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Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 4,065
Campfire Tracker
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OP
Campfire Tracker
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 4,065 |
Like many here, I have tried out a bunch of "long range" capable configurations. Of course, many were too heavy, too much recoil, too lightweight, awkward stock fit in various positions, and the list goes on and on. Taking all of my experiences (mistakes) and needs (mid-weight, 600+ yards, lopes, deer, elk), moderate recoil etc. brought me to considering the 6.5's especially the 284, '06, and 260AI cases. A few months ago a fellow member alerted me to a Stainless Model 70 New Haven push feed 30'06. I had never seen a SS PF in person and I jumped on it and then debated between 284 and '06 and due to ready made and quality brass, went with the 6.5x284. Well, then I got anxious to get it rolling - and thankfully McMillan had "ready-to-inlet" Win Hunter's in Edge fill ready to go and had it cut to my specs and to me in 4 weeks. Hart kicked out a 8-twist SS dupe of Douglas #3 in 6 days! And all was then sent to Lee Christianson (Redneck) and he worked some magic and had it back to me quite promptly. Specs: Action: M70 SS PF Barrel: Hart SS #3, 1.5" shank, 25" PT&G bottom metal McMillan Win Hunter w/ EDGE Talley LW x-lows Bushnell LRHS Weight: 8lb 12oz I couldn't be happier with the fit, finish, and feel of the rifle. Props (again) to Lee on this one. The rifle, despite being a tad heftier than my others, balances great and handles like a lighter rig. I loaded up some 143gr ELD-X to lightly kiss the lands at 3.175" over some 4831sc. At the range I fired three factory 120BTs to get on target, cleaned the barrel and then sent four of the ELD-Xs down range. I was pleasantly surprised, to say the least. With other rifles to shoot and having forgot my chronograph - I happily set the 6.5 aside for another day. If this load continues to shoot this well and clocks north of 2,900 I'll call it a day and fill some arks. I continue to be impressed by the LRHS scopes in tracking and optics. Thanks to Lee for the build and also to "aalf" for the insights on the clambering/cartridge. Hopefully this will be one of two rifles that make the trip to southern Colorado in October for mule deer. Happy shooting all.
Last edited by TDN; 05/06/17.
"You know why nobody panic buys 30-06 ammo? ... Because men with 30-06's don't panic"
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Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 37,162 Likes: 3
Campfire 'Bwana
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Campfire 'Bwana
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 37,162 Likes: 3 |
Try RL-17. My 6.5-284 will push 140 VLD's at a solid 3K over 48 gr.
RL-17, with it's smooth pressure curve, at least in my experience, doesn't produce hard accuracy nodes like Vv 165. But, 165 maxed out with 140's at arond 2,900-2,950 fps. Accuracy dropped off, pressure started showing up, faster than that.
RL-17 has solid accuracy over a range of charges, accuracy dropping off around 3,100 fps.
DF
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Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 17,982 Likes: 17
Campfire Ranger
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Campfire Ranger
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 17,982 Likes: 17 |
Looks great!! Congrats on a good looking and well thought out rig.
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Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 37,162 Likes: 3
Campfire 'Bwana
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Campfire 'Bwana
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 37,162 Likes: 3 |
Looks great!! Congrats on a good looking and well thought out rig. +1 DF
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Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 13,401
Campfire Outfitter
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Campfire Outfitter
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 13,401 |
“There are some who can live without wild things and some who cannot.” ALDO LEOPOLD
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Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 15,319 Likes: 3
Campfire Ranger
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Campfire Ranger
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 15,319 Likes: 3 |
Great rifle TDN. That's a fantastic shooting rifle. Cool cartridge too. Looks like you've got a winner.
Semper Fi
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Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 15,878 Likes: 11
Campfire Ranger
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Campfire Ranger
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 15,878 Likes: 11 |
That looks like a winner, in a cartridge that seems to be overlooked by many these days.
THE CHAIR IS AGAINST THE WALL. The Tikka T3 in .308 Winchester is the Glock 19 of the rifle world. The website is up and running!www.lostriverammocompany.com
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Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 15,319 Likes: 3
Campfire Ranger
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Campfire Ranger
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 15,319 Likes: 3 |
That looks like a winner, in a cartridge that seems to be overlooked by many these days. That's a fact. Pretty wicked cartridge. Always wanted one in a light rifle.
Semper Fi
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Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 3,058
Campfire Tracker
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Campfire Tracker
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 3,058 |
Coveting! Very capable rig.
�When in doubt, I whip it out.� Uncle Ted
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Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 3,612
Campfire Tracker
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Campfire Tracker
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 3,612 |
Always thought the 6.5x284 was a cool round, love that first picture you posted.
Gerry.
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Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 4,065
Campfire Tracker
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OP
Campfire Tracker
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 4,065 |
Thanks all for the kind words. I'm thrilled with the build and hope to get it in the field a few times this fall. It balances things out nicely as my other two hunting rifles are 7lbs and 7.6lbs scoped (270 & 7RM).
I'll probably try some R-17 as well (Thanks DF) as I have some left from a injudicious 300 WSM venture years ago.
Last edited by TDN; 05/07/17.
"You know why nobody panic buys 30-06 ammo? ... Because men with 30-06's don't panic"
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Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 7,014 Likes: 2
Campfire Tracker
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Campfire Tracker
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 7,014 Likes: 2 |
Beautiful rifle. Great chambering.
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Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 17,527
Campfire Ranger
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Campfire Ranger
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 17,527 |
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Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 13,661
Campfire Outfitter
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Campfire Outfitter
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 13,661 |
I like that alot!! Well done.
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Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 16,158 Likes: 8
Campfire Ranger
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Campfire Ranger
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 16,158 Likes: 8 |
What's not to like....looks like winner.....
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Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 24,652 Likes: 1
Campfire Ranger
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Campfire Ranger
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 24,652 Likes: 1 |
Tim, That's turned out great!
WWP53D
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Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 4,065
Campfire Tracker
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OP
Campfire Tracker
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 4,065 |
Tim, That's turned out great! Thanks for the push towards the #3 barrel, bud!
"You know why nobody panic buys 30-06 ammo? ... Because men with 30-06's don't panic"
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Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 893
Campfire Regular
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Campfire Regular
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 893 |
Great looking rifle! I have had great luck with RL-19 in my 6.5x284--- great accuracy, not as temp sensitive as people would have you believe and velocity is great-- 140gr Amax @2975 from a Savage LRH.
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Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 209
Campfire Member
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Campfire Member
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 209 |
I never used RL17 but think it would work great, however give RL26 a try. I was getting over 3000 with no sign of reaching max. Grouping was good, but only shot 6 rounds, both groups under .75 in a rifle of about your weight
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Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 10,960 Likes: 1
Campfire Outfitter
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Campfire Outfitter
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 10,960 Likes: 1 |
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