6.5-300 vs 7stw

[CoBry]

Hello, all!!
First time I have posted in awhile. I'm just looking for some knowledge from this group on the 6.5-300 Weatherby. I'm a fan of the more classic belted magnums probably because of my age. LOL I've had a custom 7STW that I finally burned the barrel out a few years ago (based on a 700RM action). At the time, my gunsmith and I did a custom build on a 300 winmag using the long magazine length of the stw and a custom reamer basically giving the barrel a longer throat..which I guess is now the popular 300prc. So I've got my long range/elk rifle. I am seeking anyone's opinion that has shot and hand loaded both a 700stw, which I am accustomed to, and the 6.5-300. In as far as being finicky, is one more than the other? It will be used as a deer or sheep rifle. As a teenager, I had always wanted a 264 winmag and have always wanted a Weatherby just for nostalgic reasons. So that's the reason for my thought on starting down the path of a 6.5-300 because I am not really interested in the new non-belted 6.5's. I have also entertained building a 6.5stw. So, bottom line, I am wondering how the 6.5-300 Weatherby shoots? I know my gunsmith and I can come up with whatever we needed, but I have always wanted a Weatherby.
Sorry for being long winded, but any input on any other Weatherby caliber that I might be overlooking would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Bryan

 

[David Emerson]

The 6.5x300 is a fast cartridge but it will fall over at 400 or less.

 

[CoBry]

The 6.5x300 is a fast cartridge but it will fall over at 400 or less.

Thanks! I figured as much. I have many .308 cartridges. Just want something different. Thanks again.

 

[swe123]

257 Weatherby is a speed freaks dream.

 

[Bghunter338]

You should look at the 28 Sherman mag, I have a custom 7stw myself that I'm going to have it rebarreled in as soon as it's shot out. Very impressive.

 

[MagnumManiac]

I had a 6.5 WSM and, at the time, a 6.5 8mm Rem Mag. This is essentially a 6.5STW.
Interestingly, the WSM was only 100fps slower than the STW while using way less powder.
I found both finicky to load for, so I abandoned them early.
The STW became my switch barrel 300Bee, 340Bee and 375Bee.
The 6.5WSM was a long action and it became my switch barrel 270Bee and 264WM.
Have never looked back.
They were accurate, but dialling in accurate loads was fraught with danger, especially the WSM. Pressure excursions were the norm with that round, not the exception.

Cheers.

 

[bullfrog]

6.5 weatherby wildcat based on the 257/270 weatherby is another option. Little faster than the 264 win but not as overbore as the 6.5-300

 

[PAGSDIII701]

As mentioned above...Look at SHERMAN

 

[jrock]

I've recently played with a 6.5-300 Vanguard and ended up with RE 50 and the 143 ELDX doing 3250 fps. It was shooting 3/8" groups. However, I prefer my 6.5 SAUM shooting 140s @ 3150 as far as recoil goes.

 

[Aussie Hunter Steve]

I've had a 7mm STW and currently have a 6.5-300. I've shot a lot of game with both....the 6.5-300 has been really easy to load for, gets good speed and accuracy with high BC bullets and kills well. Of the two, I've found the 6.5-300 the most forgiving.

 

[epoletna]

If you were a fan of the .264 mag, why not give that a try after all? I've seen two in pre-64 Model 70s for sale recently, one on Gun Broker. Price looked ok for a pre-64.

 

[CoBry]

Thanks for all of your help and reply's... very interesting!
Well I found a Weatherby mark V chambered from the factory in 7stw. I think I am going to look at the barrel, check twist and go from there. I keep all posted on my findings in case I have any questions. Thanks again Bryan

 

[257X50]

If you like the 7STW and are looking at the 6:5-300.....see what you can find on Harold Wolfe.......he designed the 7-300W(pretty much the 7STW) and the 6:5-300W in the 50s and built world record rifles for The Original 1000 yard range(1022 yards lol) in Williamsport PA.

 

[Blue Ridge Rifleman]

I have a 6.5-300 Accuguard. Super easy load development, like US 869 powder and 140 Accubonds.