6.5 Creedmoor OAL for Rem 700 SA mag

[p-man]

I'm getting ready to pull the trigger on a 6.5CM using a new factory 700 action. I notice that the standard OAL is 2.82 which puts it right at the magazine maximum length for a 700SA. This will be a hunting rifle not a benchrest so reliable feeding is a must for me. I hand load and generally my hunting loads end up around 15 thousandths off the lands. I'll be using an 8-twist and plan on the optimal bullet weight to be in the 140 class, and would like to end up with long-range, carry sporter so accuracy is important to me. Having said that, I still want to be able to shoot 120 gr bullets on occasion. Should I go with a OAL around 2.81 to be safe? What are the group suggestions?

 

[BP1]

I'm getting ready to pull the trigger on a 6.5CM using a new factory 700 action. I notice that the standard OAL is 2.82 which puts it right at the magazine maximum length for a 700SA. This will be a hunting rifle not a benchrest so reliable feeding is a must for me. I hand load and generally my hunting loads end up around 15 thousandths off the lands. I'll be using an 8-twist and plan on the optimal bullet weight to be in the 140 class, and would like to end up with long-range, carry sporter so accuracy is important to me. Having said that, I still want to be able to shoot 120 gr bullets on occasion. Should I go with a OAL around 2.81 to be safe? What are the group suggestions?

Gonna have to play with it,and let it tell you what it likes.I know that's not much help but it's the truth.

 

[RonAKA]

I'm getting ready to pull the trigger on a 6.5CM using a new factory 700 action. I notice that the standard OAL is 2.82 which puts it right at the magazine maximum length for a 700SA. This will be a hunting rifle not a benchrest so reliable feeding is a must for me. I hand load and generally my hunting loads end up around 15 thousandths off the lands. I'll be using an 8-twist and plan on the optimal bullet weight to be in the 140 class, and would like to end up with long-range, carry sporter so accuracy is important to me. Having said that, I still want to be able to shoot 120 gr bullets on occasion. Should I go with a OAL around 2.81 to be safe? What are the group suggestions?

I'm not sure what question you are asking. If the SA is too short, shouldn't you be looking at a long action?

 

[284winner]

Yes is the answer to your question. You will be able to use loaded length cartridges from 2.8 thru 2.99 if your using a short action and depending on your mag choice. With the creedmore and 140s, you'll be able to use a 2.850 round in factory mags and find the sweet spot between 2.8 and 2.85. Like you said, you want reliability and functionability all in one package. Keep it as close to mag length spec as possible and you'll have it all.

 

[AckleymanII]

Wonder what is going to be happening 1000 rounds down the road, few ever consider this. Maybe have a Wyatt's mag box installed?

 

[p-man]

What I should have asked better was answered by 284winner, ackleymanII brings up a good point - maybe I should hold it back to 2.80 or 2.81 to start with. What I was surprised at was that with a standard chamber there would be long jump 100-108 grain bullets.

 

[284winner]

What I should have asked better was answered by 284winner, ackleymanII brings up a good point - maybe I should hold it back to 2.80 or 2.81 to start with. What I was surprised at was that with a standard chamber there would be long jump 100-108 grain bullets.

Start with whatever shoots best. I think you'll find at 2.8-2.85 will be the place you'll do best. Any SA mag will handle that length round. My Gen I HS mags can fit 2.85 and there not real length tolerant. My accurate mags can take 2.995 rounds. You have quite a range for oal.

 

[shoot4fun]

You will have enough room in a Remington BDL mag for anything SAAMI length in 6.5 Creedmoor. I have one that I use AICS mags with and one that is a true hunting rifle that used a factory detachable poly mag. AICS mags have more room and I load all loads to that length of around 2.290" and those loads work in my hunting rifle mag too.
Bullet choice will help you greatly. Stay away from those "picky" bullets and I never look for the lands in a hunting rifle. Hornady ELD-X and their SST are great hunting bullets to try and RL17 (maybe the new RL16 too) will get you good velocity numbers.

 

[L.Sherm]

You may wanna give the 130 Bergers a try

 

[p-man]

Thanks Guys, appreciate it.

 

[MislMan]

I shoot a RPR in 6.5 creedmoor and use OAL of 2.795". Shoots 0.6" at 100 on average for 5-round groups. Could do better as this is my first centerfire rifle ever and I'm working on my shooting form/prowess. So far I've shot 523 rounds total. Seems this would be plenty good for hunting rifle accuracy and dependability.

 

[rifleman700]

I'm getting ready to pull the trigger on a 6.5CM using a new factory 700 action. I notice that the standard OAL is 2.82 which puts it right at the magazine maximum length for a 700SA. This will be a hunting rifle not a benchrest so reliable feeding is a must for me. I hand load and generally my hunting loads end up around 15 thousandths off the lands. I'll be using an 8-twist and plan on the optimal bullet weight to be in the 140 class, and would like to end up with long-range, carry sporter so accuracy is important to me. Having said that, I still want to be able to shoot 120 gr bullets on occasion. Should I go with a OAL around 2.81 to be safe? What are the group suggestions?

If I am reading this right, this is a custom build? If so pick a bullet and make a dummy round where the bullet is seated .125" shorter than your max magazine length. Send dummy in to your preferred reamer maker and have them build a reamer for that dummy. The .125" will give you room to chase the lands as the throat wears.

 

[p-man]

Rifleman, that is exactly what I am thinking of doing.

 

[czim]

You may also run into issues seating a 140 to deep in the case (the pressure ring below the neck junction).

 

[rifleman700]

Rifleman, that is exactly what I am thinking of doing.

FWIW I built a 7saum on a 700 LA so I would not have these issues and the detachable mag system I went with is 100% and there is no seating depth headaches.