input on 6xc versus 6,5-284

freddygotarf

freddygotarf

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I'm thinking of putting togheter a rifle and I'm tossing around the idea of these calibers.I've seen this really nice stock called KKC that I'm interested in.
Does anyone out there have experience in these calibers to share some info on?I sold my target rifle in 6,5x55 so I want to build something fun to shoot.
If anyone have some suggestions on action and barrel choices that would be great also.Thanks
 
I have owned and shot both.

The 6.5X284 is a very nice long range cartridge, but it is very hard on barrels. The 284 case is also almost too long for a short action, particularly with VLD bullets. Its true accurate life span is about 1000-1200 rounds. It will open up and cease to be a true precision round after that.

The 140 Berger VLD and the 142 Sierra Match king are high BC bullets with great long range performance and both work very well in the 6.5X284. SPeeds of up to 3000 fps are certainly possible, and before the advent of ultra high BC 7mm bullets. it was really the cartridge to beat at 1000M.

The 6XC is a cartridge based on the 22-250 and uses a smaller bullet. It is capable of pushing 115 Berger bullets to velocities near 3000 and can easily push 105's over 3000.

There are pros and cons to both... the 6XC having longer barrel life (2000 rounds or so) and a great selection of 6mm match bullets easily fitting in a short action.

the 6.5X284 has better brass (Lapua) and is a proven long distance performer at the cost of barrel life. While it will fit in a short action, removing a loaded round with a VLD bullet requires removal of the bolt.

I am a huge 6mm fan. If you can get 6XC components it can work very well, but so can the 6.5X284.

Ballistically the 6.5X284 has a better long distance record, but with poor barrel life. The 6XC is very accurate, but lacks a selction of good brass and dies.

I would personally advocate a tight-necked 6-6.5X47 over a 6XC for its brass and smaller primer pocket.
 
Having 2 rifles in each, I would say Obt. above has it right. I like the 6.5/284 with the 142 SMK @ 2950 Flat shooter with manageable recoil in a heavy barrelled gun. Both of mine are savages, with Shilen (long action) and Brux (short action)barrels. In perfect cond. 10" groups @ 1000 are possible, maybe less. I can't shoot any better. The xc has almost no recoil with the 115 DTAC's and will shoot 1/2" from a varmint barrelled Win and under 1/4" from a custom Rem. heavy barrel.
I had 1450 rd. thru the Brux barrelled 6.5/284 when I set the barrel back and cut 1" from the muzzle. It's back to it's old self again. If I get 6 or 7 hundred more that's prob. it. Had expected 2500 from the xc's but only 5-600 so far. I got the Win. from a fellow gunnut, doesn't appear to have any erosion issues yet. I've shot the xc's to 500 yd. even with slight crosswinds with good results. Also shooting 6.5/47 but only a few rd. so difficult to compare. All are 'fun to shoot' Mark
 
There's also the 6x284 which I am playing with, but really this is seriously over the top for short/medium ranges. I am NOT an expert, but from what I have heard, cartridges with high volume to projectile ratios are prone to eroding the barrel, thus the relatively short life of ~1K -2K rounds. Sort of like a blow-torch in the chamber if you can visualise it.

The do fly flat and fast though!
 
The 6xc is a new wildcat to me, first place I've seen it written up is here. I'd heard of 6.5x284 maybe 10yrs ago when F-Class first emerged. The other 6.5 wildcat I have seen in the field is 6.5x55 Ackley Improved in a Swedish Mauser hunting rifle. The owner claimed it was a good action, with good steel in the original barrel, and the sharper shoulder gave him a faster velocity without prematurely ruining the throat. (And surplus barrels aren't hard on the wallet either.)
 
Wow that is a short lifespan of the barrels.I have a friend in sweden who shoots
competitions lots and probably could get me Norma 6XC brass.Maybe I should just build myself another 6,5x55, barrel life is way better.I have lots of brass and bullets left.
 
Are u competing?? Barrel life is only a concern if u are competing. Smallest group wins.
But if u are just punching papers and knocking gongs around, its good for much more than 900 -1200 rds.
Mine is still knocking 6" gongs around at 700m pretty consistently and it has 900 rds through it. I don't load my rounds hot and I take my time between rounds.
 
If you are already skilled at reloading, I cannot rave enough about the venerable 6mmBR. I would argue that it is second only to the 6PPC (which is only a short range cartridge) in inherent accuracy. It works VERY well and is easy to make work.

Barrel life is excellent (2500) components are readily available and very high quality, and it will work in any action with .473" (.308) bolt face.

I shoot 6BR's to a mile with amazing accuracy and it is the cartridge to beat in 300-600M F-Class competition.

As to barrels, well, do I have to say it? Nothing finer than a Krieger. I keep 6mm barrels in stock because they are in very high demand by precision shooters.
 
I haven't competed since moving to alberta 11 years ago.I used to shoot 300m
with my 6,5x55.I'll check out the 6mmBR.I have a 22-250 and a 300win mag that I shoot lots.Looking for something in between.
 
If I would go with a 6xc what lenght of action would I need to get?
Does anyone know a smith that has a reamer for a 6xc?
I just finished reading about 6mmbr.that seems to be an interesting choice also for a rifle build.
 
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