6.5 BR is it worthwhile over the 6 BR

[Lefty Trigger]

Can get my hands on a 6.5 BR barrel for my Savage rifle but was wondering if it was worth fooling with over the 6 BR? I just listed my 7mmBR barrel and goodies for sale because I found myself not shooting it. I also have a couple of 6.5 Grendels in the wings.

 

[NorCalMikie]

If it's something you want to try, go for it!!
I was working with the 6.8 SPC. Not as much info for a bolt gun compared to the AR platform so I built one on my Savage action. Loved it.
Then, I got to thinking, at the time, the 30 BR was "THE" hot item but why not a 6.8 BR?
I'd heard about the 7MMBR, 25BR 20 BR, 22BR so just about anything can be tried.
Talked to PT&G about cutting me a reamer. Built my 6.38 dummy round, shipped it off and got a reamer cut to those dummy round specs. Come to find out, it was a first for PT&G in that caliber. Then I find, without too much extra work, my 6.8 BR is a bug hole shooter.
It's all a game we're playing so get in the middle of it and have fun.
AND, be sure to report your results.

 

[6ShotsOr5?]

We shoot Varmint for Score matches at our club, and I’m very curious about how your 6.5 BR will perform at 300-600 yds. What bullet and what barrel twist are you considering?

 

[Lefty Trigger]

We shoot Varmint for Score matches at our club, and I’m very curious about how your 6.5 BR will perform at 300-600 yds. What bullet and what barrel twist are you considering?

I was thinking 8 twist and starting with the Sierra 107gr. I have a bunch or 107's and 123's on hand for my Grendel. Could either neck up 6BR brass or neck down 7 BR brass since both are available. The only thing I don't know is the freebore length of the reamer he has. Lots of decent 6.5 bullets around and the BR case has a little more capacity then the Grendel. Right now just thinking out loud...

 

[dhagerty40]

I used to have an XP100 Specialty Pistol in 6.5BR and it is a great little Cartridge. It is much less finicky in finding accurate loads for than a 6BR. I mainly shot 142gr SMK's in it as it was used for Pistol Silhouette to 500 Meters.

The Main drawback is the reloading dies as they are special order and are expensive. But I cheated as I used a Redding 7BR bushing die with a bushing for a 6.5mm and it worked well. Used a Forster 6BR benchrest seater die for seating.

The Sierra 6th edition manual has Reloading Data for the 6.5BR and based on a 26" Barrelled Savage, expect a near max load to be around 2800fps with a 107 SMK.

 

[JEFFPPC]

I doubt you will get a gain in accuracy or fighting the wind. What you will get is a bullet hole that is easier to see. I shot a 6 and a 6.5 one year at 500 yd. I would shoot the 6 first. When I shot the 6.5 the holes were more distinct than the 6's.

 

[Buzz]

I’m a fan of the 6.5 grendel, especially from a short barrel, but I think it’s much much better as a 6mm. I think you’ll find the same with a 6.5BR. It’s a fine cartridge, but really shines as a 6mm.

Outside of adding .5mm to the diameter of the hole, I don’t know what a 6.5 107smk does that a 6mm 107smk won’t do better when you’re running them at similar speeds.

 

[Fuj]

If you want to do a 6.5, look over what the 6.5 x 47 can do
first.

 

[SHall]

To answer the original question: NO

 

[Lefty Trigger]

I gave up on the 6.5 BR and currently building a 6XC for medium range work next year.

 

[NorCalMikie]

I cheated and used a Redding 7BR bushing die with a bushing for a 6.5mm and it worked well. Used a Forster 6BR benchrest seater die for seating.

Whatever it takes to get the job done.