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Is a 6.5 284 a good start for benchrest shooting

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22 March 2002, 19:45
<crowTrobot>
Is a 6.5 284 a good start for benchrest shooting
up to a thousand yards?
I don't have a bolt action rifle. And when I get one, I want it to be my last.
I talked to those people at Nesika bay; and this is the rifle they recommend.
What's the difference between a 6.5 and a 6.0? The reason I ask is because theres a 6.0 284 rifle here at a local pawn shop. Can it be converted to a 6.5?
I don't know a lot about rifles.
22 March 2002, 20:34
<gone hunting>
6.5x284 1/8 or 1/7 twist with VLD bullets works vary well to at least 1500yds.
shooting past 200yds your optics, being able to read the wind and your skill as a shooter is much more important than which round you pick. a good old 3006 with a good scope in the hands of a skilled shooter will be better than the latest whiz bang magnum in the hands of a novice

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Death Before Dishonor

23 March 2002, 01:19
<Gary Rihn>
quote:
Originally posted by crowTrobot:
What's the difference between a 6.5 and a 6.0? The reason I ask is because theres a 6.0 284 rifle here at a local pawn shop. Can it be converted to a 6.5?

The difference is in the bullet diameter. The 6-284 is the 284 Win case (originally 7mm or .284") necked down to 6mm or .243" diameter. The 6.5-284 is necked down to 6.5mm or .264". To "convert" it would require a new barrel of appropriate bore diameter. You're looking at a few hundred dollars, at least. The 6.5-284 is a better round, for most purposes. Better bullets (higher BC's, etc), and easier on barrels (your barrel will last longer in a 6.5-284).


23 March 2002, 02:52
Zero Drift
crowTrobot - Welcome to the forum. Hope you hang out with us.

The 6.5mm-.284 is increasing in popularity with LR target punchers. I build both a 6mm-.284 and a 6.5mm-.284 for varmint and LR target. Fortunately, Lapua is making the 6.5mm-.284 brass today. You will need to neck down the brass to achieve the 6mm neck if you decide to go that direction.

I am selling my 6mm-.284 in favor of building another 6.5 if that gives you any indication of the direction that I am moving. The 6.5 offers a little more bullet authority to buck the wind and to retain energy. Both of these cartridges are popular for a reason - the are inherently accurate.