Thread: 6.5-284 barrel length

I run a 6.5-284 with a 24 inch barrel. Used to be a 30 inch truck axil but had turned down to a number 3 and fluted it. I run 143 ELDX with RL26, loads are moderate at 2940fps. I have found RL26 too sensitive to temperature so don’t want to risk a hot load on a hot day. Unreal accuracy, shoots half inch at 200 yards.

Hmm, yep that’s what I was wanting to hear @Stag . What action and barrel are you running?

My 6.5-284 should have been out on the hill this week but a fractured foot is cramping my style somewhat . . . . My one is built on a Savage action using a Bartelin featherweight barrel finished just shy of 25" - all Greg could get out of the blank. It's quite long with a muffler on but as a "big country" rifle where the worst is to have to push through a bit of scrub (as opposed to hours of bush bashing) it's all about a bit of self discipline!

Mine is poking out 130s at 3180 ( Norma factory stuff) so I'm hoping it'll get into the high 2900s with 143s/147s and not far off that with 156s - that's a lot of energy delivered out a long ways with very moderate recoil etc.

Originally Posted by 25/08 IMP

I had a 20" 6.5x284 a few years ago and performance was very disappointing 130grn at 2800fps.
I've looked at the 6.5 PRC and unless you go for a 24" barrel I still think the .260 on a long action Tikka or a 6.5 Creedmoor is a better option.
A 18" .260 will give you 2800 with the 143 ELDX and a Creedmoor will do the same with a 20".
That's just what I've found after trying more than a few 6.5 cals


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Yip my mates full barel blaser how ever long that may be is only running 2500 something with 143 and 2213sc im sure we can speed it up with a different powder but pretty underwhelming

Originally Posted by JohnQT

Hmm, yep that’s what I was wanting to hear @Stag . What action and barrel are you running?

Remington 700LA, Shillen select match 1:8. Previously I had a tight neck (.290) but had it re cut to .298 as didn’t want to neck turn cases. When it was a 30 inch barrel I ran 2213sc and they were going at 3015fps. The RL26 seems great for speed and low pressure but to be fair have not tried the ADI variants with the shorter barrel.

Originally Posted by Stag

Remington 700LA, Shillen select match 1:8. Previously I had a tight neck (.290) but had it re cut to .298 as didn’t want to neck turn cases. When it was a 30 inch barrel I ran 2213sc and they were going at 3015fps. The RL26 seems great for speed and low pressure but to be fair have not tried the ADI variants with the shorter barrel.

That sounds like a great combo. Would be interesting to see what is achievable with some other powder options that are a bit more available too. Thanks

Originally Posted by Tentman

My 6.5-284 should have been out on the hill this week but a fractured foot is cramping my style somewhat . . . . My one is built on a Savage action using a Bartelin featherweight barrel finished just shy of 25" - all Greg could get out of the blank. It's quite long with a muffler on but as a "big country" rifle where the worst is to have to push through a bit of scrub (as opposed to hours of bush bashing) it's all about a bit of self discipline!

Mine is poking out 130s at 3180 ( Norma factory stuff) so I'm hoping it'll get into the high 2900s with 143s/147s and not far off that with 156s - that's a lot of energy delivered out a long ways with very moderate recoil etc.

WOW, that's incredible speed @Tentman Especially with the factory rounds. What twist barrel did you go for? 1-8 would be good for stabilizing the heavy pills, but I would've thought it would slow them down a bit too.
I'm back down to Invers this week, I might call in to see Greg and see what he can do for me!

Cheers

Originally Posted by Tentman

My 6.5-284 should have been out on the hill this week but a fractured foot is cramping my style somewhat . . . . My one is built on a Savage action using a Bartelin featherweight barrel finished just shy of 25" - all Greg could get out of the blank. It's quite long with a muffler on but as a "big country" rifle where the worst is to have to push through a bit of scrub (as opposed to hours of bush bashing) it's all about a bit of self discipline!

Mine is poking out 130s at 3180 ( Norma factory stuff) so I'm hoping it'll get into the high 2900s with 143s/147s and not far off that with 156s - that's a lot of energy delivered out a long ways with very moderate recoil etc.

Sounds like a nice lightweight setup. What's she weigh?

I would leave the barrel long but move the sling loop to the barrel ( african style ) and throw the sling stud away.

I started with 6.5x284 but was disappointed in velocity with the heavier pills. Before the PRC came along I Changed to a 6.5/06ai and wow!
Now getting 3140 with the 147’s and good accuracy, devastatingly good on deer at ranges 800y and under. Yet to try further out. I do have a 28” barrel tho. But my 26” was getting similar velocities, just the node was different so I settled for 3000 on that one.