Range Report Best Caliber for 140-150gr 6.5mm bullets?

[RickyRodney]

What caliber is the best for bullets in this weight class? SAUM? I was wondering if there was sort of universal acceptance. I don't shoot PRS or hunt just shooting steel at a private range. Truly I am looking for something that offers a decent step up ballistically from my 2735fps 175 SMK load or soon to try 175 TMK. What do you guys think?

 

[Rob01]

Any of the short action 6.5s will push those bullets fast enough to be a decent step up from that 175 load. You can go with a magnum if you like. How far are you shooting?

 

[RickyRodney]

Probably at most 1000-1200 yards

 

[Rob01]

That's easy for any of the short action cartridges. Do that with the Creedmoor all the time.

 

[RickyRodney]

I'm confident it can be done. For me to personally justify the expense of the conversion for my DTA, and reduction in barrel life. I'm hoping for a major increase in performance. What kind of velocities are you getting with 150's and what barrel length?

 

[Rob01]

The 6.5s have a major advantage over a .308. I am getting 2820fps from a 27" barrel and the 147 in the Creedmoor with H4350. People get more with RL26. Run those numbers against the .308. LOL And you will only have to replace the barrel. Same bolt and magazines as the .308.

 

[HoustonB77]

I'm getting 2862 FPS with my 260 with 147s. Reloads of course but it will sling them plenty fast enough for me.

 

[spaniel]

6.5mm IS a caliber.

As to what CARTRIDGE/CHAMBERING is best to suit your needs, your described uses don't sound awfully competitive or demanding, so most likely will suffice.

 

[Ledzep]

6.5 Creedmoor you're looking at 2600-2900fps
6.5 PRC 2950-3150fps
6.5 SAUM 3050-3200fps

Depends on which bullet, which powder, barrel length, and how hot you care to load. Barrel life is shorter with the short magnums, magazines hold fewer rounds and are slightly harder to get to feed well. Barrel life is 1500-2000 or so with the magnums. 2500-3500 with the creedmoor.

.260 vs. 6.5cm is up to personal preference. Very similar velocity performance, but the creedmoor has much more industry support in terms of brass and especially factory ammo.

In a long action there's 6.5x55, 6.5x55 ackley improved, and .26 nosler.