6.5x284 - 1-8 or 1-8.5 twist

[bspeckchaser]

I am starting my first custom gun project and have chosen the 6.5x284 to start with. What twist rate would be best,iyo) as I will be shooting SMK 142's.
Thanks for any advice here!!!!

 

[Rtheurer]

BS

In my humble opinion I think everyone is spinning the 142's plenty fast with the 1:8 twist. 1:9 is more than enough so If I had to pick between the two it would be the 1:8.5

RT

 

[JCinCalif]

I'm using a 1:8 on mine. I'm shooting 140 gr VLD's and it is working great for me!

 

[Badlands]

I am starting my first custom gun project and have chosen the 6.5x284 to start with. What twist rate would be best,iyo) as I will be shooting SMK 142's.
Thanks for any advice here!!!!

I have shot a lot of 142 SMK's in three different 8T barrels, and I believe
most of the 6.5-284 barrels are 8T. I like to push the 142 from 2,850 to
2,975 fps - where ever I can find a Sweet Spot. I also get more barrel life
by keeping the vel. down. However, I have a new 8 1/2 T on order now,
and I am going to try pushing some lighter bullets faster.:idea: I would
like to get up around 3,500 fps to see if that is an improvement . This is
a fun hobby for me. Badlands:wave:

 

[TerryPohl]

I had my 6.5-284 Shehane built with a 8 twist thinking I would use the 142's, but it shoots the 140's much better. I am sure you know this but it may not shoot what you would like to shoot in it.But with just a little trial and error I bet you will find a pet load for it.

 

[bspeckchaser]

Next question: What length and contour of barrel seems to be preferred ?,I don't have to make weight as I don't shoot in registered matches so length and contour isn't as important to me as it is to some of you guys that compete regularly.)

Been thinking of a Krieger 30" straight contour, 5C. But gosh there are so many good barrels out there right now it's hard for me to nail one down as I don't shoot on the comp circuit. Guess I just need to "drive the first nail" huh!

Rest of tentative package: Jewell trigger, Shehane tracker stock, Nightforce scope.......... what else?

Oh yeah, a good gunsmith who likes to produce these 6.5x284 rigs.

 

[JoeDuke]

The Kreiger barrel is hard to beat. If weight is not an issue, try the 30" 1.250 straight in 8.5 twist. Just be aware that delivery on a Krieger may take a while. The Shehane st1000 tracker is a good stock as in the Tooley MBR style. You might want to find one to look at, feel, try out, before you buy.

Where are you located?

Joe

 

[dennisinaz]

My most recent one is a Chanlynn 1:8.5 twist. They seem to be more forgiving when you want to hot-rod them a little bit. In my experience, the sweet spot on my 8 twist barrels was about 2950 or less. If you want to rev it up- accuracy may suffer. I like the 130 grain Norma Diamonds and they are easily doing 3100. The 8.5 will stabilize any bullet I have tried,140 Berger, Amax, 142 SMK et al).

 

[dean253]

I like 8.5 twist Bartleins! I would go with either Bartlein or Kreiger 28" or 30", 1.250" straight. As far as length goes it depends on what powder you are going to use & if you want to set the barrel back after a 1000 rounds or so. If you want to set it back definately go with 30". If not setting it back then 28" or 29" for H4350 or 30" for H4831sc. I recommend H4350 & test them @ .005 increments from .010 off the lands to .010 in the lands.

 

[mikecockcroft]

bspeckchaser
Let Joe and Sam Duke build it for you. Joe lives in Cypress and Utopia. Katy is only a few miles from Cypress, PM Joe, he will steer you in the right direction with your rifle build.