For some time now I have had an itch to run a mid-length 6.5 mm chambering in a hunting-oriented rifle. For the longest time, my intent was to go with 6.5 Addiction (and it's still in the running), but I've also been considering 6.5-284 and now the 6.5 PRC.
The other day, I jumped on a Tikka T3 chambered in .30-06 as part of the Euro Optic closeout, and that's the platform that I'm going to use for this build. As many of you are aware, one of the beauties of the T3 is that the same action can be converted from long action to short action with nothing more than the changing of the bolt stop. Additionally, while the T3 is (IMO) somewhat limited in terms of running true long action cartridges (due to OAL restrictions), it is absolutely PERFECT for running short or mid-length cartridges with the projectiles seated out to allow more room in the case for powder.
Anyhow, my goals for the gun are that it be able to run 140-class projectiles at 2950-3000 FPS out of a 24" barrel and the ability to buy ammo at, if not Wal*Mart, at least a sporting goods store (think Cabela's, etc...). So here are my thoughts on the cartridges I've listed:
6.5 Addiction
PROs - GREAT brass available from multiple sources, seems to offer good barrel life, is known as a very accurate cartridge
CONs - obviously can't buy 6.5 Addiction ammo at the store (6.5x55 could be used in a pinch; drawback here is that it is likely to be loaded to lower pressures for compatibility with older guns), parent cartridge not as available at Cabela's as I'd hoped
6.5-284
PROs - has the powder capacity to get me where I want to go (speed-wise), decent brass availability
CONs - known barrel-burner, short-ish neck, not as available at Cabela's as I'd hoped
6.5 PRC
PROs - efficient case design (theoretically), very close to 6.5 SAUM design (good accuracy and decent barrel life)
CONs - would have to open up bolt face, Hornady-only for now (though recently SAAMI-approved), availability is a question
Are there any cartridges that I'm missing? I want to stay away from full-length options (264 Rem Mag, etc...) because of the OAL restrictions on the action (and barrel consumption), and I really want to be able to find ammo at a store in a pinch. If I was willing to go full custom, I'd probably just go with 6.5 SS or SST, as they both seem to have the rest of my bases covered. Obviously, as this is a hunting-oriented build, it's not going to see long, sustained strings of fire, but there's still load development and practice to be done... and I don't want to end up using half my barrel life before I get a chance to use the rifle for its intended purpose. I understand that barrels are consumables, but I plan to go with a carbon-wrapped unit on this, so replacement cost will be higher than average.
The other day, I jumped on a Tikka T3 chambered in .30-06 as part of the Euro Optic closeout, and that's the platform that I'm going to use for this build. As many of you are aware, one of the beauties of the T3 is that the same action can be converted from long action to short action with nothing more than the changing of the bolt stop. Additionally, while the T3 is (IMO) somewhat limited in terms of running true long action cartridges (due to OAL restrictions), it is absolutely PERFECT for running short or mid-length cartridges with the projectiles seated out to allow more room in the case for powder.
Anyhow, my goals for the gun are that it be able to run 140-class projectiles at 2950-3000 FPS out of a 24" barrel and the ability to buy ammo at, if not Wal*Mart, at least a sporting goods store (think Cabela's, etc...). So here are my thoughts on the cartridges I've listed:
6.5 Addiction
PROs - GREAT brass available from multiple sources, seems to offer good barrel life, is known as a very accurate cartridge
CONs - obviously can't buy 6.5 Addiction ammo at the store (6.5x55 could be used in a pinch; drawback here is that it is likely to be loaded to lower pressures for compatibility with older guns), parent cartridge not as available at Cabela's as I'd hoped
6.5-284
PROs - has the powder capacity to get me where I want to go (speed-wise), decent brass availability
CONs - known barrel-burner, short-ish neck, not as available at Cabela's as I'd hoped
6.5 PRC
PROs - efficient case design (theoretically), very close to 6.5 SAUM design (good accuracy and decent barrel life)
CONs - would have to open up bolt face, Hornady-only for now (though recently SAAMI-approved), availability is a question
Are there any cartridges that I'm missing? I want to stay away from full-length options (264 Rem Mag, etc...) because of the OAL restrictions on the action (and barrel consumption), and I really want to be able to find ammo at a store in a pinch. If I was willing to go full custom, I'd probably just go with 6.5 SS or SST, as they both seem to have the rest of my bases covered. Obviously, as this is a hunting-oriented build, it's not going to see long, sustained strings of fire, but there's still load development and practice to be done... and I don't want to end up using half my barrel life before I get a chance to use the rifle for its intended purpose. I understand that barrels are consumables, but I plan to go with a carbon-wrapped unit on this, so replacement cost will be higher than average.
