...of 26 caliber magnums.....

[scooterf79]

Hey guys,
I'm contemplating building a 6.5 for a long range deer rifle. Why? Is it because my 7mag, 280AI, and others I have won't do it? Nope, cuz I think I want one 😆.
Anyways...Ive been doing some research into some of the 6.5s that interest me. I've got mainly long actions so it will be a LA cartridge. I've kinda looked at the 6.5-06, 6.5-06AI, 264WM, and a little bit at the 26 Nosler.
I talked to stomp442 a couple weeks ago and his 6.5-06AI is quite impressive, I like it.
Then I ventured to the magnum realm. The 264Wm is a good cartridge, and it seems you can get pretty impressive numbers from it (but the 6.5-06AI seems to be really close). I don't have a problem with belted magnums as I know some people do. So I like it too lol.

Next brings me to the 26 Nosler, I'm curious if it's actually up to all the hype. Ive read a couple articles (I know it can be taken with a grain of salt) and it seems they're not getting nearly what Nosler claims with their factory ammo, at least the ones that I've read. And reloads are about the same it seems. I'm just wondering if anyone has done real world tests comparing the 264WM and 26 Nosler ie..anyone here.
I know ya get to the point of diminished returns but geez! Barrel life is not a concern really because it's a deer hunting rifle. Just curiously about some input on any of these cartridges. I'm not set on any one cartridge right now as it will be a while before I build, just like researching this stuff.
Thanks for any input!
Scooter

[handirifle]

Weatherby has a new one too, it's a 6.5-300 Weatherby Magnum. It pushes a 140gr at almost 3400fps.

http://www.weatherby.com/products/am...wby-mag-6.html

[scooterf79]

I know, I haven't seen much online about it other than ads, I'd like to see real life stuff on it too. It's pretty impressive!
Scooter.

[handirifle]

Here's a cool video of Adam (cartridge developer and Exec VP) testing it out.

Oops.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XogP7CUJ6Kw

[scope eye]

My 6.5WSM has pretty respectable numbers 140gr @3400 and lee has dies for $35.00, and if you are even remotely thinking of the 26 Nosler or the 6.5 WBY, then I would go with the 6.5 RUM it is the king of the hill and takes no prisoners 140gr @4000. And in the beginning I used the same 6.5WSM lee dies for the neck and shoulder and my 7RUM for full length sizing. I went out and bought some cu$tom die$ but did not see any improvement.

Dean

[scope eye]

Here are a few of mine.



From left to right, 6.5-06AI, 264WinMag, 6.5WSM, 6.5-300WinMag, 6.5RUM.

[psharon97]

What about the 6.5x284?

[stomp442]

Not even in the same class with the cartridges being discussed.

The great thing about the 6.5-06AI is that it has never left me wanting more. It does everything I have ever needed and done it using less than 60 grains of powder. Awesome performance with great efficiency and mild recoil makes the 6.5-06AI a winner in my book. I have done the 6.5WSM thing and the .264WM thing and never found them to do anything different excpet use more powder.

[yobuck]

Weve all heard the expression (reinventing the wheel).
An example of that is Weatherbys (new) creation, the 6.5x300 Weatherby.
50 years ago it was the most popular long range hunting cartridge in the country.
I personaly knew at least 5 or 6 guys who used them. Today, none of them do.
When you can drive 162 or 168 gr bullets from a 7mm at 3350/3400 fps why would you be happier with less?
6 or 7 years ago I decided I had missed something by never having had a hot rod 6.5 rifle.
So I bought a lefty Savage and a new Brux 8 twist barrel and had it chambered in 6.5x300wsm.
After many issues were all resolved and it was finally where I wanted it there were about 350 rounds down the barrel.
One day I shot it at 1200 yds, then shot my 7x300 Weatherby with a 162 at the same rock.
About a month later the 6.5 was gone. All you need do is sit behind them when somebody is shooting and watch them go.
Id be sticking with the 6.5x06 ai if I were to build another.

[swamphonkey]

They are pretty bad bud! One of my clients shot a big old sow at 831 yards down a gas line. And I seen it he called the shot And that hog was rolling as soon as that rifle boomed. I'd say it lives up to the hype. Another pretty bad one is that 257 weatherby I have been wanting one myself. But I got two safes full I'm talking rifles stacked in upside down to get more in. So I need another safe first. And send my old lady on a trip first. Lol

[scope eye]

The cost of Weatherby and Nosler Brass are a deal breaker for me.

Dean

[handirifle]

How would the recoil of the 6.5 WSM and 140gr load compare with an '06 and 165gr load?

