Looking for input in the 4 cartridges listed above. Velocity’s? accuracy? Ect.
New 6.5 build what to go with? 6.5-06AI/6.5-280AI/ 26nosler/6.5-300wsm?!?!?
- Thread starter Grizzly700
- Start date
What is your intended use for the new build?
Paul
Paul
Deer to elk 750-900 yards.
STOMP442
Gold $$ Contributor
6.5-06AI. I have shot one for years and it's a fantastic cartridge. I did the 6.5-300WSM thing and it really doesn't do anything different than the 6.5-06AI will and the AI will do it much more efficiently. My current rifle is shooting 140 Bergers over 3100fps with 57.5gr of Retumbo out of a 26" tube. Barrel life isn't fantastic but its a lot better than the other options you have listed. Ive got somewhere north or 1100 rounds down my current tube and accuracy is still MOA but it used to be a one-hole shooter. The last 200 rounds or so I have really seen it opening up and adjusting my load seems to have no effect on accuracy. Your mileage may vary but the 6.5-06AI is one of my favorites and I will probably always have one around.
nmkid
Gold $$ Contributor
Twist?
Have been shooting a 6.5x257Roberts Ackley almost 20 years. Love the heck out of it! 140grs 3000-3100'/s. It beats a 6.5x284 in velocity and less powder. I considered a 6.5x06 and 257 case has it beat. Nosler 257+P brass best I could find. Remchester gave about 5 - 8 firings before pockets loosened. On 2nd bbl. Would probably get Hornadys hydro forming dies if starting over.
STOMP442
Gold $$ Contributor
9 twist on this particular barrel. Got it for a steal and haven't had any complaints about it.
L.Sherm
Silver $$ Contributor
A 6.5x 300 wsm with a 140VLD needs a med length action around 3.05+ to get the boatail at or above the neck shoulder junction. In a 26" I'm running 3220 FPSwith H1000
I just got done with my Nephews 6.5x06AI running 3150 fps with Berger 140 in a 26" tube using necked down Lapua 30-06 brass and both have a chamber neck of .296.
As far as accuracy both shoot very well.
And using H1000 in both.
If ADG makes 300 WSM brass I'm switching from 270 WSM winchester brass.
I just got done with my Nephews 6.5x06AI running 3150 fps with Berger 140 in a 26" tube using necked down Lapua 30-06 brass and both have a chamber neck of .296.
As far as accuracy both shoot very well.
And using H1000 in both.
If ADG makes 300 WSM brass I'm switching from 270 WSM winchester brass.
Might want to consider the 6.5 SAUM also. I’m sending 150gr Matrix vlds at 3050fps. I’m switching to the new 156gr Bergers as soon as the last of the Matrix 150’s are gone. That’s in a 25.75” 8 twist. I’m using a Winchester M70 WSM SA which has a 3.05” magazine. Bertram makes brass. https://bertrambrass.com/product/6-5mm-saum-unprimed-brass-100-count/
900 yards potentially on elk with a 6.5 bullet ? Not that any of those cartridges isn't up to the task BUT I think if I were needing a long action for this build, I'd be thinking about the Nosler for sending the 6.5 bullet that far in an Elk. Keep the impact velocity as close to 2k fps as possible and energy up there as well. Again, all can conquer the task but one may be better than the rest. IMO, the Nosler is that cartridge. Good luck in your decision and with your future plans using it. John.
I also thought about the 28 nosler but I really like the 6.5mm bullet choices. So it has more energy up to the 900 yard range.
Based on the newest higher BC bullets today, all the options your considering have well over 2000 fps impact velocity at 900 yards if your elevation is 8000 ft. Even at 1000' of elevation, your velocity will be around 2000 fps at 1000 yards. Typically your fairly high ( over 5000' ) in Elk country. The 7mm calibers offer higher BCs yet and many believe the 28 Nosler to be the ideal Elk cartridge.
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6.5 Sherman is a good option. Or his 6.5SS. Only thing I don’t like about my Sherman is the brass prep. Performance is outstanding from a 270 Win parent case. I get 3339 fps with my top load and a 140 Berger. I’d go 6.5SS if building one now. Head stamped ADG brass available. I do agree with a earlier post that a 6.5 for elk at 900 yds May be a bit far. But a 26 Nosler with a 156 Berger or a 160 Matrix could work.
Probably speaking of my post. Didn't say it may be a bit far. It is far. It's not too far for a 6.5 with 140-160 grain bullets with the proper cartridge. My statement was that all the cartridges looked fine with one looking better than the rest...26 Nosler. It offers the best ballistics for 900 yards. Definitely for many, the 6.5 for Elk at 900 yards is not an option. I'm not in that camp. I'd probably chose a 7mm cartridge or larger for the task but it's just my choice.
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I like the 6.5 heavies for this because they’re about as heavy a bullet I can shoot well without a brake. A 150-160 grain bullet launched at 3000fps plus is plenty and all I shoot well. 180gr 7mm at 3000fps plus is more than I can shoot in a light carry rifle without a brake and I hate fiddling with hearing protection if I’m hunting. I’m 100% with the OP on this.
warrbuk
Silver $$ Contributor
Went with a 6.5-06AI
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