6.5x284 or 280AI

[BrentM]

I have had 7 6.5-284s. I have a couple with 2000 rounds and still shoot .5. I have 2 with 1000 down the tube and throat growth shows .002 last time I checked.

The 156 could be a game changer and it following guys like grey closely. I am working on a 6.5 prc and testing.

On another note the 280ai running a 180 at 2800-2850 is not slouch. My 28"'s 6.5's run 147's at 3015 and 3025 and work well

 

[lyle2231]

I shoot a straight.280 in mid-range matches using the Sierra manual's recipe w/Re-15. 150gr SMK. Never failed me.

 

[newmexkid]

Currently awaiting my first ever AI. Of course, it will be a 280.

 

[Deputy819]

Currently awaiting my first ever AI. Of course, it will be a 280.

Congrats! I just got my first AI in .280 back in January of this year (Savage/Criterion build). Heckuva shooter!

 

[ronstone09]

I have two 6.5x47s, 1 set up for hunting and 1 for target and wanting to do another build. 6.5x284 or 280AI, wanting to use 143 or 147s in the 6.5 or in the 160gr range for the 280. The setup will be used mostly for long range target shooting and some whitetail hunting with an occasional mulie hunt. I'm aware of the 284s barrel life, just trying to choose the best cartridge. Hunting distance will be up to 700, target to 1500. Load data and opinions will be greatly appreciated!

I have a savage LR in .284 and shoot 143 elf's out of it and it is a tack driver !

 

[Turner334]

With a muzzle break, is the recoil of the 280AI pretty manageable? How much noticeable difference in recoil would be felt between the 2? Both calibers seem top notch in performance...

 

[Turner334]

I have had 7 6.5-284s. I have a couple with 2000 rounds and still shoot .5. I have 2 with 1000 down the tube and throat growth shows .002 last time I checked.

The 156 could be a game changer and it following guys like grey closely. I am working on a 6.5 prc and testing.

On another note the 280ai running a 180 at 2800-2850 is not slouch. My 28"'s 6.5's run 147's at 3015 and 3025 and work well

What powders are you using?

 

[dougduey]

I recently built a load using the newly introduced Berger 156 EOL, further extending my 6.5x384's capabilities for LR targets and hunting.
View attachment 145415

Hey Greyfox
What kind of results and velocity are you getting with the new Berger bullet? Are you using Retumbo? Do you mind sharing your load data?
I've got the 140 gr VLD's shooting great but I'm real interested in the 156 gr. I had better results with RL23 compared to Retumbo with the 140 gr.

 

[Greyfox]

Hey Greyfox
What kind of results and velocity are you getting with the new Berger bullet? Are you using Retumbo? Do you mind sharing your load data?
I've got the 140 gr VLD's shooting great but I'm real interested in the 156 gr. I had better results with RL23 compared to Retumbo with the 140 gr.

Doug,
I'm getting excellent results with the Berger 156's using R26. Ladder and final load shown below:

 

[bbckfh]

I have two 6.5x47s...

... 6.5x284 or 280AI

?

For your stated goals, I think the question comes down to:
1) 6.5x284 - common components
2) 280AI - more punch for hunting

The x284 isn't that different from your x47 Lapuas. So do you prefer to "keep it in the family" as it were or give yourself more breadth/scope with a different caliber?

 

[dougduey]

Doug,
I'm getting excellent results with the Berger 156's using R26. Ladder and final load shown below:
View attachment 145678 View attachment 145679

Thank you for all the info GreyFox. I was surprised to see you get basically the same velocity as your 140 gr VLD pet load.

 

[Greyfox]

Thank you for all the info GreyFox. I was surprised to see you get basically the same velocity as your 140 gr VLD pet load.

It's the R26. It's quite unique in that it has the density characteristics of a faster burning powder, yet develops equivalent velocity to Retumbo with a few grains less powder without hitting the pressure max. Additionally, accuracy and ES is excellent accross a broad velocity range.

 

[BrentM]

R26 is good stuff.

 

[arch408]

Long action - .280 AI. Medium action - 6.5-.284. Maybe. Personally, I'd rather have the more versatile .280AI.