Custom 6.5 SA

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shortroot

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Thinking about getting a 6.5WSM or 6.5SAUM made up.

Was wondering if anyone has completed this project or knows a little about it.

I was curious as to which platform (SAUM or WSM) everyone would suggest using, and why. As well, what round would I want to be necking down, a 270WSM, 7mmWSM, 300WSM, 325WSM, 7mmSAUM, 300SAUM?

Am leaning towards a WSM, because I want the option of a clip and was leaning towards a SAKO action as a base. Is there a good rifle (with clip) that offers the SAUM's?

Looking to build a lightweight, longer range sheep and deer rifle for open country, for hunting purposes, not target shooting.
 
We built a couple of 6.5 WSM rifles 3 or 4 years ago, but on B-78 actions. One is barreled 28" and the other 30". Both are nice shooters at 1000m, in fact, ammo can be swapped between the two with out busting up a group! There is no real need to lug around a repeater when you are planning on shooting at a fair distance anyway! Put the weight into a slightly longer barrrel instead!

With 140gr bullets, it is my opinion that the SAUM might be slightly more efficient; our optimum loads leave about that much free space in the cases. It would only make a difference if you wanted to be really anal.

Have you considered 6.5/284? My buddy now owns both 6.5 WSM rifles and he had a third B-78 action made over for his son to hunt with. If I remember rightly, the barrel is only 24". It is also fluted for appearance and weight. The shorter barrel only makes a difference if you are not going to shoot at short range (<500 m); at normal hunting ranges you would still have plenty of horsepower with a 140 gr bullet.
 
Either will be in the ballpark of the 264 Win mag. Even in 26" barrels, it is really hard to get much velocity increase for the amount of powder burnt.

I shoot a 6.5-06 and it will take a 140gr SST (long bearing surface, very high BC) to 3000fps using a 24" barrel. Adding 100 to 150fps more will not change much at moderate hunting distances (inside 500yds).

I am thrilled with how accurate it is. Ballistically, head and shoulders above any 270 simply because the 270 bullets aren't that aero yet.

Based on the '06 case, you can have lots in the mag, build them light and not get your lights rung everytime you pull the trigger. You also don't need long barrels although a 25 or 26" is nice to squeeze a bit more out of this wildcat.

Using the SST's, you have a hunting bullet with the accuracy and ballistics of the best match bullets. The reduction in wind drift is amazing.

If you want to squeeze all you can from that case, why not a 6.5 Gibbs? That will put you within spitting distance of the RSAUM case capacity without its hassles.

If you decide to go with your orig plan, just make sure your smith knows something about making these fat boys feed. They can be cantankerous...

Jerry
 
Shortroot, I am the "buddy" who owns the two 6.5WSM's and as Oldbadger states, the are super accurate, and a joy to play with.
I am in the process of building a 6.5WSSM right now, with one of the rifles that has eroded the throat and need to be cut back.
PM me if you need any help or furhter info,as I would be glad to give you any information you need to know...

Cat
 
Which ever 6.5 you decide on try to select one where quality brass is available. This helps keep your rig as accurate as possible with the least amount of headache.

Lapua or Norma brands are recommended. You probably already know this but.....Norma does make 270 and 300 WSM brass which we do stock.

Lapua makes 30-06 brass (which we also stock) so going to varient in this case isn't too bad an option either. They easily size down to 6.5.

You might also consider the 6.5-284 which is much nicer then the 6.5-06....rather ugly and dated looking chambering but it works okay. T
 
6.5 WSM Reloading dies???

catnthehatt said:
Shortroot, I am the "buddy" who owns the two 6.5WSM's and as Oldbadger states, the are super accurate, and a joy to play with.
I am in the process of building a 6.5WSSM right now, with one of the rifles that has eroded the throat and need to be cut back.
PM me if you need any help or furhter info,as I would be glad to give you any information you need to know...

Cat
Click to expand...

Cat... What to you use as a FL sizing die for your 6.5 WSM shortmag?

NormB
 
I also have a 6.5wsm in a Ruger #1 cat loaned me the reamer.I use Lee dies they have them in stock.I ordered direct from Lee on the "net" delivered within a week.Note if you have one built ensure the neck is cut so that you don't have to neck turn brass it's a pain if you only use it for hunting.Jack
 
Why not a 6.5 Remington Mag? Don't have to worry about forming brass, fewer feeding problems than with the WSM/RSAUM family, plus it's got the old-school cache;-)
 
Its all personal preference. Modern powders give us much more flexibility than was possible evn 10 years ago.
....but, the idea is hardly new, I also have a 1st model Newton rifle in.256 Newton that is right in the same class, it even has a set trigger!
 
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