Really depends how far you plan on wanting to shoot game. For a low recoil, accutate round I'd go 6.5X47. Keep in mind this will limit you to 6-700 yds on deer size game. I have two 6.5X47. One heavy full custom built by RBROS; other is semi custom I had done locally. Heavy practice gun shoots 130 Bergers at just under 3000 fps. Light weight hunting gun shoots 130 AccuBonds at 2850 fps. For a wildcat that will step up the game I would go with a 6.5 Sherman. 270 parent case and mine will drive a 140 Berger at 3339 fps out of a 28" Hart. For volume shooting the X47 is great as it has virtually no recoil ( mine is braked). only using up to 42.2 gr H4350 so it is very efficient. The Sherman however will take up into the 60 plus grain range and is basically a 6.5-06AI on steroids.
Long Range Caliber Options
- Thread starter hunter-4-life
- Start date
Really thinking the 6.5 creed is going to be the choice here. Besides doing some custom work, its about the only option I have besides 260 and they dont have shells for that here, but they do carry the needmore shells. I guess the next question is which rifle? The T3X Compact Tac or Savage 10T-SR, anyone ever shoot these 2?
The Creed is a wiser choice. The 260 is breathing its last breaths now that Lapua has 6.5 Creed brass. With the small primer, you can run it faster than 260 now. AI the case and it beats 260 AI.
Down here in southern Ohio I see more 6.5 Creed rifles on the shelves in local shops than 308s in tactical guns. And every little shop has a number of different factory loads for it. You're lucky if you find one type of 260 hunting ammo...
Down here in southern Ohio I see more 6.5 Creed rifles on the shelves in local shops than 308s in tactical guns. And every little shop has a number of different factory loads for it. You're lucky if you find one type of 260 hunting ammo...
Savage F-Class 6.5-284 and never look back. I topped it with a Night Force 5.5-22X56 and a mile is achievable. Best 5 shot 1000 yd group was 4.6 inches. It's not for sale.
You see more 6.5 creeds because people are getting rid of them. They will never perform as well as a 6.5-284.
You see more 6.5 creeds because people are getting rid of them. They will never perform as well as a 6.5-284.
Maybe in small LR shooting circles up in Canada, but that isn't what drives the firearm market. More guns are sold in one US state each year than all of Canada and the only ones getting rid of the Creeds down here are the stores that can't keep them on the shelves. There are probably several hundred factory 6.5 Creedmoor rifles of various types sold for every 6.5-284 factory rifle sold. The majority of people buying guns don't reload and factory match 6.5 Creedmoor is widely available and relatively inexpensive. It's the logical choice if you want to be able to use factory ammo.
Chargerguy
CGN frequent flyer
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Sub 5 inch 5 shot group @ 1000 yards= WOW with a factory rifle?
6.5x55 SE. Was ahead of its time when introduced. Hand-loaded it can best the shorter 6.5's due to more case capacity. It does its best work with a longer barrel, 26"+. Best part is, it can handle heavy for caliber bullets (160 gr.) for larger game. Best of luck.
hometownhero
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
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- Toon Town, Sk
Savage shooting team uses off the shelf rifles to compete so I don’t see why not
5 shot groups don't mean anything at 1000 yards. One of them is definite not an indication of the consistency or capability a rifle. Even 1000 yard benchrest (which uses FAR more consistent rifles than any factory offering) requires 10 shots.
Any 6.5mm Cartridge which can drive a 140 grain bullet to 2700 fps is a viable cartridge for a 1000yd rifle. Any 7mm Cartridge which will drive a 162 grain bullet to 2700 fps is a viable cartridge for a 1000yd rifle. Any thirty caliber cartridge which will drive 190 grain bullets to 2600 fps is a viable cartridge for a 1000 yd rifle. The heavier the bullet, the higher the recoil will be.
Cartridges which I have used for long range include the 6BR, the 260, the 6.5x55, the 308, the 30/40 Krag, and the 30/06. With appropriate bullets, all have worked well.
Cartridges which I have used for long range include the 6BR, the 260, the 6.5x55, the 308, the 30/40 Krag, and the 30/06. With appropriate bullets, all have worked well.
My next rifle is going to be a 6mm creedmoor. I already have a 280 AI and a 300wm, wanted something smaller but not too small to be useful. Looking at the ruger predator, 7.7 twist to handle the larger 100 grain and up quality bullets. Complete lack of factory loaded rounds and brass is why I don't have one yet. There is/will be more factroy chamberings, browning has a few now, savage and I'm sure there will be more.
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The 2 bonus's is, we only have 1 public range where I am and its only 200 yards so I dont even shoot there, and 2, I have access to 1000+ yard private shooting whenever I want. But yes, ear protection is a must with any rifle over a 223 let alone one with a brake lol
I say again....28 nosler is chambered in more factory rifles and brass is more available. It also has equal case capacity.
7mm STW is a dead as the Dodo.
