Help me pick a target catridge

I went 6.5 CM when I was in the same decision time. I already had/still have a 6.5 PRC for hunting and wanted to keep rounds lower, so decided to go the 6.5 CM.

Run a 26" heavy stainless IBI barrel on mine, and usually shoot 50 rounds string, so the barrel is pretty warm at the end. Have adjusted my loads for this, and still hammer them down range with fairly low ES and DS numbers.

Working on finally getting a heat shield built for it. I have been running it without and always wondered why about 1/2 way through I would have to adjust the scope. Finally dawned on me it might be the heat coming off the barrel and "heat wave" my optics view out of kilter. DUH!!

Having some 3d printed parts to mount the heat shield. Once you have brass, I'm about $1.16 for my reloads.
 
I went 6.5 CM when I was in the same decision time. I already had/still have a 6.5 PRC for hunting and wanted to keep rounds lower, so decided to go the 6.5 CM.

Run a 26" heavy stainless IBI barrel on mine, and usually shoot 50 rounds string, so the barrel is pretty warm at the end. Have adjusted my loads for this, and still hammer them down range with fairly low ES and DS numbers.

Working on finally getting a heat shield built for it. I have been running it without and always wondered why about 1/2 way through I would have to adjust the scope. Finally dawned on me it might be the heat coming off the barrel and "heat wave" my optics view out of kilter. DUH!!

Having some 3d printed parts to mount the heat shield. Once you have brass, I'm about $1.16 for my reloads.

What bullet are you using?
 
I’m making the same decisions right now. Although I have lots of 308 components, I think I’ll go with 6.5CM. Less recoil, a bit cheaper to feed. Better in the wind too.

Great Choice,

6.5 Creedmoor makes the most sense if its just a for fun plinking rig, so many factory loaded ammunition options if you don't want to handload, if you do handload aftermarket quality brass is not an issue to obtain, lots of powders available and doesn't burn a pile, win win win !
 
I bought a Begara B24 HMR in 6.5 CM to Play with 6.5 CM is a Great little Cartridge . Cheaper to shoot too . JMO RJ

I already have numerous 6.5's, so saw no need for yet another. Just picked up a fast twist barrel for my next 260 though (sold a couple barrels at the gun show, and bought another). Still looking for a couple fast twist 30's for a couple of build's I have planned. - dan
 
Using the 139 scenars, with RL16 with federal LR match primers.. Tried the sierra 142 gr, and those work wonders as well, just more expensive. The RL16 is giving me close to 200 fps faster than the 4350, n555, staball that I tried previously.

Burning up some 140 RDF bullet tips I have, then switching to the small rifle primer brass, cci450's and RL16 with the 139 gr scenars again.

I'll try and get some pics of the heat shield, but its still in the works. We were having some issues with the action mount and having to rethink a design for that end. Will be printing a new prototype tonight, if my son doesn't get it going earlier. I had limited time before work today to try the muzzle end on, and will have a bit of fitment work to figure out there still, but we are 80% good with that one.

Just using a 2" wide black stretch nylon "belt" material for now, and may have to go with something more skukum, ie less permeable. Thinking a wide blind slat, if I can find any parts without having to purchase a complete blind.

I mean, after the 50 round string you cannot touch the barrel, or you will get insta burn. Its not red hot, but you are not touching it either way, so why it never dawned on me for the heat wave coming off it still baffles me. I thought I was loosing it, as that was the only scope/rifle it was happening on. I was beginning to think the march high master scope was crapping out on me.
 
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Don't know way all keyboard junkies want to drink cool aid? If choosing 6.5 bullets why not just use .260 case ? will push 140 grain bullets at over 2800 fps without stressing case or barrel life. All components easily accessible. A .308 case can be necked down or or straight 260 can be purchased. Life does not have to be like a box of chocolates ! " And that is all I got to say about that " LOL
 
I'm thinking of a .223 AI for my next range toy. Long throat, 7-twist for the 88gr bullets. Can still "make brass" with factory .223 loads. Less trimming with the Ackley shoulder. Less case intrusion with the longer throat. Kind of a lot going for it except it's just a bit more affected by wind drift vs a 6 or 6.5.

223-IMP-comparitive-match-load-drop.png


Just a thought.
 
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Your prob getting some FIRE CRACKING in that throat with that MUCH HEAT Wally Have you bore scoped it ? RJ

Oooh I'm sure there is some, but I'm not worried. No scope, so no go for that. I will check it every so often at 100m for groups, just so I can keep a check on it. When required, a new barrel will be ordered.

Having some problems getting some photos off the phone onto here.
 
Don't know way all keyboard junkies want to drink cool aid? If choosing 6.5 bullets why not just use .260 case ? will push 140 grain bullets at over 2800 fps without stressing case or barrel life. All components easily accessible. A .308 case can be necked down or or straight 260 can be purchased. Life does not have to be like a box of chocolates ! " And that is all I got to say about that " LOL

260 case is not optimized for high BC bullets while still fitting in a standard 308 mag. The 6.5CM is.

Nothing wrong with the 260, if you've already got one great, use it. But there is no good reason to buy a 260 if you're just starting out and shooting targets is the goal, if for no other reason than rifles and factory ammo are less available in 260. Now, I'm not saying people who just WANT a 260 shouldn't get one, I'm just saying if you're trying to pick a cartridge based on the criteria of shooting targets at 1000, 6.5CM is the easy button option.
 
Update: went with 308, found a used rifle on the EE which will make a fun weekend plinker. Thanks for all the input.
Windy
 
I'm thinking of a .223 AI for my next range toy. Long throat, 7-twist for the 88gr bullets. Can still "make brass" with factory .223 loads. Less trimming with the Ackley shoulder. Less case intrusion with the longer throat. Kind of a lot going for it except it's just a bit more affected by wind drift vs a 6 or 6.5.

223-IMP-comparitive-match-load-drop.png


Just a thought.

Its A GREAT THOUGHT ! jmo RJ
 
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