New GAP Extreme Hunter in 6.5 SAUM

Pester · Apr 24, 2014

Input needed....

Been looking to replace my .308 and have been looking at a .260.

I wont have a safe full of rifles so I am looking for one good all around rifle. It sounds like some are getting 1,000 ft lbs at 1,000 yards and fps of around 3175-3250 ( tried to read all the posts on this thread so maybe I missed additional data). Any thoughts on felt recoil differences between this and a comparable .260?

While I reload handgun I am not ask skilled as many of you on the nuances of reloading for a round such as this. Willing to learn so if I am to factor round availability does that tip the scales sharply back towards a .260? I read a lot of comments about component cost and availability as well as the price of loaded ammo.

Seems like this round would be a great option if I wanted to dabble in tactical comps as well as used for hunting.

thoughts from those that have experience in both is appreciated.

Thanks

Bob L Swagger · Apr 24, 2014

Pester said:
Input needed....

Been looking to replace my .308 and have been looking at a .260.

I wont have a safe full of rifles so I am looking for one good all around rifle. It sounds like some are getting 1,000 ft lbs at 1,000 yards and fps of around 3175-3250 ( tried to read all the posts on this thread so maybe I missed additional data). Any thoughts on felt recoil differences between this and a comparable .260?

While I reload handgun I am not ask skilled as many of you on the nuances of reloading for a round such as this. Willing to learn so if I am to factor round availability does that tip the scales sharply back towards a .260? I read a lot of comments about component cost and availability as well as the price of loaded ammo.

Seems like this round would be a great option if I wanted to dabble in tactical comps as well as used for hunting.

thoughts from those that have experience in both is appreciated.

Thanks

Just to give you an idea of recoil...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YBxRzWTWj_w

XTREM HTR16 · Apr 24, 2014

My extreme hunter has less felt recoil than my non typical .260.

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Bob L Swagger · Apr 24, 2014

A relaxing yet productive way to kill an hour in the reloading room... 25pcs of Norma 7 SAUM turned into 6.5 SAUM.

Pester · Apr 24, 2014

Seems like recoil is a non issue.
Round cost appears much higher than a std .260 based on Cooper Creek pricing so it looks like that is my hurdle to get over.

Any news of someone doing brass for this? I thought it was mentioned that getting someone to produce it was front and center for earlier this year.

Lastly, what sort of distance would you expect before it goes trans sonic?

Thanks gents...

105amatt · Apr 24, 2014

George, is the Harvester rated for a 300wm? My rifle has a #3 barrel finished at 25". Is there enough barrel left to have threads cut for this can?

Thanks,
Matt

XTREM HTR16 · Apr 24, 2014

Pester said:
Seems like recoil is a non issue.
Round cost appears much higher than a std .260 based on Cooper Creek pricing so it looks like that is my hurdle to get over.

Any news of someone doing brass for this? I thought it was mentioned that getting someone to produce it was front and center for earlier this year.

Lastly, what sort of distance would you expect before it goes trans sonic?

Thanks gents...

Believe the long life of brass may even things out a little.

Believe it's been posted that an announcement on factory brass should be forthcoming next spring at SHOT show or maybe earlier?

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Boltfluter · Apr 25, 2014

Bob L Swagger said:
A relaxing yet productive way to kill an hour in the reloading room... 25pcs of Norma 7 SAUM turned into 6.5 SAUM.

Bob,

That pic is a thing of beauty. Can I borrow some money? LOL

Paul

Bob L Swagger · Apr 25, 2014

Boltfluter said:
Bob,

That pic is a thing of beauty. Can I borrow some money? LOL

Paul

Paul, If I had your money.... I'd burn mine!

Fongman · Apr 25, 2014

105amatt said:
George, is the Harvester rated for a 300wm? My rifle has a #3 barrel finished at 25". Is there enough barrel left to have threads cut for this can?

Thanks,
Matt

A10XRIFLE said:
Up to 78 grains powder so that's 300 Win Mag and below

Part of your questioned answered.

Fongman · Apr 25, 2014

Pester said:
Lastly, what sort of distance would you expect before it goes trans sonic?

Thanks gents...

I remember wondering that and ran some numbers, don't have access to them at the moment, but from what I remember -
even though a lot of environmentals go into that equation, I think it was 1600yds+ on an average day.

Hope that's about right...

bas402 · Apr 25, 2014

Bob L Swagger said:
A relaxing yet productive way to kill an hour in the reloading room... 25pcs of Norma 7 SAUM turned into 6.5 SAUM.

Beautiful! Let us know how many cycles those pockets last.

Bob L Swagger · Apr 25, 2014

bas402 said:
Beautiful! Let us know how many cycles those pockets last.

I'd be happy with 5X.. Anything past that I consider gravy! I really need to get my hands on some Remington brass...

