MontanaRifleman
Well-Known Member
Since I inadvertently resurrected this thread, here's an update...
Decided to do a 6.5 WSM instead as a first build and experiment with nitirding. Project was recently completely and am in load development stage.
Action used was a Vanguard (Howa) and was black nitrided along with the barrel by H&M.
I used RL17 in testing the 130 CE bullets and got descent results but determined that 17 is just too fast for the cartridge. So 17 would definitely be too fast for the smaller cal Dakotas. RL33 on the other hand is producing very good velocities in the 6.5 WSM. Retumbo is also working well and am able to push 140's at about 3400 through a 27" nitirded tube. 33 had the 140's up to over 3500 but not sure about the pressures there.
My next step in this direction will be what I am calling a 270 Montana which is off the 300 Dakota case... seen here in this thread.
http://www.longrangehunting.com/forums/f19/just-little-teaser-119197/index4.html
I have decided to use the Dakota case because after recieving a 100 count lot of their brass, I was very impressed (made by Hornady to Dakota specs). Also, the forming process would be simpler and might be able to get away with not having to turn necks. So IMO, worth the extra $$$ for the brass.
After the 270 Montana, assuming nitriding is giving me good barrel life, will be the 264 Montana (6.5/300 Dakota)
Decided to do a 6.5 WSM instead as a first build and experiment with nitirding. Project was recently completely and am in load development stage.
Action used was a Vanguard (Howa) and was black nitrided along with the barrel by H&M.
I used RL17 in testing the 130 CE bullets and got descent results but determined that 17 is just too fast for the cartridge. So 17 would definitely be too fast for the smaller cal Dakotas. RL33 on the other hand is producing very good velocities in the 6.5 WSM. Retumbo is also working well and am able to push 140's at about 3400 through a 27" nitirded tube. 33 had the 140's up to over 3500 but not sure about the pressures there.
My next step in this direction will be what I am calling a 270 Montana which is off the 300 Dakota case... seen here in this thread.
http://www.longrangehunting.com/forums/f19/just-little-teaser-119197/index4.html
I have decided to use the Dakota case because after recieving a 100 count lot of their brass, I was very impressed (made by Hornady to Dakota specs). Also, the forming process would be simpler and might be able to get away with not having to turn necks. So IMO, worth the extra $$$ for the brass.
After the 270 Montana, assuming nitriding is giving me good barrel life, will be the 264 Montana (6.5/300 Dakota)