I have decided to build a 6.5 ss and wanted some firsthand info on what people who own one are shooting. Barrel length, coal, powder, bullets, and speeds. I am not looking at this to jump in and load for, im just curious what results you are getting. Thanks for the info
- Thread starter dbshiner
- Start date
I’m going to help bring this back to light as I’m waiting for a barrel in 6.5 SST and am looking for the same.
Call to all Sherman Short / Tactical shooters!
Call to all Sherman Short / Tactical shooters!
I'm also interested in building a 6.5 Sherman
Would like to know the practical difference between the 6.5 sst and the ss
other than the 30 vs. 40 deg shoulder.
Which would be considered more accurate. And since they both run about 3100 fps with the 140's
why make 2 very similar rounds? How about barrel life, which would be better.
Looking to run the 147, 150 or the new 153 A tip just to get better BC at 1000 yds.
What size is the bolt head?
Would like to know the practical difference between the 6.5 sst and the ss
other than the 30 vs. 40 deg shoulder.
Which would be considered more accurate. And since they both run about 3100 fps with the 140's
why make 2 very similar rounds? How about barrel life, which would be better.
Looking to run the 147, 150 or the new 153 A tip just to get better BC at 1000 yds.
What size is the bolt head?
Magnum bolt head
SST has 30 degree shoulder and more body taper than SS for better feeding.
It’s similar to 6.5PRC except it’s neck is in a better position for running heavies in a mag.
I’m sure accuracy they’d be neck and neck and the brass comes from a good source (ADG). The SST was designed to better fit in standard AICS mags and offered endless bullet choices. Utilizes a magnum bolt face. Think 6.5 SAUM and 6.5 PRC.
Here’s a load data bulletin from Jan 2019. A little light on the 6.5SST.
@jd5521 I think we were all hoping member here had experience in hopes to beef this thread up.
If I'm not mistaken, I think @5RWill had a 7SS built for him. I know it's not 6.5 but it's probably as close as you'll get to someone here having one. I could be wrong though but let's see if he chimes in.
Good looking out. Had I not had the blank for a 6.5 I was wanting to do the 7SST. I agree should be close enough.
West Texas Ordnance (WTO) might be knowledgeable with such Wildcats. They could be a wealth of knowledge in such chambering maybe.
@ShermanR can help he is in SH. I have no experience with this cartridge as I shoot a 270 Sherman and a 25sst
What powder are you running in the 25SST?
H-1000 right now
That’s where I was going to start with the 6.5. I’ve seen mixed reports on the temp stability of RL26. Northern California isn’t 70 and sunny 365 haha.
Retumbo works too. I’m in east Texas so I don’t have huge temperature swings so I will try RL26 as soon as the elusive unicorn shows herself!
Mine is still in the works but the pieces are there. Just gotta get David to get a reamer from Rich and we should have it before August. How often i get to shoot and load develop remains in question. Summer term is in full swing and i'll be in clinic in August. I have three weeks in December though that i whole heartedly plan on using to take lots of whitetail in the delta with. Also hoping to squeeze in an Elk hunt in September or a pronghorn hunt.
Some members chimmed in the 7 SS thread that have theirs and are shooting.
Been shooting my 7ss for a while now.i actually just received new batch of brass from rich today..6.5 and 7ss brass comes in 30° shoulder and need to be formed.
H1000 rl26 retumbo and n570 are popular powder SS cartridge.and yes its very accurate
Ain’t that the truth. ?
I think that’s called gnats ass. Haha. That’s a rad looking rig too.
I have had a 6.5SS for over a year. Actually building my second one as we speak. Amazing cartridge. I have also shot 3 other Axisworks built 6.5SS rifles with similar results.
R700SA built by Axisworks
25.5" 1:8" Bartlein 5R 3B plus APA Micro Bastard brake
McMillan Game Scout
Timney CE
PT&G Oberndorf SA BDL bottom metal
Seekins alloy 20MOA Picatinny rail
Seekins alloy 34mm low rings
S&B PMII 5-25×56 DT
I have several loads for my personal rifle. Here are a few in various rifles.
ADG brass
Fed GM215M
57.0 RL23
140 HVLD
3166fps
ES 8
SD 4.2
ADG brass
Fed GM215M
57.0 RL23
127 LRX
3245fps
ES 11
SD 5.8
ADG brass
CCI BR2
58.5 H1000
140 HVLD
3144fps
ES 3
SD 1.4
ADG brass
CCI BR2
58.5 H1000
150 SMK
3117fps
ES 6
SD 3.2
Norma brass
CCI BR2
58.0 RL26
150 SMK
3165fps
ES 10
SD 5.8
Norma brass
CCI BR2
56.0 RL26
140 HVLD
3201fps
ES 12
SD 6.8
Norma brass
CCI BR2
57.0 RL26
127 LRX
3285fps
ES 14
SD 7.5
ADG brass
Fed GM210M
58.5 H1000
142 SMK
3135fps
ES 11
SD 5.9
R700SA built by Axisworks
25.5" 1:8" Bartlein 5R 3B plus APA Micro Bastard brake
McMillan Game Scout
Timney CE
PT&G Oberndorf SA BDL bottom metal
Seekins alloy 20MOA Picatinny rail
Seekins alloy 34mm low rings
S&B PMII 5-25×56 DT
I have several loads for my personal rifle. Here are a few in various rifles.
