Anyone in here shooting a 6.5 Remington? I'm looking at the Gap 4s but I have a ton (about 1000) of 300wm brass that I can convert. I'm looking specifically for 140s for elk, can 3100fps be had from a 24" barrel?
Adam
Adam
6.5 Rem mag?
- Thread starter ab_bentley
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Ledd Slinger
Silver $$ Contributor
Yes. I get 3209 fps with the 140gr Berger VLDs from a 26" barrel with speed to spare in my 6.5 Rem Mag and im only using 52gr of powder (RL17). So 3100 fps from a 24" barrel would be no problem at all.
And yes it will bring down an elk with a well placed shot. My father in law killed 2 bulls at 600 yards using the 140gr VLD at 3180 fps from his 6.5-300 WSM. 80 fps slower at 3100 wouldn't have killed the elk any less.
As far as making brass goes, I would recommend starting with 7mm Rem Mag brass. And that's hard enough to deal with. 300 WM is way too long. Either way, you will need to anneal the large case bodies really good where the 6.5 shoulder will end up or it will be hell.
The 6.5 Rem Mag is a pretty short case, but it packs a ton of punch. My rifle is built for hunting and is very accurate. It produces 3 shot groups under an inch at 300 yards from a Harris bipod in the prone position. Not sure if it's even more accurate than that because I sure as hell can't shoot any better
And yes it will bring down an elk with a well placed shot. My father in law killed 2 bulls at 600 yards using the 140gr VLD at 3180 fps from his 6.5-300 WSM. 80 fps slower at 3100 wouldn't have killed the elk any less.
As far as making brass goes, I would recommend starting with 7mm Rem Mag brass. And that's hard enough to deal with. 300 WM is way too long. Either way, you will need to anneal the large case bodies really good where the 6.5 shoulder will end up or it will be hell.
The 6.5 Rem Mag is a pretty short case, but it packs a ton of punch. My rifle is built for hunting and is very accurate. It produces 3 shot groups under an inch at 300 yards from a Harris bipod in the prone position. Not sure if it's even more accurate than that because I sure as hell can't shoot any better
What are you using for dies? I've been looking for good dies, but all I found was the non bushing style.Yes. I get 3209 fps with the 140gr Berger VLDs from a 26" barrel with speed to spare in my 6.5 Rem Mag and im only using 52gr of powder (RL17). So 3100 fps from a 24" barrel would be no problem at all.
And yes it will bring down an elk with a well placed shot. My father in law killed 2 bulls at 600 yards using the 140gr VLD at 3180 fps from his 6.5-300 WSM. 80 fps slower at 3100 wouldn't have killed the elk any less.
As far as making brass goes, I would recommend starting with 7mm Rem Mag brass. And that's hard enough to deal with. 300 WM is way too long. Either way, you will need to anneal the large case bodies really good where the 6.5 shoulder will end up or it will be hell.
The 6.5 Rem Mag is a pretty short case, but it packs a ton of punch. My rifle is built for hunting and is very accurate. It produces 3 shot groups under an inch at 300 yards from a Harris bipod in the prone position. Not sure if it's even more accurate than that because I sure as hell can't shoot any better
Adam
Ledd Slinger
Silver $$ Contributor
I just use standard non bushing Redding dies. Nothing special, but they still produce very accurate ammo. The 6.5 Rem Mag is a very forgiving and inherently accurate round.
Im on my second barrel, and my last barrel had multiple loads that I could run with excellent accuracy and speed. RL17 was what I used in my last barrel, so I tried it in the new barrel and it shot better than the last barrel. Think I shot 3 different groups working up charges with RL17 in my new barrel and i got exactly what I wanted, speed and accuracy, load testing over. Didn't even shoot the other loads I had for testing in the ammo box. Shortest load testing session I've ever had.
Load development really is a breeze. In my last barrel I shot 120gr Sierra MK's up around 3400 fps and the 140gr VLD's at speeds from 3120 fps to 3230 fps with different powders. I remember having to scrutinize my targets very carefully to decide which load to use with the 140gr VLDs because there was a lot of very accurate groups. Went back to the range a few times trying to determine a winner. A few loads lost the race, but there wasn't a clear winner because there was 3 loads that were all very accurate and fast, so I just picked one. Happened to be RL17. Unfortunately, I didn't know it was a barrel burner and I shot the rifle all the time for fun. This new barrel sees a lot less action at the range so it will last longer.
Im on my second barrel, and my last barrel had multiple loads that I could run with excellent accuracy and speed. RL17 was what I used in my last barrel, so I tried it in the new barrel and it shot better than the last barrel. Think I shot 3 different groups working up charges with RL17 in my new barrel and i got exactly what I wanted, speed and accuracy, load testing over. Didn't even shoot the other loads I had for testing in the ammo box. Shortest load testing session I've ever had.
