Action questions for 6,5-284 or 260 AI

[Sal]

Gentlemen

I would like to build a rifle with a "tactical" feel to it, and I am pondering over several questions. Let me first state my wishes, although I am aware that some of them may contend each other.

-I have shot with the AI 300 win mag rifle, and I like the stock a lot, therefore I would like it to be the chassis, so to speak. As the later questions debate, long or short stock is a question.

-I want a 6,5 bullet in "magnum speeds", the 6,5-284 springs to mind as the first candidate as it has readily available brass.
The .260AI,variations) is also interesting, but I would like to be without fireforming.

-I want a magasine fed rifle. Is this possible with a 6,5-284 ?

- I think the Surgeon actions look bulletproof, and after what I hear they are excelent. Problem is, the standard lenght action is a bit short for the 6,5-284 is'nt it ? And the long action won't fit in an AI chassis according to the surgeon website.
-- Will indeed ANY short action, 308w) reliably feed the 6,5-284 ?
Alternatives for actions are Stiller TAC 3## series and Lawtons actions. Which ones can work with my project ?

I am a bit shy on calling the manufacturers before I know for a certainty that I am at least asking rational questions
, I guess my English might do with some training as well..

In Advance, thanks for all input.

Sal

 

[Spotcheck_Billy]

I put together 6.5-284 earlier this year using a Stiller TAC300 action and an AICS 1.5 LA stock.

The TAC300 fit perfectly in the AICS with a little clearancing needed for the Jewell trigger's saftey, and a couple of passes in the bolt handle cutout area with a 1/2" ball end mill to give enough clearance for the bolt handle to close all the way without touching.

The 6.5-284 feeds flawlessly from the straight feed AICS magazine which was originally designed for the .300WM, no mods needed there.

Really a very easy build. I've been completely satisfied with the way it went together and the way it shoots. Highly recommended

 

[Sal]

Thanks for that reply! Can I also ask if you are able to take advantage of all necessary lenght of the cartridge in the magazine?
Which trigger excactly did you use? Is this a trigger that you consider "field" safe?

 

[280man]

SAL give Preston a call at Surgeon Actions I shoot with him often and I think he is running his 6.5x284 with Badger Ordance bottom metal which use the AI magazines

 

[Spotcheck_Billy]

Thanks for that reply! Can I also ask if you are able to take advantage of all necessary lenght of the cartridge in the magazine?
Which trigger excactly did you use? Is this a trigger that you consider "field" safe?

The standard AICS LA .300WM magazine will accept a 6.5-284 loaded out as far as you'd ever want to go, since the .300WM is normally loaded out to 3.340" or more. The chamber in my 6.5-284 Bartlien barrel is throated so that a 142 SMK loaded to touch the lands has a COAL of 3.051". As you can see there's plenty of room! With the "fat" case of the 6.5-284 round measuring only a few thousandths of an inch less in diameter than the belted magnum case it's a natural fit.

I had Stiller install a Jewell M700 Varmint trigger with the optional top safety. It will adjust from 1.5 oz. to 4 lbs. Mine is set for field use at slightly under 2 lbs. A very popular trigger, and perfectly safe.

 

[rhino]

Sounds like a 6.5 WSSM might suit your needs well. I believe the AOL is shorter than the .260, just need a magnum action. Kneck up 257 WSSM brass or neck down 270 WSSM. Might have to check as I know some of the WSSM have different neck lengths.

That isn't too much work is it?

RHINOUT!

 

[Sal]

Thanks for all answers and ideas!
I am landing on the long AI stock and the Stiller tack300 with a jewell trigger. I'm gonna try this in 6,5-284 and we'll se how it works. Most parts are ordered and I just have to decide for barrel.
I will probably rebuild something I already have in .308 for a shorter, lighter version in 6,5., next year!)

 

[Spotcheck_Billy]

Sal,

I'm sure that you'll be pleased with your choices.

Just a suggestion - I had Stiller install a 30" Bartlein 5R 1/8.5" twist barrel on my TAC300. He did a beautiful job, and his PT&G reamer should still be pretty fresh

Might save you some time on your build.

 

[Sal]

I'm buying a PT & G reamer for myself, I want to be able to get several barrels done at once, and hopefully I'll build the confidence to do the barrels myself after some time. Right now I'm looking at the european producers of barrels, perhaps I'll step up on the quality scale after the first few barrels have been burned out
-Thing is, it's much easier for me to buy blanks and import those, than chambered barrels.
, however at this time I have someone doing that bit of work for me )

 

[Sal]

-Spotcheck- You say you use a 8,5 twist, what bullet weight/ profile do you use?

