6.5-284 or 26 Nosler?

[Mnovak73]

Sounds like the general consensus of the group discussion is leaning toward the 6.5-284 being the better choice. Now with that said should I have one built, and if so recommendations on builder? Or should I purchase a factory custom such as Mcwhorter, Fierce or Christensen arms? I do not have an unlimited budget, $3000 is a comfortable ceiling if possible.
Anyone selling a gently used 6.5-284?

 

[6.5x284tony]

Have you considered the 6.5-06?

Tony.

 

[Mnovak73]

Have you considered the 6.5-06?

Tony.

I have not considered that round. I am new to reloading and I'd like something that I can shoot box ammo from until I am proficient in hand loads. Is that a hand load only round?

 

[rcol317]

Mnovak73, you probably say my earlier post, don't see a lot of 6.5X284 for sale, that because we like them and they are winners!

 

[CaptnC]

I have not considered that round. I am new to reloading and I'd like something that I can shoot box ammo from until I am proficient in hand loads. Is that a hand load only round?

Yes the 6.5-06 is a hand load only cartridge and you will not find head stamped brass for it. It is normally made from 25-05 brass.

I use 30-06 brass for my 6.5-06 be a use I own rifles chambered in 25-06 and 270 so I don'thave to worry about mixing up ammo.

 

[lee31]

The 3200+ Speeds on this thread I've been assuming has been with the 26 Nosler, not the 6.5-284. Possibly a long throated 264 Win mag loaded high pressure could get 3200?

A 264 will push 140s over 3200 with out a lot of effort.

 

[lee31]

Where is everybody getting load data for the 140 up to 3200fps in a 6.5-284?
I am guessing this must be custom loads worked up until pressure signs are shown?
I am only asking because Berger load data only goes to a little over 3000fps and they recommend a 1-8 twist or faster.

Well it the 6.5x284 should be able to get to 3100. According to all the Creedmoor shooters on this forum they can eclipse 3000 with a 140 btw I don't believe them. So if they can supposedly hit over 3000 a 284 case should be good for at least another 100fps.

 

[Weatherby Fan]

I would also have a look at Hornady's new 6.5 PRC, to me looks like a great alternative in the 6.5 line-up, I'm having one built and will posit up once finished,
I also own a custom 6.5-284 and its an awesome cartridge.

 

[WeiserBucks]

6.5 PRC is a winner on paper, but the brass will lead it into oblivion.

I'm still punching myself in the junk for selling my 6.5x284.

 

[Mnovak73]

6.5 PRC is a winner on paper, but the brass will lead it into oblivion.

I'm still punching myself in the junk for selling my 6.5x284.

I'm looking at the Christensen Arms Ridgeline, they offer the 6.5-284 for around $2k. I have one of their Classic models in .300 WM and love it. I'd like a custom build but can't afford one unless I find someone selling one used.

 

[CaptnC]

In my 6.5x284 I see pressure at 3000fps. It shot real good but too hot for me. I backed off to the mid 2900's with 140gr HPBT match bullets.

264wm 3150fps with 140's out of a 24" pipe..positively no signs of pressure.

No reason to stress your equipment. Your 6.5x284 won't (shouldn't any way) be a 3200 fps gun. If you need one step up one size. 264wm fit's the bill fine!

 

[Steven S.]

Sounds like the general consensus of the group discussion is leaning toward the 6.5-284 being the better choice. Now with that said should I have one built, and if so recommendations on builder? Or should I purchase a factory custom such as Mcwhorter, Fierce or Christensen arms? I do not have an unlimited budget, $3000 is a comfortable ceiling if possible.
Anyone selling a gently used 6.5-284?

 

[Steven S.]

A year or so ago I too was looking at the 6.5 x 284. I thought about having one built for 2500 to 4000 dollars not mention having to wait nearly six months for the final product. I started researching the Savage Long Range hunter / model 111. I found that the Savage had rave reviews. A local Sportsmans Warehouse had one for 975.00 with a 75.00 rebate. 900.00 out the door. It's a great shooter. It loves the 140 gr. Nosler partitions and the Hornady 143 ELX. I'm still experimenting with other loads but I'm getting three shot groups forming a "very" tight shamrock albeit at just 100 yards to this point. Not far enough into the hobby / sport to measure velocities just yet. The load development is straight out of the reloading manuals. I'm not sure that spending another two or three thousand dollars is going to tighten my groups up any more to justify the expense. This is a hunting rifle. The Savage action and stock in my opinion rival the more expensive ones. The muzzle break , which comes standard , is another great feature. Don't foreclose on the thought of buying a 6.5 X 284 in a Savage. Great accuracy for little expense. You won't regret it.

 

[Mcarso1]

I have not shot mine yet but bought with the advice of a local smith as well as all of the good things I have heard on the forums. I opted for the Christensen ridgeline and yes it's a little high priced but also you get a lot of good stuff for the price, at least I think. Going to order some brass and get started on some loads. For barrel break in what do you guys load info?