Quote Originally Posted by geargrinder View Post
The 284 can spit a 180g VLD around 2900fps.

Pretty much spanks anything that doesn't have a magnum rim diameter.
+1 ... take a hard look at a 284 win. People are very hesitant to look at the old standard cartridges. .284 will do anything a 6.5 will do and more. Recoil will not be abusive, but retained energy/BC will be pretty noticeable. 168 VLDS match the BC of 140 6.5s with 20% more weight and they'll be running about 100-200 FPS faster. The 180's are another step away from up if you really want to push. I would say it comes down to whether you reload or not. If you do, I'd go with the .284. You still have lapua brass available via 6.5-284. If you don't reload, I'd lean toward the 6.5 CM over the .260. Better/more factory ammo options.

I'd go 1:9 twist for the 7mms and 1:8 twist for the 6.5s.

IF you're still entertaining the 270 WSM, I'd go with a 1:9 tube and run the 165 Matrix VLDs. Those will hang with the heavy 7mms. You're looking at a 165 gr, .65 BC running about 3000 FPS out of a 24" tube. BUT, then you're looking at building a rifle around a single custom bullet. I'd still lean towards the 7mm. The 270 will come at the cost of barrel life and more recoil for not much performance gain.

Although, I think you'll have a tough time getting the 180 VLDs to run at 2900 FPS out of a hunting built rifle. You'll need a longer barrel to make that happen.