[scope eye]

http://www.accuratereloading.com/recoil.html

The 264 Win mag with a 140gr same amount of powder so it is close, #226 and a 30-06 with a 165gr #223

So very close.

Dean

[yobuck]

How would the recoil of the 6.5 WSM and 140gr load compare with an '06 and 165gr load?

Well an 06 is no treat to shoot either. I had a break on my 6.5wsm so I'm not complaining about the recoil.
And I only used (as I recall), 63/64 gr of h 1000 with the 140 gr.
It just isnt as much gun for long range hunting as a large 7mm is, and also why the 6.5x300 weatherby died 40 + years ago.
Most of the blame for that can be attributed to Joyce Hornady when he introduced his 162 gr match 7mm bullet.
But hey, the wheel needs reinventing every few generations, so go for it.

[handirifle]

Not that I LIKE recoil either. My '06 sports a gel recoil pad and a foam cheek rest. Feels seriously like a 243 without a pad. A bit more push but not at ALL uncomfortable. I am not a fan of brakes on hunting guns so I go the padding route.

I catch myself wondering about swapping it to a longer range caliber, then reason kicks in and I realize I would most likely never use the extra reach. I am 63 and most of my hunting is on neighboring ranches, and most shots are between 100-200yds.

It's nice to dream though.

[scooterf79]

Thanks for all the responses guys, I appreciate it. I'm not set on any of the big magnums. The more I look Im really liking the 6.5-06ai. The brass is steep for sure for the Nosler or Wby..either one wouldn't be cheap to shoot. I'm just kinda curious as to what type of performance you all are getting or have seen with these big 6.5s. In reality I'll probably never get the opportunity to really stretch it out on a deer around here anyway, but if it ever arises 😉.
If I remember correctly what stomp told me, he's getting really close to the 264WM with his 06 ackley. I know there's more capacity with the 264WM and such but is the tradeoff worth it....I guess I need to decide that for myself. Of course, I guess it's worth it or I would just have my 223, instead of my 22-250 and 220 swift lol.
Deano, I don't have a RUM action, that's part of the reason the UMs haven't been on my radar. I know they'll shoot in a regular LA but I'd ideally want to load the magazine with it being a hunting rifle.
Thanks again guys! Keep the comments coming.
Scooter

[handirifle]

Could you not make the brass from '06 brass or 270 Win brass?

[FW Conch]

My vote, from what You have told us, 6.5/06 AI, or 280Rem AI. ;-))

[scooterf79]

Could you not make the brass from '06 brass or 270 Win brass?

I would think 270 or 25-06 just since they would be closer to neck size than 30-06.
Scooter

[scooterf79]

My vote, from what You have told us, 6.5/06 AI, or 280Rem AI. ;-))

Sorta seems that way don't it? Since I already have a 280 AI......seems the choice is becoming more and more clear
Scooter

[FW Conch]

I just got two 270Win barrels. That will be more than I'll need on the Virginia side. ;-))

But I know where You're coming from. My weakness is the 6.5 SAUM Gap 4S. Totally impractical for Me. So why do I think it would be just so cool to have that set up?

Same thing happened about '07/'08 when the 6.5/284 was all the rage. Same performance as the 6.5/06 but the 6.5/284 seemed to have so much more "cool factor". I was able to resist then, but that may not last forever??

Truth be known, all My needs could be served with with My 6.5 Grendel and My 358Win. Then I could sell a truck load of shooting stuff at half price or less. What a plan :-((

[yobuck]

Here are a few of mine.



From left to right, 6.5-06AI, 264WinMag, 6.5WSM, 6.5-300WinMag, 6.5RUM.

What no 6.5x378? lol

[bw34]

I wanted the same thing you do. I'm in the process of building a 6.5 Sherman. It's very similar to the 6.5-06ai. I think it has around 10% more case capacity.

[yorketransport]

The 26 Nosler has been over hyped and really isn't as impressive as the marketing would make it seem. The 6.5x300 Weatherby is better but still comes up short. Dean's 6.5 RUM is getting into the good stuff though! I have a 6.5x338 RUM Improved that we call the 6.5 Badger and it's essentially a shorter/fatter 6.5 RUM. Here's a 6.5 Badger next to a 7mm RUM


I'm running a "moderate" load and getting 3375fps from a 160gr bullet. They can go faster but this load gets me 6 firings per case. This way 50 pieces of brass will last me the life of the barrel! LOL

[scope eye]

Love the shoulder angle.

Dean