Savage Custom 6.5x284 norma LH 116

[fishslap]

I'm thinking about ordering a new savage rifle from their custom shop. It isn't exactly a custom. They just build you whatever rifle configuration you want if they've offered rifles in the past with parts that will work together. Same accuracy as their factory rifles. I'm looking at a left hand 6.5x284 norma in the 116 weather warrior platform, so synthetic stock and stainless barrel. 24" barrel. I'm assuming 1 in 8 twist but forgot to ask. Rifle should be around 7.5lbs. I asked about a fluted barrel and bolt. The manager said a fluted barrel would start off heavier so no real weight reduction. She said you don't gain much from a fluted bolt but could include it in the package. Not looking for ultralight, just not ultraheavy like my 300wm. Quoted price is $1,140 but she said I'd need to go to a savage dealer and they would order it and provide a final cost. 6-8 weeks on delivery. Overall it sounds like a good deal for the setup in LH.

I currently don't reload but could start if ammo becomes scarce. There looks to be an acceptable amount of factory ammo online. Nosler has a few options. Several available from Midway. Looking for hunting accuracy, not match accuracy.

I'm left eye dominant but right handed and have always shot right handed rifles. This would be my first lefty. I picked up the same LH gun in 270 at a local store and it felt just fine.

This would be a mule deer rifle. My other primary big game rifles are a browning A-bolt in 300wm and an x-bolt in 270wsm. I do own a couple of savages in 243 & 22wm.

So...what do you all think? Basically, I'm looking to jump on the 6.5 bandwagon and try out a lefty. Other options are 6.5x55 swede or 260rem.

 

[Backpack Hunter]

I'm a Savage fan, but honestly I'm a fan because of the lower price and high accuracy. With the price of the one you are looking at it pushes it out of the low price range. If you are looking at trying out the 6.5 why not get a Creedmoor and save around $400 or so?

 

[fishslap]

Cost isn't a major issue. I could go with the 6.5 creedmoor but I was looking for something just a little different than what's currently popular.

Any advantage of one 6.5 over the other for hunting mule deer in open country? I'm not 100% sold on the 6.5x284.

 

[Backpack Hunter]

I don't have enough experience with either cartridge to recommend one over the other.

Esse quam videri

 

[lcxctf2000]

Depending on what your local Savage dealer wants to charge you, the custom shop premium may or may not be worth it if you were to compare to buying stock and then swapping barrels. Barrel swaps are easy on Savages.

That said, a stainless lefty Savage 116 in 6.5-284 would be an easy sell if you don't like the lefty or 6.5.

 

[coop2424]

Between the 6.5 creedmoor and 6.5x284 you are talking about 200 fps difference and the 284 has a shorter barrel life. I just rebarreled my longaction savage to a 6.5x284 so far really like it but have only put about 75 rounds through it. I swapped the barrel out myself and really couldn't be much easier. I didn't go the light route since I wanted to shoot at greater distances and spot my own shots. Another thing is creedmoor is short action caliber with the 284 being long action. Another option in long action wildcat 6.5 is 6.5x06 or same in AI and there are others.

 

[fishslap]

Thanks guys. I guess I could see what my gunsmith would charge to rebarrel the same rifle from stock 30-06 to a 6.5x284. I understand they use the same bolt face. A quick search found one for $780. Is it really as simple as screwing off one barrel and putting the other one on?

 

[robtattoo]

Thanks guys. I guess I could see what my gunsmith would charge to rebarrel the same rifle from stock 30-06 to a 6.5x284. I understand they use the same bolt face. A quick search found one for $780. Is it really as simple as screwing off one barrel and putting the other one on?

Yep. The first time you do one it'll take about 20 minutes. The second, under 10.
I personally used Bison Gunworks barrels on every Savage I've built (I think 23 now) Moly prefits are $210, stainless are $240 & he'll reprofile it to suit you for an extra $50

 

[robtattoo]

Sorry, I just wanted to point out, I have NO affiliation with Bison.

My preference in 6.5s is the Swede. Not quite the x284, but a step up from the creed. Good brass is available & cheap & there are a lot of, admittedly anemic, factory loads.
In a modern action you can still push a 140gn bullet to very close to 3000fps.

 

[fishslap]

Picked up a lefty 270 116 weather warrior for $649 at Murdochs. Pretty good deal locally. Going to have my gunsmith rebarrel it, stone the trigger, and glass bed it for close to what I would have paid the custom shop for a lesser final product.