6.5-300 Weatherby
- Thread starter Frankm
- Start date
I searched for info and found an article online by Brian Pierce. If you have not read it check it out. I was very surprised to see the use of such slow powders. My 6.5-284 is very happy with VV165, but i never thought to try the slower powders you mentioned. I have heard of people using Retumbo i 6.5-284 and with 25-06.
Kurz
Silver $$ Contributor
I've had good success using this cartridge for hunting, especially elk in the higher elevations. Not in the mountains specifically but on the higher plains 6,000 feet+. I don't use the heaviest bullets necessarily but often have found the 130 gr and 140 gr perform the best. The current exception is the 153 gr. A-Tip which I'm liking for the longer rested shots.
In your situation, I found this listing for what you're asking about:
Like most reloading data, no one wants to venture outside the box by trying other bullets and other powders. They all test (or borrow) the same data for the same bullets and powders.
Now, somewhat contrary to these loads, I found that the 147 gr. and the A-Tips like the US869 while the 143, 140 Hornady and 135 A-Tip like Re-33. This is trying for a nearly full or full case, all using Magnum primers in my rifles, for colder weather.
My recent test showed some potential with the Hammer Hunter 137 gr., not that I need to shoot solids but these bullets always tempt me. My load is working off of Norma 217 which is a cooler burning powder than either of the above two you mention.
The next one up is the Badlands Precision Super Bulldozer2 in the 135 gr. version. Again, all copper with an aluminum tip and a high BC.
Enjoy the process!
In your situation, I found this listing for what you're asking about:
Like most reloading data, no one wants to venture outside the box by trying other bullets and other powders. They all test (or borrow) the same data for the same bullets and powders.
Now, somewhat contrary to these loads, I found that the 147 gr. and the A-Tips like the US869 while the 143, 140 Hornady and 135 A-Tip like Re-33. This is trying for a nearly full or full case, all using Magnum primers in my rifles, for colder weather.
My recent test showed some potential with the Hammer Hunter 137 gr., not that I need to shoot solids but these bullets always tempt me. My load is working off of Norma 217 which is a cooler burning powder than either of the above two you mention.
The next one up is the Badlands Precision Super Bulldozer2 in the 135 gr. version. Again, all copper with an aluminum tip and a high BC.
Enjoy the process!
Thanks guys! I ve found some data and articles on line but pretty scarce. Will work loads up after barrel breakin with use of a Labradar and watch for pressure/accuracy.
Kurz, could you give me the outside neck diameter of a loaded round? For the life of me couldn’t find any 6.5-300 brass or a box of loaded factory ammo. Going to neck down 300 WB in a couple steps and figure I ll need to neck turn so outside neck diameter won’t be too thick when loaded. Not sure what loaded diameter I should work towards. Possibly .290-.292 as Saami shows case with max of .295. Appreciate if you could run a couple measurements!!
Kurz, could you give me the outside neck diameter of a loaded round? For the life of me couldn’t find any 6.5-300 brass or a box of loaded factory ammo. Going to neck down 300 WB in a couple steps and figure I ll need to neck turn so outside neck diameter won’t be too thick when loaded. Not sure what loaded diameter I should work towards. Possibly .290-.292 as Saami shows case with max of .295. Appreciate if you could run a couple measurements!!
Nealm66, good to know on eldm. Probably too many rpms.
Do you have one of those Berger’s loaded in a 6.5-300 headstamped brass? If so would you mind measuring the outside neck diameter for me? It ll be very helpful for comparison after I get my 300 WB brass sized down to 6.5…. Guessing it s gonna thicken up the neck and might require case neck turning.
Thx for any help you can give!
Do you have one of those Berger’s loaded in a 6.5-300 headstamped brass? If so would you mind measuring the outside neck diameter for me? It ll be very helpful for comparison after I get my 300 WB brass sized down to 6.5…. Guessing it s gonna thicken up the neck and might require case neck turning.
