Which 6.5?

[Just a hunter]

I have a standard 280 and like it a lot. However, for this particular build I want to try something in 6.5 caliber.

Anyone have the RPM that can give their opinion on it? Is the 6.5-300 picky?

 

[FEENIX]

I have a standard 280 and like it a lot. However, for this particular build I want to try something in 6.5 caliber.

Anyone have the RPM that can give their opinion on it? Is the 6.5-300 picky?

If you can acquire the brass go for it.

 

[redneckbmxer24]

So a 6.5x280/AI.

And 280AI would have about 50% more barrel life because it's less overbore… long action 6.5 rounds torch barrels. My 6.5-284's averaged 1000 which sucks for a rifle that will be used for target shooting.

 

[GSRetrievers]

260ai, great velocity for powder charge, excellent brass, fireforming loads super accurate, low recoil, I've gotten good barrel life, and the list goes on.

 

[Just a hunter]

If you can acquire the brass go for it.

I have not looked for components yet, thank you for the reminder. If I can't find components, the rifle isn't more than a paperweight or mantle piece.

 

[338 dude]

If you guys had a long action donor rifle with any bolt face, which 6.5 would you build and why? Mostly target shooting but likely some eastern whitetail hunting. I like fast but easy to load for. Easy, as in, load development not necessarily component availability.

I don't have anything chambered in 6.5 anything, that's why I am asking specifically about 6.5. Ask questions and I will try my best to answer them. Looking forward to some good input. Not really interested in going to lightweight bullets to get speed but not completely against it either. I'd like to stay at 130 grain or above bullets.

Thank you folks.

I've been shooting the 6.5 X284 Norma for over eight years and I love it!

 

[Just a hunter]

I've been shooting the 6.5 X284 Norma for over eight years and I love it!View attachment 551361

What speeds do you see with what bullets? Length barrel?

 

[sable tireur]

https://weatherby.com/store/unprimed-brass-50-count/

https://www.grafs.com/retail/metallic-reloading-rifle-brass-6-5-weatherby-rpm

https://www.midsouthshooterssupply....-weatherby-rpm-unprimed-rifle-brass-box-of-50

https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1025992817?pid=388960

https://www.duckcreeksportinggoods.com/product/6-5-weatherby-rpm-brass-peterson-qty-50/

These are a few I checked a minute ago with this brass in stock.

I am currently using Peterson brass but started out my testing with the Weatherby/Norma brass. I found that I had several extra LA receivers on hand so I chose the 6.5 RPM for a new cartridge development. You can sort of compare it to the .264 Win. Mag. but without the belt. This cartridge has been easy for me to work with and when properly built with the best components, is extremely accurate. I do use the Norma bullets I suggested above but have used just about every other brand available with good results.

I have no hesitation recommending this cartridge for targets or hunting!

 

[338 dude]

What speeds do you see with what bullets? Length barrel?

Berger 140 Vld out of a 26 inch proof run about 2980 comfortably since running it suppressed I've cut my barrel back to 22 inches and run 130s at the same speed.

 

[nksmfamjp]

6.5x55AI, 6.5 Sherman, 6.5-06 AI, 6.5-280 AI, 6.5 Creedmoor

Honestly, 6.5 Creedmoor is pretty cheap, Lapua or Alpha brass, dies galore. I'd probably just do that.

 

[Just a hunter]

Creedmoor you say? Isn't that way too much horsepower for a whitetail?!?

Sorry, I couldn't help myself. I don't have anything against the Creedmoor. In fact, my favorite rifle to shoot right now is my 22 Creed. However, I think I'd like the ability to run faster than the 6.5 Creedmoor, especially if I decided to go heavier with my bullets.

Not saying I won't build one but I'm leaning towards something faster at the moment.

 

[FlGunner]

One thing to add…. If you have Reloder 26 on hand, it really gives the Creedmoor a lot more. I have a friend in town that loads the 143 eldx over Re 26 and he claims he's getting over 2900. I have not personally shot his rifle or seen him shoot it at long distance in person but I have seen video he's recorded of his wife taking a whitetail in Kansas at just under 500 yds with it. It was bang flop. But he's got Re 26 and I can't seem to be lucky enough to get any. I don't know his load but I can find out.

 

[FEENIX]

And 280AI would have about 50% more barrel life because it's less overbore… long action 6.5 rounds torch barrels. My 6.5-284's averaged 1000 which sucks for a rifle that will be used for target shooting.

Perhaps, but it is NOT what the OP is looking for.

 

[FEENIX]

I have not looked for components yet, thank you for the reminder. If I can't find components, the rifle isn't more than a paperweight or mantle piece.

I tried a year or so ago, and the best I can do was a box of 20 for a wildcat build. I scrapped that idea. Perhaps there are more now. Good luck!