Varberger757
Well-Known Member
Over a long time I have been quite critical of the caliber 6,5 mm regarding hunting of larger / large game, because I had been convinced that most of the available cartridges were marginal concerning terminal energy. Very accurate, but that was it for me. Things changed dramatically when I learned about the 6,5 x 63 Messner Mag. Invented by Joseph Messner from Alsace / France this cartridge met all the requirements I demanded. (Ultra) flat trajectory, superb accuracy, relatively light on the shoulder (corresponds approx. to the recoil of a 280 Rem / 7 x 64) and lots of terminal energy. I ordered a rifle from Mr. Messner himself, an Austrian made Voere LBW Luxus. Hand - lapped LW SS - barrel of 63 cm / 25' length and with a special "throat" corresponding to the 6,5 x 65 RWS for more durability. I'm using a monumental copper bullet of 137gr / BC 0,68, which also was invented by Mr. Messner himself. COAL 85 mm, 77gr Swiss RS 80 powder. MV 982 m/s or 3222 fps at 4050 bar / 58740 psi. At 300 m the bullet is still travelling with 852 m/s - 2795 fps and delivering a striking 3216 Joules of energy. Following some pictures of the rifle, cartridges and the target of the first (!) three fired rounds / 100 m right after load development. Mountain hunting in a new dimension.
