6.5 x 284

[Rod]

Can anybody give me some info on building a 6.5 x 284 rifle. I have a savage 7mm rifle or Howa 1500 243 I can use for the action. Which one would be better? Also what length barrel 26 or 30 inch . I will be using it for deer hunting and informal target shooting.
Thanks for the help

 

[AlanPF]

Rod,

If you try to build a rifle that is a compromise between hunting and target, you get either an over-scoped over-weight hunting rifle, or an under-scoped and under-weight target rifle, or something in between. So even if the 6.5x284 calibre could do both jobs,there are probably better choices for hunting), you might end up with a rifle that is not ideal for either. I apologise for not addressing your question, but my advice would be to build 2 rifles, or if that isn't an option, build one with no compromises,and the other one next year :thumb:!).

Alan

 

[Rod]

Alan
Thank you for your feed back. I already own enough firearms to hunt with and target shoot this is more like a project and play toy.
Rod

 

[AlanPF]

Rod,

In that case here's what I'd do. Use the Savage action,may be good enough without accurising). A 28" medium weight barrel would by heavy for hunting but a good compromise. You would be best to stick with 140gn projectiles for both purposes and have a twist rate,1 in 8) and throat to suit. I'd use a bipod for target, to avoid the need for a wide fore-end, and I'd keep the toe of the buttstock close to parallel to suit the rear bag. You might consider having weights you can add to the stock when shooting targets. I guess you could use different scopes, depending on the ranges you'd be shooting in both hunting and target.

Alan

 

[Rod]

Alan
Thanks for the info. I was leaning towards the savage action also. I think with the long action I can load the shells long.

 

[robbor]

Lothar walther prefit 28" SS varmint 6.5x284 lapped barrel ready to go directly from LW $300.
http://www.lothar-walther.de/html/339.php

 

[Rod]

Robbor
Thank you for the info.
Rod