ADG brass
Fed GM215M
57.0 RL23
140 HVLD
3166fps
ES 8
SD 4.2
ADG brass
Fed GM215M
57.0 RL23
127 LRX
3245fps
ES 11
SD 5.8
ADG brass
CCI BR2
58.5 H1000
140 HVLD
3144fps
ES 3
SD 1.4
ADG brass
CCI BR2
58.5 H1000
150 SMK
3117fps
ES 6
SD 3.2
Norma brass
CCI BR2
58.0 RL26
150 SMK
3165fps
ES 10
SD 5.8
Norma brass
CCI BR2
56.0 RL26
140 HVLD
3201fps
ES 12
SD 6.8
Norma brass
CCI BR2
57.0 RL26
127 LRX
3285fps
ES 14
SD 7.5
ADG brass
Fed GM210M
58.5 H1000
142 SMK
3135fps
ES 11
SD 5.9
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I see you've worked with 3 of the powders I was thinking of using, in the 6.5 SS
Of the 3, (RL26, RL23 and H1000) which did you find the most temp stable?
I know the RL26 gives the most speed, but I've found it to be the most temp influenced.
Just want to get your thoughts.
Of the 3, (RL26, RL23 and H1000) which did you find the most temp stable?
I know the RL26 gives the most speed, but I've found it to be the most temp influenced.
Just want to get your thoughts.
Badass info man! Great groups and sick rig.I have had a 6.5SS for over a year. Actually building my second one as we speak. Amazing cartridge. I have also shot 3 other Axisworks built 6.5SS rifles with similar results.
R700SA built by Axisworks
25.5" 1:8" Bartlein 5R 3B plus APA Micro Bastard brake
McMillan Game Scout
Timney CE
PT&G Oberndorf SA BDL bottom metal
Seekins alloy 20MOA Picatinny rail
Seekins alloy 34mm low rings
S&B PMII 5-25×56 DT
I have several loads for my personal rifle. Here are a few in various rifles.
ADG brass
Fed GM215M
57.0 RL23
140 HVLD
3166fps
ES 8
SD 4.2
ADG brass
Fed GM215M
57.0 RL23
127 LRX
3245fps
ES 11
SD 5.8
ADG brass
CCI BR2
58.5 H1000
140 HVLD
3144fps
ES 3
SD 1.4
ADG brass
CCI BR2
58.5 H1000
150 SMK
3117fps
ES 6
SD 3.2
Norma brass
CCI BR2
58.0 RL26
150 SMK
3165fps
ES 10
SD 5.8
Norma brass
CCI BR2
56.0 RL26
140 HVLD
3201fps
ES 12
SD 6.8
Norma brass
CCI BR2
57.0 RL26
127 LRX
3285fps
ES 14
SD 7.5
ADG brass
Fed GM210M
58.5 H1000
142 SMK
3135fps
ES 11
SD 5.9
Exactly. I run H1000 in my personal rifle for 150 SMK @ 3117, 140 HVLD @ 3140, and 127 LRX @ 3210. Super clean, super accurate, super stable. All at safe, but close to max loads.
Just finished one that edges out mine speed-wise by 20-30fps with RL23, and at 1.5gr less powder. Still safe pressures. I have found RL23 to be very temp stable too.
RL26 is the speed king, but I have personally found it to go overpressure when temps hit 85°F. I had a 150 SMK going 3165fps when it was cool, but when temps warmed up, speeds went to 3200 and pressure was enough to cause ejector marks, flattened primers and sticky bolt lift. All bullets/powder/primers were from same lots.
What’s a good magazine to use? I was thinking ARC due to the allowed oal.
Tried some mild loads of RL23 today, because I had some already in my charge master and trickle charger.
Loaded up some 150 SMKs to fill time between strings with another rifle.
A lighter charge of 55.0 RL23 netted my 3091fps. Shooting at 200. Shot one for a sighter, adjusted .2MIL left, and let 3 more fly, then another 2 after 15 minutes.
The next two went into the same hole.
5 shot group at 200 yards measured .435", meaning .208 MOA. Not bad for some thrown together loads.
Loaded up some 150 SMKs to fill time between strings with another rifle.
