WSM to 6.5 PRC?

[NYDAN]

From a conceptual standpoint, could a bolt-action rifle (such as a LH Win M70) originally chambered in a WSM such as 270 WSM or 300 WSM be successfully re-barrelled to a 6.5 PRC? The WSM cartridges have a rim diameter of .535" whereas the 6.5 PRC has a rim diameter of .532". Is that too much difference in the rim diameter for the rim to fit correctly in the bolt face? Does the maximum case diameter of .532" for the 6.5 PRC compared to the maximum case diameter of .555" for WSM affect the spacing of the rails for feeding?

Conversely is there a 6.5mm WSM wildcat? (necked down 270 WSM)

 

[JMRhino]

I believe that you can use the same bolt for both cartridges. It's my opinion that +/- .002 will not have an impact. In fact, Tikka offers the same model T3x in both a 300 WSM and 6.5 PRC. I can't imagine they have different bolts for these two "Magnum" cartridges...

I re-barreled a Kimber 8400 from 300 WSM to .257 WSM back in '05 and I got my dies from Redding. I don't see that they have a 6.5/300 WSM but do have some similar concepts going such as 6.5 GAP 4S (6.5/7MM SHORT ACTION ULTRA MAGNUM) - #84845 and 6.5MM/284 WINCHESTER (NORMA) - 84415.

I seem to recall that Redding would also make you some custom dies given the requirements, but I don't know if that's still offered. I bet some company will do it for the right $$$$...

 

[sako2]

Dan i measured the rim on a 300 wm and a 6.5 prc case they measure the same. I consider the 6.5 prc a 6.5wsm.

 

[RL338]

0.003” on the bolt face is fine. I think 0.023” on the rails should work.

 

[NYDAN]

Guys, thank you for your insights on this. I appreciate you sharing your knowledge and experience.

 

[JD338]

Dan,
The 6.5 WSM was a pretty popular wildcat. The 6.5 PRC seems to be a commercial equivalent to the 6.5 WSM. Both are pretty impressive.
I recently bought a Weatherby Accumark Limited in 6.5 RPM. It's a step up in performance but requires a long action and a standard.473" bolt face.

JD338

 

[Blkram]

I rebarreled a LH Browning X Bolt from 270 WSM to 6.5 PRC with no other modifications, and it is performing just fine. 8 out of 11 different factory loads produce 1 MOA or better groups, and this is the only rifle I have that will shoot the ABLR well; Nosler 142 gr factory ammo produces 3 shot groups of 0.480" at 100 yards at 2921 fps out of the 24" Wilson carbon fibre 1:8 twist barrel.

 

[IdahoCTD]

I have a 6.5wsm reamer. A gunsmith friend of mine loves his 6.5wsm so I had to get a reamer and try it. It seems silly considering how many 6.5's I have but what's one more. I havent built mine yet but he shoots 156 Bergers 3175 from a 24" barrel. I've used Remington 700 ultra mag actions for standard magnums many times without feedimg issues.

I have a few PRC's but they only run 100-125fps faster than a 6.5 Creedmoor for 9 grains more powder with R-26. I wouldnt consider that great performance. A 6.5saum is better but wont fit in a standard short action without a super short throat.