first custom rifle -- caliber choice

[tylerjw]

I am rebarelling a 30-06 and want to make a tactical/varmit gun out of it. But I want some sort of cool wildcat. I want to take advantage of the longer action so I don't want a short action caliber but I don't want one of the variants that make it larger than a 30 cal. I also don't want the extra expence of modifying the bolt or action. Any suggestions?

--tyler

 

[tightneck]

30-06AI or 280AI

 

[Asa_Yam]

6.5-06, or .280 Remington. No need to modify magazine feed lips to account for the shallower taper of an improved case.

Even a straight 30-06 is still plenty versatile. 110 grain bullets for varmints, 175s to 240s for long range precision work.

Another benefit of the calibers listed above is that all reamers, dies, components, etc. are off-the-shelf items, and therefore either readily available, or readily formed. Try buying a set of 30-06 AI dies over the counter at your local sporting goods shop. Even many mail order shops may not carry such items on a regular basis.

 

[Austin]

Id say a 30/06AI or 25/06rem or AI version with 85,95,110 berger FB,117 VLD, or 100gr SMK. Sierra,Nosler,Hornady make great varmint and hunting bullets for the 25cal.60gr-120gr will cover varmints,coyotes to deer and antelope.If you want a speedy 6mm go with a 6mm/06 for target,varmints,deer.Lapua 30/06 brass can be used to make them all.Im not a fan of the 280AI but it works.Probably best all around cartridge.

 

[DesertLefty]

.280 AI if you might ever go elk hunting.

Otherwise, .25-06 if your primary interest is deer and varmint hunting.

6.5-06 if your primary interest is target shooting,"tactical").

 

[jgregest]

This is just an idea, but what if you steped up to a 300 H&H or possably a 300 wsm if you want a truck to target shoot with. I'm not saying this is the best economic way to go, but it sure is fun to shoot. And if you wanted to hunt elk or any other deer, you could do it. I'm also looking for any ideas on a new rifle to take to the range and be effecient at 500 yrd.'s plus.
I know that the 6mmBR is one of the most accurate cartridges out today, but I'm partial to a .30 cal. Any Ideas?
Greg

 

[M700]

Am real fond of the .25-06...

Loaded w/100 gr Barnes TSX's I'm getting 3340 fps - dandy load for mule deer.

Loaded w/100 gr Sierra SPBT's it blows the snot out of varmints and coyotes.

Mild recoil. Good accuracy and it hits hard. Very easy to load and shoot. As with any high-intensity/overbore type cartridge, it will eat the barrel pretty quickly. That's okay, barrels are like tires, they wear out and ya get new ones. To change your .30-06 to a .25-06, all you need to do is swap barrels, all else remains the same.

Regards, Guy

 

[Kodiak99317]

You said ...

tactical/varmit ...cool wildcat ... to take advantage of the longer action ...don't want one of the variants that make it larger than a 30 cal

30x338 blown out with a 30 degree shoulder!!
30x72mm using 416 brass with a 30 degree shoulder, good for 4000+ fps using 168g bullets! Laser beam with attitude!

 

[Gollum]

6.5x284 - will fit short action, but you won't be prevented from seating bullets long.

 

[moa_shooter]

man you guy are making some cool rifle

 

[crustyrusty]

my vote is the 280 AI

 

[morpheus]

Well, this thread is almost 13 years old, so I imagine this has all been sorted out by now...

 

[338 dude]

I am rebarelling a 30-06 and want to make a tactical/varmit gun out of it. But I want some sort of cool wildcat. I want to take advantage of the longer action so I don't want a short action caliber but I don't want one of the variants that make it larger than a 30 cal. I also don't want the extra expence of modifying the bolt or action. Any suggestions?

--tyler

Definitely 6.5 x 284 Norma !

 

[morpheus]

Guys - Tyler hasn't posted anything on Accurate Shooter since 2006, so this will have to be a mystery for the ages!

 

[JimT]

Guys - Tyler hasn't posted anything on Accurate Shooter since 2006, so this will have to be a mystery for the ages!

So were you the guy in school who told the teacher standing in front of the class that his zipper was down? You’re ruining all the fun.

 

[284winner]

6.5-284 or 284 win.

 

[Evan]

The 6.5-06 is plenty for elk, in my opinion. Load a big heavy 140gn+ bonded type bullet and it will break bones and put elk down with the best of them.

 

[IdahoSharpshooter]

want to be different? Build a 6,5 X 68 Shuler. Mine is in process as I type. More MV than a 264 Win Mag, no belt to decrease magazine capacity, will fit in your current magazine.

 

[Rem06]

I am rebarelling a 30-06 and want to make a tactical/varmit gun out of it. But I want some sort of cool wildcat. I want to take advantage of the longer action so I don't want a short action caliber but I don't want one of the variants that make it larger than a 30 cal. I also don't want the extra expence of modifying the bolt or action. Any suggestions?

--tyler

300Norma Mag is what I did after 30-06AI....FWIW..don't do an AI

my vote is stick with 30-06 all 7mm's want to be like it.

HooRah for the 30-06! long live the KING!

 

[284winner]

want to be different? Build a 6,5 X 68 Shuler. Mine is in process as I type. More MV than a 264 Win Mag, no belt to decrease magazine capacity, will fit in your current magazine.

Researching the 6.5-68 looks interesting and under utilized. What I gathered around 3000 fps with H4831 and 140s. We all know 4831 isn't on the top of the list of fast powders. I'm sure you'll get 3200 fps with the right powder. Biggest question is, how will accuracy be with a cartridge that has to be hard to find brass for ? Would sticking with a 6.5-284, 6.5 PRC or 6.5 WSM be a better option ? No, they aren't a trend setter or cartridge that is all but obsolete but they shoot well and about as fast as any 6.5 needs to. Kudos on your project cartridge tho. Sure would love to hear more about it once it's complete. Post your results.