I can't believe I'm even asking this since I'm still breaking in the barrel and fireforming new 30-06AI brass for my Rem 700 and Lilja barrel.

Someday, I'm going to build a 6.5 caliber rifle and wanted to know what cartridges fit into the short Rem 700 action.

I realize the 260 Rem/AI, 6.5x284, 6.5 SAUM, 6.5 WSM would, but will they do it with room to seat 140ish grain bullets out to where you can get a little room for powder in the case?

Also, will the 6.5x55 and 6.5x55AI fit, or are those long action cases?

What about the 6.71 Phantom (6.5 by Lazzaroni)?

Bif Al...take a few 6.5 X 55 rounds and see if they fit the action...if so it's a fine round.

Personally, I'm of the opinion that the 6.5-06 fed thru a long action is the best use of the 6.5 caliber. One is available here for $300.....and you can sell your short action for that I believe!

GSSP, I shoot a 6.5/284 on the Rem 700 short, and will rebarrel to .260 when shot out. I totally agree with Vapogog re the 6.5-06 on a long Rem to be the best of the best in 6.5, however the 6.5/284 in the long action would be second based only upon feeding concerns.

I would go with a .260 on your short action.
AI-it if you want but I can't belive it will make any significant difference. The .308 case is prety efficent as is.
If you really want to get velocity get a long action.
A 6.5X.284 would bee good but to take advantage of it you will need a prety long tube too make much of an improvment over the .260.
...tj3006

quote:

Originally posted by Thomas Jones:
I would go with a .260 on your short action.
AI-it if you want but I can't belive it will make any significant difference. The .308 case is prety efficent as is....tj3006

Ditto. 260 Rem on a short action. No need to blow out the case. Stick a 1-in-8" tube on it, feed it 125-140gr Interlocks or Partitions and call it good. Sit back, slow down, and enjoy some backstraps.

You might look at the 6.5 Remington Magnum also...factory 120s are going 2930 from the M600 18.5" barrel. Have not had the chance to load 140s yet but with a 22-24" barrel I would imagine they would break 3K fps.

Bob

The short Remington 700 magazine well is easily lengthened by about .125 to take a little longer round.

I think the 6.5x.284 is too long for the M700SA unless you are happy shooting it as a single shot. I went w/ the .260ai in mine. It happily takes the long 142grSMK or 140grAmax to 2800fps w/o bending anything. 123gr Lapuas at just over 3000fps from my 26"bbl. I fireform a few each time I go out as fouling shots. The brass last almost forever w/ min. trimming.