Having just built a heavy 14 lb rifle in 300 WSM, this one is for hauling in the truck and short distances.
I'm on to the next project.
Now I'm looking at more of a hybrid long range carry rifle.
One that can carry and hit for distance.
(I have my Ti's in 6.5 and .30 for backpack hunting.)
Components;
FN SPR action .473 bolt face
Manners MCS-T stock/carbon
Burris alloy tactical rings
Leupold VX3 4.5x14 LR w M1
Rock 5R barrel.............
What contour?I've narrowed it the contour down to three or?
http://www.rockcreekbarrels.com/prod01.htm#1 HBR 1.25" - 0.750"
Light Palma 1.25" 0.750"
Med Palma 1.25" 0.820"
I'm thinking no more than 26" and possibly 25" for length.
The barrel will be fluted.
Cartridge is going to be either the 260 AI or 284 Win.
Love the 6.5x284 but hate the barrel life they have.
I would Improve the 260 for case life and maybe gain
50 fps.
My bullets of choice WILL BE Berger VLD's.
6.5 140's @ 612 BC
.28 168's @ 617 BC
.28 180's @ 659 BC.
The buzz says the 28/180's run circles around the others BUT I
don't want to run a 30" barrel to make them work.
That leaves the 26/140 or 28/168.
Both run about the same BC, both run about the same speed?
What advantages and disadvantages am I looking at here in contour and cartridge choice?
I would say the 260 wins with less recoil.
Would the 284 have a longer throat/barrel life? Even though it is burning another 10 grains of powder?
What would be the better for big game including elk?
As JB has stated with differ Berger weights.
Both will get inside and then come apart, killing quickly.
If so, are the bullets equal is killing effect though the
6.5 is 28 grains lighter?
Berger's seem to be the unconventional equalizers!
I have the action and scope, the stock is on order and the barrel to be ordered. The barrel is the missing component at this point.
What am I missing here?
