Thinking of jumping on the 6.5 bandwagon

[elkaholic]

Elkaholic,
I really like the sound of your 6.5 SS, in your opinion, what would be the best way to get into your chambering on a budget? I just can't afford a several thousand dollar rifle right now, and don't really see that opportunity anywhere in my near future. It took me almost a year to be able to save up enough for my 338 TC barrel. Any direction would be appreciated. Would a savage long range hunter in 6.5 creedmore be a good starting platform? I know it would need to be rechambered, and the bolt face changed. What else would need to be done?

I was going to suggest a savage. You could go Creedmore and just change the bolt face which is cheap and easy on a savage. You could also buy the cheapest Model 16 available in 300 WSM and part out everything but the action. They come with a 3x9 Nikon BDC scope which you could also sell. You could then install a quality barrel of your choice and the mag box and everything would work. I just built a 7SS that way and had just over $2000 including a 6,5x20 Zeiss scope. I put a 5r Krieger on mine and I shot .3 moa at 1100 yards a couple weeks ago........Rich

 

[TC338]

Rich,
Thank you for the info. You just confirmed exactly what I was thinking. My build fund will get started soon, and as soon as I can get enough $ saved up I'll be getting in touch for parts. Thanks again.

 

[elkaholic]

Rich,
Thank you for the info. You just confirmed exactly what I was thinking. My build fund will get started soon, and as soon as I can get enough $ saved up I'll be getting in touch for parts. Thanks again.

You are most welcome! Let me know when I can help out.....Rich

 

[TC338]

Rich,
What steps does it take to form the brass for your 6.5 SS and 6.5? I've never had a wildcat before and haven't had to make any brass. If you were building a rifle for yourself which round would you use?

 

[elkaholic]

Rich,
What steps does it take to form the brass for your 6.5 SS and 6.5? I've never had a wildcat before and haven't had to make any brass. If you were building a rifle for yourself which round would you use?

The SS requires pushing the shoulder back, shortening, and turning the neck. The Sherman needs only to be necked down partially leaving a "bump" on the neck, load and fire away. I have quality Norma brass for sale for the SS ,which is ready to fire, for those who don't like to mess with case forming. I have some I have fired 12 times and it is still good.
As far as which I would build for myself, I built one of each. Seriously though, it just depends on whether you want a LA or a SA. They both perform on par as far as velocity and accuracy.......Rich

 

[TC338]

Rich,
Thanks for the info. When the time comes I'll probably go with the LA less work on the loading end and I can find 270 brass everywhere, wsm and saum are hard to find around here. Besides my uncle shoots a 270 so I'll have access to free brass that way.

 

[elkaholic]

Rich,
Thanks for the info. When the time comes I'll probably go with the LA less work on the loading end and I can find 270 brass everywhere, wsm and saum are hard to find around here. Besides my uncle shoots a 270 so I'll have access to free brass that way.

Let me know how I can help.....Rich

 

[TC338]

Rich,
What components would you recommend for a budget friendly build? Action, barrel, stock? Do you have any certain smiths you would recommend? I want a rifle that I can trust. I'm tired of wondering if my gear is up to par with my ability. If I miss a shot I want to know it was me and not my rifle.

 

[elkaholic]

Rich,
What components would you recommend for a budget friendly build? Action, barrel, stock? Do you have any certain smiths you would recommend? I want a rifle that I can trust. I'm tired of wondering if my gear is up to par with my ability. If I miss a shot I want to know it was me and not my rifle.

My last build was a budget 7SS on a Savage and it shoots .2-.3's. You could get a 116 Savage for your long action build, which should work just fine. I would order one with a popular barrel that would sell easily. The 116 is a package rifle with a 3x9 Nikon BDC scope. You could part out everything but the action and get $250-$300 back. You already will have a good trigger, just put in a light spring. I would buy a quality barrel because that is not the place to skimp! For a scope, you could get a Viper HS which is pretty good for the $$$. I put a Boyds laminate thumbhole lightweight hunter on mine and had it pillar bedded. You should be able to have a completed custom rifle that would perform very well for $2000........Rich

 

[TC338]

Thanks for the info. That was pretty much what I thought as well. As soon as funds are available I'll start ordering components. Once I get everything together I'll get in touch with you about the reamer and dies. Thanks!

 

[elkaholic]

Thanks for the info. That was pretty much what I thought as well. As soon as funds are available I'll start ordering components. Once I get everything together I'll get in touch with you about the reamer and dies. Thanks!

No problem. You might come in a little under $2000

 

[TC338]

Could I rechamber a rifle currently chambered in 6.5x55 to 6.5 Sherman?

 

[elkaholic]

Could I rechamber a rifle currently chambered in 6.5x55 to 6.5 Sherman?

Yes, but I think you would have to set the barrel back a couple threads because I am pretty sure the Swede is a couple thou fatter at the case head......Rich

 

[TC338]

Thanks