Medium & Long range varminter 6.5

[nodNoff]

I am considering a long rang varminter. Last year in Wyoming with the wind I decided I need more bullet weight. Shooting will be 500-1000 yards at PD's, mostly in Arizona.
I have a 17HMR,Marlin 917, with after market trigger) for up to 200yards, a 20VT,Cooper Model 38) good to 500 yards, a 22-250,Winchester Coyote) for 400+ yards, and a .243,Tikka light) for coyotes and carrying in the field. All of the aforementioned rifles have Leupold scopes, either B&C or Varmint reticles, except the Marlin has a Bushnell Elite 3200 Scope 5-15X with a MD reticle.

Just looking for a 'new toy', not that I can afford it. Trying to stay under $2k for rifle only. More than likely custom made. I am talking with Pierce Engineering LTD in Michigan, John Pierce. Anyone know anything about John's rifles? He's talking just under $2K. I might also go with a Savage 12 'F' class, $1273 MSRP.
The cartridges I have been considering are the 6.5 Creedmoor & the 6.5x284. I am NOT considering the .260 Remington, due to the problems I have been having with .221 Fieball brass for the 20VT. Or open to other cartridge suggestions, not bogger than 6.5.
Scopes that I am considering are the NightForce 5.5-22x50mmNXS with a zero stop and the 8-32x56mm NXS, but I don't believe it has a zero stop available.
Lots of questions here!
Any advice?
I am a beginner, living in Southern California, the 'lead free' state!

 

[7stwhunter]

Theres nothing wrong with going with a 260 because you can use any 308 brass out there. Including lapua so unless you really dont want to have to neck down brass the 260 is a great option

 

[JRS]

Nothing wrong with the 6.5x55!!!

 

[nodNoff]

Good info.
I now neck down .221 Fireball's to .204 for the 20VT. I do not want to get involved with measuring neck thicknesses at this point. With no necking involved on the 6.5 Creedmoor or the 6.5x284, since brass is available, at this point they have been the winners. I did not consider the .260 Remington because of the Remington brass. But...can I use .243 Winchester & neck up? Doesn't look like the .284 could be easily necked down. Again, I do not want to have to do anything more involved that simply necking up or down,I assume .021 is max without causing undue case weakness).
Now remember I'm a neophyte when it comes to necking up or down.
I'm totally open to advice.
As to the 6.5x55 I will consider it down the road.

 

[brad6ppc]

I have a 6.5br and a 25 Super Improved and they both shoot great out to 1000yds

 

[6BR]

I would do a straight 6BR. It will push a 105grn bullet at 2850 to 2900fps with a 28' barrel and correct lead for bullet seating. I have made many long range kills with my 6BR. My longest kill to date is 827 yards using a 105grn Lapua Scenar.

 

[Dgd6mm]

Go with the Savage. Check out a 6CM's performance record for 1000 yard accuracy,plus less windrift then most all those other calibers. Search Joesr on this site and you'll find all the info you would want on 6CM.

 

[Kabang]

If you have a 243 already, it seems to me the 6.5x284 is the logical choice, but there are other considerations, like the amount of ammo you want to take with you and to some degree, reloading cost. One you didn't consider is the 7mm WSM which I think is the hands down winner of the short action show down.

good luck!
mark

 

[giuliano]

go ahead with the 6.5x55 !!!

Giuliano

 

[Kabang]

When I evaluated 6.5x55 I discovered the max chamber pressure to be somewhat lower than other cartridges, so If thats the bang you want you might as well go with 6.5x08 which is no significant firepower difference from a .243 which he already has. 6.5x284 is the only choice that gives enough additional bang to make it worth building a whole new gun. IMHO

 

[trapper99]

I have been thinking about 6.5 grendel. Is there any reason it hasn't been mentioned.

 

[Kabang]

He said he was looking for long range w/ wind bucking ability.

 

[MarkS]

Or the 6.5 x 55AI

Mark

 

[DogBuster]

Here's all you need...my most recent project...

Savage 260 AI
Pac Nor 8 twist 3 groove 28' x 1.118' no taper
Pre Accue trigger s/shot large shank action
Choate Varminter
Bushy 4200 6-24 Tactical
SSS trigger set at 16 oz
Burris Signature 30mm rings & bases
Weighs 17# 5 oz
Lapua 308 brass..RE19 powder...142 SMKs...
Assembled in my garage by me......