Help with 6,5 cartridge (6.5-284 / 6.5 Creedmoor)?

[Umpqua Hunter]

Hey all,

I am getting the bug to own an accurate, fun to shoot, 6.5 rifle. I've never owned one. My daughter loves to shoot and I have grandkids starting to grow up. My main uses would be (in order):

1) Shooting steel out to 1000 yards, the kids and I.

2) Hunting deer/antelope sized game at extended range and cow elk at closer ranges (youth elk hunts).


I would like to maximize the 6.5 performance and shoot bullets in the 140 grain range (like Bergers). I don't want a serious barrel burner or hard recoiler like the 26 Nosler. I want something fun to shoot with good barrel life. I am wavering between the 6.5 Creedmoor and the 6.5-284. I believe the 6.5 Creedmoor would give considerably longer barrel life, and the 6.5-284 better long range hunting performance. What are your thoughts?

Also, and this is a big piece, are there any production rifles you would recommend? I'd like a SOLID sub-MOA performer (closer to 1/2 MOA) or one that's straightforward to accurize if it needs it. I know how to get there with a custom rifle, but not sure I want to invest that much cash. If I could get there for under $1500 (less optics) I'd be very happy.

UH

 

[AKaviator]

I can really relate. I want one too! I don't even know why other than it would just be fun. I am drawn to the 6.5-284 personally. I have brass already that I use to neck down to .25-284. I'd be smart to re-barrel it to 6.5, but then I wouldn't have as good an excuse to buy another rifle.

I would probably look at a Sako A-7 or 85 to start. I know Cooper's are accurate also, but maybe more expensive,?

 

[Umpqua Hunter]

Cooper's do look great, but look like they are in the $2300 range.

Does anyone have experience with the Nosler M24 Liberty, the Savage 16/116 (stainless)? I've never owned a Savage.

The Ruger Precision looks like fun for shooting steel but I'm not sure it would be too fun to pack around hunting.

 

[AKaviator]

I have a Savage 16 /116 in 7mm-08. It's shooting .5" groups with several loads! Can't say much bad about that!

 

[Steve O]

Christensen Ridgeline would be slightly over your budget but is available in both and fits your other criteria.

 

[zpooch]

I have a Bergara B-14 Hunter in 6.5 Creedmoor. It was easily shooting 3/4 MOA in the first 20 rounds with factory loads. I'm sure you can improve upon that with some hand loads and a bit more trigger time. I am impressed with it so far and it is well within your price range.

 

[DRUSS]

I am interested in this topic. Been looking at a 260, 6.5-284, or a 6.5 saum. Similar interest ,shooting , deer,antelope,and coyote. Nosler rifles and Montana rifles have been the 2 I have been looking at. Unless I choose 6.5 saum

 

[hoshour]

Look at the Savage lightweight mountain rifles in 6.5 Creedmoor

 

[Umpqua Hunter]

Christensen Ridgeline would be slightly over your budget but is available in both and fits your other criteria.

Nice recommendation Steve O, I'll look into the Ridgeline. My primary hunting rifle is a custom Christensen Arms in 300 WSM and I have been very happy with it. I am also glad to see the Ridgeline uses the longer barrel lengths (24" and 26') and already has a muzzle brake. Vey nice weight too at 6.3 lbs. I will give that one some serious thought.

 

[Colorado Cowboy]

Look at the Savage lightweight mountain rifles in 6.5 Creedmoor

If I was going to get another rifle & a different caliber than I already have, this would deserve a good look. I don't have anything between my 25-06 and the .30 calibers I have, but not sure I need something. But having another rifle is always fun!

 

[Tim McCoy]

6.5-284 has more recoil and is harder on barrels in target shooting than a 6.5 CM. Why the 6.5 CM is so popular among 6.5 shooters I suspect. I got my youngest a 260 Rem, had the CM been around at its current popularity, I would have got it instead. They are close to ballistic twins, but the CM has a superior case design for hand loaders iirc. The CM also has more factory loads available from what I see. So I go 6.5 CM in your place, 6mm CM if elk are off the menu.

Besides what's been mentioned, I'd consider Tikka, Howa, and accurizing a Rem 700. NW Action works had some Krieger barreled actions that with bottom metal and a stock would be just over your budget. A big draw, with target shooting, is the ability to replace barrels, advantage Savage, Remage conversions, and other barrel nut designs. If considering smaller kids, stock fit is huge, which is why I stocked my 6.5 Grendel with a MDT LSS chassis that takes adjustable AR butt stocks. We'll use the Grendel on cows, but alfalfa field damage hunts out to 225 or so. It also runs out of steam around 600-800 for target shooting.