Akhunter907 · Apr 26, 2014

Well here is some rem brass. I processed with the redding die. Turned and it chambered very hard or not at all. Ended up bumping the shoulder slightly with the whidden and was good to go Turned again slightly to avoid the instant donut.

And getting close with the stock. Here is an early pic But just finished up the final bed tonight. Will still put some break in rounds with a different stock this weekend.

Dallas4rceMarine · Apr 26, 2014

I just got 300 rounds of Nosler 7mm SAUM brass, (hoping that the more expensive brass will avoid the neck cracks the guy had with Rem brass)

from what I've read above sizing the 7 to 6.5 vs the 300 is easier and doesn't cause the donut issues, hopefully true since its double the price of 300 SAUM brass!

do I still need to check neck thickness or should it be good to go? I was going to size slowly with 305, 298, and then 291 bushings to help eliminate any issues.

But before I can size it, where can I buy the die set? Ive been looking and haven't found any. preferably the match grade set with the micrometer on top.

thanks for the help.

bas402 · Apr 26, 2014

Bob L Swagger said:
I'd be happy with 5X.. Anything past that I consider gravy! I really need to get my hands on some Remington brass...

Was talking to a shooting buddy this week and he is starting to loose the pockets on his Remmy brass after 4-5 cycles with his 6.5 SAUM. I have Norma 300 & 7 SAUM prepped as well as some 7 SAUM Remmy brass. It will be interesting to see which one performs better, he has been using FGMM primers and in persuit for some Tula's. I know it depends on how hard you push but he is I think around 3100 with 139 Scenars, maybe he will chime in. Can't wait to get mine done because his is crazy accurate. Keep us posted on your cycle count.

Sendero_Man · Apr 26, 2014

Here is some 6.5 4S Badassedness !!! Fun times at Pat's Icebreaker 4.

XTREM HTR16 · Apr 26, 2014

Man, wish mine was in there with those!

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bas402 · Apr 26, 2014

Now that is quite a chunk of change sitting there but....VERY NICE!! I'm glad no one has done one in Midnight camo yet but there will be very soon.

Bob L Swagger · Apr 26, 2014

Sendero_Man said:
Here is some 6.5 4S Badassedness !!! Fun times at Pat's Icebreaker 4.

Certainly a whole lot of whup ass right there!!! Great pic brother!!!

hillbillybear · Apr 26, 2014

We need more Icebreaker IV Photos

rubicon_unlimited · Apr 26, 2014

Sendero_Man said:
Here is some 6.5 4S Badassedness !!! Fun times at Pat's Icebreaker 4.

That is a whole lot of killing machine, right there!

bone collector · Apr 27, 2014

bas402 said:
Was talking to a shooting buddy this week and he is starting to loose the pockets on his Remmy brass after 4-5 cycles with his 6.5 SAUM. I have Norma 300 & 7 SAUM prepped as well as some 7 SAUM Remmy brass. It will be interesting to see which one performs better, he has been using FGMM primers and in persuit for some Tula's. I know it depends on how hard you push but he is I think around 3100 with 139 Scenars, maybe he will chime in. Can't wait to get mine done because his is crazy accurate. Keep us posted on your cycle count.

Sully, Yeah I'm loving the 6.5 4S, as you know and I'm sure you will be feeling the same about yours once you start shooting your new rig. As I was sharing with you, I have 4 firing on a little more than 300 Remington cases, they weren't too bad after 3 firing but after 4 times fired 16 cases would not hold a primer and 60 to 70% seated with very little resistance and the other 30 to 40% were still fine using Fed 215M. I've been shooting 2 difference loads; mostly 61gr's of H1000/140gr Hybrids @ 3140fps, also have been shooting 139gr Scenars with 61.5gr's of H1000 @ 3180fps. With that said, I still should get 5 to 6 firings on most of the 300 pieces using the Fed 215M's and when I can get some Tula primers I will hopefully be able to just continue using those same cases. Normally this would not be an issue because under normal conditions I would have at least 2000 cases. I'm just waiting for George to post pic's of those big brown beautiful barrels full of 6.5 GAP 4S brass!

Akhunter907 · Apr 27, 2014

Well here it is. Full specs
Stiller predator action
Jewell trigger
PTG bottom metal
March 2.5-25 scope
GAP Bartlien 3. Vias brake
Atlas bipod.
Stock was one I cobbled up.

Rifle weighs 10.5 pounds as it sits.

Have loads worked up for the morning. Just breaking in a barrel See how the day goes. Might get some groups going.

Fongman · Apr 27, 2014

Dallas4rceMarine said:
I just got 300 rounds of Nosler 7mm SAUM brass, (hoping that the more expensive brass will avoid the neck cracks the guy had with Rem brass)

from what I've read above sizing the 7 to 6.5 vs the 300 is easier and doesn't cause the donut issues, hopefully true since its double the price of 300 SAUM brass!

do I still need to check neck thickness or should it be good to go? I was going to size slowly with 95, 93, and then 91 bushings to help eliminate any issues.

