JOHAN, I didn't think a long action would be a very big disadvantage in 6.5/284, since those long 140 grain bullets just beg to sit way out there. I had planned to have my chamber cut with a Norma reamer since I plan to use Norma or Lapua brass but every die set I see is a Winchester. Will the difference in dimensions cause a problem in Reloading for maximum accuracy? Thanks!

Jim

Old Dog

I have no idea about the difference. I guess some manufacturer hasn't noticed that norma standardized it?

I have checked with redding and they made dies that were for the 6,5-284 Norma. Double check with them.

For maximum accuracy one shall have a reamer, dies and cases that is matching closely

/ JOHAN

Old Dog,

If a customer gives me a choice on which round to chamber for their rifle between those two, I decide by how the rifle will be used and what action they have to build on.

In my mind, as a gunsmith, if you came into my shop with your action and asked this question, I would say choose the 6.5-06 100% and never look back. Here is why.

Your action will take zero modification to work with the 6.5-06. Whereas the 284 case will need to be tuned and even then with the rebated rim, you can expect some missed pickups especially if the bolt is worked quickly, i.e., when you really need it to load fast.

When put together correctly, the 6.5-06 is extremely accurate and provides nearly 75-100 fps more velocity then the 6.5-284 with the heavier bullets. Braass is much cheaper even with match quality brass.

Taking things one step futher, the 6.5-06 Ack Imp is another very good option. I just sent two of these out the door to customers and the reports are pretty impressive. 3150 fps with the 140 gr class bullets with very mild pressures and 1/4 to 1/2 moa groups. This out of 25" barrels. Thats getting right up there with 264 Win Mag performance with much less powder and recoil, not to mention much better barrel life.

My opinion, go with the longer case. If you were building a single shot bench rifle I may go with the 284 case but more likely the WSM case for extreme range shooting!!!

Good Shooting!!!

50

Gentlemen



I know a few that built 6,5-284 Norma with sako actions. They have used the magnum or standard magazine and feeding worked fine.



I owned a 6,5-06 and feed it with norma MRP, Vihtavori n-160 or N-165. I had a 25 inch barrel and was never able to push a 140 grain bullet faster than 930-945 m/s with decent pressure and case life.



The 284 has shorter powder colum and shall be able to get almost the same velocity. A few M/S is nothing to fuss about and the ballistic difference is small.



My experince with the 6,5-06 and it's down sides. You have to size brass and fire form. Reloading dies are not soo cheap. Finding factory cases with correct headstamp or ammo is almost impossible.



In 6,5-284, Lapua, Norma and Hornady offer factory loads in the caliber. I had trouble selling the rifle since very few is interested in non factory cartridge. Best solution to save some dosh is to use a custom action(someone might be interested in the action for a custom project), re-barrel or recamber.



Cheers

/ JOHAN

Thanks everyone, for the excellent input! Fiftydriver, the 6.5/06AI kind of intrigues me, even if I would have to fireform. JOHAN, you say that factory loads are available for the 6.5/284 from Hornady, Lapua and Norma, but I haven't been able to find any. I can find brass, but no loaded ammo. Do you know where in the U.S. that factory loaded 6.5/284 rounds can be purchased?

Thank for all the advice so far. It is greatly appreciated!

Jim

No matter which you go with, handloading is the only real option. I had a 6.5-284 built on an 03A3 action and it feeds fine. Using R22 and 120 gr bullets it will get 2900 to 3000 fps all day with room to spare. 140 gr bullets get to around 2700-2800 range. The 6.5-284 is a more efficient case design as it has a tendecy to burn more powder in the case. Cases are available with the 6.5-284 headstamp. Dies are less expensive.

Old Dog

Norma makes hunting ammo with 120 ballistic tip and 140 grain partition. Lapua makes target ammo for it and. I not sure who imports the ammo. Hornady have a line of ammo on the way unless it's already been released?

Cheers
/ JOHAN

fiftydriver,..go wouldn't by any chance be able to get your hands on any of those 6.5-06AI recipes for the 140gr pills would ya??

Thanks

My 6.5-06 will easily do 2900 FPS with 140 gr Sierras, so I'm sure the AI version would be 100-150 fps quicker.

I have thought of posting the same question. I have changed my mind a half dozen times. I also thought perhaps a 6.5 short mag would also be fun. I probably would go with the 6.5-06 though. let us know what you decide.
Aaron

JustC,

This data is from a customer who tested it in a rifle I built for him. It is on a Rem M700 action with a 26" Lilja barrel. The chamber reamer I had built is a minimum spec chamber with a throat of .0005" over bullet diameter. Cases were Win 25-06.

Load Data:
Reloader 22
140 gr A-Max
CCI-200
3.325" o.a.l.

55.0gr 3002 fps ave
56.0gr 3064 fps ave
57.0gr 3119 fps ave
57.5gr 3147 fps ave (.5moa at 100 yds/.3moa at 400 yrds)
58.0gr 3177 fps ave
58.5gr 3211 fps ave(starting to show some pressure sign)
59.0gr 3239 fps ave(slightly more sign on case)

The load my customer is using is the 57.5 gr load and from the groups he showed me I can see why. He shot several 1" groups at 400 yards with this load and extreme spread in velocity average near single digits.

In my mind, the 6.5-06 Ack Imp combines the best of both the 6.5-06 and the 6.5-284 into one hell of a round.

It feeds very smoothly, and quality brass is easy to come by like the 6.5-06.

It is very efficient with its 40 degree shoulder in that the shoulder helps retain the powder in the case longer to promote a better powder burn, evident from the extremely low and consistant velocity spreads.

It will smoke either from a velocity standpoint if thats your thing and if the rifle is built correctly, will shoot with any round on the planet, even the wonder boy of the BR world the 6.5-284.

Theres just not much to not like about this round. Then of course the 280 Ack Imp is also a hell of a round. So many to choose from.

Good Shooting!!!

50

Fiftydriver:

Very impressive results! I usually prefer to use H4831 since I've had very consistent luck with it over the years and usually have to work a lot harder with the Reloader powders but each barrel has a mind of its own so it looks like RL-22 would have to get a try in this chambering.

What would be your recommendation for dies? I usually prefer Redding and Forster in that order, but looking at Sinclair, can't find the 6.5-06AI listed. Do you use collet dies? Do you FL size each time?

Any tips would be greatly appreciated!

Jim

50,

With the 140 I've had good results on the few loads I tried with RL25.

Thanks FiftyDriver. I have a sako L691 actioned 06AI tubed with a PacNor Select 1:8 twist 26" barrel and a vais break (for seeing long range impact,..not for recoil reduction) I had her bedded in an HS Precision in Desert camo and topped with a Ken Farrell 20moa tactical base and PRW rings holding a Burris 8-32x44 with the bal. mil. dot. reticle.

I can't wait to see this rig do her thing!! her fireforming groups were ~.5moa

I also have a 1:9 twist 28" on a 700rem done up in 280AI,..and she shoots in the.1"s and .2"s with h4831sc when I do right. So I can definitely share your affection for the 280AI as well.

Thanks again.