Hello all,
I have been doing some research on the 6.5 cal and I'd like to either build a rifle in one of the 6.5 options or find one already built, but in my price range. Here is where I need the help of some of you all.
First off, Im trying to keep this particualr build under $1500 not counting the glass, I already have that. This is going to be primarily a LR hunting rifle (inside a 1000yds) , but will see some range time. Unlike most of my builds, I'd like to try and keep this one at or around 10 pounds or less including the my optics (im sure most people know what a NSX 5.5-22 weighs).
** Let me add that I do my own reloading so maybe that will help you all answer some of my quesions.
** I'd like to shoot a 130-150 grain VLD/SMK that I can take all sizes of game with from coyotes to Mule deer inside of 1000 yds.
So I need some opinions of the following:
1.) What 6.5 is most recommended? 6.5X284, 6.5x47 Lapua, 6.5 Creedmore? Ive read about the shorter barrel life out of the x284 and some say its 800-1000 rounds while some say 3000-3500?
2.)Long or short action? Ive read the long action to seat the bullets longer and the short to keep the bolt cycle/travel short.
3.)Here is my main area of question. Do I just buy a rifle off the shelf like the Savage Long Range Hunter in 6.5x284 for around a $1000? Or, is there a builder out there that can build me what I want for my price range? Ive read you can get a MarkVII from ER Shaw for around $650-$850, but Ive heard so many mixed reviews that Im starting to think its a crap shoot with the Shaw barrels and rifles. Do I try to buy a donor 700 action and a good Krieger or Benchmark barrel and just ship it off to a smith while still trying to stay under the $1500 mark? If this is the best route, Im thinking of maybe a 700 action, a 22"-24" bbl with a break added, maybe a "take off" HS stock from a PSS or just buy a HS stock? I want this rifle to be accurate obviously, its one of the known positves of the 6.5 caliber. I realize I have to do my part as well, but I'd like the rifle to be <span style="text-decoration: underline">capable</span> of .5" groups with decent handloads and maintain MOA out to distance.
4.) lastly, do any of you feel there are any other caliber options that I could buy off the shelf that would give me similar matching ballistics. I hear people talk about the .260 and the .264 when talking about the 6.5's.
Im sorry for the long post and all the quesitons, but Ive never actually did a "build" of my own, they've all been built by someone else and then I bought them from a previous owner so Im new to that aspect and I have no clue what smiths charge, ecspecially reputable smiths. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
**If anyone reading this knows a rifle that is for sale that matches what Im looking (in my price range) for please PM me.
Thanks again
Trevor
I have been doing some research on the 6.5 cal and I'd like to either build a rifle in one of the 6.5 options or find one already built, but in my price range. Here is where I need the help of some of you all.
First off, Im trying to keep this particualr build under $1500 not counting the glass, I already have that. This is going to be primarily a LR hunting rifle (inside a 1000yds) , but will see some range time. Unlike most of my builds, I'd like to try and keep this one at or around 10 pounds or less including the my optics (im sure most people know what a NSX 5.5-22 weighs).
** Let me add that I do my own reloading so maybe that will help you all answer some of my quesions.
** I'd like to shoot a 130-150 grain VLD/SMK that I can take all sizes of game with from coyotes to Mule deer inside of 1000 yds.
So I need some opinions of the following:
1.) What 6.5 is most recommended? 6.5X284, 6.5x47 Lapua, 6.5 Creedmore? Ive read about the shorter barrel life out of the x284 and some say its 800-1000 rounds while some say 3000-3500?
2.)Long or short action? Ive read the long action to seat the bullets longer and the short to keep the bolt cycle/travel short.
3.)Here is my main area of question. Do I just buy a rifle off the shelf like the Savage Long Range Hunter in 6.5x284 for around a $1000? Or, is there a builder out there that can build me what I want for my price range? Ive read you can get a MarkVII from ER Shaw for around $650-$850, but Ive heard so many mixed reviews that Im starting to think its a crap shoot with the Shaw barrels and rifles. Do I try to buy a donor 700 action and a good Krieger or Benchmark barrel and just ship it off to a smith while still trying to stay under the $1500 mark? If this is the best route, Im thinking of maybe a 700 action, a 22"-24" bbl with a break added, maybe a "take off" HS stock from a PSS or just buy a HS stock? I want this rifle to be accurate obviously, its one of the known positves of the 6.5 caliber. I realize I have to do my part as well, but I'd like the rifle to be <span style="text-decoration: underline">capable</span> of .5" groups with decent handloads and maintain MOA out to distance.
4.) lastly, do any of you feel there are any other caliber options that I could buy off the shelf that would give me similar matching ballistics. I hear people talk about the .260 and the .264 when talking about the 6.5's.
Im sorry for the long post and all the quesitons, but Ive never actually did a "build" of my own, they've all been built by someone else and then I bought them from a previous owner so Im new to that aspect and I have no clue what smiths charge, ecspecially reputable smiths. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
**If anyone reading this knows a rifle that is for sale that matches what Im looking (in my price range) for please PM me.
Thanks again
Trevor
