6.5-270WSM?

[hogslayer]

I am thinking of getting a wildcat in the works.  I already have a 7MM mag, and was thinking something lighter/smaller/long range.  I thought about the 6.5x284 Norma.  After talking to Benchmark Barrels today, i am thinking about going with the 6.5-270WSM.  Does anyone have one of these rifles?  He was saying that you can make one pass with a neck sizing die and 270WSM brass. 

[slm9s]

I'd go 6.5saum if I were you.  Hours of reading on snipershide - reported excellent accuracy, performance, and a round count of 3000+.

[CaNINE]

Last year a buddy built a 6.5x300WSM and I built a 264WM. Both with 26" tubes. After load development we found there is no ballistic advantage of the wildcat over the standard WM. We achieve comparable velocity with the accuracy edge going to the WM. Go with the wildcat if you need to own something different and don't mind the extra sizing and annealing operations, otherwise the 6.5x284 or 264WM if you want more speed is the best choice IMO. BTW, he also build a 26 nosler which turned out to be a waste of time and money. He couldn't tame that thing down completely erratic even with US869 and H50BMG powders. I've talked to others at the range with the 26 who are having similar frustrations.   

[Branden]

My brother reloads for a 26 Nosler and it shoots great. My brother and I both have 6.5-06AI and they shoot really well, close to WM velocities.

I've also read great things about 6.5 SAUM.

I've heard problems of short age feeding before. My dads 7mm shortmag jammed once reloading for a follow up shot on a bear. Unless I was building a mountain rifle and trying to save weight I would probably go with a long action.

[WoodlandShooter]

don't forget the 6.5-06...

[badnewskruse]

just bought myself a 6.5 swede. cant wait to do some shooting with that thing

[matt509]

I have one of these beasts! 

To answer a couple questions....I believe the actual name of the wildcat is "6.5-300 WSM" as the 300 WSM and 270 WSM are identical cartridges, except the the neck diameter.  You can buy Redding full length sizing dies from multiple outlets (midway, brownells, etc), and they are usually in stock.  Now, to bury a couple disclaimers;

1. Any time you can go with a short action and get the same performance, do it. 
2. The 6.5-284, while being a phenomenal round, with the rebated head, it can be a nightmare to get to feed.  Also, it being considered a medium length round, you either have to stuff bullets deep in the case when using a short action, or go with a long action.
3. The 6.5-06 AI, is an awesome round, but again it is a long action, the same can be said about the 264 win mag, 26 Nosler, etc. 

When I decided to build mine, I had a set of parameters I wanted to hit,
A) Push the 140gr class of bullets at 3150 fps.
B) Be light weight
C) Be a short action.

I hit all of my parameters, and exceeded a couple others.  I used a Tikka T3 WSM action (was previously a 300 WSM), Manners Carbon Elite stock, Nightforce SHV 4-14, CDI detachable mag bottom metal with AI 338 Lapua mags.  My build with loaded mag bipod weighs in at 8 pounds, and I have made hits to a mile, so my data is spot on.  With reloading powders being extremely rare to find any more, and pricey when you do, I puchased Quickload to expedite reloading.  I settled on a load that pushes the Hornady 143 ELD-X at 3250fps, not super hot either; it is hot; but I have easy bolt lift, and flat primers.  I honestly think I could get 3300fps, but I really don't see the need.

Now, the bad......this all sounds great, but (there is always a but).....My expected barrel life is 400-500 rounds.  If I get more great, but I don't plan on it.  This being a dedicated hunting rifle, after load development, I took 20 rounds to confirm drops, and I am ready to hunt.  I have right around 100 rounds through the barrel as it sits right now, and I cold bored an approx 10" target at 1142 yards the other day.  It is ready for hunting season.

[superdown]

]When I decided to build mine, I had a set of parameters I wanted to hit,

C) Be a short action.

  I used a Tikka T3 WSM action (was previously a 300 WSM),

All Tikka rifles are the same length action regardless of caliber.

[b23]

Why not just do a straight 270 WSM and shoot the new 170gr Bergers?

[WoodlandShooter]

a buddy has a 6.5-06 in a remmy with a XLR element chassis. nice thing, he can get a 12 round mag for it as it is his match rifle. Pushed a 140 Hybrid at 3150 (match limit) Expects to get 1000 rounds out of the barrel.

[coachcw]

I built my 6.5x284 on a long action , it feeds the 140s great.

[Branden]

I have one of these beasts! 

To answer a couple questions....I believe the actual name of the wildcat is "6.5-300 WSM" as the 300 WSM and 270 WSM are identical cartridges, except the the neck diameter.  You can buy Redding full length sizing dies from multiple outlets (midway, brownells, etc), and they are usually in stock.  Now, to bury a couple disclaimers;

1. Any time you can go with a short action and get the same performance, do it. 
2. The 6.5-284, while being a phenomenal round, with the rebated head, it can be a nightmare to get to feed.  Also, it being considered a medium length round, you either have to stuff bullets deep in the case when using a short action, or go with a long action.
3. The 6.5-06 AI, is an awesome round, but again it is a long action, the same can be said about the 264 win mag, 26 Nosler, etc. 

When I decided to build mine, I had a set of parameters I wanted to hit,
A) Push the 140gr class of bullets at 3150 fps.
B) Be light weight
C) Be a short action.

