And I don't even have the rifle yet!

[wvbuckbuster]

I have had an insatiable hankering for another .222 lately. And a Colt Woodsman. And another 20 gauge….and….

I feel your pain

 

[longrangehunter]

So Dan, what’s happening with the rifle itself?

Great cartridge, kind of in a class of its own for speed and accuracy IMO. One of the medium actions would be a fine choice.

Are you having it built, or buying the rifle?

 

[RememberBaker]

I’d rather have all the stuff to load for a rifle I don’t yet have than to have the rifle and then struggle to find the stuff!

 

[NYDAN]

So Dan, what’s happening with the rifle itself?

Great cartridge, kind of in a class of its own for speed and accuracy IMO. One of the medium actions would be a fine choice.

Are you having it built, or buying the rifle?

My gunsmith is building the rifle on a used left-hand Rem. Model 700 chambered in 30-06. The only part we are using is the action itself.

We have been working on the specifications for the rifle. It turns out that there are numerous reamers available for this cartridge (6.5-284 Norma). These reamers vary in the length of the free-bore and the diameter of the neck. I collected an assortment of bullets and did an analysis of how much free-bore each bullet would need to be seated so that the heel of the bullet was at the neck/shoulder junction of the case and the ogive of the bullet would be near the lands of the rifling. I just finished this analysis (would be happy to share the results with anyone interested) and we selected a suitable reamer for the bullets I expect to shoot.

We just finished reviewing barrels, contours, twist rates, and costs. We have pretty much decided on either a Brux or a Bartlein barrel depending on delivery time. We should place the orders the barrel and reamer next week. I decided against fluting or a muzzle brake.

Now I am reviewing stock options, which are limited for left-handed shooters. I have it narrowed down to two options. Will probably finalize this next week.

Meanwhile I shot the donor rifle on Tuesday. MISTAKE! I shot a 3/4" group with 150 gr. Rem. Core-Loc factory ammo at 100 yards. This rifle would have made a heck of an inexpensive rifle for someone who needed something to hunt with. Oh well. I guess we will save the 30-06 chambered barrel and offer it to anyone that needs a replacement barrel.

 

[Rol_P]

Well Dan, I look at my "Stash" of supplies and having seen your current addition, I know where my impulse was nurtured. What is the estimated delivery on your new addition? Looking forward to seeing you soon. Rol

 

[cloverleaf]

Dan- havent you learned anything from us.....? NEVER SHOOT THE DONOR!!! NEVER..... Good luck with the build! CL

 

[NYDAN]

Well Dan, I look at my "Stash" of supplies and having seen your current addition, I know where my impulse was nurtured. What is the estimated delivery on your new addition? Looking forward to seeing you soon. Rol

Yes, Roland. You haven't been spending enough time in Western NY lately for me to properly corrupt you with the rifle and component buying impulses.

This build is many months away from completion. Heck, with the lead times on the barrels, it may not even get done in 2026.

See ya soon.