6.5x284 to 6.5x47

[dieselten]

I just picked up a 6.5x284 with about 400 rounds through it. It still shoots good. I would like to set it up for something that will last a lot longer (barrel life) and I was thinking about having it set back and rechambered to 6.5x47L.

Has anyone else done this? Any comments?

How much of the existing barrel would need to be cut off to allow the smaller cartridge?

Any concerns that the lands are toast already?

Thanks for your help

Nick

 

[ChrisNZ]

OK, as no gunsmiths have answered, here are some considerations:

The barrel is a good 1/3 worn assuming it's had near full-house fodder put through it. The throat will def be showing signs of wear after 400 rounds

To shorten it up and rechamber to 6.5x47, the reinforce will need to be sufficiently long to allow this.

Even if it's do-able, the economics are possibly suspect. May be best to see it out in -284 config and then rebarrel to Lapua.

Chris-NZ

 

[watercam]

You will need a 3"-4" shank available. The total length of the 284 case length will need to be cut off, then rethreaded and rechambered. Should run about $200 and you will lose 2" of barrel length.

 

[dieselten]

Thanks guys. Does the muzzle need to be cut back & recrowned? Or can I leave that alone. The shank is plenty heavy to handle a 2" cut.

 

[therifler]

What these gentlemen suggest has merit. I have done this to several barrels of my own as well as for customers . I don't know what lenght you are starting with . however it is more important to cut out as much of the heat cracks and defects as you can . good barrel is more important than lenght to an extent. it would be wise to shorten the muzzle also . i like to take 1/2" unless i see damage and recrown . The Rifler

 

[2644ever]

Dieselten, whatever you decide, check your barrel with a borescope first. It may be in an unusually bad shape as it may be in an unusually good shape, depending on its history of shooting, cleaning and maintenance. This is what should matter the most and be the real decision helper.

 

[500 meter ram]

I've set back my 260 to 6.5 x 47 but since I did it myself all I was out was time. I love the 6.5 x 47 but I would agree with Chris...shoot the 284 until you can re-barrel.

 

[camac]

A little off the side but worth talking about:
Most 6.5 x 284 shooters, no doubt have a good supply of barrels that are "worn out". (If you are unlucky enough to try the wrong bullet/powder combo at the start, you can half wear out a barrel in load development).
Also no doubt it has borderline merit in trying to set them back and make another match grade barrel out of them unless you get them early enough but (as pointed out) is their any economic merit to that???
BUT what is worth considering is owning a 6.5 * 47 reamer to turn them into great hunting barrels. Shorten them up, turn them down ( a few hours work - sometimes quite a few), rechamber and you have a barrel that normally performs quite well (0.5 - 1 MOA might be good enough for hunting but not matches) for many rounds to come. The 6.5 * 47 feeds flawlessly in the short action 308 platform and an old 6.5 * 284 barrel that can no longer win matches can turn an old worn out rifle into a humdinger deer rifle. Pushing out high BC 140 gr hunting projectiles (e.g. Berger) at around 2900 fps - compare to 308 pushing out 150 grainers at same velocity. They might lose out to a little punch in first 100 or so (not that the target animal would probably feel the difference at this range). The further out you go, the 6.5 * 47 starts to take over - so similar to a 270 it aint funny!! I love both these cartridges and could never really justify shooting matches with both. Now I have a good reason to own them. There is an almost endless supply of worn out 6.5 mm barrels out there.