I just heard from my FFL that the Stiller Predator I ordered is in. I'm very excited but,
now I have a dilemma. I can't decide on a caliber. I was originally thinking of a hunter
weight 6.5-284. Now I'm not so sure. I don't currently own a .30-06 so that crossed my
mind. It'll be primarily a deer rifle and paper puncher, with the occasional coyote thrown
in the mix. I'm open to other calibers, also. So, my question is, what caliber would you
guys consider for a "longer" range (up to 500 yds) deer rifle? This is a long action, .308
bolt face, bdl style action with Whyat box mag.

Calibers I currently own: .22, .22-250, .250 savage, .243, 6mm, .270, 7x30 Waters, 7mm Rem,
7mm RUM, .300 savage, .303 savage, 30/40 Krag, .308, 300 Win Mag,
8x57, 300 RUM, .338-06, .338 RUM, .35 Rem, .35 Whelen

I realize I've got deer calibers fairly well covered. I've just always wanted a custom rifle
built the way I wanted it.

So, there you have it. What would you do with this action?

Thanks,
Chuck

6.5-284's are reported to be accurate.

don't own a 3006 you MUST have a 3006 or you will not get into heaven

I don't think I'd use that action on a 30.06. Go with your original thoughts, the 6.5x284.

If you want a nice 30.06, go buy a factory rifle, just my opinion.

quote:

Originally posted by butchloc:
don't own a 3006 you MUST have a 3006 or you will not get into heaven

LMAO! I don't own an '06 and, God willing, I never will! (errr, unless it's a Garand, but that's different).

Personally, I like being different. 6.5-284 is a cartridge I could live with nicely.

Since you don't already have a 6.5mm, I would go with a 6.5-06 or a .256 Newton.

quote:

Originally posted by .366torque:
6.5-284's are reported to be accurate.

how can a caliber dictate accuracy?

quote:

Originally posted by KSTEPHENS:

how can a caliber dictate accuracy?

the theory of "inherent" accuracy based on case design. much like the theory of "short and fat" is better than "long and skinny," hence, the WSM class of calibers.

quote:

Originally posted by KSTEPHENS:

how can a caliber dictate accuracy?

It can't

6.5 X 55 or a long throated .250- 3000 would make a nice classic custom. Either one would be just fine for what you defined.Paper punching with a hunter weight 06 can get a little punishing. roger

quote:

Originally posted by bartsche:

quote:

Originally posted by KSTEPHENS:

how can a caliber dictate accuracy?

It can't

6.5 X 55 or a long throated .250- 3000 would make a nice classic custom. Either one would be just fine for what you defined.Paper punching with a hunter weight 06 can get a little punishing. roger

I agree, I see no reason to paper punch w/ a 06 & the occasional deer. Your original idea is great, stay w/ it. You'll get the most out of the 6.5x284 on a long/std. action. 142grSMK @ 3000fps for long range targets, 130grNAB @ 3150fps+ for deer & 100grNBTs @ 3400fps for yotes, what's not to like?

A lot of 1000 yard Match shooters use the 6.5x284.

It provides the external ballistics of a 300 Magnum, with the recoil of a 308.

quote:

Originally posted by N E 450 No2:
A lot of 1000 yard Match shooters use the 6.5x284.
It provides the external ballistics of a 300 Magnum, with the recoil of a 308.

Owned one of the first 6.5x.284s if not the first and loved it. Didn't really need it ,however, and unless you're thinking 1K yards you probably don't either.

Hell you got that covered with what you got anyway and if you want it for 1000yard performance a hunting weight barrel ain't the ticket .

Oh! The .257 isn't all bad either but I'd still opped for the .250x3000 if I went 25 caliber. roger

becasue a caliber is NOT production means its got to be built. that lends itself to alot of extra work on the rifle. A "caliber" is no more accurate than a medium pizza is tasty.

size doesnt dictate quality. just ask my wife...

Thanks for the responses. You've got me leaning back towards the 6.5-284.

Roger, I agree that the 6.5x55 and 250 savage would make a great "classic" custom. This just isn't what I'd consider a "classic" action.

Thanks again for the opinions,
Chuck

Since you've a long action in hand, why not take advantage of it and just build a 6.5-06?

The 6.5x284 is fun, I like watching the guys at the range struggle to hit the full size ram on the 500 meter berm with their deer rifles while I kill the ground squirrels behind the berm with my 6.5x284.

I owned a Garand once, the only 30.06 I ever had.

Oh! The .257 isn't all bad either but I'd still opped for the .250x3000 if I went 25 caliber.[/quote]
why the 250 over the 257 rbts? just curious.

.264 Magnum deserves consideration, has the advantage of offering some factory ammo, just in case.

quote:

6.5-284's are reported to be accurate.

Thats a understatement if I ever heard one.

quote:

Originally posted by Doc:

quote:

Originally posted by KSTEPHENS:

how can a caliber dictate accuracy?

the theory of "inherent" accuracy based on case design. much like the theory of "short and fat" is better than "long and skinny," hence, the WSM class of calibers.

WSM's have not proven themself to be any better than standard rounds IMO

I think one reason some calibers tend to give better accuracy than others is the quality of the components that is provided for them. Cartridges such as the .308, and 6.5-284 it was well known would see alot of use in the accuracy game, and as such the demand was there to keep the quality of components better than average. As a result of this we have a great selection of very high quality and consistent 6.5 and .30 caliber bullets. 6mm has enjoyed very good quality bullets due to the benchrest boys placing the demand for many years although they use custom bulletts moreso now. On the other hand claibers such as any of the .35's don't have that same type of market influence. They have generaly been considered good enough if the game consistently fell to them, so you don't see the pressure to provide a more consistent or better designed bullet for them. most of your other calibers fall somewhere in the middle of these two extremes.

1) 6.5-284
2) 6.5-06
3) 6.5x55

quote:

Originally posted by butchloc:
don't own a 3006 you MUST have a 3006 or you will not get into heaven

It's TRUE!

.308 bullets run from 86 gr. (Hornady) to 220 gr.

30-06 will do anything in North America. And if this rifle is not a good match for this caliber, you need to find another rifle.

I think I've pretty well decided, with your influence, to go with the 6.5-284. The next question is, what barrel length and twist would you recommend for 120-140gr. bullets? I will probably try to stick with 130gr. accubonds for deer, but may try some TSX's, as well.

Thanks again,
Chuck