Short barrel 6.5 SST build

[marley]

There's not much info out there about the short barrel SST's so I thought I'd add a bit of what I've found. I wanted a custom, light weight, shorty build for my girls and I to hunt with and to run suppressed. My build is a 6.5 SST with a 20" Proof barrel, Defiance Anti-X action, TriggerTech trigger, AG composite stock, Hawkins bottom metal, built by Weaver Rifles in CO. The rifle weighs just over 6 lbs. We have been loading Hornady 135 grain A-tips with 60 grains of N565 with a COAL of 2.92". Velocity was 2950 fps. Still have to paint the stock and cerakote the rifle. Pic below is the first 3 rounds down the barrel so it's showing great promise!

 

[Shane Lindsey]

Very sharp!

I love the shorter barrels. I have a 20" 308 win and liked it so much, I cut my muzzleloader barrel to 19". Contemplating a 338 SS for the next one with about 22".

I think an Absolute Hammer may get up there enough, you wouldn't miss the longer barrel.

 

[highdrum]

I was hoping a build like this would be sub 6#. I've done the carbon barrel, ti action, carbon stock build more than once, and never been under 6 yet. I figured with the 20" and anti, you'd been 5.something!

 

[marley]

I was hoping a build like this would be sub 6#. I've done the carbon barrel, ti action, carbon stock build more than once, and never been under 6 yet. I figured with the 20" and anti, you'd been 5.something!

I have a .264 WM with a Benchmark barrel, Pierce titanium action, McMillan Hunter Edge stock and jewell trigger that weighs 5.5 lbs that's for sale. 200 rounds through it and shoots lights out. Only selling it to pay for this SST

 

[lancetkenyon]

I have a 20" 6.5SS. Once that barrel breaks in, you should get 3000+ easily. I have a bunch of loads, but lately I am running a 144 LR Hyb @ 3047, or 156 @ 3001 (hot hunting load only).

 

[Coyote Shadow Tracker]

There's not much info out there about the short barrel SST's so I thought I'd add a bit of what I've found. I wanted a custom, light weight, shorty build for my girls and I to hunt with and to run suppressed. My build is a 6.5 SST with a 20" Proof barrel, Defiance Anti-X action, TriggerTech trigger, AG composite stock, Hawkins bottom metal, built by Weaver Rifles in CO. The rifle weighs just over 6 lbs. We have been loading Hornady 135 grain A-tips with 60 grains of N565 with a COAL of 2.92". Velocity was 2950 fps. Still have to paint the stock and cerakote the rifle. Pic below is the first 3 rounds down the barrel so it's showing great promise!

View attachment 266336View attachment 266335

Why paint and cerakote it. Looks great as it is! I wouldn't mind having it. 6.5s rule!

 

[highdrum]

I have a .264 WM with a Benchmark barrel, Pierce titanium action, McMillan Hunter Edge stock and jewell trigger that weighs 5.5 lbs that's for sale. 200 rounds through it and shoots lights out. Only selling it to pay for this SST

I appreciate the offer, sounds like a nice rifle! Unfortunately I have first hand witnessed too many issues with ti lugs being gauled or set back. The mcmillan has too low of comb for me, I've had a few. Everybody has a different pallet with rifles, especially on the custom side of thing.

 

[BrentM]

Might give 560 a try. My 18" PRC running a 135 is showing 3000 with rl26 and 560. It's not broke in yet, like yours.

 

[highdrum]

Might give 560 a try. My 18" PRC running a 135 is showing 3000 with rl26 and 560. It's not broke in yet, like yours.

N560 gives great speeds, but isn't it pretty temp sensitive?

 

[BrentM]

N560 gives great speeds, but isn't it pretty temp sensitive?

not that I am aware of. Should be same as 565. I've used from 10 to 85 and didn't notice any issues with velocity change. IMHO it is the same as RL26 based on my testing in the PRC and is an excellent alternative powder for the light bullets and shorter barrel. I run 565 with 156's.

 

[highdrum]

not that I am aware of. Should be same as 565. I've used from 10 to 85 and didn't notice any issues with velocity change. IMHO it is the same as RL26 based on my testing in the PRC and is an excellent alternative powder for the light bullets and shorter barrel. I run 565 with 156's.

I've stayed away from it due to being told of the temp issues. Benchrest guys tried it in 300wsm with 200+ gr bullets and had excellent speeds, but hot temps would give pressure problems. I may have to try some out. Thanks for the info BrentM

 

[MGM7]

I am running a 6.5 sst using n565 at 3050. Rifle is 18" carbon broughton , tenacity action, manners carbon stock,7.5 lbs with scope. Absolute hammer with nosler 142 ablr.9" thunderbeast can.

 

[BrentM]

I've stayed away from it due to being told of the temp issues. Benchrest guys tried it in 300wsm with 200+ gr bullets and had excellent speeds, but hot temps would give pressure problems. I may have to try some out. Thanks for the info BrentM

Seems fairly common for people to see hot temp issues when they develop a load in medium and lower temp and are pushing max loads to begin with. If you research temp sensitivity charts 560 seems stabile enough to be a contender. Same with RL26. If you are pushing max at lower temp you will likely have an issue at temps over 90. Now, for me, I am a hunter and shoot PRS occasionally. If it's 100 out, I am not interested in spending the day at a hot range.

 

[highdrum]

Seems fairly common for people to see hot temp issues when they develop a load in medium and lower temp and are pushing max loads to begin with. If you research temp sensitivity charts 560 seems stabile enough to be a contender. Same with RL26. If you are pushing max at lower temp you will likely have an issue at temps over 90. Now, for me, I am a hunter and shoot PRS occasionally. If it's 100 out, I am not interested in spending the day at a hot range.

Likewise, however I've tested rl26 in top speed node from 30 to 95° and only observed 10-12fps spread, no obvious psi signs on brass or when working the bolt.