New 6.5 build

[ramrod79]

Guys would like your input, here, I m going to build another rig just triying to decide, on th 260 ackley or th 6.5 284. This rig will be for lugging around the mountains ,and will be used for hunting Sheep ,deer, Antelope, Elk, I want to be able to reach out to a max of 700 yards wiht this rig, does the 6.5 284 have that much more puch than the 260 AI?I have done some reasearch ,and it does not look like it has that much more 75ft/sec 150-200 LBS of energy at 700 over 260AI , but i do like the short action option of the 260AI, with a wyatts extended box, over a long action, the weight savings on the short action let me go to a #3 barrel . Oh I forgot to mention fire forming brass does not bother me either.

Kreiger#2 25inch barrel 1:8
stiller action
Wild cat light weight stock no bottom metal to keep weight down.

rig to be 6lbs when done 6.75 scoped.

What caliber do I choose? , I have a custom 260 Rem right now and it is awesome but I want more punch for the elk at longer ranges .

 

[Jumpalot]

You would probably still want a long action for the .260 AI to seat the longer bullets out further to take advantage of the extra capacity that the AI will give you. With that being the case, I would opt for the 6.5-284. I really liked mine. Have a standard .260 now and am considering building up another 6.5-284.

 

[Derek M.]

After 2+ years of chewing on what 6.5 I wanted to go with I settled on the 6.5-284 and have no regrets. McMillan Edge technology stock helps with weight.

 

[ramrod79]

Thanks for the info what twist is everyone using in the 6.5 284?

 

[Derek M.]

Thanks for the info what twist is everyone using in the 6.5 284?

Bartlein barrel gain twist, 24" long. Starts around 8.75 and at the muzzle it is 8T. Here's what it's doing with Nosler 130 ABs:

 

[ICANHITHIMMAN]

You would probably still want a long action for the .260 AI to seat the longer bullets out further to take advantage of the extra capacity that the AI will give you. With that being the case, I would opt for the 6.5-284. I really liked mine. Have a standard .260 now and am considering building up another 6.5-284.

Good advice, but I don't believe you need a LA for a 260 AI as case length is not a factory if you install a wayatts outdoors extended mag box.

 

[trigger puller]

6.5 SAUM it will be my next rifle, there is an article on it over in Snipers Hide it was developed by George @ GAP. When I have the money my 6.5-284 will be passed down to my son he is only 5 but he will grow into it.

 

[stomp442]

I've had my 260 Ackley over 3000 fps in a 26" criterion barrel. The sweet spot is right at 2940 though which is still right in the middle of 6.5-284 territory while using less powder.I vote the short action and the ackley.

 

[Derek M.]

I've had my 260 Ackley over 3000 fps in a 26" criterion barrel. The sweet spot is right at 2940 though which is still right in the middle of 6.5-284 territory while using less powder.I vote the short action and the ackley.

I'll add that you can get lapua brass in 260 also.

 

[ramrod79]

Very torn here I will have to go through the ballistics very carefully before I decide, I f i go with the short action I will save a little more weight and can go to a heavier barrel ,and still be at the 6-6.5 lbs.

 

[.284]

Just a thought to save a little cash. A tikka t3 in 6.5x55 and have a a smith run a 6.5-06 reamer in it with a little set back on the threads. All you may need is a 30-06 length mag( not even sure if you need that) and possibly have him modify the bolt stop. They already come with an 8 twist barrel and great triggers. If you're in Alberta already accurate action does great work. That will be about a 6lb gun.

 

[Derek M.]

I've had my 260 Ackley over 3000 fps in a 26" criterion barrel. The sweet spot is right at 2940 though which is still right in the middle of 6.5-284 territory while using less powder.I vote the short action and the ackley.

How much less powder? Plus, the OP is wanting a light rifle which I'm guessing would rule out a 26" barrel. What bullet/weight was used to get 3000?

I think the 260AI is a fine cartridge but I think the 6.5-284 brings a little more to the table with a negligible powder difference.

 

[WildRose]

I'm a big fan of all the 6.5's. You're really talking very little difference in velocity between the .260, the AI, and the 6.5x284.

With the applications you have in mind I'd honestly say look at the .264wm, 6.5x300wm, or even the 6.5 STW.

Burning up barrels isn't rally the consideration it used to be. Start out with a quality stainless bbl, break it in well, clean the heck out of it and have it melonited and go from there.

 

[Greyfox]

While either cartridge will do for 700 yard work, I would lean towards the 6.5x284. While you might be able to approach equivalent velocities, in my experience, the 6,5x284 case design seems to hold up much better than the 260 (I use mostly Lapua in both cartridges but applies to other brands). Loose primer pockets and thinning of the case head area can plague the 260 after very few loadings when subjected to the top end of it's pressure range. This will be necessary to approach 6.5x284 performance, particularly if you want to take advantage of the 140gr bullet ballistics. I agree that you should go with a long action in the 260AI for versatility with bullet styles, and would recommend a 1:8 twist in either cartridge. IMO.