Best way to get 2900-3000 FPS from a 140gr 6.5mm
- Thread starter Jayph
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Pathfinder
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Northeast Ontario
that's easy for a 264 WM in a 24" barrel as most can push 3100-3150 .
As far as efficiency and barrel life others will probably point you towards a 6.5x284 .
As far as efficiency and barrel life others will probably point you towards a 6.5x284 .
"Most efficient"? I guess you mean using the least powder at sane pressures?
264 WM can do it with ease at lower pressures than anything else on the list, although the 6.5 WSM is close. Least powder at sane pressure would be the 6.5-284 or 6.5-06 Improved IMO.
Mystic Precision
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Summerland, BC
Since this is in a hunting forum, 6.5-06. No muss no fuss and will run through any action.
The improved cases or 284 can have feeding issues.
Jerry
The improved cases or 284 can have feeding issues.
Jerry
Mystic Precision
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Summerland, BC
Maybe. And that's the problem of using a smaller case. Some barrels don't like running at high pressures.
With a 6.5-06, it'll work at moderate 270 type pressures.
The 6.5-06 and 6.5-284 use essentially the same amount of powder so will toast pipes at the same rate. Expect 1000rds of best accuracy then fading to 1300rds where it will still hold 1.5 MOA at 300yds.
Jerry
based on my experence with 30" barrels and modern actions, the 6.5x55 would not do it with 26". The improved would be around 2900 with RL22 or H1000.
The 6.5-284 would do it.
The 6.5-06 (my first 6.5 target rifle) would do it. I have seen very good accuracy with this caliber.
I think Jerry's comment about feeding is a good one. If you are using a long action you may as well use the 06 case.
The 6.5-284 would do it.
The 6.5-06 (my first 6.5 target rifle) would do it. I have seen very good accuracy with this caliber.
I think Jerry's comment about feeding is a good one. If you are using a long action you may as well use the 06 case.
I agree that the standard 6.5x55 will fall short of the target velocity at sane pressures. The best I have got out of a 26" 6.5x55 was an average of 2820, and that was a working maximum in a m700 action. Add 100 fps with the improved version. I use Norma MRP, IMR7828 and Vihtavuori N165 to achieve
2900+ pennies in my 26" barrelled 6.5x55AI. The 6.5-06 is a dandy in a long action, and my experience mirrors yours. excellent accuracy, and about 3000 fps available with H1000 and RL25. Regards, Eagleye.
Pathfinder
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Northeast Ontario
It is back, remington chambers it in the Model 700 Sendero SfII and Ruger has it as a new chambering in their Hawkeye for this year, not sure when we will see that one in canada.
I get 2900 wit moly coated 139 gr Norma plastic points
If you moly coat, a 6.5 x 55 AI will do it, and I shot a moose at about 50 feet with one, it was very effective, the moose took 3 steps toward the road, and fell as dead as a stone. I have a 23 inch barrel, I have no idea about the pressures I am running, but brass lasts well, and the action always opens easily, and extracts well.
Al
If you moly coat, a 6.5 x 55 AI will do it, and I shot a moose at about 50 feet with one, it was very effective, the moose took 3 steps toward the road, and fell as dead as a stone. I have a 23 inch barrel, I have no idea about the pressures I am running, but brass lasts well, and the action always opens easily, and extracts well.
Al
There are a number of cartridges with the capability and the choice is, to some extent, dependent on the rifle's intended use and preferred configuration.
The 264 Winchester will do it easily with any barrel length over 22 inches. It is at it's best as a dedicated long range rifle.
The 6.5-06 will also do 2900 easily. Some even report over 3000fps but their loads are probably a little hot (I don't care how easily the bolt opens!).
Another cartridge- formerly a factory round but now relegated to wildcat staus- for the guy who wants to shoot a classic chambering, is the 256 Newton. The Newton is a slightly shortened 6.5-06 and will push 140's at 2900 nicely.
Both the 6.5-06 and the 256 Newton are ideal for Mountain rifle chamberings. They work well through a standard action. The magazine holds five. The drawback is that both are wildcats and no factory ammunition is available.
The 6.5- 284 is in the same class and will fit in a short action (barely). Feeding can be a bit of an issue and the cartridge is not a favorite of mine.
The 6.5 Remington magnum will easily achieve the required velocity with an barrel length over 22". It is also almost a wildcat now with factory brass and ammo available only sporadically.
As far as wildcats are concerned, any cartridge with a capacity equal to the 30/06, necked to 6.5mm will do the trick. Some are easier to work with than others. Some, I wouldn't touch. My first choice would be a 256 Newton because I think it's neat. Second choice would be a 6.5-06. Third would be a 264 Win mag. Out of the running would be anything based on the WSM case. Regards, Bill.
The 264 Winchester will do it easily with any barrel length over 22 inches. It is at it's best as a dedicated long range rifle.
The 6.5-06 will also do 2900 easily. Some even report over 3000fps but their loads are probably a little hot (I don't care how easily the bolt opens!).
Another cartridge- formerly a factory round but now relegated to wildcat staus- for the guy who wants to shoot a classic chambering, is the 256 Newton. The Newton is a slightly shortened 6.5-06 and will push 140's at 2900 nicely.
Both the 6.5-06 and the 256 Newton are ideal for Mountain rifle chamberings. They work well through a standard action. The magazine holds five. The drawback is that both are wildcats and no factory ammunition is available.
The 6.5- 284 is in the same class and will fit in a short action (barely). Feeding can be a bit of an issue and the cartridge is not a favorite of mine.
The 6.5 Remington magnum will easily achieve the required velocity with an barrel length over 22". It is also almost a wildcat now with factory brass and ammo available only sporadically.
As far as wildcats are concerned, any cartridge with a capacity equal to the 30/06, necked to 6.5mm will do the trick. Some are easier to work with than others. Some, I wouldn't touch. My first choice would be a 256 Newton because I think it's neat. Second choice would be a 6.5-06. Third would be a 264 Win mag. Out of the running would be anything based on the WSM case. Regards, Bill.
