Author Topic: 6.5 for long range shooting (Read 1410 times)

dobbo · « **on:** January 09, 2004, 10:27:29 AM »

which cartridge 6.5x55 6.5 imp 6.5x284 ? which will give best barrel life imp or 284?

Jose Grande · « **Reply #1 on:** January 10, 2004, 10:06:37 PM »

IMHO,the 6.5 x 55 will give the best barrel life & it is very accurate too. I had a Swede Rifle that was fantastic.
The 6.5 x .284 is very popular in the serious Benchrest Community. The correct answer in your case depends on your precise needs & whether you mind re-barreling as needed.

Are you an occasional Hi-Power shooter or gonna try Benchrest or what ? More info please ??

dobbo · « **Reply #2 on:** January 13, 2004, 08:28:16 AM »

I intend to use it for "f" class out to 1000yds .I already have 6.5 swead blaser tactical its very accurate but dont know if its up to 1000yds.I also shoot 1909,m96 which is also accurate.I thought I might need extra velocity of 6.5 284 for wind & elevation......many thanks...Dobbo

Jose Grande · « **Reply #3 on:** January 13, 2004, 08:40:51 PM »

Sounds like you're on the right trail. Good luck.

Mikey · « **Reply #4 on:** January 15, 2004, 05:20:31 AM »

dobbo: I think that for long range shooting with the 6.5 Swede, the preference runs to the Lapua 155 gn boattail spire point. I think it's a Lapua bullet, but not sure. Even at the 6.5 Swedish velocities, that long boolet has some serious wind bucking capabilities and I believe that bullet is the one of choice for long range shooters. HTH. Mikey.

ajj · « **Reply #5 on:** January 28, 2004, 10:42:58 AM »

Yes, the plain, old 6.5x55 will give a 140 VLD 2700 fps which is more than sufficient to stay supersonic at 1000. Try Rl 22 and work up to maximum carefully. And take a look at the BC of the Lapua 144 fmj. Before you go to the trouble and expense of the 6.5-284 (admittedly a great cartridge), take a look at a ballistic chart (Sierra's is fine) and see how much extra wind-bucking the additional 300 fps gets you. You may decide it's not worth it, at least for getting your feet wet. If I'm lying down and trying to concentrate on wind and trigger control in a long match I prefer to have the rifle whacking me as softly as possible, thank you very much. Good luck and good shooting.

Agent_Smith · « **Reply #6 on:** February 12, 2004, 09:52:10 AM »

Am building a 6.5x55AI as we speak. Hope to achieve 2900fps with 139 Lapua's out of a 31" barrel without the barrel scorching qualities of the 6.5x284. My last 6.5x284 would produce 2940fps, but the barrel lasted all of 575 shots with the kind of accuracy I'm looking for.

The smaller capacity of the 6.5x55AI and its' 40 degree shoulder should hopefully increase my barrel life by utilizing slightly faster burning powders and about 7-10% less of it. Time will tell...