Help me decide

[cdschoonie]

I figure everyone is as tired of the current events as I am, so this will give you something fun to do, while helping me lock in on a new rifle. I’m starting to save for my next rifle caliber. I have a 6.5 CM and a 300 WM, I’m kinda wanting one right in between. I want a longer range, flat shooter, like the 2 I have, but want something that’s not the every day run-of-the-mill round the whole world migrates to (i.e. 30-06, 308, etc.). I’ve been looking at the 6.5 PRC, 270, 7mm mag, even the new 6.8. I could also go under the 6.5, as long as I can stay with the LR, flat shooters. I just don’t have any experience between the 6.5 and a 22. I do like the Mini 14 223, and the 22-250, and am definitely not against looking at them, especially since the recoil would be considerably less than the medium to large calibers I already own.
I haven’t considered the small calibers, solely because the 6.5 will kill any small to medium game I’d hunt.
I like semi-auto, but have no desire for an AR platform. My preference is bolt guns, but not set on anything yet.
Ideas, suggestions, concerns?

 

[Profreedomokie]

How about the new straight pull Savage? I'm not sure what calibers it comes in.

 

[cdschoonie]

How about the new straight pull Savage? I'm not sure what calibers it comes in.

Have heard nothing, what’s the model?

 

[amcardon]

Before I'd be able to give my suggestion, I'd have to know the action you are looking at building off of. Any direction you're leaning towards?

 

[cdschoonie]

Definitely leaning to bolt guns.

 

[Preacherman]

My vote is a Remington 700 magpul enhanced in 6mm CM.

 

[dennishoddy]

6MM ARC in an AR is an interesting cartridge since I'm totally into the 6mm WSSM. It's not as fast but it's cheaper, commercially built and highly accurate. Factory ammo readily available in normal times. Have no clue how available it is now.

 

[Profreedomokie]

Someone had posted a clip on here about the Savage.

 

[turkeyrun]

IMHO, not that much difference in any caliber from .243 up to the .300WM. Any of the cartridges based on .30-06 or belted mag brass will be comparable.

Bullet weight and powder capacity will vary, trajectory and recoil will be the deciding factor.

Having a .300WM, I see no reason in having another belted mag, though I carried a 7mmRemMag for 25 years.
The 6.5, covers the .243-.308 short action class. But moving to a bolt action, from AR platform, is your opportunity. I have a .260Rem and it does most everything the 7Mag done, with less powder and recoil.

A .25-06 would be an possible choice, 7x57 is an outstanding option, as is the .257Roberts and 7-08. The "short magnums offer some non-traditional opportunities, but limited availability.

To throw another wrench into your gearbox, instead of bolt action, a single shot ( Ruger #1) would be a option?

 

[amcardon]

Would you go with something like a Rem700 off-the-rack rifle, or a full custom? Right now I'm planning a build on an Impact action, Foundation stock, chambered in 6.5 PRC. It will take me a minute to get there, but that will give me time to get components to load for it. Even with 6.5 PRC you can go with a short or long action receiver. There are so many stinking variables out there...

Are you looking for something you can change the barrel out on yourself, like a rem-age or barloc option, or will you build and shoot till the barrel is shot out then have a smith spin up a new barrel?

For what you posted, I don't think you'd regret any of the calibers you listed. 270 will have the most off-the-shelf ammo options, especially if you go with an off-the-rack rifle. If this is just for hunting, I'd honestly go simple and go 270. If this is for long range target with occasional hunting, I'd go 6.5 PRC (then depending on which bullet you want to shoot, that should point you in the right direction between short or long action.