6.5MM Choice for TC Encore

[efremtags]

I am planning on getting  6.5 cal barrel for my TC. I am mixed as where to go. I want a BR cartridge capable of doubling as a big game rifle. I own larger caliber rifles, so I don't need this to be my primary hunting gun (I own 7x57 and 45/70).

I like the grendel because cheap factory ammo is available and good hunting and target ammo is available. I will likely re-load as well, but I always select a few factory loads for a pinch. My only issue is will the 120-129GR bullets be good for big game. I am probably being over sensitive to the issue because I had  25-06 and used 120gr all the time, I would prefer 140 in the 6.5. My other issue is the 6.5 is really custom for the TC, there are other 6.5 cal. that are more readily available barrel wise.

I really like the 6.5 Lapua, but the factory ammo is expensive and almost exclusively target loads. Eabco stocks these.

The .260 and Swedish are a bit overbored. I am afraid of barrel life being not as good. Reloads will also use 25-30% more powder than the grendel for not that much performance gain (150-200fps). May not be wort it for 300 yard or less shooting. I have heard .260 brass is limited to REM and crappy compared to Hornady and Lapua brass (which I can get in grendel and 6.5 lapua).

Too many choices.

I will likely stick to the Grendel as I like it's efficiency. I want to top this with a 2.5-16 Bushnell or a 2.5-10 Monarch X. I m trying to get best deals on these. I missed out during CHRISTmas on the bushnell for 589.

[Harry Snippe]

Looks like The Grendel is your choice reading your post .

So go ahead with our blessings since I think you answered your own question.

The 6.5x 55 is very barrel friendly as you can still get surplus rifles a hundred years old with good shootable barrels .But probably close to your 7x57

The 6.5 /06 could also be put in the pudding , but this is a wildcat , so no ammo at Walmart.

Nice thing with the Encore a new barrel is all required to be another gun.

[243dave]

Don't forget Lapua makes 243win brass, its easily necked-up to a 260.  I've never considered a 260 or a 6.5 Swede overbore but I don't shoot any kind of competitions were barrel life is a huge consideration.  I'd love a barrel in a 260 but thats just MO.      Dave

[efremtags]

I thought about the .260 because of the availability of all the family brass in that class. I prefer correct headstamp. It saves on accidents when grabbing ammo in the early morning when off to hunt. I has someone mis-chamber a 25-06 in their 30-06 one time because of this. Man that thing sounded funny when it went off.

.260 is probably not that overbored compared to 6.5-284 class. the 6.5 hass a little more capcity even, but tends to loaded relatively mild.

[swampthing]

6.5 creedmore   Hornady makes brass, factory hunting and target loads.

[efremtags]

the only creedmore factory loads I have seen are target loads. Also, you will be limited to one manufacturer components for some time until this round catches. I don't think this will do anything a 260, 6.5x47 or 6.5 swede won't do either.

[nomosendero]

the only creedmore factory loads I have seen are target loads. Also, you will be limited to one manufacturer components for some time until this round catches. I don't think this will do anything a 260, 6.5x47 or 6.5 swede won't do either.

They have hunting loads now, new High Performance at that, not that I care much, I reload anyway. You could pick any one of the four and say the same for the remaining 3.