Surgeon Scalpel 6.5x284

[bender338]

Hey guys,

I just picked up a Surgeon Scalpel in 6.5x 284 with 1:8.5 twist Kreiger 28" barrel. I also purchased 5 boxes of never fired Lapua brass and would like to know what bullet/load to use. Any one has any experience with 6.5x285 and 1:8.5 twist?

Some of the choices I have are:
130 grain Norma Diamonds
140 Berger
140 gr VLD
142 SMK

Any opinion is greatly appreciated!

 

[bward]

Re: Surgeon Scalpel 6.5x284

I'd lean towards the 142 SMK. Not the best BC for a 6.5 caliber bullet, but you will more than likely be constantly chasing the lands with the others you listed with the caliber you chose.

 

[Tangodown911]

Re: Surgeon Scalpel 6.5x284

Berger 140BTLR

 

[bender338]

Re: Surgeon Scalpel 6.5x284

How long should the barrel last with those rounds?

 

[T-Hoe]

Re: Surgeon Scalpel 6.5x284

I have had Two 6.5x284s and both liked the 142s the best. As far as how long the barrel will last I can not say, kinda depends on how you treat it. Oh, I also use H4831sc.

 

[bender338]

Re: Surgeon Scalpel 6.5x284

Thanks for great info. Which primers I should use?

 

[shooter65]

Re: Surgeon Scalpel 6.5x284

http://www.accurateshooter.com/cartridge-guides/65x284/

 

[bender338]

Re: Surgeon Scalpel 6.5x284

Awesome link! Thanks

 

[supratt96]

Re: Surgeon Scalpel 6.5x284

I've tried most of the bullets you have listed and gotten the best results from 142 SMKs. They are also the least expensive, if that matters.

 

[Jon Lester]

Re: Surgeon Scalpel 6.5x284

@ 1200 rounds my tube was toast, it was a Broughton and shot like a hammer before going south. 2" of throat were gone.

 

[z-man]

Re: Surgeon Scalpel 6.5x284

I have a Blaser Match setup on 6.5x284. Mine loves the Norma 130s, but the BC is not the best for LR shooting. Z

 

[steve123]

Re: Surgeon Scalpel 6.5x284

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Jon Lester</div><div class="ubbcode-body">@ 1200 rounds my tube was toast, it was a Broughton and shot like a hammer before going south. 2" of throat were gone. </div></div>

That's exactly when 6.5-284 went out.I was shooting 140's at 2950 fps with H4350 and a 30" barrel.

To the OP.If you pic a slower powder like H-1000 and sacrifice 50-75 fps you will likely get much better barrel life,maybe even close to 2000 rounds.

 

[T-Hoe]

Re: Surgeon Scalpel 6.5x284

Bender, I have had good results with cci BR-2 primers.

 

[105amatt]

Re: Surgeon Scalpel 6.5x284

I have a 29 inch 1-8" krieger on my Rem 700. It shoots the 140 A Max with H4831SC very well. I have also shot the 142 SMK, they shoot equally as well, but the a-max won out for me for the price. I am shooting a fairly mild load just for the sake of barrel life.

-Matt

 

[lightman]

Re: Surgeon Scalpel 6.5x284

Sounds like a nice rifle!I shoot the 142 SMK,over RL-22,in a Lapua case and a Federal 210M primer.4831SC also shot well.The Bergers and Lapua's shot well,but the Sierra were more consistant.Enjoy your rifle, Pete

 

[Jon Lester]

Re: Surgeon Scalpel 6.5x284

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: steve123</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Jon Lester</div><div class="ubbcode-body">@ 1200 rounds my tube was toast, it was a Broughton and shot like a hammer before going south. 2" of throat were gone. </div></div>

That's exactly when 6.5-284 went out.I was shooting 140's at 2950 fps with H4350 and a 30" barrel.

To the OP.If you pic a slower powder like H-1000 and sacrifice 50-75 fps you will likely get much better barrel life,maybe even close to 2000 rounds. </div></div>

142s at 2980 done me in.

 

[bender338]

Re: Surgeon Scalpel 6.5x284

I think I will try the 142s first and see how they shoot. Range report will follow. Thanks everyone!