6.5 stw, 6.5-.300wtby, 6.5rsaum, or 6.5rcm.

tnhunter211984

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What is everyone thoughts on the above mention caliber?? I've already my 7mm dakotacustom made and love and now im wanting something way different. I also thought about a 6.5-7mm Dakota. But i have no idea how to form the neck down. But would be willing to pay someone to do that.
 
Necking a case is simplistic. You get a set of 6.5 Dakota dies and that's the hardest part.

It's pretty simple stuff. Just 1 trip through the 6.5 Dakota die and then shoot it to full fire-form it, and you've got 6.5 Dakota brass.
 
No, you said you have a 7 Dakota, and you mentioned a 6.5 Dakota, and since you already have brass for the 7 Dakota, making a 6.5 Dakota would be as simple as buying some 6.5 bullets and a set of dies, and you already have everything else.

However, if you don't mind buying brass, the 6.5 STW is one hell of a performer, that is hard to beat.

The 6.5-300 WinMag is also a great one from what I have read.

I am debating on building a 7mm-300 WinMag just for fun because it will be right inbetween my 7RM's and my 7mmSTW.
 
Im really leaning toward the 6.5stw, 6.5-.300wby and the 6.5 Dakota. But i have read good reviews on the 6.5saum. Im wanting atleast 1000-1500 rounds out of barrel life reason being that will last my left time. Never read anyone doing a 6.5-7mm Dakota and not read much on the 6.5-.300wby either.
 
You are not likely to get 1000 rounds of barrel life out of the STW or WBY and probably a lot less. 1000 rounds or more should be very doable in the SAUM and RCM if you treat it well. Performance comes with a price. If you want high velocity it will usually cost you in barrel life and if you want barrel life it will usually cost you velocity.
 
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They are all screamers. You will have the best availability for brass if you go with either the 300wm or wby.

Building off of the WSM, RCM, or RSAUM won't get you same velocities as the long magnum cases will but they will be close.

Personally I'm leaning towards a 6.5STW but only because I'm already in love with the 7mm STW.
 
You are not likely to get 1000 rounds of barrel life out of the STW or WBY and probably a lot less. 1000 rounds or more should be very doable in the SAUM and RCM if you treat it well. Performance comes with a price. If you want high velocity it will usually cost you in barrel life and if you want barrel life it will usually cost you velocity.

George (GAP) is getting over 3000 rounds in the 6.5 SAUM 4S using 63 grs H1000 in a 24" barrel. Running 3180 fps with the 130 Berger and very low pressure. Still shoots 1/2 moa after 3300 rounds.
 
George (GAP) is getting over 3000 rounds in the 6.5 SAUM 4S using 63 grs H1000 in a 24" barrel. Running 3180 fps with the 130 Berger and very low pressure. Still shoots 1/2 moa after 3300 rounds.


Yes, I've read that. Not sure how that is possible and I would not expect it in other rifles. Another member here is running 130 CEB's which are a little faster than the Bergers) with near max pressures at about 3400 fps in a 30" 6.5 WSM with N570 which I think usually produces a little better velocity than H1000. So I'm not sure how a 24" 6.5 SAUM which has about 90% of the case capacity as a WSM is pushing a 130 bullet within 200 fps with low pressure than the WSM in a 30" tube.

Maybe someone else who is shooting 130's in a SAUM can jump in with their experiences.

I'm not saying that George is not experiencing this, but it seems to defy physics.
 
In the larger cases (WSM & UP) i'm starting to think the 130's are inefficient & bordering on a waste of time. I am running the 130's @ 3400 but am also running the 160's close to the same speed George's SAUM is pushing 130's.

If I had to do it again.... I don't know, the WSM is still pretty hard to beat.


t
 
He is not the only one experiencing it. There are 3 or 4 other guys on the Hide with same results. I don't know how either, but I take George and his buddies word that it is true.

I'll let you know when I get mine.
 
Yes, I've read that. Not sure how that is possible and I would not expect it in other rifles. Another member here is running 130 CEB's which are a little faster than the Bergers) with near max pressures at about 3400 fps in a 30" 6.5 WSM with N570 which I think usually produces a little better velocity than H1000. So I'm not sure how a 24" 6.5 SAUM which has about 90% of the case capacity as a WSM is pushing a 130 bullet within 200 fps with low pressure than the WSM in a 30" tube.

Maybe someone else who is shooting 130's in a SAUM can jump in with their experiences.

I'm not saying that George is not experiencing this, but it seems to defy physics.
Loaded chrono? Improperly calibrated chrono? Improperly maintained chrono? Any could be possible.

I'm not even aware of the calibers or claims yall are discussing, but those are 2 possible ways that he could be reaching such high velocities...Especially if his buddies who use those rifles, are using George's chrono to measure...

I have no dog in this fight at all....Just simply my thoughts.
 
In the larger cases (WSM & UP) i'm starting to think the 130's are inefficient & bordering on a waste of time. I am running the 130's @ 3400 but am also running the 160's close to the same speed George's SAUM is pushing 130's.

If I had to do it again.... I don't know, the WSM is still pretty hard to beat.


t

That is interesting. It should be interesting to see how well RL33 pushes the 160's. When I do the 264 Montana I might sell the 6.5 WSM :rolleyes:
 
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