Which 6.5?

[txsavageshtr]

7mm- 08



Haha

[keeki]

Already have a 7-08

[squirrel_slayer]

creedmoor is the hot ticket right now so alot of aftermarket support and lapua just launched brass for it if your into that. next up would be a 6.5 saum 4s if you want some more legs or the new 6.5 PRC (basically a 6.5 RCM) may become a popular round (very similar to the saum 4s with slightly less capacity) the prc will do 140's at 3100, and the 4s gives another 50-100 ft/sec. both are designed to use slow burning powders (h1000 very common) and long barrel. this match was made to aid in barrel life which it does well. there getting rougly the same barrel life as the creedmoor but with more velocity.

[psharon97]

The only reason I went with the 260 over the 6.5 creedmoor is that I could more easily make brass for the rifle. The 6.5 creedmoor has several advantages over the 260 most notably the fact that one can seat bullets out further in the magazine than what the 260 can run at.

When using quality components to build the rifle and loading with quality components, you'll be hard pressed to notice which cartridge will be more accurate.

[jeffreybehr]

Hmm...lots of...er...interesting opinions here. I'll share my recent experiences. After restarting rifle shooting last summer with ARs and acquiring 4*, I bought a Savage 10 Predator Hunter Max1 in 6.5 Creedmoor.
http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k220/jeffreybehr/Shooting%20stuff/Savage%20model%2010%20in%2065%20Creedmoor/2017Jan20_rifle%20from%20right_1500w_zps4qx4jlw4.j pg (http://s89.photobucket.com/user/jeffreybehr/media/Shooting%20stuff/Savage%20model%2010%20in%2065%20Creedmoor/2017Jan20_rifle%20from%20right_1500w_zps4qx4jlw4.j pg.html)
I enjoyed shooting that bolt rifle so much, I wanted to get back to my 1000yd-BR-shooting days and bought a model 12 Benchrest in 6.5-284Norma...
http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k220/jeffreybehr/Shooting%20stuff/Savage%20model%2012%20Benchrest%20in%206%205-284%20Norma/2017Feb06_rifle%20and%20scope_1500w_zpskdqjh8w1.jp g (http://s89.photobucket.com/user/jeffreybehr/media/Shooting%20stuff/Savage%20model%2012%20Benchrest%20in%206%205-284%20Norma/2017Feb06_rifle%20and%20scope_1500w_zpskdqjh8w1.jp g.html)

I've been shooting that a lot and have equipped it with a 5-20 NightForce scope, all of which rests on a new Farley Magnum rest.
http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k220/jeffreybehr/Shooting%20stuff/Farley%20Magnum%20Coaxial%20II%20rifle%20rest/2017Feb16_Farley%20RR_1500w_zpser18rlqc.jpg (http://s89.photobucket.com/user/jeffreybehr/media/Shooting%20stuff/Farley%20Magnum%20Coaxial%20II%20rifle%20rest/2017Feb16_Farley%20RR_1500w_zpser18rlqc.jpg.html)

I post this info and these pics not to impress anyone with how much money I'm pis...er...investing in this sport but merely to demonstrate that I'm fairly serious about it. I now have over 500 rounds thru this 6.5-284 and it still won't shoot quite as well as I like, as in it's a less-than-1-MOA rifle, but that's just not good enough**. So...at about 60 cents per shot (excluding cost of cases) and a barrel life at around 1200 rounds with the 6.5-284, I've decided to rebarrel it with a Shilen Stainless Select Match 28" barrel in...6.5 Creedmore. The CM uses about 20% less powder for maybe 4 to 5% lower velocity and probably more than 2000 rounds of high-quality-barrel life. And the 15-pound 6.5-284 shooting 140g. bullets at 3000+FPS has too much recoil for this chubby, office-boy-soft 73-year-old.

So my opinion is that the 6.5CM is JUST the right size for the 6.5 bore. I confess that I don't like the looks of the 260 Rem. or the 7mm-08--too much body taper and too 'wimpy' a shoulder angle, and in the same short-action magazines, bullets in the CM can be seated longer; I like that.



