Thinking about building a 6.5 need advice

[half]

So I'm thinking about building a 6.5 something. The rifle will be used mostly for shooting steel, but may see some use as my windy day coyote gun. I have done some research and I shoot with a couple guys that use 260's and a 6.5x47. Both calibers shoot well and bullets for a 6.5 seem to be readily available. The only down side to some of the 6.5's is velocity, it's a lot harder to dial wind at distance when your bullet starts out at 2700 fps. So this leads me to think about a .264wm or a 6.5x284. Whatever I do it will be geared around shooting the heavier end of 6.5 bullets. I don't need 4000fps, but I would like 3100fps. That's my story, I humbly ask for your knowledge and wisdom on this subject. Thanks

 

[wboggs]

Any 6.5mm that gets 3100 from a 140 gr is not going to have good barrel life unless you can shoot a long barrel rifle. Are you shooting offhand or prone?

 

[half]

Almost all of the shooting I do is prone bipod and bag. If I use it for coyote calling I will still shoot off a tall bipod sitting. I know barrel life is going to be an issue and I don't have to shoot 140's. The few tactical matches I am planning to attend have a velocity limit of 3200fps so I would like to stay close to that.

 

[krktractor]

shoot 120smk or 123 scenars with varget or rl15 you'll get your 3100 with a 26-28 inch barrel my 6.5x47 gets 2900 with berger 140hybrids with no pressure signs and brass has seen 5+ reloads already my barrel is 8.5 twist krieger 28inch with Vias break of course i relize that all guns and barrels shoot differently and some barrels are faster than others just my .02

 

[nastynatesfish]

What you need is a 1-8 twist 6.5 saum. That'll do it

 

[half]

I thought about a 6.5 saum also. Do you shoot one? If so does it feed well? can you feed from a blind mag with longer bullets seated to the lands?

 

[wboggs]

You might also think about a 6.5x55 Improved. That would also do it with a 123-130gr.

 

[L.Sherm]

I shoot a 6.5 WSM great round and shoots awesome but barrel life will be an issue. I use mine for hunting purposes only, RL17, 140 berger vld's, 3180 fps, built on a tang safety 7 mag action and feeds fine.

 

[Deton8tor]

Call GA Precision and speak with George the owner. He builds and shoots a 6.5 RSAUM. I have not heard of any feeding issues he has had with his guns and that round. Last I read on his rilfe he had well over 2000 rounds thru it.

 

[nastynatesfish]

No I don't shoot one. I'm stuck on 7mm rifles. Got rid of my 260 just got bored with it. I saw a 6.5 case based off the chey tec case also. I don't have anything I cannt do with my 7-08 or 7mag that I'd want to as far as shoot. I also seen a 6.5stw but I like how long my 7mag lasts

 

[half]

boggs,
I looked at building a swede. Lots of info and brass available. I had not considered an AI. Thanks

sherm,
My favorite rifle right now is a 243 wssm, it shoots 105 bthp at 3150 with room for more. It kind of makes sense to build a 6.5 wsm.

EOD,
I'm afraid I don't have enough of a budget to even call GAP and ask questions

 

[Bob Sebold]

Build a 6.5-284. Lots of good loads and lapua brass. Very forgiving round to load. You will love it, just order 2 barrels right away in 1 in 8 twist. After about 900 rds they will get beyond 1/2 minute, but you will have a fun time until then.

 

[jr600yd]

How about something different? A cartridge that will push a 140 something bullet 2800 - 3000 fps. Have a lot better barrel life than a 6.5/284? How about a "WILDCAT"? Try the 6.5/06. Use 25/06 cases run over a 6.5 mandrel to open up the neck. Load using 4831 or 4350 powder and shoot!

 

[joejo]

There is alot of good suggestions here already but give the 260 another look. You would have no probem getting 123's to leave at 3100 with a 26 Inch barrel.

 

[half]

I thought you guys would at least help me narrow it down. I'm more confused now than ever. At least I have a bunch of good ideas. Thanks again everyone for the input.

 

[L.Sherm]

Half if you decide to build a 6.5 wsm p.m. me and I can tell you about dies, brass, powder, etc. etc. etc.

 

[eric32]

since you need some more options take a look at 6mmar.com find the 6.5 SLR

 

[Jnewman]

Speed helps but not the answer to any caliber you will shoot its more of knowing your gun reading the wind and knowing how to adjust to it .

 

[Erik Cortina]

Speed helps but not the answer to any caliber you will shoot its more of knowing your gun reading the wind and knowing how to adjust to it .

This!

 

[half]

I agree that practice is best, but I am trying to make up for lack of talent ;D. At my range we shoot 100 to 1800 yards, on any and most days the wind changes direction 3 times on the way to the targets that are farther than 800 yards. I am just looking for any advantage over the wind, temp, humidity, pressure, phase of the moon I can get. Every time I try a new caliber it's like Christmas morning.