6.5 barrel length

[Coopsdaddy]

Whats your opinions on the fieldcraft 6.5 creedmore barrel lengths.
I know they had all different options and i have a chance to pick one up with a 24″ #2 contour barrel.
I was wanting a shorter version and possibly threaded but wasn’t sure on the option of getting that done.I actually don’t plan on running a suppressor anytime soon but the option would be nice.
What about the option of just shortening barrel if threading is a issue.

 

[ljalberta]

I have one with the threaded 18” barrel. It’s not throwing lightning, but I still wouldn’t want it any longer for my uses. It’s primarily my backpacking rifle for long trips where keeping weight down is important, and also quickly became my favourite when hunting in the thicker stuff due to the snub nosed size. If I could run a suppressor I would, but otherwise I would have a hard time adding any more length to the lightweight unit.

Using factory LRX 127gr I average speeds of 2723fps. I’ll be loading up different options to see if I can gain a few more fps with the hand loads.

You could always cut and thread your barrel shorter. I’ve seen many that have done the same.

 

[83cj-7]

By the end of the week I will have some data on a 16.5” 6.5 CM that I’m about to do load work for. I’ll keep you posted.

 

[Coopsdaddy]

Awesome thanks

 

[thinhorn_AK]

My 6.5 has a 24” barrel and I’m leaving it like that because I don’t want to cut into the barrel fluting. I’m planning to get a Kimber hunter in 6.5 though and I’ll probably be sending it out to get cut to 18” and threaded before I ever shoot it stock.

 

[ResearchinStuff]

After talking myself into a 16.5" creed, I chickened out and told the Smith to cut it at 18". Should have enough velocity with the 130tmk to be lethal beyond my proficiency range anyhow

 

[MHWASH]

My Tikka 6.5 Creed started out with a 24" barrel shooting 135 Bergers @2870. I had it cut down to 20" and now spits the 135s out at 2787 fps

 

[Sled]

18-20" seems to be a sweet spot. I have a Tikka in 6.5cm at 20" and a Kimber at 17". Both shoot faster than expected for the loss of barrel factoring in 25fps plus, per inch.

The 17" is very handy but takes a longer suppressor to get what I want out of it. The 20" does well with a short suppressor but I often use the longer harvester on it.

 

[Coopsdaddy]

Is it worth cutting down a 24in fieldcraft or does it tank the value.I know i can wait for one to come along but who knows when that will be!
The 24 inch barrel just seems counterproductive to what the gun is.

 

[Coopsdaddy]

Well i got the call on this fieldcraft i was looking into,he will let it go for 2300 with box and rings. Thats actually what he paid a year ago,he only shot a hundred rounds.Im not one to build my own rifle so im taking that option out.
Decisions Decisions

 

[Sled]

Well i got the call on this fieldcraft i was looking into,he will let it go for 2300 with box and rings. Thats actually what he paid a year ago,he only shot a hundred rounds.Im not one to build my own rifle so im taking that option out.
Decisions Decisions

I think you'll need to add a shoulder to your threads to be able to run a suppressor comfortably. There are a few smiths people use for that but it's just more money on top of an already expensive purchase.

 

[Coopsdaddy]

Agreed,i think if i bought it i would just keep unsuppressed.
He did offer to have cut and threaded as his friend does it but I would have to check into his work before.

 

[ElPollo]

I cut a 6.5 CM to 16.5” and am happy with it. But you need to do the math to see what length works for you. You’ll lose 25-30 fps per inch, but if you handload, you should be able to get at least 2600 fps out of a barrel that short. My minimum impact velocity is 1800 for the bullet I’m shooting. At that mv, I hit 1800 fps at about 525 yards.

 

[83cj-7]

My results today with my 16.5” Kimber Hunter. Hornady 123 SST over Varget.

37.5 2567
38.0 2600
38.5 2620
39.0 2650
39.5 2675
40.0 2730

No pressure signs at all. These are at 100 yards and shot with a fixed 4x scope.

 

[General RE LEE]

This is a timely thread for me. I just ordered a Tikka CTR 6.5 Creedmoor with the 20" barrel cause I want to hunt suppressed. Hoping I can get 2650 with 140 ELD-Ms with reloads.

 

[83cj-7]

Today at 300 yards, same 4x scope!

 

[Coopsdaddy]

Went ahead and picked up the 24 inch version.Not sure if ill keep as is,cut or trade for a shorter.Super nice gun