Best compromise for a do it all rifle

[FEENIX]

It's not that my 6.5 isn't accurate enough, it does a very good job it just weighs as much as a small suv. But that was what I designed it for. It's very inconvenient to pack around.

I have a .222 Remington 799 and a Savage .17 HMR. Both do their jobs well. More critters have died from that .17 than everything else I own combined. I also own a Yankee Hill AR in 5.56.

I do agree that one gun will not fill all those roles effectively but was wanting a compromise that would be handy, reliable, accurate, and fun.

Hello, I'm looking to purchase a rifle as soon as I decide what I want or need.

So what are your opinions in a do it all rifle that will consistently shoot around 140 gr bullets out to about 500 - 800 yards. Shoot close to 3000fps. Not weigh as much as a small suv. And have a barrel I won't have to worry about replacing in 500 rounds. Oh and decent availability of brass and dies. Nothing to complicated to load.
Oh one more thing... I like things that are different - outside of the normal 6.5 Creedmoor.

The answer to your question of caliber/chambering is on your sig line.

 

[midnightmalloy]

Different, shoots 140 high bc bullets to 3000, good brass from lapua.....maybe think of the 6.5x55 improved aka the sweedmoor.

 

[okie man]

I used to have a 280 rem. Had loads that were everything from mild too wild. You would never run out of brass! As long as there's 270 or 30/06 ammo you can form it. Easy on powder, every kind of bullet you want . It's not new, fancy or flashy, but it works and works well

 

[Weatherby Fan]

I would go 280AI, I have built 5 of them, by far my favourite cartridge, my go to hunting rifle is built on a Husqvarna H5000 action, trued and squared,
24" SS Benchmark #1 contour barrel,1-9twist, Timney Trigger and a Wildcat stock, with Talley Lightweights and a Leupold VX3i 4.5-14x40 CDS it weighs 7lbs 2.8oz and very accurate just using the factory Nosler TG 140gr AB.

 

[BEEMAN]

For something different as Mudrunner suggested the 6.5 Sherman. Mine with a max load of N570 will drive a 140 Berger at 3339 fps out of a 28" Hart. Another option is the Christensen ridgeline in 280AI.

 

[djm670]

I think it has more to do with the weight of the rifle, it's handiness and the easy and joy of shoot more often.

Much as one wants to be different. There is a lot to like about shooting a moderate weight 6.5 creedmoor (.260 Remington and 6.5 swede fall into the category too). They shoot long distance, they shoot without a lot of noise and use of powder. Can build or buy a good carry gun that will shoot accurately right out of the box. Not much recoil, probably don't need a brake so not a lot of dust and dirt when shooting prone. Ha ha.. there are a lot of reasons they are so darn popular.

 

[okie man]

Medium weight 280 rem will do anything you want with the greater selection of bullets . Quality brass will always be available, powders to run through it will always be available, and bullets will always be available!

 

[BEEMAN]

The 280AI is nice, but like you said the smaller 6.5's sure are fun to shoot. I really like both of my 6.5x47's. Shoot 130 Berger hunting out of one and 130 accubond out of the other. Just under 3000 fps with not much powder is great.

 

[Jpterry]

280ai is my go to 500+ rifle. I shoot 140gr ABs at 3180fps with H4831sc.

 

[IndianaMatt]

It's a done deal .280 AI it is. Look for a future post looking for info on where to go from here.

 

[IndianaMatt]

Thanks for all the replies guys. I would have never considered the .280 before this thread.

 

[okie man]

I know it's a bit of a drive but the shooting range at Camp Atterbury has a great little pro shop stocked with all powders at great prices. Bucks and jakes in Evansville has a pretty good selection of components also

 

[Weatherby Fan]

Here's a Cpl pictures of my Nephews 280AI, Rem 700 action trued, squared and fluted, 26" Benchmark #1 contour SS barrel, Timney Calvin Elite Trigger, Wildcat Stock, Leupold 4.5-14x40 CDS 30mm, simple hunting rifle and very accurate with factory Nosler TG 140gr AB

 

[IndianaMatt]

I work in Evansville on occasion and Buck and Jakes is decent. The little shop in Fort Branch I believe the name is Meeks Guns has always had what I was looking for.