Turning a 6.5 Creedmoor into a 6.5x284 Norma or 6.5PRC

[ORVIS]

Has anyone turned a 6.5 Creedmoor into a 6.5x284 Norma?
I’ve been pondering the idea for sometime and I read it is possible to do so!
Has anyone tackled this task before? Or heard any stores?
Ideally I’d like to take my Weatherby Vanguard and Take it to the smith to do the deed

[marky_mark]

I think the only thing you have to worry about is mag length
Which bullets are you planning on using?

[Dean2]

Mark hit it pretty much on the head. Depends on which action the Creedmore is built on.

The 6.5 Creedmoor was specifically designed to shoot heavy low drag bullets from a 2.85" action.
It's specs: case capacity 53.5 grains, max pressure 60.000 psi, case length 1.920, overall length 2.80. (a difference of 0.89")

The 6.5x 284 is a necked down 284 win. Norma has now standardised the cartridge at CIP.
It's specs: case capacity 66 grains, max pressure:60,000 psi, case length 2.170, overall length 3.228, (a difference 1.058")
Shooting the same bullets the 6.5 x 284 gives higher velocity, less drop, and less wind deflection, and somewhat less barrel life than the 6.5 Creedmoor.

HOWEVER, the 6.5 Creedmoor can be shot with reasonable length VLD bullets from a 2.85 inch magazine. The 6.5x 284 cannot.. It's really intended to be shot in a mid length action, like for a 30-06. If the action is long enough I would take the 6.5-284 every time.

[marky_mark]

I’ll check the coal on mine when I get home

[jayquiver]

would there be any issues re-chambering the existing barrel?
I have read different opinions on this. Some people say its better to start with a new barrel others say it doesn't matter. Not sure what to think on this. I am considering a similar project.

[Dean2]

If it is a factory barrel I would get a new one. If it is a high grade barrel with relatively few rounds you can rechamber it fairly easily. The cost to rechamber is about the same as the cost to chamber a new barrel so if you are spending the cost to chamber anyhow you want to ensure u have a top notch barrel when u are done.

[catnthehat]

I agree, if you are using a high end barrel a rechamber is worth it , otherwise I would buy a new barrel right off the bat.
Even prefit barrels lIke McGowan and IBI for example are a good deal these days.
Cat

[Smokinyotes]

My 6.5-284 is a #17 heavy varmint barrel at 30”. My c.o.l is 3.135” with a 140 vld. Running at 2975fps. I could run it quite a bit faster but thought what’s the point when your dialling anyhow. I tried running the first barrel significantly faster and it only lasted 600 rounds.

[Dean2]

Originally Posted by Smokinyotes

My 6.5-284 is a #17 heavy varmint barrel at 30”. My c.o.l is 3.135” with a 140 vld. Running at 2975fps. I could run it quite a bit faster but thought what’s the point when your dialling anyhow. I tried running the first barrel significantly faster and it only lasted 600 rounds.

I have to say that burning up a barrel that fast really amazes me. I have shot a 7 RUM, uses 95 grains of powder with a 145 grain bullet at 3500 fps, and even at max loads a barrel will last at least 1000 rounds as long as you don't shoot it so hot the barrel glows. A 7 rem mag uses 66 grains with a 140 grain bullet and they will run well into the 3000 range with good accuracy. I have never shot a 6.5 284 enough to wear a barrel out but even at max loads I would expect at least 2000 rounds out of a barrel with good hunting accuracy. Now if you are shooting bench rest then a guy will change out barrels a lot sooner so the question I have is 600 rounds BR level accuracy or hunting level.

[marky_mark]

I would say I have upwards of 1000 rounds on mine and the accuracy is still very good. Mine is a light weight carbon fiber titanium
Any issues I’ve had I can usually point to finger at the operator lol

[DirtShooter]

Originally Posted by ORVIS

Has anyone turned a 6.5 Creedmoor into a 6.5x284 Norma?
I’ve been pondering the idea for sometime and I read it is possible to do so!
Has anyone tackled this task before? Or heard any stores?
Ideally I’d like to take my Weatherby Vanguard and Take it to the smith to do the deed

I had a vanguard 65x284, hope yours isn't a short action because mine was and it really limited the bullets I could load.

Go find a donor vanguard long action.

[fps plus]

The mechanics of reaming a 6.5 creedmoor to 6.5-284 will work fine . The issue u need to deal with is bullet seating and magazine length

[Smokinyotes]

Originally Posted by Dean2

I have to say that burning up a barrel that fast really amazes me. I have shot a 7 RUM, uses 95 grains of powder with a 145 grain bullet at 3500 fps, and even at max loads a barrel will last at least 1000 rounds as long as you don't shoot it so hot the barrel glows. A 7 rem mag uses 66 grains with a 140 grain bullet and they will run well into the 3000 range with good accuracy. I have never shot a 6.5 284 enough to wear a barrel out but even at max loads I would expect at least 2000 rounds out of a barrel with good hunting accuracy. Now if you are shooting bench rest then a guy will change out barrels a lot sooner so the question I have is 600 rounds BR level accuracy or hunting level.

It would still shoot in the .6’s but it originally would shoot in the .3’s. It had significant fire cracking. It would have been plenty good for hunting but who wants to pack a 18 lb gun.

[marky_mark]

If your looking at a magnum bolt face wanting something different/wildcat
Look at the 6.5 sst