6.5mm barrel blank

So I picked up a 1 in 7" twist 6.5 barrel blank from X-Caliber, wondering what I should do with it. I have over 18 pounds of H1000 and no H4350, so I was hoping to stay in that wheel house. I'm leaning towards one of the 6.5 SAUM type rounds, probably would do prefit. I'm just trying to plan ahead, have no donor action yet. Any thoughts? Anyone running a 260 AI with H1000?

Any input would be appreciated.

SHM

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With the 1:7 twist, you can shoot those new Sierra MK 150 grain bullets, they require a 1:7 twist to push those .713 BC bullets.

As for the H1000 I would not know because I never tried it, I think it would overfill the case if you used a .260 and run too slow. The 6.5 SAUM would work with H1000

Mark ,
Man if you chambered that in 6.5x06 and had a long action you would have the ultimate rig!
E

6.5x284 or 6.5x55 or AI in a strong action such as M98 or Savage. Both these rounds make a splash at 1000 with 140s, in the right platform like you're building, they should really perform with the ~150 Ferraris. Maybe a long action so you can run those heavies long and hot and still feed from magazine. Chamber throat a touch long so you can add some case capacity running out the bullets. Should get a bit better barrel life than with the SAUM rounds. 6.5x06 mentioned above might be cool, or 6.5x280, but you'd have to see what was left for magazine space unless you plan strictly single loading.

With the modern high BC bullets, extreme MV is quickly marginalized at longer ranges vs. a good, accurate, comfortable shooting platform.

Haven't run H1000 in either of the 260 AI s. Found very accurate loads in the mid 2900s with H4831SC and stayed put. (I know, where's the fun in that, lol) I agree w the previous poster, you'd probably run out of room in the 260 AI before you got the speed you wanted.
6.5 PRC or GAP would be my call. They pretty much designed the PRC for 3000 and change with 140s. Only 50-100 fps difference between them unless you really lean on the GAP. They'll slightly outdo the 6.5-06 and 6.5-284 with 140s. (Not dissing the 6.5-06, I have 2 :grin: ) Obviously the AI version of the 6.5-06 runs a little faster. The AI 6.5-55 runs similar speeds to the Ackleyed 6.5-06.
Saw a YouTube on the 6.5 PRC.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=7rIIb3YSPj4

6.5 WSM wouldn't be a bad way to roll either.. Runs right with the 264 and its pretty easy to neck down 270 WSM brass a skosh and you are off to the races.

I've been keeping an eye on the PRC, just want to make sure it stays around. And I've looked hard at the WSM. I think PRC has an advantage just with lower priced brass. I might just have to order 50 pieces and a box of the 150s, seat a few and do it up in a Savage long action throated a bit long. I like what I see with the PRC but just need to fully commit and go down the rabbit hole some day to really research it.

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SJB358":27c6h2sw said:

6.5 WSM wouldn't be a bad way to roll either.. Runs right with the 264 and its pretty easy to neck down 270 WSM brass a skosh and you are off to the races.

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+1 on this. I'm running a 6.5WSM on a Mod 70 and have a 3.1" mag. Made to run the Heavies with a 1 in 8. I'm running 142s, 143s and 147s so far. I don't have any doubt it'll handle the 150s.

The new Hornady PRC looks interesting to me. Pushing a 143gr bullet at 2900fps+ from a new case that's designed for precision rifle shooting. If my older 264WM ever needs retired I might give one a try.

https://www.hornady.com/ammunition/rifl ... -hunter#!/

I was actually talking to the wife about it this morning. The newest rifle shooter has an article on the 6.5 PRC. She's given me the okay to get a suppressor this year though so that's first and foremost.

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