6.5 WSM or 6.5-284

sewwhat89 · #1 08-12-2005, 10:55 AM

Which of these would offer greater performance? If the WSM has greater performance, is it worth it to give up the inherent accuracy?

jb1000br · #2 08-12-2005, 11:31 AM

WHat is your definition of performance?

Intended use?

the only reason i would personally go to the wsm is for a LR antelope/deer blaster

YMMV,
JB

Fiftydriver · #3 08-12-2005, 02:36 PM

I would like to see a test the proved the 6.5 WSM is less inherently accurate then the 6.5-284. Personally I do not put alot of stock in IA theories.

Velocity wise the 6.5 WSM will beat the 284 version but a substantial amount as it will run very close to the 264 Win Mag.

It also has a shorter barrel life but this would only be a problem with high volume shooting.

The 6.5-284 is the favorite in the long range BR crowd because it has low recoil, its easy to load for and it has a good barrel life.

I do not believe that in quality rifles that you would see an accuracy advantage for either round.

Good SHooting!!

Kirby Allen(50)

sewwhat89 · #4 08-12-2005, 07:19 PM

Seeing as I have never shot-out a barrel, what is your best estimate on shot volume in a properly maintained rifle? I have not seen any hard data on the 6.5 WSM, but it would seem to have the same useful life as the 6.5-284. I was told by John Doe gunsmith that 6.5-284 had a useful life of 1200-1700 rounds. Was he blowing smoke up my butt or is it much more than that. I can't see spendning the money to build a rifle to shoot several hundred rounds a season with that short a barrel life. Please tell me I am wrong.

davewilson · #5 08-12-2005, 08:04 PM

you're wrong!

sewwhat89 · #6 08-12-2005, 09:23 PM

Thanks Kirby and Dave.

sewwhat89 · #7 08-12-2005, 10:56 PM

[ QUOTE ]
WHat is your definition of performance?

Intended use?

the only reason i would personally go to the wsm is for a LR antelope/deer blaster

YMMV,
JB

[/ QUOTE ]

I would use it for hunting out of elevated blinds and my tripod, but main use would be punching paper and critters that I can legally shoot from long range in East TX (about 5-600 yds). Velocity would be nice for flat shooting, but I want to also compete with the benchrest boys at the range I shoot at. The long range there is 500m (actually 535 yds). It would basically be a toy to shoot at any and everything. I have no experience with 6.5mm, and that is part of the appeal to me. And if I had the chance, I could use it to shoot varmints.