Savage 6.5-.284 project w/pics

[WYcoyote]

This was my build in progress during the Ultimate Mule deer and Antelope Rifle thread.
I'm into the load development stage and a pic of the best group so far, still fine tuning some things, but looks promising.
Savage 111 LA SF action (was a .270)
Benchmark Barrels pre-fit in 6.5-284 Norma, 25" heavy sporter, SS, 1-8.5" twist, 3-groove, nitrided by MMI/Trutec.
Nitrex TR2 3-15x50 SF plex reticle, pop-up turrets resetable to zero, anti-cant bubble level.
Burris Extreme Tactical bases with Zee Signature Mounts and 0.020" offset inserts for elevation.
Bell and Carlson Duramaxx stock, pillar and glass bedded, free floated barrel. XLR cheek rest.
SSS SS recoil lug, trigger guard, barrel nut and action screws.
Factory three screw trigger adjusted to 2 3/4#.

Notice to critters at long range:
This rifle may be hazardous to your health.

 

[DrMike]

That's looking quite fine. I believe it'll do.

 

[JD338]

Very nice rig, congratulations! You are not kidding, that will be a long range killer for sure.

JD338

 

[Desert Fox]

Very nice. How fast you're pushing that Berger. With 50.5 of IMR 4831, I can get to 2975 fps with mine from a 26" Lothar Walther. Accuracy is superb and very consistent. You gonna like the killing power of this cartridge. The 140 Berger is one BAD pill.

Three shot at 525 yards.

This deer can attest to that at 603 yards

 

[WYcoyote]

I'm right about 2970 with the 53gr of H4831SC.
Just picked up a lb. of H4350 for a different opinion.
No luck with RL-19.
H Hybrid 100V wasn't too bad.
Very impressive velocity string DF.
I don't think my cheap crony can measure that tight.

 

[Desert Fox]

I'm right about 2970 with the 53gr of H4831SC.
Just picked up a lb. of H4350 for a different opinion.
No luck with RL-19.
H Hybrid 100V wasn't too bad.
Very impressive velocity string DF.
I don't think my cheap crony can measure that tight.

I'm using Pact Professional chronograph.

H4831 is the most popular powder for the 6.5-284. The only reason I'm using the IMR version is because I have about 8 lbs. of it in my inventory. I might try H1000 or Reloader 25 to see if I can break the 3K barrier without pressure.

 

[BK]

Nice rig.

Curious on your thoughts on the Benchmark barrel. I have a 7Mag Savage that I'd like to make into something else, even if it's just a Sendero type 7Mag.

 

[jmad_81]

In a word... NICE!

 

[WYcoyote]

Nice rig.

Curious on your thoughts on the Benchmark barrel. I have a 7Mag Savage that I'd like to make into something else, even if it's just a Sendero type 7Mag.

All my research led me to believe the Benchmark would drill tiny little groups with darn near any load but for me that hasn't been quite that easy. Maybe I was being overly optimistic but at the same time I wasn't cutting it much slack either, using 5-shot groups to judge each load combination. Several times I've had a pretty stellar 3-4 shot group going and had so called "fliers" open them up a bit, but fairly sure it wasn't me yanking them, however the wind this spring hasn't cooperated much.
All in all, they are great people to deal with, fit and finish flawless, cleans up well and seems to shoot better and better as it's breaking in. I get the feeling I'll hit the right combo of powder and seating depth that will shoot lights out.
Weather permitting of course.

 

[SJB358]

Very awesome 6.5! Man, that rifle looks like it is well built! Seems like it is a shooter! I can't wait to start zinging some 130-140gr bullets from the 264. Not a nice one like yours, but hopefully it makes up for its look in the speed department! Scotty

 

[6mm Remington]

WYcoyote your rifle is very sharp looking! Those coyotes in your neck of the woods better keep their heads down! How is the recoil with the weight of the rifle. I cannot imagine it bucking too much.

 

[Greg Nolan]

Good looking rig. That'll be fun to play with! (Unless you're the coyote) :lol:
Greg

 

[C.Smith]

How do you like that stock? Is it heavy. That is the same action I have only in 7 mag, but the stock is somthing I want to improve one. I think that your rifle looks really sharp and shoots great. When are you going to stretch it's legs?

Corey

 

[WYcoyote]

The stock isn't real heavy, it's kind of a favorite for the Savage guys at http://www.savageshooters.com/ for builds and reasonably priced. The barrel adds some weight however, a #4 Shilen contour 0.645" at the muzzle. Nitrex optics aren't very lightwieght and I like steel mounts. The rifle as pictured scaled 10# 8oz, which I thought was pretty heavy till I weighed my M70 Win in .300WM (24" bll) with scope at 10# even. So, yeah, it doesn't kick too bad.
I'll tinker with a few more loads and start stretching the legs soon. GO AWAY WIND!

This was almost 5 months in the making, not for those wanting instant gratification. It's neat to see it all come together finally.

 

[FOTIS]

Nice recipe for death to the critters.