* in 4 different calibers--5.56, 6x45mm, 308Win., and 6.5 Grendel
** My 2006-7 competition rifle's first barrel...
http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k220/jeffreybehr/Shooting%20stuff/Mine1_1000w_zpsxfouo80b.jpg (http://s89.photobucket.com/user/jeffreybehr/media/Shooting%20stuff/Mine1_1000w_zpsxfouo80b.jpg.html)
...would shoot 1/2-MOA 3-shot groups VERY consistently, and it and I once shot a 4-9/16" 5-shot and a 7-odd-inch 10-shot group at 1000 yards.

----------------------------------

ANOTHER opinion on HOT loads, FWIW. I've learned in over 50 years of reloading that primer-pocket tightness (or lack thereof) is the truest indicator of load pressure/overpressure***. When I bring home cases and test them by reloading them and the PP is too large, I toss that case and mark its prior load as too hot. If the PPs are tight, the load is NOT overpressure.

*** short, of course, of obvious signs such as DIFFICULT bolt lift, primers falling out, etc.

[darkker]

.
ANOTHER opinion on HOT loads, FWIW. I've learned in over 50 years of reloading that primer-pocket tightness (or lack thereof) is the truest indicator of load pressure/overpressure***. When I bring home cases and test them by reloading them and the PP is too large, I toss that case and mark its prior load as too hot. If the PPs are tight, the load is NOT overpressure.

*** short, of course, of obvious signs such as DIFFICULT bolt lift, primers falling out, etc.

That just simply isn't true, and for a few reasons. Within the past 50 years you should have read/heard all the hubbub surrounding the SAAMI testing, showing Copper Crushers swinging by 20,000psi. I would have imagined you also know that no manufacturer builds a thing to ONLY what is rated for. And finally that not all cases get the Dave heat treatment.
So allow me to give examples:
1) Copper Crushers. If carefully calibrated crushers used in tightly controlled changers and barrels, with reference lots of powder aren't accurate... You have no clue what pressures are in a mass produced barrel, with canister grade powder, from various sources of brass.
2) Brass specs. So during WWII Olin was the brass maker to beat for the 30-06, this is likely where the "hey Winchester brass is betterer" comes from. They openly stated specs. They started with Olin Alloy C260, and spec'd a tensile strength of @ 75,000psi.
By your logic, if you haven't reached the yield point of 75,000psi, it must not be overpressure. We both know that isn't the case, don't believe there has ever been A SAAMI cartridge with that pressure limit.
3) Heat treatment. As I'm sure you well know, there has been, and much reporting on, soft Federal brass. Why is/would that be, does it matter? So yes it is true, but oft poorly understood. Federal does indeed typically have softer brass than most/many on purpose. The softer the case, the faster the brass confirm to the chamber, and more evenly so. This aids in accuracy. It isn't a secret and had been employed in their brass and GMM ammo for a very long time. The problem is that at times they get the brass soft, but also get the heads soft. This causes extraordinary stretch and expansion at low pressures. Even if they started with C260, the softening process changed the final tensile strength of the case.
I in fact have a few cases whos heads septated WHILE I was pressure testing. The measurable stretch and expansion isn't even close to matching the chamber pressure.

When you are loading for an unknown cartridge, then the value of measuring expansion, over nothing at all, is an improvement. But don't confuse better than nothing, as suddenly accurate. A chronograph is the most readily available, and surprisingly accurate form of pressure measurement a Reloader can get his hands on.

[smokinjoe]

As I just posted in another thread I like the Creedmoor. You're already on the right path with the 6.5 bullet. All the calibers you mention are great rounds but for a hunting rig the Creed is low recoil, accuracte and easily a 500 yrs gun.

Glad you said creedmoor cause I just bought one and love it and intend to use it just like the OP just breaking it in 16 shot's last group of 3 were sub moa .367 at 100yds using 129gr Interlocks.

[Slickyboyboo]

Look at the 260 Terminator by Defensive Edge.

http://panhandleprecision.com/260-terminator-initial-review/


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[randomnut]

I've had no trouble hitting milk jugs at 1000 yards with my 6.5x47 Lapua.

As others have mentioned, the 6.5 Creedmoore is an excellent choice. 6.5x55 will be my next since I have a long action waiting.

[Newsshooter]

6.5 creedmoor if you aren't reloading, if you are, then 6.5x47, 260, and 6.5 CM are pretty much a wash. With the 6.5 you can get prime or hornady ammo for about $26/box online. Prime uses Norma brass so you can sell it for .50/piece if you're so inclined. I've had one inch three shot groups at 1K with my 6.5, pure luck, but if it isn't windy I can consistently hit a 6 in bull at that distance too. The longer ELD's and berger's can be too long to mag feed too depending on the throat of your rifle.

