Converting 308 to 6.5

[Billinsd]

I got a Ruger M77 Mark 2 in 308 for the wife, that she never uses anymore. I'm thinking of getting it re-barreled in 6.5. What would be required to do this?
Thanks
Bill

 

[hodgeman]

A barrel and possibly (albeit unlikely) a magazine box.

 

[tdhanses]

A new 6.5 barrel rechambered to a caliber of choice will be the main change. If possible an extended watts mag box could be a nice to have. If there is a 6.5-08 I think not much else would need to be done.

 

[vermeire]

If there is a 6.5-08 I think not much else would need to be done.

That would be the 260 Remington.

OP,

Do you just want 6.5 caliber or do you have a specific cartridge/chamber in mind?

 

[tdhanses]

That would be the 260 Remington.

OP,

Do you just want 6.5 caliber or do you have a specific cartridge/chamber in mind?

Or 6.5 creed?

 

[Billinsd]

I was thinking 6.5 cm

 

[howl]

New barrel. If you're not doing something weird other than hunting bullets, go for something higher capacity than the Creedmoor.

 

[Billinsd]

Higher case powder capacity? What some examples?

 

[Wapiti1]

As it sits, going from a .308 to any of the .308 based 6.5's is only a barrel swap. All other parts are the same. Get a new trigger put in while you're at it, if you haven't already.

6.5-284, or 6.5 WSM are higher capacity in a short action. The 6.5-284 is a straightforward changeover only needing additional mag box/feed work. The 6.5 WSM would need a mag box, bolt face work, and new ejector (you also would need to reload).

Jeremy

 

[howl]

.260 has a hair more room and edges the Creedmoor for 120gr bullets. 6.5CM is kinda short on 120gr factory loads. If 140gr, 7mm08 is worth a look over similar capacity the 6.5s.

 

[tdhanses]

Don’t you need a long action for 6.5x284?

 

[Wapiti1]

Don’t you need a long action for 6.5x284?

You're correct. I wasn't thinking COAL, just capacity.

Jeremy

 

[lcxctf2000]

You're correct. I wasn't thinking COAL, just capacity.

Jeremy

You don't need a long action for 284 win based cartridges. You only need a long action if you want to seat long and feed from the magazine. Seating long let's you run high BC bullets and not loose case capacity or run compressed loads.