Load development really is a breeze. In my last barrel I shot 120gr Sierra MK's up around 3400 fps and the 140gr VLD's at speeds from 3120 fps to 3230 fps with different powders. I remember having to scrutinize my targets very carefully to decide which load to use with the 140gr VLDs because there was a lot of very accurate groups. Went back to the range a few times trying to determine a winner. A few loads lost the race, but there wasn't a clear winner because there was 3 loads that were all very accurate and fast, so I just picked one. Happened to be RL17. Unfortunately, I didn't know it was a barrel burner and I shot the rifle all the time for fun. This new barrel sees a lot less action at the range so it will last longer.
I have converted more belted magnum cases to the 6.5 Rem. Mag. than I care to think about. Reality is, there is a new supply of Remington brass available through Bruno's Shooters supply:
http://www.brunoshooters.com/product/2086.html
Given all the work required to convert brass, I think $85.00/100 is a bargain. Then again, I despise turning necks especially as much as is required when you push the shoulder back on the Belted Mag. cases.
Personally, the 6.5 GAP 4S is a superb cartridge with brass available as well as a significant amount of load development already published. It has been a proven performer on targets and in the field also. As much as I like the fabled 6.5 Rem. Mag., I have been running two 6.5 GAP 4S for the last 4 years for competition and hunting.
Regards.
I am currently awaiting the manufacture and delivery of a 6.5 RM barrel. I have a couple of .264 WM rifles but never considered trying to make 6.5 cases out of them. The 6.5 is so much shorter... I did however find 150 Remington cases and plan to use that. I am encouraged that Remington may be making them again, but I sure could not find anything in stores in Canada.
For dies I bought some used RCBS FL and seater dies from the same guy I bought the brass. I have honed out the neck to reduce the working of the brass, and have the decaper and expander ball internals from a Forster 6.5x284 on order to replace the RCBS guts. I prefer the expander ball location in a Forster compared to a RCBS, and the availability of different ball sizes. You can see the details of the die mods here. Thanks are due to helpful advice from other contributors here.
I would suggest you take advantage of the Remington brass at Bruno's to considering resizing. I found the Remington brass while a bit thick in the neck to be of quite good quality. See this thread for more detail.
My plans for powder is to try H1000 and VV N165. No experience of course. I primarily based it on 6.5x284 cartridge loading, as 6.5 RM data is a little harder to come by. The 6.5x284 is about 2 grains smaller in case capacity, so the 284 loads are a little lighter...
Ledd Slinger
Silver $$ Contributor
You can usually find some brass floating around on gunbroker too. I recently picked up a 100 more brand new Remington cases for $70 shipped. Definitely turn the necks. Remington neck wall thickness isnt very consistent.
If you want an excellent set of dies and can't find any available, just give John Whidden a call and shoot him a print of the reamer you plan to use. He can whip some dies up for you.
If you want an arbor press seater, just pick up a Wilson blank and have your gunsmith ream out the seater die when he does your chamber. That way you know for sure the seating die will match your chamber.
If you want an excellent set of dies and can't find any available, just give John Whidden a call and shoot him a print of the reamer you plan to use. He can whip some dies up for you.
If you want an arbor press seater, just pick up a Wilson blank and have your gunsmith ream out the seater die when he does your chamber. That way you know for sure the seating die will match your chamber.
AckleymanII
Gold $$ Contributor
I had a AI versioin some years ago, shot 85g Sierra's in a 29" barrel at speeds that I will not talk about, unreal accurate and turned coyotes inside out.
Brass is the killer on this cartridge because it is almost non existent.
Brass is the killer on this cartridge because it is almost non existent.
Neck down 350 rem mag brass it is easier but with all that brass you have I'll give you an elk load that works sub 1/2 moa [.40"]@ 200 yards. Tikka t3, 24" sheland hand lapped barrel, Berger VLD-Hunting 140gr, 57.5 gr RL 23, Col 3.085", 3130 fps. Caribou 588 yards, Texas Whitetail 420 yds., Elk 358 yards, all dropped dead in their tracks. Oh I tracked the deer less than 1 foot!
The 6.5 RM will out perform the 254 win across the board. Check it out. I shoot 57.5 gr RL 23- 140 VLDH bullets, 24" barrel and get 3130 fps with 1/2" moa accuracy.
Does anyone know of a 6.5 Remington magnum shooters forums out there?
I have now done some limited chronograph testing. Have not tried to find the maximum pressure load yet. Suspect it may be in the range of 62-63 grains of H1000.
140 grain Berger, Fed 215M primer, 60.5 gr. H1000, 28" barrel - 3137 fps, average
I wish some one would start making brass again.
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