[keeki]

I'm still undecided, they all seem great to me. maybe I can do 1 of each if I hit the lottery

[Newsshooter]

I'm still undecided, they all seem great to me. maybe I can do 1 of each if I hit the lottery

The biggest advantage of the 6.5CM to me is that I can buy match quality factory ammo for under $30/box. I've gotten as cheap at $18/ in the past. You can't do that with the other two, if you reload choose what you want, 6.5X47, good brass, best barrel life, creedmoor, a bit faster, more options and cheapest ammo, 260, most speed, but not by much.

You could always to 6 creedmoor and really gain some speed.

[keeki]

I can get more speed from several of them, i reload and don't shoot factory stuff through anything. 6.5-06ai or the 6.5-284 is gonna be 200 - 250 fps above the creed. Accuracy is the key and how easy it is to obtain accuracy. The 6.5284 is accurate, but I've heard it was very finicky, the 6.5-06ai I've heard was easy to obtain accuracy and so is the creed

[dfrosch]

If you can't sort it out with all these opinions, just go with what you want. You've been leaning toward the 06 for a while. 270 brass should be fairly easy to find. You could probably use 270 starting loads for the same bullet weight. Don't really see a down side to it.

Plus, if it doesn't work the way you want, you can sell the components and build a different one.

Best of luck whichever direction you go.

[keeki]

Your right, but I keep telling myself I'm gonna stop with the wildcats, but I cant. I've had several ai chambers and all of them were accurate, easy on brass, and very forgiving to load for. Everyone keeps telling me the creedmoor and they're probably right

[dfrosch]

I took my 22-243 Middlested on a cull hunt in January. The unofficial limit was 3 does. Got them, 2 neck shots and 1 head shot. Could have gotten a few more, but started calling for coyotes and cats.

There are not many things more satisfying than bringing home venison that was shot with a rifle I built and loaded with ammo I assembled, in a caliber that can't be bought in any store.

[mbzandhanna]

The big 6.5's have always been around. .264 mag has been a laser beam since the 70's. They are money game calibers, pushing 140 grain bullets at 3200fps plus. Flat, aerodynamic, and lightning fast, they come and go. They are in right now. Barrels last longer and are easier to get. There are more competent gunsmiths than ever before that can cut a chamber and thread a barrel capable of amazing things. I like speed, but I have also seen 140g bullets blow up on impact and leave game limping, but not mortally wounded. Fast is a lot of fun on smaller game, but tracking a wounded deer is never good.

I thought a .260 was as much as you could get from a standard, short action. I think the 6.5 creed addresses all the shortcomings of the .260 rem. I think if you decide to go 6.5x284, you should seriously consider 6.5x55 swede before making a decision. I think if you step up to a -06 or shortmag based case, you would be better 7mm bullet.
Yes...6.5x55

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[wbm]

you should seriously consider 6.5x55 swede before making a decision.


Could not say it better!

[Rondogg]

You have just provided the best response to all the internet trolls that blow up stories with their personal thoughts. Thank you darker..

[Sleeper99]

OP, I think that everyone on this thread is more experienced with this than I am. Take what say for what it's worth, (not much).

Two things you keep saying seem contradictory. You say " it's all about accuracy, and how easy it is to obtain that accuracy"
I've only been shooting rifles for a few years and I took a model 11 action, dropped it in a MDT chassis and put a 26" Shilen match select 6.5CM barrel on it. This produced a 1/2 MOA rifle with hornady off the shelf ammo. $24.99 at my local sportsman's warehouse.
It doesn't get any easier than that!

You also say "I love the wildcats". And it sounds like you have a passion for reloading and tinkering with those wildcats.

This (in my opinion) is not the "easy" route. I'm sure with a quality barrel and a solid stock you could load any of the cartridges you mentioned to a 1/2 MOA or better result.

Sorry that was long winded, but is seems to me you haven't decided what you want to do yet. In current times it doesn't get much easier than the 6.5CM. You strike me as someone that enjoys the journey as much as the destination, so you may get more enjoyment out of tinkering with your wildcats.