6.5x.284 ?
 

I'm thinking about having a M70 re-barreled to 6.5x.284. I plan on using this rifle for mainly target/varmit shooting. Possibly antelope hunting to.
With 120-140 grain bullets. I know this is a hand loaders only cartridge, which is o.k. Formed brass is available . I'm looking for information on what ratio of barrel twist is best for the 120-140 gr? Any reloading info or just general hunting/shooting with this cartridge is also appreciated.

RE: 6.5x.284 ?
 

I'd use a 1:9" twist.....further I'd go with the 6.5-06 over the 6.5-.284.

Hornady's fifth edition has loads for both cartridges.

RE: 6.5x.284 ?
 

I should have mentioned that the M70 I will be using is a short action (.308). The gunsmith recommends a 1:10".

RE: 6.5x.284 ?
 

I like 1 in 9 for heavier bullets, especially since you plan to use this as a dual duty caliber. For target only, 1 in 10, would work. I also was going to go down this road and changed my mind. Might later. I believe you make a good choice. I see people do some amazing things with this caliber at 1000 yards. Seems to be a breeze to reload also compared to long actions.

RE: 6.5x.284 ?
 

My Cooper will have a 1 in 9-twist rate. Cooper recommeds a 1 in 9 for 120 to 140 grain bullets.

RE: 6.5x.284 ?
 

Looks like I'll go with 1:9 twist. I suspect I will be useing 140 grains the most.

You started any load development yet?

RE: 6.5x.284 ?
 

I have not started any load development yet. I hope to get a load from Cooper when I get my rifle. I talked to them when I ordered my rifle. They said they would include load data for me. I plan on shooting 140's & 120's. I hope the 140's don't take up too much room in the case?

RE: 6.5x.284 ?
 

Wolf killer,

Went and seen the smith (Harry McGowen) over in St Anne, ILL (he used to run an add in Shooting Times). Took the Win M70 7mmSTW to have a Timney trigger put on and glass beded. I talked with him about twist rates for the 6.5 he usually goes 1:8 or 1:10. So I guess this muddies the water a little bit for me!? He showed me the Button rifleing method....pretty neat and fast, good finish on the bore. I will probably go with the 1:8 since I like 140 grain 6.5 bullets for their penetration.

RE: 6.5x.284 ?
 

Me too!? The 6.5x.284 has a slightly longer case than the .308. I too was thinking about having to seat bullets deep in the case[:'(][&:].

What ya plan to use your Cooper for? Hunting what? target shooting? Those are sure nice rifles....I thought about a .17 Remington or .220 swift on a Cooper Varmit extreme...could not afford it and an elk hunt though.

RE: 6.5x.284 ?
 

I was told by a rep at Cooper the 1 in 8 twist rate was the best way to go with 140 grain bullets. He felt the 1 in 9 twist rate would be a good match for 140 & 120grain bullets. I told him I would be shooting 120 grain bullets for antelope & deer hunting. Have you seen how long a .264 - 140 grain ballistic tip bullet is? Just from the looks of them, I doubt I will be shooting them much? The 140-grain bullet is going to take up powder space.