I am looking for opinions... I have a reminton 3006 Ti (original model) that I want to turn into my ulta lightweight, long range sheep, goat and deer rifle. I have narrrowed my choices to these 2 calibres, and would like some opinions as to the advantages of one over the other ...ie accuracy, ease of reloading etc,

thanks

Well I have had both over the years in std, AI and then my own (like a Gibbs). Either one will do what you are asking. The 6.5 will be limited to a lower bullet weight. Curious as to why the 280-AI but only the std 6.5-06? For my $$ stay with a std of whichever you choose. A simple AI will not add much at equal pressure.

However I have several AIs and my own wildcats. So is an AI will make you happy go for it. Just be realistic in your expectations.

If you plan on using a 140 or heavier the 280 will come out ahead. A 140 280 and 130 6.5 will give you about the same max PBR the 140 will hit a little harder.

I started with a 280 as my do everything about 30 yrs ago. If you have a larger caliber then I would opt for a 6.5-06. Except in my case it would be a 6.5Gibbs.


Then again the extra cost for dies and forming brass is not an issue for me.

The 280 AI is one of the best AI's and will give very close to 7mm mag velocities with ot the kick and powder, very efficient. Nosler also is making brass for the 280AI, a little expensive but great brass. The velocity gains are significant compared to other AI's.

New calibers are always cool but what ranges are you thinking of shooting to?
I have a 30/06 that I shoot exclusively 180 grain bullets in (my most accurate weight) and am very comfortable to 450 yards with it. I've used it on Goats, Sheep, Deer, Elk and Antelope. At long range the 140 out of either 6.5 or 280 can't hit as hard as a 180 from your good old '06.

Just somethin to think about.

I understand though sometimes you just must have something different.
If I just had to have something different I'd opt for the 6.5/06. I have a thing for that diameter and have never warmed up to the 7mm's for no reason in particular.

quote:

The velocity gains are significant compared to other AI's.

Not from my testing of the same barrel before and after AI. Less than 50fps. I took the same barrel from 280 to 280AI to 7mmJRS and my wildcat. 1% velocity for each 4% gain in capacity. My wildcat gives 11% capacity gain vs 4.5% for the AI.

load a 130 TSX in your 30-06 to 3300 and call it good.....just what you didn't want to hear, right?

http://www.barnesbullets.com/i...06SpringfieldWeb.pdf

quote:

Originally posted by rembo:
load a 130 TSX in your 30-06 to 3300 and call it good.....just what you didn't want to hear, right?

That, or get a sodastraw 280 standard barrel.

I know this isn't much but for me what I look at would be what barrel contour I want to use and what length. If I was build a light weight rifle give the choice between 7mm and 6.5 and I knew both caliber would work I would take the 7mm if your looking to shave oz off the weight. You could even may add 1/2 to 1" in barrel length and keep the same weight as the 6.5 barrel.

I've got a 280AI with a Kreiger barrel and 6.5x284 with a Hart barrel and I like both calibers.

Wish I could help more