6x.284 or 6.5x.284

C

corthomp

Inactive
I have had a fascination with both of these calibers and now am able to build a rifle, but not sure which one is the most practical. I want to someday hit the 1000 yd mark, so I want to build it with that goal in mind. Any suggestions on which caliber would be better suited for this range? Right now it will be focusing on 400-600yds until I can feel comfortable at that.
Thanks!!
 
6.5x284 is still a very popular Long Range round.

6x284 would probably be "overbore" even with current powders and would surely have shorter barrel life than the already hot 6.5.

You can do a lot with a long barrelled .243 or 6mm Rem, though.
And I saw a 6x6.5 Lapua before I ever saw a 6.5 Lap.

At 400-600 yards you could "get comfortable" with a .308 or such. When the barrel was worn out you would probably be ready to replace it with a 6.5 and move out to true Long Range.
 
The 6mm-284 is a lot like a 6mm-06, and as Jim said it will be hard on barrels. You can reduce barrel erosion by shooting heavy bullets and using slow powders, but realistically it will be a 1,000-2,000 round rifle before the barrel wears to the point it will need to be replaced. 6.5-284 is a little easier on barrels, but it is overbore. My guess is that accurate barrel life would be around 1,500-3,000 rounds if you load it right. Again, you can control barrel wear by using heavier bullets and judicious loading. But don't let that deter you, if you want one of them, go for it!
 
I would say that the 6,5 is a better choice for a 1,000 yrd. compation gun, but I prefer the 6 mm for a long range varment, coyote gun. I have been playing with 2, 6-284`s that I bought use. The twist in both is alot slower than I would prefer, but I`m thinking that eather with be good to at least 600 yrds. on coyote. As for being barrel burners, they make new barrels every day. I have a new barrel in the valt for my 224 TTH when the one thats on it is shot out. You can cut off 1/2 in. of the barrel and have them rechambered which helps save some on barrels.
 
hmmm. Well if you are set on one of the two, I'd go with the 6.5. But, barrel life is fairly short in both. A good 6.5x284 barrel should last up to 1200 rounds before groups start to open up, a bad one can crap out as fast as 900 rounds or less. As stated above, new barrels are made every day, and, you can stretch out out a barrel's life by shortening the chamber end and re-reaming. Taking an inch off the muzzle and recrowning when doing the chamber is also a good idea (start with a 30" tube). Have you looked into .284 win.?
 
6 norma or 6.5 creedmore. They will both give 1000yrd acc., and the barrells will be around a l io t longer. Just my 2c
 
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