I hit all of my parameters, and exceeded a couple others.  I used a Tikka T3 WSM action (was previously a 300 WSM), Manners Carbon Elite stock, Nightforce SHV 4-14, CDI detachable mag bottom metal with AI 338 Lapua mags.  My build with loaded mag bipod weighs in at 8 pounds, and I have made hits to a mile, so my data is spot on.  With reloading powders being extremely rare to find any more, and pricey when you do, I puchased Quickload to expedite reloading.  I settled on a load that pushes the Hornady 143 ELD-X at 3250fps, not super hot either; it is hot; but I have easy bolt lift, and flat primers.  I honestly think I could get 3300fps, but I really don't see the need.

Now, the bad......this all sounds great, but (there is always a but).....My expected barrel life is 400-500 rounds.  If I get more great, but I don't plan on it.  This being a dedicated hunting rifle, after load development, I took 20 rounds to confirm drops, and I am ready to hunt.  I have right around 100 rounds through the barrel as it sits right now, and I cold bored an approx 10" target at 1142 yards the other day.  It is ready for hunting season.

Lol I love posts like this. Made my day.

Both mine and my brothers 6.5-06AI are built on tikka T3 actions. And Tikka only made one length action for its T3. The short action cartridges just use a bolt stop. Also is that a new bullet you are testing for hornady? I didn't know they made a 143 grain ELD for the 6.5.



Again if I was getting a wildcat 6.5 in a short action I would look at the 6.5 Saum. Guys are getting 2500 rounds out of barrels which is way better then the stated 400-500 for the 6.5-300sm. Also there is factory brass now for the 6.5 Saum.

Maybe read the threads on snipers hide or 24 hour about the 6.5 Saum.

Good luck in your search.

Regards, Branden

[BULLBLASTER]

I have one of these beasts! 

To answer a couple questions....I believe the actual name of the wildcat is "6.5-300 WSM" as the 300 WSM and 270 WSM are identical cartridges, except the the neck diameter.  You can buy Redding full length sizing dies from multiple outlets (midway, brownells, etc), and they are usually in stock.  Now, to bury a couple disclaimers;

1. Any time you can go with a short action and get the same performance, do it. 
2. The 6.5-284, while being a phenomenal round, with the rebated head, it can be a nightmare to get to feed.  Also, it being considered a medium length round, you either have to stuff bullets deep in the case when using a short action, or go with a long action.
3. The 6.5-06 AI, is an awesome round, but again it is a long action, the same can be said about the 264 win mag, 26 Nosler, etc. 

When I decided to build mine, I had a set of parameters I wanted to hit,
A) Push the 140gr class of bullets at 3150 fps.
B) Be light weight
C) Be a short action.

I hit all of my parameters, and exceeded a couple others.  I used a Tikka T3 WSM action (was previously a 300 WSM), Manners Carbon Elite stock, Nightforce SHV 4-14, CDI detachable mag bottom metal with AI 338 Lapua mags.  My build with loaded mag bipod weighs in at 8 pounds, and I have made hits to a mile, so my data is spot on.  With reloading powders being extremely rare to find any more, and pricey when you do, I puchased Quickload to expedite reloading.  I settled on a load that pushes the Hornady 143 ELD-X at 3250fps, not super hot either; it is hot; but I have easy bolt lift, and flat primers.  I honestly think I could get 3300fps, but I really don't see the need.

Now, the bad......this all sounds great, but (there is always a but).....My expected barrel life is 400-500 rounds.  If I get more great, but I don't plan on it.  This being a dedicated hunting rifle, after load development, I took 20 rounds to confirm drops, and I am ready to hunt.  I have right around 100 rounds through the barrel as it sits right now, and I cold bored an approx 10" target at 1142 yards the other day.  It is ready for hunting season.

The 300 wsm also has a rebated rim like the 6.5-284

[rbros]

[/quote]

Lol I love posts like this. Made my day.

Both mine and my brothers 6.5-06AI are built on tikka T3 actions. And Tikka only made one length action for its T3. The short action cartridges just use a bolt stop. Also is that a new bullet you are testing for hornady? I didn't know they made a 143 grain ELD for the 6.5.



Again if I was getting a wildcat 6.5 in a short action I would look at the 6.5 Saum. Guys are getting 2500 rounds out of barrels which is way better then the stated 400-500 for the 6.5-300sm. Also there is factory brass now for the 6.5 Saum.

Maybe read the threads on snipers hide or 24 hour about the 6.5 Saum.

Good luck in your search.

Regards, Branden
[/quote]

The 143gr ELD-X was actually one of the first of the ELD-X bullets to become available.  Its a pretty slick little bullet for sure.

[BULLBLASTER]

 
The 143 eld-X has been shooting very well for me.
Can't wait to see how it performs on a critter

[b23]

I built my 6.5x284 on a long action , it feeds the 140s great.

I have a 6.5-284 built on a LA Rem 700, started life as a 30-06, and a 6-284 built on SA Rem 700, started life as a 22-250, I've never had a single feeding problem, ever, with either one.

I've read many times where people say the 6.5-284 feeds bad so I guess there must be something to it but I've never had a single problem with how either of mine feed.

[slm9s]

Why not just do a straight 270 WSM and shoot the new 170gr Bergers?

The only problem here is what if the rifle doesn't like that bullet?  Not much else available to take advantage of the custom fast twist barrel it requires.

[257 Wby Mag]

I built my 6.5x284 on a long action , it feeds the 140s great.

I have a 6.5-284 built on a LA Rem 700, started life as a 30-06, and a 6-284 built on SA Rem 700, started life as a 22-250, I've never had a single feeding problem, ever, with either one.

I've read many times where people say the 6.5-284 feeds bad so I guess there must be something to it but I've never had a single problem with how either of mine feed.

My 700 6.5/06 ai wouldn't feed with the stamped follower, put a machined one in er it feeds excellent now. Figured  I was gonna have to do the same to my 660 6mmai but it works great with the factory follower