New 6.5 build suggestions

[Reaper 31]

Need advice on a new build. I have a 6.5 barrel blank on the way and was thinking of going 260 Rem. It will be going on a long action 700 I purposely built to seat bullets out further and have various cartridge options. I have no feeding issues using my CDI bottom metal with an accurate mag magazine.
My goal is to seat bullet out further and allow for more powder capacity. I'm planning on shooting the 139-142 gr. bullets. I don't want a tight neck chamber nor do I want to turn necks. The rig is set up for general long range/f class (open) shooting. Possibly PRS in the future.

Any suggestions on what cartridge and reamer options are available?

Thanks

 

[spiche]

If you are looking for more capacity in a long action, any reason not to go with a 6.5x284?

 

[Reaper 31]

Yes that is an option I thought about. My only concern was the barrel life. What is average expectancy?

 

[spiche]

Yes that is an option I thought about. My only concern was the barrel life. What is average expectancy?

Yea, that would definitely be the downside there.
I don't have direct experience with barrel life on that cartridge, but from my understanding it isn't particularly great.

 

[Ripdog28]

If you want to do a long 260, use the 150g Bullets. The only place the 150g work with a 260 case is in a long action as a short mag length doesn’t allow proper seating on the bullet.

Even look at the 260AI if your set on that case.

If I was going long action, I would look at another caliber meant for a long action.

 

[MDT_Josh]

If you're thinking about competing in practical/field rifle matches the future, I would recommend that you stay SA. If you run a LA you are limiting yourself to 5 round magazines and will quickly see why that is a downside. If this is more of a square range match rifle, then by all means go to a 6.5x284 or even the 6.5x55AI (Sweedmoor).

Also, if you're sticking with the SA, then why not consider the x47 Lapua or Creedmoor? They will feed much better from a magazine than the 260 and you won't be limited by load length.

 

[Reaper 31]

I did not consider the magazine capacity. I mentioned I'd like to do PRS (looks fun) but as you said they probably run larger mags? The 6.5x55 AI does seem nice since it is a long action cartridge. What is the typical bullet weight and velocity?

So many options to go with, endless possibilities.


I probably need to convince the wife I need to build another rifle since they each serve a purpose lol!

 

[MDT_Josh]

Yeah, if you're looking to run a PRS/NRL match, then you'd want a 10 or 12 round magazine capacity. Don't get me wrong, I have shot with guys using LA's and only 5 round mags who have done well, but you greatly increase your chance of something going wrong and timing out.

Guys who shoot the Sweedmoor (x55AI) will generally run the heavier 6.5mm bullets (140gr+) as they have a TON of powder capacity and can get 147's over 2900 ft/s. If you're thinking of a dedicated, square range gun, that is what I would go with.

If you're sticking with an "all round" rifle, I would definitely stick with a SA and build a 6.5 Creedmoor or 6.5x47 L.

 

[skinnj1]

@rgarza07

While @MDT_Josh has a point about capacity of long action mags vs the time on a stage here are a few solutions to mitigate it if you swim upstream of conventional logic and go long action

AI 300 win mag 10rds hold 11+ 6.5x55 rounds after tweaking lips, standard la p mags + Tyler's extensions get you to 8 rounds a lot cheaper...

 

[IHFarmer07]

6.5 SS, 6.5 SST, 6.5 PRC or 6.5 Sherman. Since you have a long action you can do the 6.5 Sherman, I think its based on a 280AI case improved again to the Sherman. Brass for the Sherman shorts are high $$$.

 

[IHFarmer07]

https://shermanwildcatcartridges.com/6-5-sherman

 

[Reaper 31]

After some thought and everyone's feedback, I believe I'm due a new rifle build. A short action will be the best option on what I am trying to accomplish. I would still like to seat bullets out as far as magazine (and freebore) let's me, no doubt.

I'm looking at several receiver options and was wondering if anyone as experience with the following:
Kelbly's Atlas Tactical action?
Pacific T&G action?
Stick with blueprinted 700?

Thanks

 

[IHFarmer07]

After some thought and everyone's feedback, I believe I'm due a new rifle build. A short action will be the best option on what I am trying to accomplish. I would still like to seat bullets out as far as magazine (and freebore) let's me, no doubt.

I'm looking at several receiver options and was wondering if anyone as experience with the following:
Kelbly's Atlas Tactical action?
Pacific T&G action?
Stick with blueprinted 700?

Thanks

I would figure out what cartridge you want to shoot first and then go through the long list of options for actions.