6.5x284

[bjsiillinois]

I'm getting a 6.5 x284 built for long range shooting. I'm going to shoot 140 bergers exclusively. What barrel length is everyone using for optimum performance?
And I also wondered if there is anyone using a no turn neck chamber and what dimension they are using?


Thanks Billy

 

[ShootDots]

If you are going to be using it for F-Open, I would get a 30" barrel.. As far as a reamer, since you are going to be using 140 class projectiles, I would go with a .165-.175 freebore. If you truly want a "no-turn" neck, a .297 is the way to go. However, I would turn your necks down so you "clean them up 100 pct" and for that you will want a .295.. You can "skim / clean them up" and still use your .297 neck..

 

[bjsiillinois]

Shoot dots thanks for the information I think I will use the 295 neck like you recommended.

 

[Rust]

Let's see, .264" bullet diameter, 0.0145" neck thickness on the last large batch of Lapua brass I got for a total of .289". Call it .294 just because. Had my last reamer set up for a .297 neck diameter based on that batch of Lapua brass. It'll be a couple of years before I need more 6.5 brass.

How to buy brass: find out how much of a single lot number the supplier has; order a box of 100; measure the brass; if it measures good order at least 500 pieces. Given the usual boom and bust cycle in supplies it makes sense. And you'll wear out several barrels before you need more brass.

Another little trick, have a one piece sizing die made up to size .0015" under loaded round diameter. A standard one piece die usually squeezes down more than that and tends to overwork the brass. In my experience, a good one piece die produces less runout than an insert die with quality brass.

As always, YMMV

One more thought. Because experimentation with a 6.5 X 284 can get expensive due to short barrel life, once you find something that works, stick with it... basically a good 140 gr range bullet (139 gr Scenars have worked very well in a couple of rifles), maybe three powders (H4350, H4831, RL-22), good cases (IMO Lapua, period) and a mild primer (CCI works for me). At least a 28" barrel in mid palma taper or heavier, try to reach about 2950 fps with low ES/SD.

Ooops, Eric is correct below. Have edited for correct dimensions. One of the problems of trying to post with too many distractions, embarrassing mistakes.

 

[Syncrowave]

Let's see, .260" bullet diameter...

Isn't the bullet diameter .264" ? (Not trying to split hairs, just trying to save somebody some potential confusion.)

 

[Erik Cortina]

Let's see, .260" bullet diameter...

Isn't the bullet diameter .264" ? (Not trying to split hairs, just trying to save somebody some potential confusion.)

Yes, bullet diameter is .264", not .260".

 

[hogpatrol]

Paraphrasing Michael Keaton, ".260, .264, whatever it takes." ;D

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iX3kxAA2L4Q

 

[4xforfun]

If you are going to be using it for F-Open, I would get a 30" barrel.. As far as a reamer, since you are going to be using 140 class projectiles, I would go with a .165-.175 freebore. If you truly want a "no-turn" neck, a .297 is the way to go. However, I would turn your necks down so you "clean them up 100 pct" and for that you will want a .295.. You can "skim / clean them up" and still use your .297 neck..

+++ THIS!!! This is correct

The ".260" guy needs to go back to school, cause that is just plain dangerous info!!!

Just my .02,
Tod

 

[racesnake]

I'm having great results with H1000 powder. Using 140 vld's I'm getting 2960fps and no signs of excessive pressure and it's shooting bug holes!!

 

[ShootDots]

I'm having great results with H1000 powder. Using 140 vld's I'm getting 2960fps and no signs of excessive pressure and it's shooting bug holes!!

I used to use H1000 on my last 6.5 x 284 using Berger 140 Hybrids. It was a BREATH OF FRESH AIR! High velocity, excellent accuracy and no primer pocket problems! My load was 54.7grs with the Hybrid seated 5K off (I believe).. My friends' load was the same except he was using 55.5grs. We were both getting 3030f.p.s. Personally, I think H1000 is THEE powder for the 6.5 x 284 with the 140gr pills..

 

[Patch700]

If I had one regret with regards to my last 6.5x284 it'd be that I didn't have a generous amount of H1000 at my disposal.

I did the 4831sc along with vv-N160 and H4350 and for the last rig it happened to like N160.

If I had to do it again , for a turn neck chamber I would go the .292" route , for a no turn I would keep it .297" - .298"

 

[bjsiillinois]

Thanks for all great info guys I truly appreciate it. You all have been a wealth of information.

Billy