Ackley Improved or not?

[Stick1]

I've read that the 6.5-06 can be tough to find and maintain accurate loads with speed, that don't show pressure spikes with weather changes......almost as bad as the 264 win.

If you are looking for a fast 6.5, then don't dismiss the 264 WM just yet. As far as pressure spikes with weather changes goes, this is usually associated with powder selection more than cartridge design. And it applies to all cartridges, especially if you are pushing them to the edge of their pressure window and beyond. A temp stable powder like any of the Hodgdon Extremes will usually solve this issue. Staying off the edge and realizing that extra 25fps isn't worth the wear and tear on your equipment and brass is probably the better solution though.

[hweissert]

I guess I should put the 280ai back on the table..... don't need another 260......6.5-06 doesn't have any factory ammo available.

280ai- 120 gr BT- 168 gr Berger....no interest in heavier bullets.
6.5x284- 120 gr BT-140 gr Berger

Recoil will be heavier with high BC bullets in the 280ai

What cartridge would the 162-168 gr 280ai compare to in recoil?
I'm not that sensitive to recoil, but this rifle is going to weigh less than 8 lbs scoped and loaded to hunt.

6.5x284 guys- What kind of velocity can be reached accurately with 26" barrels on:
130 gr
140 gr

280ai guys- Same as above except 24" barrel or does the 280ai need 26" also?
150 gr
162-168 gr-

Thanks fellas!

My 6.5x284 is a custom gun on a Remington action with 26" #4 bartleim barrel. It's finished at 25" plus the muzzle break. It's a 1/2" moa gun and the best load is the Berger 140 vld at 2950 Fps. I've got a huskemaw turret built for it and have killed several animals drt at a long ways off.

My 280 ai is a Kimber 84L mountain ascent that is finished at 24" plus the muzzle break. It's also very accurate especially for a factory gun. I shoot both the Berger 140's @ 3190 Fps and the 168's at 2880 fps. Both loads are under an inch moa. I'm extremely please with this one for a factory rifle that tips the scale at 5.5 lbs. my buddy also has this same rifle. He's shooting 120 nosler bt in it at 3360 fps.

[hweissert]

Robert (stick 1) has also build a couple 260 Remington ai's that shot like a house on fire! Might get him to show you some of the data on it. I've got the stuff for a 6mm-06 that I'm gonna do as soon as I can break loose and go see him

[droptine8850]

260ai

Robert (stick 1) has also build a couple 260 Remington ai's that shot like a house on fire! Might get him to show you some of the data on it. I've got the stuff for a 6mm-06 that I'm gonna do as soon as I can break loose and go see him

Yes Robert, I'd love to see some data on a 24-26" 260ai vs 264 win

[RJH1]

I have researched this topic several times, and have owned some rifles that I had to make the cartridges for, and finally came to the conclusion that there is a readily available factory round to do whatever needs doing. The idea of a wildcat or mildcat sounds fun but will generally end up being more trouble than it is worth. Get a ballistics chart and find the cartridge that most closely matches what you your rifle to do and buy a gun in that caliber. You will be happier in the end.

[hweissert]

If you're building the 280 Ack in a light gun and plan to shoot heavier bullets, have a break put on it. You'll thank yourself later. I've got breaks on everything down to my 6mm Remington now lol. They make em way more fun to shoot on the bench where you always have heating protection anyway. And all the animals I've shot I've never had it bother me on the noise. Guess the nervous system blocks it out. My little 280 ack is a blast to shoot with the break on it. Could pound it all day if I wanted to. Now take the break off, not near as much fun.

[droptine8850]

Thanks for all the info guys. After running all the numbers thru JBM ballistics, my Tikka 270 wsm shooting 140 gr Nosler Accubonds( .497bc) @3200 fps can't be beat significantly out to 500 yards. 500 and further, the high bc 6.5/7mm cartridges begin to take over. And this is with a 24" barrel, weighs 8 lbs scoped and loaded, with only 20 ft lbs of recoil. I guess if I was wanting a hunting/long range target gun, the 6.5x284/264 win would be the direction I'd go, but I doubt I'll ever attempt a shot at a critter over 500 yards.

[J.B.]

If you go 6.5-06 you might as well make it an Ackley shoulder. You will have to reload or have someone else reload for it either way.