Long range mule deer rifle

[Longshot284]

Another vote for the 280 AI!

 

[Cmrem700]

With your gun I would do a 280 ackley or a 6.5x280 ackley
Just buy a 280 ackley Nosler Brass neck it down to 6.5.
I have a 280 ackley now and anther one on the way. I love it!
I have a 6.5saum too, trying to decide if I want anther 6.5saum or if I should go 6.5x280ackley. I think they are the same? The ackley version seems like it would be a great choice. Not sure how popular it is.

 

[NDF]

If you're bbls not shot out, ream it to a 30 AI, get a quality trigger and glass, your already familiar with your old friend, shoot that bbl out and then re-barrel and you'll have your quality glass and trigger in place allowing you to buy a top shelf bbl, good quality all the way just in 2 chess moves instead of one depending on your budget, have fun with your new thumper

 

[LVJ76]

We frequently hear about remaining energy but that's only part of the equation. Using the 175 grain 7mm bullet and the 140 gr. 6.5's as an example, the 175 has a very small energy advantage but the extra weight and momentum gives it an even greater advantage.

COBrad is right, a 7mm bullet with a higher weight (175gr to 195gr)will have more energy/punch than a 140gr bullet at any distance.

I would recommend a 280AI if you want to keep the same bolt face, but if you are willing to change it, I would do a 7mm Rem Mag and get an additional 100 to 150fps over the 280 AI. Both are good on recoil and good for deer, elk and black bear if you choose to.

 

[WeiserBucks]

If it's going to be used strictly for deer a 6.5x284 is an excellent choice. Great bullet selection, Lapua brass and super accurate.

 

[L.Sherm]

I would do a 7mm Rem Mag and get an additional 100 to 150fps over the 280 AI.

A 7mm Rem mag will not get 100-150 fps over a 280AI everthing being equall.

 

[DJ Fergus]

Looking to either buy or build a long range mule deer rifle. I have an older r700 30-06 and am thinking about rebarrelling it to something. Not quite sure yet so I need some help. What are your thoughts on a rifle cartridge that can reach out and kill a deer at 800-1000 yards?

Go to jbm tradjectory calculator and punch in the numbers for a 180 eld 7mm @2860fps and then punch in the numbers for a 147 eld @ 3050fps and compare the two in ft/lbs energy & wind drift out to 1000yds. 2860 with the 180 can be attained in 7mm RM, 280, 7mm rsaum, 7mm, wsm with a 26" barrel & correct powders. 3050 with a 147 gr can be attained in 6.5-06, 6.5-284, & 6.5 prc with correct powders & 26" barrel. Recoil when calculated for the two bullets @ given velocities will be only slightly more for the 180 vs the 147 in same weight rifles. I own rifles that shoot both of those bullets. The reason for my response is because I am embarking on building a medium weight rifle in either a 6.5-284, 6.5prc or 284 Winchester ( match reamer). I have run those numbers mentioned myself and it leaves me leaning heavily towards a 7mm cartridge right now.

 

[YZ-80]

If it's going to be used strictly for deer a 6.5x284 is an excellent choice. Great bullet selection, Lapua brass and super accurate.

I agree. Savage Custom shop built me one with a medium profile fluted 26" bbl. No feeding issues whatsoever. How does it shoot? See my avatar.

 

[JTB]

6.5-06 would be an easy and effective option. Don't really need the AI version. Will carry 1000 lb of energy to 1000 yards with proper LR 140-150gr options. Very comfortable to shoot and will feed perfectly. I use the Norma 270 cases. I would imagine you could get >2700 FPS from the 170gr EOL using a 1:8 twist 270 and that would also get you 1000 lbs at 1000 but then you are looking at 7mm level recoil and might as well go with 280/AI

 

[laker]

6.5-06. Have it throated for the new 156 grain EOL

 

[DJ Fergus]

Another option would be a straight 280 rem with 180 eld or 180 Berger with reloder 26. Buy lapua 30-06 brass & neck it straight to 280 Remingon. If you go that route, make sure you get more free bore than a saami spec reamer has.

 

[Rum Man]

Great info here for you !

6.5x 284 is amazing I hear .
Then again the 280 Ai has a great following !
Tough choice for you !
Best of luck

I'm staying with my 338 Edge 30" Proof and the 300 bergers !
I will be up high this fall chasing Mule Deer !

Rum Man

 

[NDF]

Great info here for you !

6.5x 284 is amazing I hear .
Then again the 280 Ai has a great following !
Tough choice for you !
Best of luck

I'm staying with my 338 Edge 30" Proof and the 300 bergers !
I will be up high this fall chasing Mule Deer !

Rum Man

Amen! Hard to argue with the big heavies

 

[logman48]

280 AI would be hard to beat.Fire forming is not a big deal.Saami spec chamber and you can get Nosler brass.I bought Norma 280 brass and fire formed