But before I can size it, where can I buy the die set? Ive been looking and haven't found any. preferably the match grade set with the micrometer on top.

thanks for the help.

I haven't worked with Nosler brass, but yes check necks and turn to 15 thou.
Read this thread if you have not yet: (Good Info.)

http://www.snipershide.com/shooting/snipers-hide-reloading/195161-care-feeding-gap-6-5-saum.html

Last I heard George had dies in stock, may wanna call GAP tomorrow morning.

Fongman · Apr 27, 2014

Sendero_Man said:
Here is some 6.5 4S Badassedness !!! Fun times at Pat's Icebreaker 4.

Great Pics!

JARHEAD1371 · Apr 27, 2014

Great looking rifle!

How do you like the March scope? Is it worth the extra $ over a Nightforce? Thanks for the info.

Akhunter907 said:
Well here it is. Full specs
Stiller predator action
Jewell trigger
PTG bottom metal
March 2.5-25 scope
GAP Bartlien 3. Vias brake
Atlas bipod.
Stock was one I cobbled up.

Rifle weighs 10.5 pounds as it sits.

Have loads worked up for the morning. Just breaking in a barrel See how the day goes. Might get some groups going.

Akhunter907 · Apr 27, 2014

On the March scope vs night force. Function wise they are both great. My night force is a 5.5-22x56. The March takes a bit more effort with turrets. Focus is very tight but feeling better with use. Reticle on NF is a little finer For me the March glass is better

That said it's tough to compare the two. Mainly since the March weighs a half a pound less than the NF. And the mag on the March starts at 2.5. This March is what I feel is the ultimate hunting scope. It will get moved to whatever rifle for all my hunts. I'd take it to Kodiak on my 375 with the 2.5. And for sheep the 25 is great too. Both great scopes. Worth the extra $? I thought so. Taking in account weight mag and quality.

On the range report. I'm all smiles. Everything I put out at 100 was moa or much better. And this is with a bunch of cleaning. No seating workup. Only had time for 20 or so, cleaning the first 5-10 takes time. But so far I'm loving it. I'll follow up with proper pics and speed, after another trip. Today was just to run her through the paces

Rootshot · Apr 27, 2014

Akhunter907 said:
On the March scope vs night force. Function wise they are both great. My night force is a 5.5-22x56. The March takes a bit more effort with turrets. Focus is very tight but feeling better with use. Reticle on NF is a little finer For me the March glass is better

That said it's tough to compare the two. Mainly since the March weighs a half a pound less than the NF. And the mag on the March starts at 2.5. This March is what I feel is the ultimate hunting scope. It will get moved to whatever rifle for all my hunts. I'd take it to Kodiak on my 375 with the 2.5. And for sheep the 25 is great too. Both great scopes. Worth the extra $? I thought so. Taking in account weight mag and quality.

On the range report. I'm all smiles. Everything I put out at 100 was moa or much better. And this is with a bunch of cleaning. No seating workup. Only had time for 20 or so, cleaning the first 5-10 takes time. But so far I'm loving it. I'll follow up with proper pics and speed, after another trip. Today was just to run her through the paces

I recently bought a March 3-24 FFP mil/mil scope. As AKhunter907 says, it's hard to compare to other scopes because there is nothing out there that combines the magnification range with the small size / low weight. I have virtually no criticisms of the scope. The knobs feel great, the glass is sharp, love the zero stop. The FFP reticle could be a little finer at 24x.

My one complaint is that the illuminated model costs about $500 more than the non-illuminated model. I can't see how that makes sense. All March scopes are on sale this month for $300 off so this is a good time to get one.

Hawk Gunner · Apr 28, 2014

I had my initial outing with my 6.5 saum. I loaded 61.0 grn of h1000, 140 berger target, in brass from copper creek with a cci br2 primer and 2.895 OAL. I was only getting 2980 avg velocity and only Moa accuracy but I had very consistent velocity. I was mainly looking to fireform then brass and break in the barrel. I'll work up loads next trip

Is this pretty common velocity? I was hoping to be on the other side of 3k without hot rodding. It's a 26" barrel.

I was amazed at the recoil. It's less than my .260 and weighs almost 2 lbs less than my .260.

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A10XRIFLE · Apr 28, 2014

you will gain another 80-100 FPS after 100-200 rounds are on it. Thats pretty consistent with all of them so far

Hawk Gunner said:
I had my initial outing with my 6.5 saum. I loaded 61.0 grn of h1000, 140 berger target, in brass from copper creek with a cci br2 primer and 2.895 OAL. I was only getting 2980 avg velocity and only Moa accuracy but I had very consistent velocity. I was mainly looking to fireform then brass and break in the barrel. I'll work up loads next trip

Is this pretty common velocity? I was hoping to be on the other side of 3k without hot rodding. It's a 26" barrel.

