6.5 SHERMAN MAX

Data I've collected w/ 156 bergers and a verity of powders, CCI250, adg brass. 26" bartlein 8tw, Tikka action.
Brass required turning for proper clearance. Process is: cleaned, annealed, sized w/ 287 bushing, expanded with 262 mandrel tumbled. Gives 2.5k nk tension.
I don't run the psi a lot of guys do with the Sherman cases. I get ejector I can catch with the edge my knife, I typically shut it down, whether bolt lift is there or not. Some times lift/prominent ejector show up at same time.
My buddy and I built rifles at the same time, 90% same components. Barrels are both equally slow compared to said/advertised velocities.View attachment 215293View attachment 215294View attachment 215295View attachment 215296View attachment 215297
Thank you for the data! And work!
 
Thank you for the data! And work!
No problem. Rl33 shoots the best in this rifle so far. I don't really care for that powder as it's dirty tough on throats and has temp stability issues, but I'm gonna try it. I hear if you keep bullet close to lands the quick psi spike helps it burn more clean, but who knows. I'm running 156s @ 30k off in this gun, done zero seating depth testing at this point. An interesting side not. Shots on barrel 118-134 with rl33 went nearly identical speeds as the same charge weights shot yesterday @ 205 rounds on barrel. So the bartlein was completely sped up after 118 rounds.
 
Rich now has All supplies in stock. I got dies and formed 6,5 Max brass in. You do have to neck size the brass from 7mm down to 6.5. Easy one step activity. Necks are not supposed to have to be turned for clearance. Haven't chambered mine yet to verify this. Can't wait to play with the new rifle. Still waiting on my smith and $$!
 
Any particular's to neck sizing to be aware of.? Bushing size, lube,
1 pull of the handle,
Full sizer, or neck only, size to shoulder or stay Just shy. Neck turn, trim, deburr, resize, Expander, tumble.
 
Last edited:
Bushing size for 6.5 Max? .290?

per Highdrum:
Brass required turning for proper clearance. Process is: cleaned, annealed, sized w/ 287 bushing, expanded with 262 mandrel tumbled. Gives 2.5k nk tension.

Is this process for the New headstamped brass?
Maybe I'll get a couple different bshng.
 
Last edited:
woops, a . 314" bushing is for a 7 max, youvneed about . 292".
There is nothing else necessary to do on the new brass. It will give you around . 005" clearance.
 
Rich,

any educated guess on starting loads in 6.5 MAX for the 123 gn Absolute Hammers? 1:8 tw, 20" carbon Six on Tikka action. I have H1000, Rutumbo, RL 26, RL 33, RL16, N565, H4381SC...... thx for your help
 
Top