Have fun with the project and let us know what you decide.

 

[Umpqua Hunter]

6.5-284 has more recoil and is harder on barrels in target shooting than a 6.5 CM. Why the 6.5 CM is so popular among 6.5 shooters I suspect. I got my youngest a 260 Rem, had the CM been around at its current popularity, I would have got it instead. They are close to ballistic twins, but the CM has a superior case design for hand loaders iirc. The CM also has more factory loads available from what I see. So I go 6.5 CM in your place, 6mm CM if elk are off the menu.

Besides what's been mentioned, I'd consider Tikka, Howa, and accurizing a Rem 700. NW Action works had some Krieger barreled actions that with bottom metal and a stock would be just over your budget. A big draw, with target shooting, is the ability to replace barrels, advantage Savage, Remage conversions, and other barrel nut designs. If considering smaller kids, stock fit is huge, which is why I stocked my 6.5 Grendel with a MDT LSS chassis that takes adjustable AR butt stocks. We'll use the Grendel on cows, but alfalfa field damage hunts out to 225 or so. It also runs out of steam around 600-800 for target shooting.

Have fun with the project and let us know what you decide.

Tim, I really like your thinking. A chassis type stock seems like a really good way to go and would provide the flexibility I want to fit different shooters from me (6' 3") to younger grandkids. I was at Sportsman's Warehouse the other day and I'll have to say I'm not too crazy about most of the chassis stocks on the production rifles. For the most part they are heavy, they don't balance well for hunting type shots (of course not designed for that) and have a lot of weight to carry I am not needing (like a barrel shield). I have to say that I REALLY like the looks of the MDT LSS that you recommended. Are there other chassis stocks worth considering?

I also like the idea of the Savage or remage type barrel. Can anyone give me some input on their experience with accuracy in a Savage? I have never owned one.

Another thought would be to go with a Tikka in 6.5x55. Seems kind of like middle ground between the 6.5 Creedmore and the 6.5-284. Does anyone have experience with the accuracy of the 6.5x55? I am assuming you can push the velocity a bit further than with the Creedmore.

 

[mcseal2]

I've been using a 264 win mag for years on deer and antelope. I settled on a load that shoots great but isn't to hot. I'm running a 140gr Berger VLD at 2914fps currently. I used a 140gr Accubond at 3000fps before that and got great results with it too. The only reason I went away from the Accubond load was that I find I can hit the gong as consistently in varied conditions at 600yds with the Berger as I could at 450yds with the Accubond. Both shoot under MOA at 100yds, but the Berger shoots a bit tighter.

I think both rounds are solid. I'd probably lean toward the 6.5x284 just because my 2900fps with a 140gr Berger is doable with that case. The Creedmoor might be better for kids though. With elk a possibility I'd still go with the bigger case I think.

I have a new 264 win mag waiting to get the turret at the gunsmith I'll be practicing with soon. It's a heavy rifle built specifically for long range. I'm not sure how much I'll use it hunting as I don't consider myself a long range hunter. I do love practicing and shooting at long range targets though. It's pushing a 143gr ELD-X at 3250fps from a long barrel with RL33. It has a #5 Lilja stainless fluted barrel and is shooting ragged holes at 100yds, 4.5" groups at 800yds in load and turret development. I'm looking forward to getting some time behind that one.

 

[Tim McCoy]

Tim, I really like your thinking. A chassis type stock seems like a really good way to go and would provide the flexibility I want to fit different shooters from me (6' 3") to younger grandkids. I was at Sportsman's Warehouse the other day and I'll have to say I'm not too crazy about most of the chassis stocks on the production rifles. For the most part they are heavy, they don't balance well for hunting type shots (of course not designed for that) and have a lot of weight to carry I am not needing (like a barrel shield). I have to say that I REALLY like the looks of the MDT LSS that you recommended. Are there other chassis stocks worth considering?

I also like the idea of the Savage or remage type barrel. Can anyone give me some input on their experience with accuracy in a Savage? I have never owned one.

Another thought would be to go with a Tikka in 6.5x55. Seems kind of like middle ground between the 6.5 Creedmore and the 6.5-284. Does anyone have experience with the accuracy of the 6.5x55? I am assuming you can push the velocity a bit further than with the Creedmore.

