The Reaper-
I have chosen to go with US Optics, Seekins Precision Base/Rings, McMillan A4 stock, and a Schneider 1:12 twist barrel, 6 grove.
I have heard people praising .260 or 6.5/284 over .30 cals a lot for 1000 yard guns. However, I have to admit my ignorance with either of these rounds. Secondly, 1000 yards is something I will have to work up to, and pretty much where a .308's performance ends. From my understanding a 6.5/284 would have to be equipped with a Long Action. I am a southpaw, and left handed actions are pretty rough to come by at a decent price. I happen to have the short action available; have my McMillan stock inletted for SA, picatanny base is SA, the Schneider 30 cal tube, etc. Changing it now would cost more money than finishing it. I was told the 6.5/284 can be loaded into a short action by removing the bolt, loading, then replacing the bolt. Like I mentioned, I am ignorant about this caliber and forgive me if I am incorrect.
Gene Econ-
Thank you for your post and the points you make. Again, you are another who recommends or mentions a 6.5/284 for a 1000 yard rifle. Sadly my Fiance, (wife in 2 months) doesn't know it yet, but I am already thinking of my next build.
I was considering either going with a .338 Lapua, or looking into a one of the 6.5 family calibers. (284/06 etc) But for now, I am worried about my current situation as well as learning to effectivly use what caliber I have to its max potential before stepping it up a notch. I am confident in the 100-600 yard range. Past that, I will require a lot of practice and more experience. Like Peregrino mentioned, a .308 will provide cheaper reloads, less recoil, and slower barrel erosion which will ultimately result in more practice.
For this rifle, I have pretty much made up my mind to stick with .308.
However I am going to do a lot of research on that 6.5/284. Does anyone here have any experience with it? I'll be on Google and another forum I use to learn more about it until then. Thanks again Gentlemen.