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.

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

Looks great!! Congrats on a good looking and well thought out rig.

+1

DF

Very nice rifle!

Great rifle TDN. That's a fantastic shooting rifle. Cool cartridge too. Looks like you've got a winner.

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.

Coveting! Very capable rig.

Always thought the 6.5x284 was a cool round, love that first picture you posted.

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.

Beautiful rifle. Great chambering.

Bad ass!

I like that alot!! Well done.

What's not to like....looks like winner.....

Tim,
That's turned out great!

Thanks for the push towards the #3 barrel, bud!

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.

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

Nice shooting

Thanks fellas! Hitting the range again this week (with the chrono!) to check things out.

I really like this rifle. Nicely done.

That looks really nice TDN. I have a custom in the same caliber that is in the TOO HEAVY category. It is a safe queen because of it.

I hope you enjoy it.

donsm70

TDN
Just took mine out today and tried my load (56.5/RL26 CCI 250 Nosler brass 140 VLD @ 3.135 OAL SUB 1" 5shot groups w/ rounded primers Avg. 3110fps from
26" BRUX #3) It also works fine with 127 LRX