6.5-284 (win) COAL 3.00"?

[chukarmandoo]

I've been kicking the idea around. I would like to use a short action as a repeater chambered in 6.5-284 and use Berger 140 vld's. I've done quite a bit of searching but most refers to the "Norma" version.
I have a 6.5-284 norma that shoots very good with 140's at 3000 fps. I also have a 260 and am getting 2800 fps with 140's. I also just sold a 260 improved 30* that was very good with speeds between 2875 and 2900 with 129's.
Wondering if anyone has any experience with just a straight 6.5-284 and performance?

I have done a little experimenting with some loads and COAL of < 3.00" as far as case capacity goes with different powders. Here are the numbers.

53. grs. IMR 4831
57. grs. H1000
55. grs. Retumbo

Thoughts and info would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

[chukarmandoo]

Wow! Can't believe no one has tried this. Would someone with quick-load run some numbers for me, to see if it is worth the effort? Thanks.

[LoneWolf]

I ran the 140 VLD's in a 6.5-06 with a COAL of 3.4". They performed best for me in the 2950-3000FPS range. If you can get those kind of numbers and get the sweet spot off the lands then I believe this would work just as well as any other cartridge that puts the VLD's into their sweet zone. I have not played with a 6.5-284 though.

[chukarmandoo]

Thanks LoneWolf. I'm running a 6.5-284 norma right now with 140 vld's at 3000 fps. But they won't fit in a short action. So I'm wanting to see how much I'd be giving up running it at magazine length in a short action.
I do not want to fire form anymore, what with components being so hard to come by. I have a lot of lapua brass and my 260 brass is failing fast. Also I really don't want to spend money on a premium barrel if it would not perform.

[LoneWolf]

I'm at the same point. I don't mind replacing barrels, but I just don't feel like starting all over again with new, Headspace Gauges, Dies, brass, and all that. So I still debate over moving from the standard 308 base cases, or going over to the Creedmoor side. I can tell you that McGowen, Shilen, and Apache Gun Works barrels have all performed regardless of the chambering I've had them done in. Currently running a 243 and I think I'm going to stick in the 6mm world fr competition, but still debating in the switching setups. Been reading up on how the steeper shoulder angles provide more consistent accuracy for some reason. My 7 twist 243 is really starting to settle in now with 200rds through the barrel. I had it customed chambered off an dummy round I sent to Jim at AGW. He does great work!

[chukarmandoo]

LoneWolf, I know what you are saying about the 6's. They are the dominate caliber in the games we play. With that said, I would have to change everything to get in the realm of the 6's. So for now staying with 6.5 is the better choice for me. If chambering a barrel for a short throated 6.5-284 would get me to +2950 in a short action, then I think I'd go with it.
Right now I can run factory ammo in the magazines for my comp gun but I end up with only 9 as compared to 10 with the 260. I thought of switching my 6.5-284 shilen barrel to my comp gun but with the throat being so long I'd end up with to much jump. I know that would not be good for velocity or accuracy.