Best short barreled 6.5 caliber??

[Weatherby Fan]

I have a 20.5" 6.5-284 and I still get 2940 with 130gr AB and 2900 with 140gr AB with 53gr R23

 

[Lee Goodwin]

260 Remington?

 

[MPNCC]

With the velocity that you look to achieve I'd look to the 6.5 saum. The prc fall a little short and isn't a short barrel performer. You'd have to Max it out to try to get where you want. That being said I'd personally do it in prc though.

 

[Alibiiv]

From "Kurtb", "I'd go 6.5 creedmoor or 6.5x47. I have a 6.5-06 at 18" and suppressed. It does 2900 fps with 140s and RL26." If he is getting that muzzle velocity out of an 18 inch barrel, you ought to be able to get the muzzle velocity that you are looking for out of a 22 inch barrel. I like the old cartridges (ole school), think it would really be unique to have a rifle in this cartridge; 25-06. I often get busted on because of my "ole school" beliefs, however some of the older cartridges are tough to beat. I think that one of your greatest limitations is that you want to build on short barrel length. The powder for the smaller diameter bullets (.25, .26, .27) like the 24-28 inch barrels. Even if you went 24 inch barrel your choices in calibers and muzzle velocity would increase greatly.

 

[Gcan]

So, I am looking to build a 22" barreled 6.5 hunting rig. I want the shorter barrel so it isn't too cumbersome with my suppressor on it. I really like the idea of the 6.5x284 but everything I read says that cartridge is best with a 28" barrel. Would the 6.5 PRC be a better option for the shorter barrel? The only criteria that I have is that there has to be good brass available for it. I have never dove into the world of forming my own brass, and I don't want to start. It can be a short or long action, I don't care. Any advice or insight will be greatly appreciated.

Depends on how much of a hot rod you want, what you plan to hunt and what distances you might hunt it at. The 6.5prc is 50–100 fps slower than the 6.5/300SAUM. Either will shoot out of a 22" but longer is better IMO.

 

[Shooter264]

My 6.5 PRC w a 22" proof bbl will run 2950 with 147's and 3035 w 140 vld's. My setup weighs 7lbs 7 ounces with optic and shoots very well. I also have a 21" 6.5 creedmoor that shoots the 143 ELDX at 2860 that weighs 6lbs 7 ounces all in.

 

[Aoudad shooter1975]

22 inches is plenty for almost any non magnum 6.5..16.5 in barrel and a 6.5 Grendel would be awesome. I have a few Grendel's (one in a encore 21"barrel, 2 ARs 16 barrel and a 20 in barrel...velocity doesn't differ 50 ft per second between the 3)

I have a 22 in barrel on my 6.5x47 and it is all it needs...I put a 20 in proof on my kids 6.5 creedmoor , and my wife has a 20 in on hers too and it is sufficient .

I see a lot of guys are running SAUMs and PRCs with 20-22 in barrels

I'm in the process of building a 300 SAUM and I'm putting a 20 on it... I think you are cool running anything in a 22...

 

[Bonestock]

I was in your place a couple months ago. I was tired of carrying around 14lb rifle and wanted something lighter for a pack rifle. I ended up having a 260 ackley built with a 22" barrel. I should have it back in a couple of weeks. I hope. With the suppressor installed it should still be shorter than my long range rifle and be close to half the weight. I am not sure I will see 3000 fps, but it should be close.

 

[Matt Tatum]

I hunt with a 24" proof chambered in 6.5 saum. I shoot 143 eld-x at 3175 FPS with rl26. Has been very accurate to 800 yards. I could push it harder, but that's where I ended up for barrel and brass life. I doubt 2 inches would take you below 3000.

 

[IdahoPredator]

My 6.5 PRC w a 22" proof bbl will run 2950 with 147's and 3035 w 140 vld's. My setup weighs 7lbs 7 ounces with optic and shoots very well. I also have a 21" 6.5 creedmoor that shoots the 143 ELDX at 2860 that weighs 6lbs 7 ounces all in.

Very nice! Mind listing all the details on that 6.5 PRC? You build it yourself?

 

[Shooter264]

Very nice! Mind listing all the details on that 6.5 PRC? You build it yourself?

22" Proof Sendero light
Lone Peak Razor TI
Trigger Tech Special
McMillan Hunter w Edge
Hawkins BDL, 2 port brake, and rings
Wyatts extended window box
Leupy VX6 3-18x44 TMOA
Reamer is Hornady spec .188" FB

I worked with Cloudpeak Gunworks in putting it together

 

[2footroper]

I built a custom AR in 6.5 Grendel with an 18" that shoots sub MOA using factory Hornady 123gr. ammo. Both hogs shot at 125yds. The black one shot right behind the eye exactly where I intended with thermal scope.

 

[Locknload]

I have a few 6.5s and am now building my 6th 6.5x08 this one in an AR-10 (avitar is 308 in new AR-10) to replace my last AR-10 T. I have been building 6.5-08s since about 2 years before the 260 existed. If you use an 8 twist with H-414 the 260 can duplicate the 6.5-06 within 100 fps. The 6.5-284 version is the exact same capacity as the 6.5-06 version, I have 2. They need at least a 26" barrel but you can not shorten a barrel and use a large capacity case, you must match case capacity to barrel length or you are wasting your time and not burning the powder. The 26" 06 cat will equal the 264 with a 24".
Ed

 

[CaptnC]

An oldie but goodie...

6.5X55....with a 129 SST you should be able to get near your desired velocity.

Those guys on the Grendel web site would say your nuts for using anything over 12" on Grendel. They call me a "troll" for proving the wrong with stats! LOL They pretty much hate me over there!

While I do like the 6.5 Grendel (have three 18", 20" and 24") I don't think you going to reach 3,000fps out of a bolt gun. Heaven knows it's not possible from a gas gun.

6.5 Grendel is great, but not going to make the grade for the OP...

6.5X55