Building first custom rifle

[BrentM]

I personally look at barrel life as a big factor in these decisions. Never had one, but I am led to believe the 6.5x284 and PRC etc. are really hard on barrels. I really don't want to spend the time and effort to build something that may be shot out before I find a load. But that's just me! Maybe I'm too old and set in my ways. I tend to hang on to what works for me, that's why I have been killing animals with the same rifle for over 20 years; but they still die when I touch the trigger. And I haven't had to worry about what it likes in a very long time! YRMV

It can be a consideration but neither are that bad. What kills them is high rate of fire and fast hot powder. I see 2000 rounds out the 6.5-284's in normal hunting and long range practical comp. LRPC is 4 shots on 2 targets with a 4 min time limit. If you shoot BR or PRS with either the barrel life is diminished quickly. I shot one PRS comp with the 284 and it was the last. It is not a good choice at all for that.

I have 600 rounds on my prc now and it showing no signs of issues regarding accuracy and I fully expect 1500-2000 out of it.

 

[JMW67]

I already have some brass from when I had a milsurp rifle in 6.5x55. Ive got several of 6.5 rifles so im good on powder and bullets. As for action I haven't decided yet, I have a 700LA in 3006 that is sorta laying around not doing a whole lot so I considered rebarreling it, but I was mostly considering using the GRB action from gunwerks, either a krieger, hart or proof barrel, an mdt chasis.

your 700 la is perfect for the 6.5x55 in any version another cool round is the 6.5-280 ackley I still think you will be better served with the 6.5x55

 

[Matt Tatum]

The barrel life is shorter on the 6.5x284 for sure. But for the sake of argument, let's say you got rod it and only get 1k rounds out of it. If you have a hard time finding a load if may take 100 rounds. Another 200 for practice, that still leaves approx 700 rounds of killing. I may not hunt as much as some here, but that's a lot of animals. My 6.5x284 do last a lot longer that 1k though. Not trying to start a fight, just my opinion on it

 

[tomsd]

Looking at building my first custom gun, rifle will be used for primarily deer here in the south but I will take it out west for antelope/mule deer.

I really love the 260 rem cartridge so I'd like to stay in the 6.5 family but having a difficult time decideding which one.

My current list:
1. 260 terminator
2. 6.5 PRC
3. .260 REM
4. 6.5X284
5. 6.5X55 SWEEDE

Hit me with any and all suggestions yall might have. Doesn't have to stay 6.5 either thats just a happy home for me

All pretty close. What do you want most - power - accuracy, mild recoil , economic shooting ??

 

[gilk1]

What is your budget and max expected range?do you reload? LA or SA?

6.5cm or 6.5prc are great rounds and there is plenty of good factory ammo available. I would stay away from wildcat rounds that rely on fire forming - it's a messy headache if you haven't done it before.

If you're only shooting 600yd or so at small/medium game then 6.5cm will be fine. Might think about going to a 7-08 or even 7RM for larger/tougher game.

Why not try something like a savage 110 or Bergara b-14. There are so many good affordable options now. There's no reason to go full custom unless you have the money or want better than 3/4-1moa accuracy you get in a good factory rifle but you will only be able to take advantage of that accuracy in a custom gun with good hand loads.

 

[Winnett1]

Looking at building my first custom gun, rifle will be used for primarily deer here in the south but I will take it out west for antelope/mule deer.

I really love the 260 rem cartridge so I'd like to stay in the 6.5 family but having a difficult time decideding which one.

My current list:
1. 260 terminator
2. 6.5 PRC
3. .260 REM
4. 6.5X284
5. 6.5X55 SWEEDE

Hit me with any and all suggestions yall might have. Doesn't have to stay 6.5 either thats just a happy home for me

All superior choices.
Have you considered the 6.5-06 ( extremely easy to work with) or the 6.5 Gibbs. Both based off of the 25 and 30-06 case.
The performance you get out of the powder capacity is Amazing

 

[Gibbshooter43]

25:06AI, or even consider AI'ing a 257 Roberts. There's very little in North America they won't handle (I'm a fan of the 25's) and with the shortages we're all faced with, the ability to use off the shelf ammo is increasingly attractive. Just saying... Gibbs

 

[Gabulldog91]

All pretty close. What do you want most - power - accuracy, mild recoil , economic shooting ??

First and foremost is accuracy, recoil is a non issue, ive got a 338LM i use for elk. More so just something that is what I've always called a critter getter

 

[Gibbshooter43]

Also a big second on Winnett1 's 6.5 Gibbs. My 6.5 Gibbs, my 25 Gibbs, and my 240 Gibbs give amazing results.

 

[Gunfreak23]

260 ackley!!!!

 

[Gabulldog91]

What is your budget and max expected range?do you reload? LA or SA?

6.5cm or 6.5prc are great rounds and there is plenty of good factory ammo available. I would stay away from wildcat rounds that rely on fire forming - it's a messy headache if you haven't done it before.

If you're only shooting 600yd or so at small/medium game then 6.5cm will be fine. Might think about going to a 7-08 or even 7RM for larger/tougher game.

Why not try something like a savage 110 or Bergara b-14. There are so many good affordable options now. There's no reason to go full custom unless you have the money or want better than 3/4-1moa accuracy you get in a good factory rifle but you will only be able to take advantage of that accuracy in a custom gun with good hand loads.

Budget is around 2500-3000 pre optic. I only hand load and id prefer a SA but im not against a LA. I live the creed I have now but I really just want something that is an absolute tack driver and fun to shoot. Would be used on anything and everything within reason and range. I've got a pile of really good budget shooters but now looking for a rifle that is my absolute go to for anything smaller than elk or hell maybe even elk within 500

 

[Ranger Rick]

I am also a 6.5mm fan. The 6.5x55 Swede was ahead of its time, it should have been considered by the US Military before and after WWI & WWII, and it is still going strong. I have it plus a 6.5CR & 6.5 PRC in my collection. Here's an insightful 6.5 article https://www.fieldandstream.com/story/guns/6-5-creedmoor-vs-the-6-5-55-swedish/

 

[Highlander44]

If you're just hunting deer, do you need more than a 6.5 Creedmoor? Ammo availability is excellent, inherently accurate, and drops deer. If you have young kids, put a brake on it, and they can shoot it. If you want those few extra fps some of the other cartridges offer, make the barrel a bit longer.

 

[Paladin300]

Ackley the 6.5 swed (6.5 Addiction) and it will shoot neck and neck or out perform the 7 saum but will burn more powder to do it. The 6.5 Ackley also does not burn barrels as quick as the 284 although I never had a problem with mine being terrible on barrels 1500 rounds +. A custom throated ackley would be my choice.