I'm planing on using 140grs Amax and 139 scenars and believe 8 or 8,5 twist is right. Same thing or big difference?

 

[Spotcheck_Billy]

-Spotcheck- You say you use a 8,5 twist, what bullet weight/ profile do you use?

I'm planing on using 140grs Amax and 139 scenars and believe 8 or 8,5 twist is right. Same thing or big difference?

Sal,
I use both the 139 Scenars and the 142 SMK's. I haven't used the A-Max's yet but I'll probably try them this summer. I didn't want to go any faster than a 1/8.5" twist because I believe in using the slowest twist that is practical for the bullets I'm using. I've found that pressures stay a little lower and accuracy is generally better using this method, but like everything else in this game YMMV

 

[Sal]

It seems the S&L barrels have a twist of 8,1/4.
I'll try that first.
--Spotcheck Billy: what bolt handle did you use?

 

[Spotcheck_Billy]

It seems the S&L barrels have a twist of 8,1/4.
I'll try that first.
--Spotcheck Billy: what bolt handle did you use?

Sal,
I have the standard tactical bolt handle that Stiller uses on his TAC30/TAC300 series. It has a slight sweepback and the knob is very similar to the one from Badger Ordnance.

I think that the bolt handles shown in the photos on Stillers website are from his initial run and look to be straighter than mine.

IIRC, all of these bolts are made by Dave Kiff of PT&G.

 

[Sal]

Thanks for all the good replies so far !
Parts start coming in the mail, and I am eagerly awaiting my stock and action.
What I wanted to ask you specifically about Spotcheck Billy, is whether you prepared the stock for the action in any specific way, as in bedding of some type or not. I am sure I will figure it out when I get the parts, but as of now I am just curious what you did..

 

[Spotcheck_Billy]

Thanks for all the good replies so far !
Parts start coming in the mail, and I am eagerly awaiting my stock and action.
What I wanted to ask you specifically about Spotcheck Billy, is whether you prepared the stock for the action in any specific way, as in bedding of some type or not. I am sure I will figure it out when I get the parts, but as of now I am just curious what you did..

Sal,
I did not bed my AICS because I wanted to see how the combination performed before bedding. Otherwise I'd have no point of reference. Since the AICS chassis is basically a V-block and Stillers TAC 300 action is very round there might not be very much benefit in bedding as compared to using a Remington 700 action which is not very concentric as it comes off the production line. I haven't decided if I'll try bedding it after the shooting season.

I had to make two modifications to the chassis in order to allow the TAC 300/Jewell trigger combination to fit properly. First I had to remove some material from the chassis at the saftey area because the saftey lever dragged on the side of the chassis. It's pretty evident when you install the action and doesn't require very much work. Then I had to remove some material from the bottom of the bolt handle opening in the AICS so the bolt would not contact the chassis in this area when the bolt was closed. There was a definite witness mark in the bottom of the bolt handle before I made this modification. Not difficult to do, I used a 1/2" ball end mill, but I'm sure that I could be done with a Dremel tool or even a file.

Good luck with your build. Please post and let us know how it's getting along.

 

[Sal]

Thanks.
I have four different barrels on the way, and I am eagerly looking forward to trying different combinations. I am putting a S&B PMII 4-16 on top, rings yet to be received.
I'll post some pic's when it is together.

 

[Sal]

Gents
I am fortunate enough to be able to travel to the US end of this month for a hunting trip in Michigan.
I Thought I might take the opportunity to get my self some Barrel blanks, I thought about Bartlein, which is not to far away, any other suggestions?

 

[Spotcheck_Billy]

I believe that Bartlein, Obermeyer, and Kreiger,among others) are all located in Wisconsin. Not too far from Michigan, depending on what part of the state they're in. All excellent barrel makers, you can't go wrong with any of their products.

Only problem might be - unless you've called ahead and placed an order, these,and the majority of other) barrel makers are usually so busy that they might not have any barrel blanks in stock in the calibers that you want!

 

[Sal]

What a great place. All those barrel makers, and Harley Davidson.
I guess this might get expensive !
, I'll send a mail regarding the barrels)
Thanks

Sal

 

[rstreich]

You can add Broughton, Rock Creek and Brux to the list of barrel makers in Wisconsin. I think there are more also. They are also mostly on the Eastern side of the state, so it'd be quite easy to stop at all of them.

Krieger doesn't do email very well, so sending them an email won't do you much good. Someone,can't remember who) from Rock Creek posts here occasionally under the username cutrifled. Bartlein has been good on email and tough to get on the phone. But I think in general your best bet would be to call. It'll be harder for them to turn you down

robert