My dad's only ugly rifle...

[Trey Veston]

When I was talking to my dad last year about entering a local long-range shooting match, he told me I could use this rifle and if I brought him as my spotter, then he said I would win.

He said it was the most accurate rifle he's owned, and being a former USMC sniper and having won numerous national matches, that is saying something.

It is a giant, heavy pig of a rifle with painter's tape on the top of the barrel to reduce glare.

It's chambered in 6.5 - .284 Norma, a chambering I had never heard of.

Unfortunately, all of his ammunition for it, along with his load information, was destroyed in the fire. All I have are the rounds on the stock. Hornady still makes loads for it, but hopefully I can find some brass and start experimenting.

 

[tark]

Could you post some pics of that ammo, including the head stamp? 6.5mm-284 Norma seems redundant, since 6.5mm usually means a .284 caliber bullet.

 

[Trey Veston]

Could you post some pics of that ammo, including the head stamp? 6.5mm-284 Norma seems redundant, since 6.5mm usually means a .284 caliber bullet.

 

[Trey Veston]

Brass is incredibly expensive!

 

[Atavar]

You could pull a bullet to measure powder. He might remember what powder he used.

 

[Trey Veston]

You could pull a bullet to measure powder. He might remember what powder he used.

He died in the fire that destroyed the ammo. Sorry that I didn't make that clear.

 

[JmacD]

Brass is incredibly expensive!

View attachment 1153897

In fairness, that’s mighty good brass…
And sportsman’s warehouse beats that price by $20.

 

[JmacD]

Could you post some pics of that ammo, including the head stamp? 6.5mm-284 Norma seems redundant, since 6.5mm usually means a .284 caliber bullet.

6.5=.264 I believe…

 

[Theinkman]

You are correct in that 6.5mm is .264. 7mm is .284

 

[Trey Veston]

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/6.5-284_Norma

"The 6.5-284 Norma originated as a wildcat cartridge based on the .284 Winchester cartridge necked down to 6.5 mm."

 

[rust collector]

The 6.5-284 was very popular for long distance competition years ago. Ammo is available, but most is high spec because of the need for good brass and bullets for competition. https://ammoseek.com/ammo/6.5-284 If you prefer a different cartridge, a different barrel is a relatively easy modification to make on a Savage action.

 

[WisBorn]

I would start with the Hornady loads and use the brass after. Does your Dad remember the barrel twist rate. I believe that the 6.5-284 was part of the pathway to the 6.5 CM.

I'm with Dad!!!! Have some fun winning that long range event!

 

[Coyote3855]

I'm sorry to hear that you lost your dad.

 

[Jimfern]

He died in the fire that destroyed the ammo. Sorry that I didn't make that clear.

I'm really sorry to hear that. BTW, I wouldn't consider that rifle ugly by any stretch of the imagination.

 

[GoldieMI]

I'm sorry to hear that you lost your dad.
PM your address- I got some brass from my work ups when I had a similar rifle still hanging around.
i used the VV powder and Berger 140 Hybrids to work up my load- the magic spot was very similar to other 6.5 loads.

 

[WisBorn]

I'm sorry to hear that you lost your dad.

I'm sorry Trey, I forgot that your Dad had passed. I would want to take his rifle as is and enjoy it as he did.

 

[351 WINCHESTER]

I am very sorry for your loss.

 

[P89DCSS]

Beautiful gun and great legacy project. When I read what happened it hit hard. RIP, Trey's Dad.

 

[Spats McGee]

He died in the fire that destroyed the ammo. Sorry that I didn't make that clear.

I'm very sorry for your loss.

ETA: And if your Dad thought that was an ugly rifle, please show us one of his purdy ones!

 

[horsemen61]

@Trey Veston sorry to hear about your dad RIP



Now I have that same rifle and mine will shoot little bitty groups the painters tape idea is brilliant and I’m so doing that when I get a chance I have a load I will send you via PM as a 6.5 fan I think the 6.5x284 is one of the very best to never catch on thank you for posting this that savage is very very accurate I hope you get a chance to see what it can do

 

[Dave DeLaurant]

Loss of a parent is a heavy load to carry -- my condolences.

 

[Riomouse911]

Here on Memorial Day, we mourn the losses of those in battle. Far more survived the fights, winning the wars and through their victories giving us what we have today. Men like your father, who served us all and led great lives for many years after performing their duties.

My thanks go to him for his service and sacrifices, and my condolences go to you for his passing. May he rest in eternal peace.

Good luck with the rifle, the 6.5-.284 Norma is a very good round for long range shooting sports.

Stay safe.

 

[Walkalong]

That's a seriously cool rifle, and story, very cool indeed.

 

[doubleh]

I am sorry for your loss. However the rifle isn't really ugly, at least to me.

 

[Trey Veston]

One of his pretty ones.