6.5BR Barrel Twist Recommendations

[Shynloco]

I'm considering a caliber change on one of my rifles from a 6.5 X 55 to a 6.5BR. Now I pretty much shoot strictly 100 yds anymore as my eyes aren't what they once were. There just doesn't seem to be all that much info out there on the 6.5BR and the only thread I've found on this blog was back in '06 and those guys look to have been shooting longer distances than I plan to shoot. So the question is, if I'm going to be shooting 68gr - 80 gr bullets, am I better off sticking with the standard 1:8 - 1:9 twist barrel, or should I think about 1:12 - 1:14 twist. My 6mmbr shoots great with the 1:8 and since I'll be using necked up 6mm Lapua brass, does that 1:8 twist rate work equally as well in 6.5BR? Any opinions would be much appreciated. Thx guys.

Alex

 

[rickiesrevenge]

I know a couple guys who use the cartridge for handgun silhouette. They love it. But they shoot 123-140gr bullets. I'm pretty sure they run a 1-8" twist. Where are you getting 68gr 6.5mm bullets? That seems really light.

 

[Shynloco]

I know a couple guys who use the cartridge for handgun silhouette. They love it. But they shoot 123-140gr bullets. I'm pretty sure they run a 1-8" twist. Where are you getting 68gr 6.5mm bullets? That seems really light.

Rick,
Consider the distance. I'm only shooting 100 yds, not 600 - 1K yds. But that's only a thought and not molded in concrete, so I'm open to suggestion. That bullet weight came from some other folks, although I have to admit, I'm not seeing any of the major bullet suppliers even make anything under 100 gr bullets in .264.

Alex

 

[rickiesrevenge]

Handgun silhouette is shot at 200 yards/meters normally. Sometimes they shoot a 500 meter match. I agree that a slower twist and a lighter bullet should be more accurate. Kinda like the other cartridges shot in short range BR.

 

[Eric Leonard]

for 100 yards you should look at the 6BR and 12-14 twist to shoot the 68-75 gr bullets,,a 6.5 nothing is gonna shoot with a 6BR or 6PPC at 100 yards,,for 5 5 shot strings for 25 shot aggs,,

sounds like someone had the 6.5BR confused with the 6BR going by bullet weights listed,,

 

[BOBC]

I make 83 & 94 gr 6.5 FB's for my 8 twist 260 Rem and they just shoot beautifully. Nice little bug hole groups at 100 yds. If you're interested, I could make you some. I even made a 107 gr BT that really shot in a 6.5 Grendel with an 8 twist.

Bob C

 

[armistemjim]

i have a 6.5 BR and love it BCB made some bullets up for me that i am going to test as soon as the weather gets out of the teens, i have a 8 twist and 8.5 and honestly out to 200 i can not tell any difference. i have been using 8208 and varget. getting around 2970 fps. no primer problems so far but have not tryed my loads on above 70 degree days.
this said my 6BR shoots tighter groups as does my 30BR the 22BR has held with the 6 out to 200. Yes love to experiment with the BR case. don't compete as like you my eyes don't work as well as they did

 

[shoot4fun]

I would use a 1 in 8.5 twist. It will do everything you're looking for. The new Lapua 123 is pretty hot right now but, if you want to stay below 100 grains and shoot off the shelf bullets, look at Sierra Varminter bullets. I think they have one around 80 grains that always shot good for me.