 is a great idea. Even filling illusory gaps is an honorable undertaking, so long as the kids have at least one pair of shoes each. But your light varmint tactical hunter could also be chambered for the 260 Remington, 6.5 Creedmoor, or 6.5x47, to use less powder, kick even less, and last longer between barrel changes...

13 April 2008, 01:00

Alberta Canuck

quote:
Originally posted by nordrseta:
New rifles are always a good idea. Most any 6.5 is a great idea, so long as the kids have at least one pair of shoes each. ...

Whad'j'all mean one pair EACH? Roun' here Bubba Joe-Bob allas got shoes, 'cuzz he needs 'em when he's feedin dem hogs. But the l'il gals can wait until Bubba is thru wit his and and gits 'nother pair. Then they can share (take turns wearin') his 'ol ones...... Git that danged rifle boy!!

13 April 2008, 01:16

bartsche

A deep throated, fast twist, 6.5 X .284, 30" barrel was one off the most spectacular mule deer slayers I ever owned. Circa "1966". Turned all the chest cavity innerds to one lump of jelley and at a fare distance to boot.

long action only---get it!

roger

13 April 2008, 01:38

Cliff Lyle

I decided to go with a .260 Rem. After looking at everything, I didn't see enough improvement to justify the increase in components and decrease barrel life. The 260 is so mild mannered but deadly on deer.

13 April 2008, 04:39

Fjold

The MRC short action is actually an intermediate length. I can load past 3.2" OAL in mine.

13 April 2008, 05:18

bartsche

quote:
Originally posted by Cliff Lyle:
I decided to go with a .260 Rem. After looking at everything, I didn't see enough improvement to justify the increase in components and decrease barrel life. Can not understand this part

The 260 is so mild mannered but deadly on deer.This part has meritt roger