Final Build Decision (6.5-06 ai vs .280 ai)

[BriKW]

I had a custom built over the winter on the 280 AI and its one of the more accurate rifles I own. I have settled on the 150gn ABLR as my bullet of choice. It averages shooting that bullet in the 3's, and best group with that bullet was in the ones.

280AI seems to be a relatively easy round to tune, and the 150gn ABLR at 3020 fps does it's job very well. I have no doubt it will be a stone cold killer come hunting season.

 

[wsq]

I have a 280ai cooper love it I can use it in shooting houses without an break and very little recoil. There's also one less step in making brass. None if you buy nosler brass. I'm sure the 6.5 would be a really nice shooting rifle haven't got around to trying one yet. Mcwhorter's 6.5 weatherby 257 or 270 WTH. brass converted to 6.5 looks interesting. But the 280ai is an awesome all-purpose round

 

[Monttrap04]

Great input guys. My brain is telling me .280ai. My heart is saying 6.5.

 

[86alaskan]

go with the 6.5, what good can come from listening to your brain?

 

[gohring3006]

155 grain Berger!!!!

 

[6.5shaggy]

Both are great choices, as pointed out above by many. I have a 6.5-284 and a .284 Win. I do love my 6.5-284 and never find it lacking for my purposes, but the .284 with 168-180 VLDs does amp up the killing power substantially over the 6.5. I run the 6.5 w/140 VLD @ 2940 from a 26 inch barrel and the .284 runs the 180 vld @ 2920 and the 168 @ 3050 from a 25 inch barrel. Both guns have 1st shot kills on Texas boars 250lbs+ at 825 & 856 yards(and many others closer). The 284/180 vld did have a full pass thru with a tennis ball sized exit at 856 yds. No tracking needed, DRT.
I know you said no other calibers considered, but the .284 Win does fit the shorter barrel spec well, has good brass choices, .473 head size, cheap dies, moderate recoil etc. It or the 280AI get my vote.

 

[Apex Custom Rifles]

I own both a 6.5-280 imp and a 280 imp, which are both very similar to your choices. I built the 280 imp for F-class and I love that round. I built the 6.5-280 as a LR hunting rifle and I have really enjoyed it too. I do like them both and it comes down to which bullet you would like to be shooting.

I am going to be doing a LR rig in 280 imp soon because of how impressed I have been woth my F-CLASS rifle. I am planning to use this for elk and other 600-1000+ yard targets. Only reason for this choice over the 6.5 would be I can shoot the 160-180+ gr bullets for larger game

 

[Monttrap04]

Great discussion and input guys. Thanks