156 EOL at 3100 FPS

+1 on the Wby RPM. It has 81ish grains of capacity. Rl33 will get much faster than that if you ran a 28" barrel I'd think you would find a node between 31 n 3200fps without being on the ragged edge. My 6.5/06AI in a 27" barrel shot well @ 3120 with the 147's/Rl26. I ran past 3150 with cci primers no issue. The RPM case holds 10-12 more grains of water
 

130 gr Classic Hunter
The Berger 130 gr Classic Hunter in 270-WSM could easily outperform the 6.5-284 firing 156's and might even give the 6.5-PRC a run for it's money.
 
Hi guys!
First post here, but I've been reading for a long time. Sooo...
Looking for new light weight rifle with decent long range capabilities. As always It starts with cartridge choice. I have decided that I will try some bigger 6.5s. After math in my ballistic calculator, I have noticed that new 156 EOL at 3100 fps, can beat 215 hybrid at 3000fps and even 195 EOL at 2800 with much lower recoil. Of course by beating I mean drop and drift. Which cartridge will gives me 3100 ? 6.5PRC looks bit weak for that. I would prefer to stay away from super overbored 26 nosler and 6.5 - 300 wby. My current favorite is 264WM. Is this possible ?
Other choices ? No wildcats :(

Second question. How does new EOL keep on close range impacts? Currently Im 185 vld in my 06, they hold up really well, but MV is 2820 fps ...
best regards

Well, I know one guy who claims to get that velocity with the 6.5 PRC.

everyone else I know is in the high 2900's.

I'm pushing the 195 EOL at 2965 with my 7mM Rem Mag.

and I have a Wildcat that I call the 6.5 Colorado that pushes the 156 at 3150fps.

I actually pushed a Barnes 127 LRX to 3413. That's pretty decent considering my cartridge is short action.

the next big gain here is taking a .338 Lapua case and necking it to 6.5.
 
With your requirements, I would do the .264 wm without hesitation. Have worked the 156 up to around 3200 fps max using Retumbo, settled on a light load of around 3070 fps, very mild. 26" barrel using soft federal brass, and a SAAMI throat that is WAY too short for optimum seating, the bullet is way in the powder column. Get some ADG brass and you will have no issues at all hitting 3100, and very likely get 3200. Here is my data log -

Screenshot_20190905-180955_Sheets.jpg


A 6.5x284 or 6.5 PRC won't do it. If they do, brass won't last more than a couple rounds. 2900-3000 is the sweet spot for those cartridges depending on barrel length. My .260 AI with a 29" barrel sends em at 2940 fps, max was 2990-3000, using RL26. Works excellent, but if I wanted 3100, definitely wouldn't choose either of those.
 
Last edited:
I would say if you reload try the sherman cartridge. Give Ritch a call and talk to him.
 
I have a custom 264 win mag, 26" Brux barrel - shooting 3,103fps with the 156gr Berger, Nosler brass, federal 215m primer, 68.5gr of Retumbo, 20 thou off the lands.

its a pretty mild load and bucks the wind like crazy - very easy to shoot and hit game really hard at distance.

I have a 6.5 saum and 26 nosler and think the 264 is honestly the sweet spot.

good luck!
 
I agree the 264 wm can probably get close with the right throat for the 156. I'm going with a 26" barrel, but a 28" would put you closer. I have all my components, just waiting on reamer.
 
The New 6.5-RPM Weatherby some say is the same as the 6.5 x 63 Messner Magnum @ 83+ Grains case capacity might be a great Choice. The common issue with modern long range Bullets is finding proper twist rates in factory rifles. Here's where the 6.5-PRC shines, even though Brass can still be found for 6.5 Rem Mag and .264 Win Mag. However the 6.5x68 & 6.5-RWS are not Wildcats and might not serve as good candidates due to their European heritage & Brass availability.
 
Wish I can go with sherman, but its almost imposible due to fact, that I live in Poland. Actually, I dont even know if it's possible to register gun with non - saami caliber. Anyway supplying components will be pain too...

I will leave 6,5PRC and 6.5 - 284 too. Most of guys is reporting around 3000 fps with 140 grain class bullets. I want to go 100 fps faster with heavier bullet.

6,5 x 68 might be a contender too. Actually my father is owning Blaser R8 chambered for 8 x 68 and has couple hunders of RWS brass. Will it work in standard action ?
 
I have a prc and several 6.5-284's. If you run 28-30" barrels you MIGHT get there. I run a 147 at 3015 in a 28" 6.5-284 at a hot but safe load. The 147 has a lot more bearing surface then the 156 so they can run similarish speeds. My prc is 22" and with a hot load runs 2910. Add 6" and 125-150 FPS you'll be close but man, that's a lot for either cartridge. So I know you can do it but you'll destroy brass and barrel in short order.
I'd look at the 26n, 264wm, or bite the bullet and do a Sherman.
 
Warning! This thread is more than 5 years ago old.
It's likely that no further discussion is required, in which case we recommend starting a new thread. If however you feel your response is required you can still do so.
Top