6.5 x 55 Swede vs. 6.5-284

[Sylus]

Looking for some input from guys who’ve been down this road.

I’ve got a long action Rem 700 with a standard bolt face currently chambered in 280 Rem (non-AI) that I’m thinking about re-barreling in either 6.5x55 Swede or 6.5-284. I am set on keeping the same action as the "heart" of the new build as it was my first ever big game rifle of my own and I want it to live on.

I want a cartridge that will perform well out of a 21" - 22" tube, function well in a long action, and offer improved wind drift and decreased recoil over my current 280 Rem chambering. Both the cartridges mentioned above offer that IMO. However, there are some drawbacks to both.

For the swede, I would want to run Lapua brass, however, Lapua brass has a slightly wider case head spec (0.480 vs. 0.473) and can cause extraction issues in American rifles. I talked to a gunsmith and apparently adding an m16 style extractor or taking a few thousands off the inside of the bolt face can solve that. Both those options add more expense and the thought of modding the bolt that heavily makes me a bit leery.

For the 284 my primary concern is brass. It looks like the only high-quality brass available is Petersons. I could just drop in and buy a enough for the life of the barrel up-front to avoid the risk of it being discontinued later, but again that is an added non-trivial expense. I don't think Lapua will ever discontinue the Swede brass due to it's massive following in Europe.

Appreciate any firsthand experience or thoughts weighing the pros and cons of the two options.

Cheers,

Sylus

 

[NWBLKTAIL]

I’ve loaded for 2 Swedes Tikka/M96 Mauser.

I really like the round, honestly just for the “cool” factor. Loaded to modern pressures it performs very well and adding lapua brass is a tip I’ve been told by a few savvy Swede loaders to get a little more out of it.

That said I ran PPU and Norma brass with excellent results.

6.5x284, 6.5-06 would both be fun to load for in a long action and throated for heavy bullets to be seated out there a good ways.

If I could get tikka 6.5x55 Swede take off barrels as cheap and regular as the 6.5PRC barrels. I’d own only Swedes no PRC’s.

 

[wind gypsy]

Id look into folks with experience feeding them with your particular magazine setup as well. The two cartridges are different body diameters as the 284 case as a rebated case head.

The x284 case is more appealing to me, should make for less case stretch/trimming. There are some nice x55 improved varieties out there that would combat that as well though.

 

[Sylus]

I like the cool factor of the Swede as well. My roots go back to Norway on my mom's side, so there is cool cultural connection there. You don't have the bolt face issue though running a Tikka action. I believe Tikka Swedes are standardize to the Lapua case head diameter.

@wind gypsy the swede should function fine out of my current magazine set-up according to the guys at MDT. So there is another check in that column.

 

[Ozarkansas]

I’ve been reloading for the swede in an 18” tikka and m/96 Mauser. It’s been easy to hot-rod safely even with hornady brass, so idk if that bolt mod would be necessary (assuming that hornady brass is smaller). I can’t speak to the lapua brass though.

Personally I’d tell you as a hand loader to go with the 6.5x55. Its got way cooler vibes and it’s fun to be able to safely develop loads so far off book in a modern rifle. Plus as you mention you won’t have to change anything about the magazine.

 

[FLS]

I’m going to be the contrarian, and say 6.5 x 284. One of the most accurate rifles I’ve ever shot was a 6.5x284 built on a long action 700 action with an 8 twist Kreiger Sendero profiled barrel in a HS stock. Steve Roe of Apache Machine and Custom built it for a buddy of mine.

 

[robtattoo]

Another vote for The Swede.
I'm on my third (or fourth) & I doubt I'll ever be without one. I've currently got a Tikka, but I've built them on Savage & Winchester actions with zero bolt face modification & no extraction issues at all.
All have run Lapua, Norma & PPU brass.
My one major comment would be to not get too hung up on Lapua brass. Yes, it's great, but honestly the cheap PPU is really, really close behind it. It's amazingly consistent, lasts forever & you can buy their loaded ammo cheaper than Lapua brass!
I've had my best luck on game, with bullets in the 130-140gr range (1:8 twist) The 130gr TMKs are absolutely brutal!
At the range, Berger VLD Hybrids get a strong nod, accuracy wise between 2800 & 2900fps, but you couldn't pay me too hunt with Bergers again. From 20-300+ yards, I've had nothing but runners. I quit using them after my 5th 200+yd blood trail. The 130tmk & 140eldm have been far quicker & more reliable killers for me & don't give up anything in the way of practical accuracy. IMR7828ssc is my powder of choice somewhere in the 49 & 51gr range.

 

[Sylus]

Hey Rob - Thanks for the info. Those are great velocities for 140 class pills. What barrel length are you using to get into that ballpark?