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Jeffrey Offline OP
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Hello everyone. I’ve got an old worn out pre-64 model 70 featherweight that I’d like to breathe some new life into. It’s a 308 but as you are probably all mostly aware, the pre-64 actions are standard length action (long action) with exception of their magnum actions which this is not.

I’d like to rebarrel the action and put it in a good synthetic stock. I haven’t decided on the cartridge but am pretty sure I want a 6.5/264 caliber. The goal of the rifle is a flat shooting, medium game rifle. I want something that I can carry well, but not too light. I’m thinking scoped up around 7 pounds, maybe a little more. Ballistically I’d like to be in 264 WM/6.5 PRC/ 6.5-06 territory. Probably thinking bullets around 140 grains.

If it were you all, what cartridge would you choose? I’ve heard the 6.5-06 is a bit long for the model 70 unless you’re willing to compromise on bullets/OAL length. I figure the 264 would need a different bolt face/magazine arrangement, but I’m unsure on that. And I know the 6.5 PRC has a larger rim diameter. Just looking for some advice. I’d be interested in seeing what rifles y’all might have. Thanks in advance for your time and help.

Jeff

PS-Yes I reload. Like idea of plentiful brass availability and avoiding expensive dies, but not a showstopper if expensive dies are required.

Last edited by Jeffrey; 12/06/19.
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6.5x280 Ackley would be my choice.


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I vote for a 6.5 PCR. Cheers NC


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SUM QUOD SUM........HOMINEM TE ESSE MEMENTO
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Jeffrey Offline OP
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Originally Posted by northcountry
I vote for a 6.5 PCR. Cheers NC


So I’ve never had to consider bolt modifications before. Can a gunsmith take my original bolt from the 308 and open up the bolt face to take the larger rim of the PRC?

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I like my 70 Classic in 6.5x55 but, then again, I like pretty much anything in 6.5x55.

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Jeffrey Offline OP
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Originally Posted by nyrifleman
6.5x280 Ackley would be my choice.


NYRifle, why?

How would a 6.5-06 AI differ from a 6.5x280 AI? Thanks!

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Quality Nosler brass in 280 Ackley, easy to neck down.


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Jeffrey Offline OP
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Originally Posted by z1r
I like my 70 Classic in 6.5x55 but, then again, I like pretty much anything in 6.5x55.


Its a great round and I bet it would make a sweet shooter, but I think I want a little more pop.

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Jeffrey Offline OP
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Originally Posted by nyrifleman
Quality Nosler brass in 280 Ackley, easy to neck down.


Very well.

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I built mine as 6.5x284 Norma in a McMillan edge stock and bartlein 2b barrel.

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There no really good reason not to go 6.5 Creedmire, if yer determined to make it a 6.5.

Though it's a tad more recoil, a 280 will do very well & cover all the bases, or even 7-08.

But obviously, you're bitten by the 6.5 snake & nothing wrong with that if yer satisfied with the lower bullet weights.

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I did that exact same thing and went with the 6.5 CM, no regrets. 127 g Barnes LRX proved to be good medicine.

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A Creedmoor on a Pre-64?

You should be shot.

With a Remington 700.

To add insult to injury.

grin

I could like the Swede as well.

Last edited by nyrifleman; 12/06/19.

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Originally Posted by Paul4
I built mine as 6.5x284 Norma in a McMillan edge stock and bartlein 2b barrel.

Same deal, different stock, Krieger barrel.

Converted to full LA from .243 length, milled follower rib narrower to better accommodate fatter case.

Works well.

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I wouldn’t want to open up the bolt face. If you did you’d probably need to mess with feed lips or something too.

I wouldn’t want to chamber a short action cartridge in a long action. No reason other than you still have a long bolt throw but not the extra velocity.

If you were set on a 6.5 and willing to consider a wildcat a 6.5-06 would work. Otherwise either a 6.5x55 or 6.5-284 are good choices.

If you are willing to consider other calibers you could open up the choice quite a bit. 280, 270 W, 30-06, 338-06, 35 Whelen, the list goes on.

I would probably go 30-06, but I love the 30-06. Take that with a grain of salt.

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Originally Posted by Jeffrey
Originally Posted by z1r
I like my 70 Classic in 6.5x55 but, then again, I like pretty much anything in 6.5x55.


Its a great round and I bet it would make a sweet shooter, but I think I want a little more pop.


Another vote for the Swede. As far as pop goes, it's not hard to get 2700 with 140s.


Old Corps

Semper Fi

Get off my lawn.

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Jeffrey Offline OP
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Thanks for your thoughts, gents. I guess I do have the 6.5 bug. I already own pre-64 standard weights in 30/06 and 270W. Like them both a lot. I have considered a 280AI and haven’t ruled it out, or maybe 338-06AI.

I think I’d like a 6.5 PRC but don’t think I’m that interested in any of the current factory produced rifles. I think for now I’ll be looking into the 6.5-284. Still open to any more thoughts or ideas. Thanks again guys.

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I vote 6.5x284 (Norma) with the emphasis on Norma.
140 at 2975 to 3000 in an 8 twist and enjoy.

If you go creedmoor a proof carbon fiber and stock with USB port should also be looked into.

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Originally Posted by fredIII
I vote 6.5x284 (Norma) with the emphasis on Norma.
140 at 2975 to 3000 in an 8 twist and enjoy.

It won’t feed as slick as the 6.5-06 without some work.

Mine does. A good smith can make it happen.

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I have several 6.5 x 284's with a bit of effort they will feed just fine.
Really great cartridge easy to load for.
No flies on a 6.5x06 either.

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