CouesPursuit Report post Posted March 1, 2017 I've been leaning toward the 6.5x284 because it is offered in a factory Savage, either the TH or LRH. Which model is an entirely different conversation. However, looking back at the reloading aspect, which is pertinent to any caliber.. Lapua brass is $132 for 100 pieces. I would need to load it, and fire form it. Nosler Accubonds are ~$250 for 100 rounds, where I could fire only what I need at a time, and begin load development going that route. I then would be able to keep the remaining factory rounds for barrel fouling and practice, and not "waste" hand loads. Considering a rifle that may only last 1000 rounds. Thoughts on the trade-offs here? Is there something to gain in loading virgin brass? For example, are ladder tests similar enough with virgin brass that they are useful in identifying nodes once the brass has been formed to the rifle? Thanks. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
duckhunter175 Report post Posted March 1, 2017 I did what is essentially your Option #2 when I started. I had a Savage LRH in 6.5x284. I bought 3 boxes of Nosler 129 LRAB and shot them up. I was learning my gun, getting zero'd, and working on marksmanship. Once those 60rds were shot I did load development and once I got where I wanted it I loaded all 60 up to spec. Barrel life will depend on how hot you load and how many shots you are stringing together. But-- with that savage barrel nut you can buy a new pre-fit for $350ish and keep on rocking! 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
STOMP442 Report post Posted March 1, 2017 Barrels need to be looked at similarly to tires on your pickup. They wear out and get replaced, it's just one of those expenses you plan for. That being said the average barrel life is only a matter of seconds regardless of what caliber you choose. http://bulletin.accurateshooter.com/2017/02/a-few-seconds-at-best-the-short-operating-life-of-barrels/ 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Allforelk Report post Posted March 1, 2017 Barrels need to be looked at similarly to tires on your pickup. They wear out and get replaced, it's just one of those expenses you plan for. That being said the average barrel life is only a matter of seconds regardless of what caliber you choose. http://bulletin.accurateshooter.com/2017/02/a-few-seconds-at-best-the-short-operating-life-of-barrels/ Good read. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
lancetkenyon Report post Posted March 2, 2017 Most of my rifles I currently own have never seen a factory round. As for virgin brass for a ladder test, unless you are doing an Ackley Improved version, or something that really needs minor fireforming in your chamber (like a PPC, or other wildcats), you can still start load development with virgin brass. Just finish the fine tuning with once fired brass. It has worked well for me in a lot of different rifles. If you are going through the trouble of necking down or fireforming, that really opens up the cartridge choices. .260AI 6.5 SLR 6.5 4S (GAP/RSAUM) 6.5 SS 6.5x55AI 6.5-06 6.5-06AI or other variations like 6.5-.270AI, 6.5-.280AI 6.5x47L And many, many others 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