No expert on chassis stocks. They will be cold, but are said to be very accurate. My stocks with aluminum bedding blocks shoot well, suspect this will too. May look for some stick on stuff if I think it's too cold, but odds are we'll have gloves if cold, we'll see. Will shoot mine for the first time next week. Iirc, Mossberg uses the LSS, but most chassis are tanks. LSS is the only moderately light weight one I could find to fit my Howa mini action. I wanted the adjustable LOP.

Savages have a vg accuracy reputation, but I've never owned one. I simply do not like their looks, the action looks blocky to me. But I may consider one next just for the barrel switching. Can't recall the details, but some time back I suggested the Remage as an option to an EF member, and he had very accuracy results.

The 6.5x55 is an accurate cartridge, or so the story goes. I've owned one, it was very accurate. For me, I'd go 6.5 CM, because it has more factory ammo. You may get more fps from one over the other, but doubt it is enough to worry about. I did not check, so could be wrong. I seem to recall the LSS will fit a Tikka too.

As you know, kids in OR can hunt at 9. So my 6.5 Grendel on a Howa Mini action with the MDT LSS was built for that exact possibility, for my grandkids. Moderate recoil, enough bullet weight and velocity for hunting at moderate ranges. Oldest is 8 this year, and I am sure one or two of the 5 boys we have so far will want to hunt... The AR butt stock, Magpul CTR (?), gets the LOP down to 11.5" or so, and has a lock feature so there is no jiggling around. The best part is I can lengthen it out and shoot it myself. Plan to try it out this year on a couple deer in MT.

 

[Umpqua Hunter]

So let me ask this....is there a downside to going with a 6.5-284 and developing two loads, a target load with Creedmore velocities and a hotter hunting load for....killing elk, deer and stuff. I would assume with the softer load your barrel life would be greatly extended. Am I missing something?

 

[Tim McCoy]

So let me ask this....is there a downside to going with a 6.5-284 and developing two loads, a target load with Creedmore velocities and a hotter hunting load for....killing elk, deer and stuff. I would assume with the softer load your barrel life would be greatly extended. Am I missing something?

Sounds like a good idea to me. But have no experience to base it on.

 

[lostriverproductions]

I am a fan of both cartridges you listed. 6.5x284 will do anything you want to do with the creedmore, but it will do it better. Its faster which means less drop and drift, but also means more recoil. As for barrel wearing out, I have put 2000 rounds through mine and haven't noticed significant change in accuracy. But with barrel life you have to take care of the barrel and not shoot it like an AR. I currently have two savage 6.5 creeds, one is a 10T and the other is the stealth BA. both shoot 1/2"-3/4" with factory ammo. Just picked up a bergera HMR in 6.5 creed but waiting on the scope. My 10 year old son shoots both of my savages without any recoil problems. The 6.5 creed isn't a magic cartridge, it just had some really good marketing. It also helps that you can get some ammo almost anywhere in a pinch if need be for a decent price.

 

[Umpqua Hunter]

Okay..dumb question time. Could a 6.5 Creedmoor be run in a long action? I am thinking both Remington and Savage actions.

I am assuming that since the 6.5 Creedmoor and the 6.5-284 have a 0.473 case head they would run with the same bolt. The issue being a 6.5 CM would normally be a short action and the 6.5x284 would be a long action.

Here is my current thinking:

Stock: I really like the looks of the MDT LSS stock (thanks Tim!). That would offer the flexibility I want for various shooters and do it at a lower weight than many other chassis stocks.

Action: For an action, I think I would go with a long action Savage or a trued up long action Remington. I have a lot of confidence and redundancy in Remington style actions with Timney triggers, so an edge to Remington.

Barrels: I like the idea of a barrel nut for easy barrel change out. For Remington barrels perhaps a Criterion Rem-age in 6.5-284 to start and later perhaps a 6.5 Creedmoor, IF the Creedmoor would feed properly in a long action. In fact, I might get the Creedmoor first since it mainly would be about shooting steel for now, but I would like to be able to move "up" to the 6.5-284. If I went the Savage path I would start with the stock barrel (6.5-284) see how it shoots and go from there. Perhaps a Proof barrel for the Savage

Lostriverproductions....good input on barrel life. I have heard barrel life can be good on the 6.5-284 if you allow barrel to stay cool. I really appreciate the first hand feedback.

 

[Tim McCoy]

Solid plan. As far as I know both will shoot fine out of a LA. It may actually offer advantages on COAL for a wider bullet selection/seating depth playing around and the like.

 

[Umpqua Hunter]

I'll have to say, for a production rifle, the stainless Tikka T3X CTR in 6.5 Creedmoor with a 24" barrel looks pretty awesome. Live with the stock rifle for a while, then add a chassis stock on it down the road.