What caliber

[SamuelBerryhill308]

Hello all I've been trying to plan a semi custom build I'm saving up for or maybe buy a real nice factory rifle just depends but any was I have a remington 700 LA that I'm thanking about doing a semi custom build with and I've been looking at either doing a 270 win with 1/9 or 1/8 twist or 280ai or maybe a 6.5x284.but the way everything is right now has been making me lean towards 270win just do to I have all the things needed for reloading just would need few more bullets and brass.but I already have a 270 win and would like to see what other options that would be a good open field deer hunting caliber and that would be a new to me caliber because I've always had 30 cals or at least one 270 win.i really like the looks and ballistic of 280 ai and the 6.5x284 but no supplys are in sight least not what I've seen.ive also looked at the 284 win as well.what other calibers would yall recommend.like I said I mostly have used 30 cal 308 win or 30-06 and now recently 300wsm with is my new favorite.besides that I've hunted with the same 270 win rifle since i was 12 and I would like to have a bolt action 270 win.and I would just like to have another rifle for the safe.anyways any input on this would be greatly appreciated thanks

 

[dogz]

for what critters and to what ranges mainly?

 

[lancetkenyon]

For caliber for deer, hard to beat a 6.5mm.
Add elk into the equation, 7mm or .308".

As for your CARTRIDGE selection, I would go 6.5-.284 Norma or .280AI. A LOT more high BC bullet choices.
6.5-.284 Norma brass available all day long from Lapua. Bullets are trickling in too.
.280AI brass by Petersons if you are quick when it comes out. Go to Grafs.com and click on "notify me when available". Nosler brass is OK. 7mm bullets are out there too.

 

[Tidus56]

I typed a long post that's basically said what lancetkenyon said. So I agree with him.

 

[dogz]

8 twist in a 6mm/06 is a wicked good combo and will rock all from elk on down........

 

[logman48]

Hard to beat the 280 AI

 

[Roughrice]

Great choice on 284 Win or 280AI if your used to 30's for whitetail thru elk.
Lapua now has straight 284 Win Brass also so you don't have to neck up 6.5-284.
I have all three and all are great cartridges!
I just get all warm inside when I grab that 284 Win! HaHa!
But... If you have a 300WSM already, maybe take a poke at the 6.5-284 for lighter recoil and less powder consumption. I think you'd love it.

 

[ducky]

I already have a 270 win and would like to see what other options that would be a good open field deer hunting caliber and that would be a new to me caliber because I've always had 30 cals or at least one 270 win.

What's open field, or what range are we talking about?

I'm a huge fan of the .270 Win! If you reload, use a fast twist barrel, and take advantage of some of the newer bullets it will do the job very well. My longest range mule deer was taken with the .270 and a 130 Sierra GK just under 600 yards.

Honestly, until you get to extended ranges there will not be a noticeable difference between a .270, .280 AI, or 6.5-284 on game. If you just want something different, then I think they are both excellent choices. I spent a lot of time trying to find a better performer on game than the .270, mainly playing with the 6.5-06, .280 Rem, and 7mm Rem Mag. I still have a couple .270 Win rifles and I've sold everything the others mentioned off.

Have you looked at the .25-06 for an open field deer rifle? It's a pretty good choice with a long action build for a deer rifle. If I hadn't built mine so heavy I'd still have it. It was a great rifle if you hunted from a blind, but it sucked as a mountain rifle.

 

[dogz]

Ducky you're right on with the 25/06! I just rebarreled my old 700 with a 9 twist and it's going to be a hammer on critters from tweetys to elkies

 

[JD284win]

As a guy that shot a 280Ai for about 10 years. Killing 3 elk with it and lots of deer and pigs. Its a great do all cartridge. With heavy bullets like 168 to 180s the 284 win in a long action is a better choice. The 284win is easier to get your jump right do to mag length not being much issue. 280ai with 168 to 180s can get a little long. If it wasn't for trying to better tune heavier 7mm bullets I'd still have my 280ai. Both cartridges are hard to beat. My 284win runs 177 hammer hunters at 2800fps with R23. It will shoot them to 2900fps but start to get pressure signs. My wife's 284win shoots Barnes 145 lrx at 3050 with R15. I'm just getting started on my 6.5x284 build. Everybody I know that has one loves it.

 

[Roughrice]

As a guy that shot a 280Ai for about 10 years. Killing 3 elk with it and lots of deer and pigs. Its a great do all cartridge. With heavy bullets like 168 to 180s the 284 win in a long action is a better choice. The 284win is easier to get your jump right do to mag length not being much issue. 280ai with 168 to 180s can get a little long. If it wasn't for trying to better tune heavier 7mm bullets I'd still have my 280ai. Both cartridges are hard to beat. My 284win runs 177 hammer hunters at 2800fps with R23. It will shoot them to 2900fps but start to get pressure signs. My wife's 284win shoots Barnes 145 lrx at 3050 with R15. I'm just getting started on my 6.5x284 build. Everybody I know that has one loves it.

My 284 is on a long action as well. What I like about em is that I was able to find a load for all of them with H4350.
I have a 26" barrel on my 6.5x284 and my son has a 24". Not much velo drop between the two with H4350.

 

[JD284win]

My 284 is on a long action as well. What I like about em is that I was able to find a load for all of them with H4350.
I have a 26" barrel on my 6.5x284 and my son has a 24". Not much velo drop between the two with H4350.

R23 ended up being super easy to tune up with good velocity vs the H4831sc. H4350 is reserved for my 6.5x47L and it was a question of will I get anymore. I may give it a shot in the new 6.5x284.

 

[Roughrice]

R23 ended up being super easy to tune up with good velocity vs the H4831sc. H4350 is reserved for my 6.5x47L and it was a question of will I get anymore. I may give it a shot in the new 6.5x284.

Not certain since not around my book... but around 48-49 grains of H4350 runs 140 RDF and 140 BT around 2950 which is the sweet spot for 6.5x284

 

[Roughrice]

Didn't mean to hijack the original topic!
I have no quarrels with the 270 Win if you are considering it. I piled up alot of deer with my 270 when I was younger!
Easy to find off the shelf ammo in a pinch...well, used to be easy!