6.5 - 2900 ft/s most efficiently?

[wapitiaddict]

Thanks all! Man, I think I may have to flip a coin! Although...I may be switching gears a little. Since I already have a 6.5cm that sounds like I can push to 2850 with powders like RL26 (I've never reloaded for it), I may want to take a further step up and go with the PRC that looks like it can hit 3100 with 143gr. The 6.5ss looks very interesting, but dies and brass aren't cheap.

Has anyone heard how PRC is being received lately? Seems like there was a lot of articles and reviews when it first was announced, but I haven't found too much recent info.

While I can shoot larger recoiling rifles, they're just not as much fun for me so I don't shoot them as much. Therefore, I don't think I want to jump up to 264 win mag, 26 Nosler, and such.

 

[xsn10s]

I saw some loads where +2900 fps and 147gr, RL26 with the CM. But they were 2gr over book max too so,.....

 

[jb1023]

Just to give you some additional info on the 6.5SS. I just fireformed my first batch of head stamped SS brass yesterday. I loaded up 51gr of RL17 and some 140gr Nosler RDF, just because I have those items on the shelf but don't use for any of my loads. Out of the 50 rounds fired I had an average of 3010. Perhaps a grain hotter than I meant but worked great and no signs of pressure. The reason I state any of this is simply that the SS will get you everything you want and more with some faster burning powders, as compared to RL26, so finding something that will work in a pinch should not be an issue. As to the cost of the SS brass. Yes, the initial purchase is higher than the other options mentioned but with 15-20 loadings, I'm told, in the end the cost per shot should be comparable.

 

[eastbank]

my walk around rifle is a browning low wall in .260 and I don,t fell under gunned at all and no deer will know the difference out to 500 yards(if I could see one at that far)

 

[DocDoc]

East,
How is the accuracy?

 

[codyadams]

While I can shoot larger recoiling rifles, they're just not as much fun for me so I don't shoot them as much. Therefore, I don't think I want to jump up to 264 win mag, 26 Nosler, and such.

I did just finish building and load development for a .264 WM, and I have to say that recoil and shooting the thing is nothing like your standard magnum. Bullets are of course the same as your cm, brass can be had for the same (or cheaper) price, simply purchase 7mm rem mag brass, you can get norma once fired brass from Gunwerks for $55 per 100....pretty fantastic deal really. You still get at least 100 rounds and change out of a lb of powder (vs 150-160 with a cm), and if you load a 140 grain bullet to 3000 fps, you will be running very low pressure, have very little recoil, and barrel life will be pretty stinkin good. Plus, you have the option to run that 140 up to 3200+ fps if you want to. My load is a 147 going 3240 fps using retumbo. Just an option.....

 

[xsn10s]

My load is a 147 going 3240 fps using retumbo. Just an option.....

What kind of accuracy are you getting with that 264 win mag? I'm debating rechambering my 260 AI barrel to 264 Win mag.

 

[eastbank]

factory privy shoots into 2" or better, but the 142 HPBT with N-560 will shoot into 3/4" three shot groups from a good rest. 100 gr V-MAX love varget and shoots as good as N-560.

 

[VLD Pilot]

Thanks all! Man, I think I may have to flip a coin! Although...I may be switching gears a little. Since I already have a 6.5cm that sounds like I can push to 2850 with powders like RL26 (I've never reloaded for it), I may want to take a further step up and go with the PRC that looks like it can hit 3100 with 143gr. The 6.5ss looks very interesting, but dies and brass aren't cheap.

Has anyone heard how PRC is being received lately? Seems like there was a lot of articles and reviews when it first was announced, but I haven't found too much recent info.

While I can shoot larger recoiling rifles, they're just not as much fun for me so I don't shoot them as much. Therefore, I don't think I want to jump up to 264 win mag, 26 Nosler, and such.

IMO... 6.5-284. At 2950, it's not even close to a fast load for that case. Recoil is minimum and accuracy is second to none. It's a simple choice really. One thing I will say is, a long action would do the 6.5-284 the most justice even in the lower velocities.

 

[Cody K Mathews]

6.5 SAUM or 6.5 GAP and run them at a low pressure. You'll never have to buy brass again!

 

[Texas sniper]

I went with a 6.5-06. You can find brass anywhere. Basically a ballistics twin to the 284 but you can find brass in any cabelas you walk in to. I start with 25-06 brass so there is no trimming required. Best accuracy in mine is 2960 in a 26" barrel

 

[9.3davison]

Go to 6.5 Sherman Short or SST. See Sherman wildcat cartridges and don't look back. The Sherma short and Short tac has brass avalible and good brass to boot !! I shoot a Sherman LA 6.5 at 3250 with 140vld his SST would be right up your alley again with good brass.

What is a 6.5 Sherman Short and SST?

 

[Shawn Carlock]

You can get that with a 6.5 Creedmore +p throated gun.

 

[Huntsmitherz]

I have a Gap 6.5 SAUM with a 24" Bartlein...3030 ft/s Hornady brass without pushing it at all. I can run the loaded ammo from Copper Creek (Berger 140 vld's) and it shoot's .5" groups all day. Either the SAUM or PRC will get you 3000+ ft/s without pushing them. If you prefer a short action either will work.

I also have a 6.5-284 on a 700 LA that shoots Berger 140's at 2950 F/S out of a 26" Lilja barrel Lapua brass & 52 grn's of H4831SC. Great accuracy and no signs of pressure.

Availability/options on the 6.5-284 brass/die's is better but the accuracy of the SAUM and added velocity are nice. I've had no feeding issues with the SAUM but that is something else to consider as others have. The 6.5-284 has zero feeding issues. Between the 2 I prefer the SAUM but have no complaints with the 284.