6.5 wsm

[wal0001]

I posted this some months back and now can't find the post. Anyone out there have one of these. I have a hunting rifle (270 wsm) with a damaged barrel. So I thought about going back with 270, then I found someone who would make me a 6.5 wsm barrel. From what I researched, there is an apparent touchy feeling of getting these accurate

I reload and the dies are available. From what I can tell, the problem of accuracy starts to develop when the loads start going over 3100 fps. But one shooter indicated half moa at 3300 fps-- so I am not sure.

This will be my mid range ( up to 600 yards) gun. I am not good enough for anything any further. I know a 270 wsm would fit the bill, but I always seem to be eccentric and get bored with the normal approach. I have several other calibers, so not the only gun in the safe and will not be the only hunting gun, though if accurate, would be, except for elk and I have that covered.

Thanks in advance.

[scope eye]

I have a couple of them a 8 and a 10 twist, and was not aware that there was a problem above 3100 fps at least I never encountered it.
I shoot 120s, 130s and 140s out of my 8 twist and 3300 would be a mild load, the 10t shoots 85s, 95s, and 107s like a 220 swift on steroids all well past the 4000 fps threshold, so go for it.

Dean

[yobuck]

Depends on what type person you are. You would have bragging rites in having one of the hottest 6.5s available.
But other than that, not much else to brag about by having one.
I built one with an 8 twist on a savage action about 7 or 8 years ago.
After about 320 rounds a guy came along who wanted it and he now owns it, unless he has since sold it also.
It just didn't fit in anywhere for me. It didn't perform as well as my 7mms and 30 cals at long range, and for the closer distance it isn't needed. If it were me id be sticking with the 270, or build one of the other good 6.5s for the purpose you've cited.
The extra velocity really isn't needed and will come at a high price.

[psharon97]

For longer range applications, I would look at upgrading to a 7mm magnum (pick one lol) rather than a 6.5. Remember that the higher the velocity you push a round and the more you shoot the round, the shorter the barrel life you'll have.

[scope eye]

It does not cost much to convert to a 6.5 WSM from a 270 WSM $30.00 Lee Dies that's all, 270 brass with one FL pass and no neck turning.

Dean

[stomp442]

Yep 6.5 WSM is pretty easy to make. All the rage right now is the 6.5SAUM and I can tell you right now the 6.5WSM can do anything that one can and then some. I have built 3 6.5WSMs for clients now and another one ready to be spun up next week. All three so far have shot the 140 Berger VLDs the best right at the 3130-3150 mark. Velocities are able to get higher than that but I have not been happy with the accuracy. There seems to be a definite node around 3150fps. Retumbo, H1000 and H4831 have all given good results. With this new one I'm getting ready to build I am going to try the new 147 Hornadys in and see how they do.

[yobuck]

I guess I'm just not getting the point to it all.
And as stated, I did do that myself and i still don't get it.
Maybe somebody can explain it in very easy to understand language, lol.
If I wanted a gun for l/r accuracy, id simply look at what those who do that and are good at it use.
Take a look at the match results and guns/cartridges used at places like Williamsport and see if you can even find one.
On the other hand, for l/r hunting, 3150 or even 3350 with a 140 gr bullet is a yawner, and why they aren't more popular for that purpose.
Mind you now at one time they were very popular, but that was 50 years ago when there were no other good bullets in other calibers.
Nothing about it is better anyway you choose to look at it unless you just want a hot rod 6.5.
At 3150 however you couldn't even brag about that. lol

[Robinhood]

I like the 280 AI but the 7mmWSM or 7mmRSAUM is fine with me.