My 6.5 Sherman, first custom rifle, first wildcat.

[Mitch Rapp]

There is a long story that explains how I got this rifle, you can find the details in this thread http://www.longrangehunting.com/forums/f19/christmas-build-challenge-164001/

I will sum it up by saying it was a gift from some friends, many of whom I have never met, and some who I have only met on here or via phone. I did get to meet the gunsmith who built it, J E Custom, also a member here, and spent a wonderful time chatting with him and some others about shooting.

So far I have only fired 5 rounds, have to turn the necks on my brass before shooting more, this is my first wildcat so there are some tools I have to pickup. That part of it is also a lot of fun. Having a wildcat always sounded fun, but also intimidating to be honest. Rich (elkaholic on the forum, and the designer of the Sherman wildcats) has been a great help, and I am certain I will be on the phone with him many more times before long!

Started this thread so I can post updates without clogging up the Christmas thread, so there is a lot more to come.

Specs on the rifle: Remington 700 LA, blueprinted by JE Custom, Krieger sendero countour barrel, HS precision stock, bedded by JE Custom, Timney trigger, and the scope is a Vortex Viper HST.

For bullets I have 143 ELD X bullets to start with, and may pick up some Bergers to try as well. The powder I am starting out with is Reloder 26. My first 5 rounds were 59 grains, and showed pressure signs, so after I turn the necks I am going to back down a bit and see what happens.

 

[Mitch Rapp]

Not sure why the picture got flipped upside down. Lol

 

[turkeyfever]

tagging in

 

[sambo3006]

Wow Mitch, that is one great looking rifle!!! I'm sure it will shoot as good as it looks. I hope you're able to kill some critters with it this fall and for many years to come.

 

[waspocrew]

Nice looking rig!

I went with the 6.5 Sherman for my first custom as well - I haven't had a ton of time to mess with it so far, but I've been pleased with what it's done with forming loads.

 

[reeldawg]

The 6.5 Sherman was my first wildcat as well. It's a great round and it's pretty easy make. I have tried H1000, H4831sc, Retumbo and RL26.

Jay

 

[tbrice23]

Not sure why the picture got flipped upside down. Lol

What finish is on the barrel?
It looks jeweled.

 

[Mitch Rapp]

What finish is on the barrel?
It looks jeweled.

Not sure what the finish would be called, looks great though.

Got my necks turned on my brass! About to be ready to shoot some more.

 

[wilkup]

That's a gorgeous rifle! From what I heard, you more than deserve it =)
Check out RL33 for higher speeds with the heavier bullets and Marshal with Matrix sells a sweet shooting 150gr vld I'm pretty sure will kill anything in the lower 48 =)
Enjoy the road less travelled with Rich's wildcat. You'll love it!

 

[Mitch Rapp]

Work has been crazy busy, and crazy hot! Hopefully will get some updates posted here soon!

 

[jb1023]

Any updates? Just found out about this new cartridge and am very curious about it.

 

[Mitch Rapp]

Any updates? Just found out about this new cartridge and am very curious about it.

Slow on the updates, sorry been very busy. Will post some numbers and groups later this week.

 

[Mitch Rapp]

Here are a couple of groups, both shot at 200 yards.




Pretty happy with those, and half MOA is about what I have been getting across the board. I am having a little bit of a problem wother the ELD-X bullets. Showing pressure signs at what should be starting loads. Will be trying some other bullets to try to figure that out. Overall the rifle shoots like a dream, half MOA with no load tuning for accuracy yet seems very good to me!

 

[Anschutz]

Mitch, spent the last hour or so reading through the other thread and your story is a testament of His love. I pray that you and your wife are doing well today. Looks like a shooter for sure. Should put the smack down on an OK Whitetail.