6.5 STW?

[bubbaokie]

I have a 6.5 STW built on a Rem 700 action with Nightforce 5.5-22 zero stop on it. Not having any luck finding load data anywhere. Anyway, I worked up a load using 143 gr ELD-X's and 74 grains H1000. They will group about 1/2" at 100 yards and that certainly works for me. I want to shoot longer ranges and getting ready now to stretch it on out to 500 and 700 yards. I don't have access to a chrony and wondering if anyone out there has any idea what my fps might be. Don't want to waste any more bullets than I have to. If I had fps, I could have a better idea of drops to dial in at those ranges.
I ran my 260 out to 1100 yards with 123 gr bullets and known fps and bc, and got surprisingly close last time.
I kmow there's not a lot of 6.5 STW's out there, nut thought MAYBE some one could help me. I want to use the STW this fall for elk in NM. I have a bear with this rifle in Idaho about 5 years ago when i was using the 140 AMaxes and 5010 powder at about 350 yards. But, no more 5010 powder....and I changed scopes so having to start over.
Thanks for any input,
G1 bc of this bullet is .625 and G7 is .315

 

[Willie]

I have been shooting the 7 STW for about 30 years, but never tried the 6.5 model due to shorter barrel life.

I agree that load data is hard to come by, especially for the current powders. I would suggest using 7 STW data and reduce it by 10% for starting and max loads.

I would not attempt to do load development without a reliable chronograph for each shot. No one can guess what your velocity/pressure might be.

Retumbo is my go-to powder for my STW, but I've had decent results with IMR 7828,RL-25 and H-1000.

The eld-x and other light cup & core bullets would not be my choice for elk at 6.5 STW velocities within 300 yds. A Nosler Accubond or Partition would work, among others.

 

[FeMan]

I've had two 7STWs. Both shot extremely accurately but were a bit finicky about powders. Both liked IMR 7828 with 150 class, H1000 with 160 class, and Retumbo with 180 class bullets. More so than with any other rifle Ive had, I found I needed to change powders with weight class changes. If I didn't, my 0.2 moa went to 2.0 moa. I got over 3400 fps with 150 TSX bullets. I don't know what's possible and accurate with 140's in a 6.5 STW, but I am sure it is screamin fast!

 

[MagnumManiac]

If you can get your hands on some, I would give RETUMBO a try. That’s what I’m using in my 7STW. I am very impressed with it so far, tiny 1/4-3/8 MoA groups with 150gr BT’s and 168gr ABLR. Still in work up mode at the moment but looking very good for a 1 mile cartridge if this COVID crap ever ceases.
P. S. Look at 6.5-300Weatherby data, reduce start loads by 5%-10%. If the 6.5STW reamer is like the 7STW reamer, then the throat is short, so the Weatherby data is for a freebore chamber.

Cheers.

 

[Kurz]

You need to find the lands with your case and bullet combination. Retumbo is a little too fast so you can't get a nearly full case of powder. Try Re-33, Re-50 and VVN-24N41 with the 156 gr. Elite Hunter bullets. Your performance will increase exceptionally well.

Below is some data from Weatherby for their proprietary 6.5-300 Weatherby.

 

[bubbaokie]

Thanks for the data....
I have had my 6.5 about 6 years. Got home from church tonight about 8 PM and wind had laid. Son had put new paint and X's on steel targets for me. He was spotting with his spotting scope for me. I guessed 7 clicks and fired one. He said up 2 clicks and fire 3. Bingo....nice group at 6.5 clicks center of X. Moved to 700 yard target and using data for the 260, I guessed 11 clicks. Fired one and he said good...fire two more and don't mess it up...LOL. Fired two more and had a nice 2" group at 700 yards.
Guess I'll leave it alone. Now to get on the data site and calculate drops at various ranges and try it out when wind lays again.....hopefully next couple of days.
I have maybe 150 rounds thru the rifle, and only use it for hunting maybe couple times a year. At my age it should last a lifetime....LOL

 

[ppaul]

Honestly don't understand your unwillingness to purchase a chronograph.

 

[bubbaokie]

LOL.....I have one, but it's got a bullet hole in it.
And data from drops, etc., shows 3230 fps,