6.5 wssm

[Dano1]

This looks like fun! I really like 6.5mm cartridges, I just built a 6.5-06 AI, and I've owned a .260 Rem as well.

I happen to have a WSSM Action and this little cartidge would be a nice little round to have. I think I may have stumbled onto my next build ...

Dan

 

[6.5x61Super]

Give Dave Kiff at Pacific Tool & Gauge a call....he is one fine individual..and he makes a fine reamer to boot!!

 

[Steve Porter]

Not sure what you mean by 'stuck with short actions'. The shorter the better in my view..
But anyway a 6.5wssm is as long(loaded) as a typical 243win. This because ~140gr bullets are very long(like spears).

When you wonder what we think of this cartridge, I wonder if you realize that it is a wildcat, and not commercially available. Few have chambered in it.

I've put one together and have been shooting 139 Lapuas. My tuned load in 28" barrel runs ~3080fps. I have gone as high as 3250 during load development without damaging brass using IMR4350. And I am always concerned about my brass as I have alot of work and expense in it.
It's tough stuff, and some of the best I've ever seen/measured.
The main problem however(there's always one), is that wssm brass is extremely thick. IMO it has to be turned to get any real accuracy from it.

I use a long action(BAT RS) and cannot imagine using anything shorter without cutting away too much for port. Another thing to remember in magnum diameter cartridges is that their actions use larger threading/ring. This, so that there remains the needed 'barrel steel' around the larger diameter chamber. If you don't mind this, your brass will not last like mine does. I have well over 20 reloads on mine.

I love the cartridge, and never understood why Winchestor didn't go there.

Hi Mikecr,
I have a Browning A-Bolt ss stalker in 270 WSM that I thin I would like to re-barrel in 6.5 WSSM. I am hoping to get some guidance in where to get a reamer (preferably rent) and where to get reloading dies along with any loading data/velocity for 140gr bullets. Thank you for any info on this.

 

[dwm]

I had Pack-Nor chamber a 6.5WSSM Savage barrel several years ago and used a Redding 25WSSM bushing die with 6.5 bushings and a 25WSSM full length sizer. The chamber was cut to 25WSSM dimensions on a 6.5mm barrel. Used 25WSSM cases, it shot 140 AMAX very accurately. I found brass to be kind of thick and it was hard to maintain proper headspace.

Killed a few deer and hogs with it.

Pretty much achieved the same result as shooting a stock 260REM ... Could use the same loads in both.

Other may have had different results ...

The next one I made was a 6.5WSM, liked this one much more!

 

[Mikecr]

I am hoping to get some guidance in where to get a reamer (preferably rent) and where to get reloading dies along with any loading data/velocity for 140gr bullets.

As mentioned you can order a reamer from Pacific Tool & Gauge. They have mine on file I'm sure. But mine is improved in body/shoulder, and fitted full body/neck (turned necks)(6.5 WSSM CUSTOM). Same capacity & loads as 260AI. I form turned/expanded 25wssm cases.
My dies are Wilson for neck & seating, and a JLC Precision custom bump die.

 

[trigger103]

Can you use 223 wssm brass for a 6.5wssm. Or is it to large of jump to size up..

 

[Mikecr]

You can use 223wssm cases. Anneal the neck shoulder junction well before expanding so much. If turning necks, I recommend this, turn at 22cal, expand to 26cal, verify correct thickness (trial & error). Otherwise you'll never get a good turning mandrel fit, as the necks will springback too much for this.

 

[5RWill]

Given that the PRC and SAUM/GAP 4S are here to stay, idk that i'd even venture towards the WSSM or WSM. Last i heard brass was very hard to find for the WSM. While PRC and SAUM brass are easy to come by now and finally at a modest price rather than 1.50$ a piece. Supposedly there is a premium brass maker coming for the 6.5 SAUM also.

Bolt face is the same is it not? If it is i'd just rebarrel to that. Less the case capacity advantage of the WSM is just that much more appealing. I'd go 6.5 SS before WSM truthfully.

 

[Mikecr]

Well it could be suggested then that we already have 6.5x284, so we don't need 6.5saum, and we already have 260AI, so we don't need 6.5WSSM.
And nothing about this thread relates to 6.5WSM or 6.5SS at all.

There is as much WSSM brass out there as any other of these. I just bought 1,000 new 25WSSM Win reloading cases myself. Given it's extreme life, it could last several of my lifetimes!

 

[5RWill]

Well it could be suggested then that we already have 6.5x284, so we don't need 6.5saum, and we already have 260AI, so we don't need 6.5WSSM.
And nothing about this thread relates to 6.5WSM or 6.5SS at all.

There is as much WSSM brass out there as any other of these. I just bought 1,000 new 25WSSM Win reloading cases myself. Given it's extreme life, it could last several of my lifetimes!

I must've gotten WSM and the WSSM mixed up. I was under the impression WSM was impossible to find. If it's not hard to load and readily available by all means. Otherwise personally i'd look elsewhere but that's just me. Don't really want to have to sit down and spend the extra time converting brass. Some enjoy loading. I've gotten to where i loathe it.