Bolt Gun - x39 vs 6.5CM - Can't decide what I want in this insane comparo

dave421

dave421

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Ok so I had my first chance to shoot at beyond 100 yards a few days ago and loved it (approx. 350). Now I finally want a bolt gun. I get it. Problem is that I don't have anywhere local to shoot more than 50 so I'm not going to spend a lot (looking at the Ruger American). That gets me to my dilemma.

Assuming you're going to shoot 200-350 yards, would you go with:

7.62x39 for super cheap ammo but ballistics that are dropping fast at 350 OR
6.5 CM for great ballistics but more expensive ammo.

The x39 would be steel cased surplus (they're getting 1-1.2MOA out of Wolf with those) and the 6.5 would be handloads.

I don't hunt but either would be capable of taking deer at the ranges I would be hunting.

I know it's a stupid question/dilemma but I've really been going back and forth for over a week now changing my mind. The only REAL advantage I can think of is with the x39 I could pair it with an AK for a decent battle/hunting combo.

So, thoughts on my insanity? And no, I'm not looking to spend more on a Savage/700/etc. and the only other caliber I would consider is 308 which doesn't hold any real advantage for me.
 
I'd get the 6.5 and handload.
Maybe someday you get a chance to play 600+
Handloading is something to do when the weather sucks.
That's dang impressive x39 accuracy, but I would expect to be able to do better with 6.5

Or... get the .223, and enjoy nearly the same affordability and equal or better availability to x39 with more factory options than either, save brass and load heavy bullets for bulk ammo prices to use when distance is available, no it won't have 6.5 ballistics, but it won't have x39 ballistics either.
 
I’ve got a CM now that I’ve never shot and I’m not sure I’m gonna keep it. I started a power awhile back for a Grendel and I think I’m gonna sell the creedmoor to help build me a Grendel upper.
 
Beef15 said:
Or... get the .223, and enjoy nearly the same affordability and equal or better availability to x39 with more factory options than either, save brass and load heavy bullets for bulk ammo prices to use when distance is available, no it won't have 6.5 ballistics, but it won't have x39 ballistics either.
Click to expand...

ding ding ding! we have a winner. At those ranges - out to 600+ - and with ammo cost being a consideration, I'd definitely go with .223.

Quality match grade ammo (Peak Performance 75gr is the bomb!) can be had on the (relatively) cheap. Plinking ammo is everywhere with costs easily available in line with x39.
 
Tim said:
ding ding ding! we have a winner. At those ranges - out to 600+ - and with ammo cost being a consideration, I'd definitely go with .223.

Quality match grade ammo (Peak Performance 75gr is the bomb!) can be had on the (relatively) cheap. Plinking ammo is everywhere with costs easily available in line with x39.
Click to expand...

Ammo cost isn’t a concern, it’s just a huge benefit to the x39. I wouldn’t bother reloading it because there would be no real benefit over what surplus would get me for a while. I’m not interested in 223. My ARs will do that for me just fine. I’m looking for something different. Namely x39 or 6.5CM. I’d consider 308 but not 223.

I was trying to get across in the title/OP that this isn’t exactly a logical dilemma. Its a dumb comparison that I just happen to be stuck in.


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I don't shoot long range, and shoot x39 more than anything else. I have three x39 AR's, including one with an ARP Scout barrel that shoots well under 1" with handloads. I've shot it out to 250 yards, but it's dropping quickly at that range. If you expect you'll someday be regularly shooting longer range, I'd go 6.5.
 
200-350yds is nothing for a bolt action in any of these calibers/cartridges
.308 holds the advantage that A. ammo is cheaper than 6.5 and lots more plentiful to find B.600 yards is easily within the .308 wheelhouse. C. Brass is plentiful and LC brass is excellent after being prepped.

But yeah, 6.5CM is the golden child of the LD shooting world at this time.
 
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I love my CZ 527 in x39. I call it my big boy plinker. About as cheap as shooting a 22lr but with a little more oomph. And it could hunt in a pinch. I've got a little Leupold 1.5-6 VX3 on it, and it is light and fun.
 
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If you aren’t opposed to gas...

AR15 in 6.5grendel.

Really, my answer to any question for caliber is going to be 6.5 Grendel anymore.
 
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