I was amazed at the recoil. It's less than my .260 and weighs almost 2 lbs less than my .260.

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XTREM HTR16 · Apr 29, 2014

Looks like there are a couple of new 6.5 4S's ready to ship on GAP's web site, just posted today!

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PowerstrokeOBX · Apr 29, 2014

Yes and a lefty too!
http://www.gaprecision.net/ga-preci...eady-to-ship-left-hand-65-saum-4s-hunter.html

The barrel contour looks a little heavier than a sporter weight. Will it hold up as a light weight competition gun?

SharpsNitro · Apr 30, 2014

Any recommendations on barrel length for a DTA? Has anyone chambered this caliber for one? Would going to 26" be worthwhile?

waveslayer · Apr 30, 2014

SharpsNitro said:
Any recommendations on barrel length for a DTA? Has anyone chambered this caliber for one? Would going to 26" be worthwhile?

I have one in a 24" barrel. It's awesome!

SharpsNitro · May 1, 2014

Nice. Who did the barrel?

waveslayer · May 1, 2014

SharpsNitro said:
Nice. Who did the barrel?

Sin City Precision

mxpilot · May 1, 2014

H1000 in stock here

Hodgdon H1000 Smokeless Powder 8lb

chevy327 · May 2, 2014

got my dies in the mail from Copper Creek !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! One step closer to pure awesomeness ..................thank you Copper Creek for great service. prompt return emails , phone calls , all the way around great service

Engine 22 · May 2, 2014

mxpilot said:
H1000 in stock here

Hodgdon H1000 Smokeless Powder 8lb

….and gone!

cblackwell · May 2, 2014

yeah that H1000 went quick. I was to slow again.

CPGFAN · May 2, 2014

I've been seeing quite a bit of H1000 on shelves lately. I was in Billings MT 2 weeks ago and saw it on the shelf at the two sporting good stores I went to. I ended up buying a case of one pounders for $26 a pound. Good part about MT no sales tax!!

Sendero_Man · May 2, 2014

CPGFAN where at?

better yet, pm me !!!

HuntnPack · May 4, 2014

George do you know for sure yet how the factory brass headstamp will read? Or is it still too early.
Would like to scribble it on my new barrel. Thx.

Jackson/Charvelfan1 · May 4, 2014

Ok I have purchased a FNH SPR action and I ordered a stock from McMillan last week. I will be shipping the action to George soon for another great build.

The specs will be almost exactly the same as the Extreme Hunter in 6.5 SAUM 4S but I will be using a McMillan HTG and PTG trigger guard.

I cant wait to get this one built.

Hey George, Have you used the PTG trigger guard?

Link: https://shop.pacifictoolandgauge.co...ucts_id=2062&zenid=f3d6t1iaugjqcrrg7gkcq31u17

SilencercoJames · May 5, 2014

For those with questions regarding the harvester, yes the harvester is rated up to 24" win mag. Jonathon(owner of Silencerco) and I have been shooting them in comps for the last year. Jon has 3000ish rounds of SAUM through his. No signs of wear, and you guys know that shooting comps is not an easy firing schedule. I just got my GAP 6.5 SAUM and have been running the harvester on it and it is FANTASTIC! The recoil and muzzle blast and sound reduction is amazing. If worst comes to worst SilencerCo's lifetime warranty should void any concerns that anyone would have.

KYS · May 6, 2014

SilencercoJames said:
For those with questions regarding the harvester, yes the harvester is rated up to 24" win mag. Jonathon(owner of Silencerco) and I have been shooting them in comps for the last year. Jon has 3000ish rounds of SAUM through his. No signs of wear, and you guys know that shooting comps is not an easy firing schedule. I just got my GAP 6.5 SAUM and have been running the harvester on it and it is FANTASTIC! The recoil and muzzle blast and sound reduction is amazing. If worst comes to worst SilencerCo's lifetime warranty should void any concerns that anyone would have.

How do we go about getting the correct cap for the Xtreme Hunter? I have my rifle and Harvesters are pending…. would like to get that insert here for when they are approved.

Thanks

jacack · May 7, 2014

Just wondering what the lead times have been from Ga. i ordered back in the first part of Jan but not heard anything yet.

thanks
Jared

Sendero_Man · May 8, 2014

Look at the sticky portion in Bolt Action Rifles... thread addressing Lead times for GAP

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jacack · May 9, 2014

thanks, i missed that. I guess i must be close then as its been 5 months since i ordered.

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New GAP Extreme Hunter in 6.5 SAUM

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