Thx for any help you can give!
Sure. Yes, it’s weatherby brass. Actually have 5-6 firings on it and still holding up pretty well considering. I’ll measure when I get home from work and give the charge I used as well. It was bergers recommended max charge and it ran a little faster fps than they said it would. Definitely recommend the combination at least for target but I’m sure with good shot placement would do the job for hunting. I left my coal at max recommended and used a tuner for groups. It’s a true lazor beam. Hopefully get it out to 1000 and see how it does against my 300prc with the 245’s. #’s say they’re pretty close but we’ll see. The 300 does really well
Perfect, thanks much!! I figured .290-.292 loaded would be pretty good. That means your brass is roughly .0135 per side. .264+.0135+.0135. That should give pretty good neck tension as you mentioned. I looked at my .257 WB and it measures .284 so that’s right at the same neck thickness and using Weatherby brass for it.
Thx again.
Thx again.
Kurz
Silver $$ Contributor
I'm in the middle of rebuilding the reloading part of my shop so delays happen.
I have 3 different lots of brass currently and the necks measure .2895 factory brass. The neck walls measure 0.0145 new brass from my notes. I don't have anything loaded right now but I didn't have to turn any necks with Weatherby brass. Everything I do with this first version is SAAMI spec including the reamer for later comparisons. But if you neck down any other cases you should expect to turn those necks.
I have fireformed .300 H&H into .300 Weatherby... Works Great!
I have 3 different lots of brass currently and the necks measure .2895 factory brass. The neck walls measure 0.0145 new brass from my notes. I don't have anything loaded right now but I didn't have to turn any necks with Weatherby brass. Everything I do with this first version is SAAMI spec including the reamer for later comparisons. But if you neck down any other cases you should expect to turn those necks.
I have fireformed .300 H&H into .300 Weatherby... Works Great!
I love Weatherby cartridges ,I have a 257 WBT that shoots bullet at the speed of light. BUT looking at your velocities , your less that a 100fps faster that what I can get out of my 6.5 PRC ,,,I've had good success using this cartridge for hunting, especially elk in the higher elevations. Not in the mountains specifically but on the higher plains 6,000 feet+. I don't use the heaviest bullets necessarily but often have found the 130 gr and 140 gr perform the best. The current exception is the 153 gr. A-Tip which I'm liking for the longer rested shots.
In your situation, I found this listing for what you're asking about:
View attachment 1282840
Like most reloading data, no one wants to venture outside the box by trying other bullets and other powders. They all test (or borrow) the same data for the same bullets and powders.
Now, somewhat contrary to these loads, I found that the 147 gr. and the A-Tips like the US869 while the 143, 140 Hornady and 135 A-Tip like Re-33. This is trying for a nearly full or full case, all using Magnum primers in my rifles, for colder weather.
My recent test showed some potential with the Hammer Hunter 137 gr., not that I need to shoot solids but these bullets always tempt me. My load is working off of Norma 217 which is a cooler burning powder than either of the above two you mention.
The next one up is the Badlands Precision Super Bulldozer2 in the 135 gr. version. Again, all copper with an aluminum tip and a high BC.
Enjoy the process!
Kurz
Silver $$ Contributor
If you take notice of that list you'll see that these are specifically FACTORY suggested loads as collected for this list. I use parts of this list when folks need a safe place to get started or find a middling ground. I rarely post my actual loads anymore. Too much misunderstanding of what's really happening without a complete and lengthy description of my process.
Regards.
Just got my new 6.5-300 WEATHERBY Accu-mark pro. Loaded up 156 eol bergers. 79 grains reloaded 33 work very well. 3/8” groups on day one 3050fps. Will try to improve next time out. Should be 3100fps once barrel breaks in. Also shot some 127 lrx 3300fps on the Barnes . They shot about 3/4” factory ammo. Will load some up with I’m 7828 sec and post next time out. So far looks very promising.
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