I've decided to jump on the 6.5 mm bandwagon and need to decide which cartridge I should go with. I will be re-barreling my Stevens 200 Long Action, center feed, blind magazine with a Criterion barrel 1:8 twist. I want to shoot heavy for caliber bullets. Its is currently chambered for 257 Roberts and was originally a 270 WIN.

Things to consider:
  • Must feed reliably through the existing magazine with minimal modification to the mag
  • Brass availability
  • Reasonable barrel life


I suppose the easiest thing to do is to simply go with a Creedmoor. Will the 6.5 CM feed reliably through the long action mag?

Other cartridges I'm considering are 6.5-06 or 6.5-284. Will the 6.5-284 feed reliably? Will I have to modify the mag?

Any other cartridge suggestions?