Savage 10 Predator hunter/116 Weather Warrior 6.5-284

[10gaugemag]

I had my heart set on building a 257 Roberts but the action I was building on has moved to a new home and I am now thinking 260 Rem or 6.5/284. Does anybody know if Savage uses a long action and cuts a longer throat for their 10/16 series for the 6.5/284? I would rather have it on a long action with a long throat for velocity gains otherwise a 260 would do just about as well. Thanks for any information you can share.

[dnsmith]

Only difference between these two versions is: 1. WW is stainless, 10 pred is matte blue; 2. WW has 22" sporter contour, 10 pred has 24" "medium" contour. I've got the 24" medium and don't like the balance. I think your idea of getting a .260 (or a 6.5 creed) in the regular 22" sporter contour is the best idea. but ... YMMV, as they say.

[10gaugemag]

I know the Weather Warrior actually has a 2" longer barrel but I think also is listed 3" longer so I think they are built on a long action. I am just not sure if the extra weight and length of the gun and extra powder, muzzle blast and recoil are worth it.

[stangfish]

2 digit actions are short actions 3 digit actions are long action.

[Wildboarem]

I believe and I could be wrong but the 6.5x.284 is medium cartridge( not truly a short action with heavy bullets) and the .260 is a true short action. I don't think savage changes reamer specs with respect whether it sits in a long action or short action.

[Neo2savage]

I went with a Creedmoor Predator Hunter and very happy with the decision. I was going to change to a precision stock and do some other custom stuff but it shoots so well with just a scope I can't find a reason to try improving what works pretty much as well as it would tricked out. I've only got about 150 rounds though it but shes consistently and consecutively busting shotgun clays at 600 yards. All that's left is moving further and further out as I build loads and scope dope. BTW, in some precision shooting circles the Creedmoor is called a "260 done right". It shoots neck and neck with the 6.5-284.

[stomp442]

Never came close to getting 3000fps out of a creedmoor like I can do with the 6.5-284. In fact 2800 was all I could get out of the creedmoor in a long range hunter 26" barrel with H4350. 57.5 grains of Retumbo in the 284 and the weather warrior with its 24" barrel will give you 2950 with room for more. All depends what you want to do with the rifle. If for hunting I choose the 284. Strictly paper the 260 or creed will work great.

[Brent]

Neck and Neck? Meaning accuracy for accuracy or FPS for FPS? Like Stomp442 I have yet to see any of the none overbores keep pace with the 6.5-284. My 6.5-284 puts 160 matrix at 2800 and 140 Berger at 2940. If I want to increase pressure I can get 3000 fps but my bolt gets tight. This is a 24" barrel. I saw my buddies 260 go 2885 in a 26" LRP but his pressure was high and inconsistent. He is now back to 2750-2800 and accurate.

[Neo2savage]

Accuracy is maintained as long as the bullet remains faster than the speed of sound. A good bullet with a good BC and all that's left is up to the shooter. At 1,000 to ~1300 yards the 6.5-284 and 6.5 Creedmoor run about equal for accuracy. You might be able to make a bullet do 6,000 fps but whether or not the shooter is good enough to hit what they aim at is another matter. I'm shooting my Creed alongside a very accomplished retired bench rest and F class shooter with a 6.5-284. Matter of fact, he does my loads. His rifle is a full on precision custom with much more expensive glass. He uses a nice shooting table and vise. I use a plastic folding table, bipod, and rear bag. On an average basis we pretty much end up a tie. Don't matter much to me if his round travels 100-150 fps faster than mine. After about 1500-1600 yards neither one of them will remain supersonic.

Not going to argue the point because both rifles shoot well, but you might as well make a call as to such and such caliber is the best hunting round for North American game. The best for you is what you shoot the most.