A lighter charge of 55.0 RL23 netted my 3091fps. Shooting at 200. Shot one for a sighter, adjusted .2MIL left, and let 3 more fly, then another 2 after 15 minutes.
The next two went into the same hole.
5 shot group at 200 yards measured .435", meaning .208 MOA. Not bad for some thrown together loads.
Picked up my new Axisworks built 6.5SS yesterday. Should have 200 of the new 156 Berger EOLs on Friday. Hopefully have some load info this weekend.
Lone Peak Fuzion TI SA
26" 1:7.5" Proof Sendero Light w. MBM 4 port brake
Manners EH1 w. Mini chassis and DBM in "Tac Moola"
Timney CE @ 10oz
Seekins 34mm "low" rings
S&B PMII 5-20x50 Ultra Short w. H2CMR
Lone Peak Fuzion TI SA
26" 1:7.5" Proof Sendero Light w. MBM 4 port brake
Manners EH1 w. Mini chassis and DBM in "Tac Moola"
Timney CE @ 10oz
Seekins 34mm "low" rings
S&B PMII 5-20x50 Ultra Short w. H2CMR
I should know this weekend...
The 150 SMK is LOOOONG.
This is a 6.5 SAUM w. 140 HVLD w. .020" jump (at .120" FB) vs 6.5SS w. 150 SMK at the lands.
This is 6.5SS w. 140 Hybrid @ .020" jump in Accurate Mag.
The 150 SMK is LOOOONG.
This is a 6.5 SAUM w. 140 HVLD w. .020" jump (at .120" FB) vs 6.5SS w. 150 SMK at the lands.
This is 6.5SS w. 140 Hybrid @ .020" jump in Accurate Mag.
Likewise. While I intend to run the SST this is the exact bullet I want to test first.
Want to get some updated info on this thread. Looking at building a 6.5SS over the next few months. So far I've got a Carbon6 barrel with 6.5 CM chamber that needs to be punched, an Ultimatum Deadline SA, Accuratemag WSM magazine, KRG Bravo chassis, Triggertech Special, and Nightforce NX8 4-32. Anybody run the Berger 144 or 153.5?
I have been running the 144 LR Hyb and 156 Elite in my two new 6.5SSs. Both are crazy accurate.
My 26" 1:7.5" 6.5SS is pushing the 144 Hyb @ 3086fps for my most accurate load. Even my fire forming loads @ 2977fps are ridiculously accurate.
My 20" 1:7.5" was originally built to run the 144s, but I switched to the 156 Elite when I saw the results I was getting with them in my other 6.5SS. I am pushing them near max w. N565, and getting 2976fps suppressed with them, into tiny little groups.
6SST w. 110SMK, 25SST w. 131 Blackjack, 6.5SS (pre-fire forming) w. 144 LR Hyb, 6.5SS w. 156 Elite
My 26" 1:7.5" 6.5SS is pushing the 144 Hyb @ 3086fps for my most accurate load. Even my fire forming loads @ 2977fps are ridiculously accurate.
My 20" 1:7.5" was originally built to run the 144s, but I switched to the 156 Elite when I saw the results I was getting with them in my other 6.5SS. I am pushing them near max w. N565, and getting 2976fps suppressed with them, into tiny little groups.
6SST w. 110SMK, 25SST w. 131 Blackjack, 6.5SS (pre-fire forming) w. 144 LR Hyb, 6.5SS w. 156 Elite
Whats your COAL with the Bergers? And that MV on the 20 suppressed set up has me drooling.
My setup is a 6.5ss, curtis custom axiom, bartlein 7.5 twist finished at 25”. COAL is 2.935” with berger 156. Running near max loads at 2950-2975fps with N570. Accuracy is consistent 0.3” groups at 100. Longest shot so far was 658 yds on an antelope and cut the top of his heart out, one shot.
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From what I heard some guys were blowing up the 156's in 7.5 twist tubes. But sounds like you two at least have been driving tacks with them.
I'm looking into getting the fire-formed brass from Long Way Brass and filling them with N565 over a BR2.
I have run them in both of my 1:7.5" barrels, a couple others, and even two 1:7" 6.5SAUMs. They all have shot amazingly. Ran them up to 3100ish with no problems out to 1200+.
Berger states "1:8" minimum". "Minimum" and "optimal" are two different things. I have shot them in some 1:8" 6.5SAUMs, and they shot well too. But I built my two to run the heavies.
Thanks for the details here. I just got in my 25SST lightweight build and am going to be doing my first loads for it this weekend. What powder and charge weight are you using with the 131s? Guessing N565?
My 6.5SS should be done around July timeframe so appreciate the details on the 156s w/N565 too. Thanks for that.
I am actually running H1000 in my 25SST. I will have to look at my load data for charge weight, but I am well below max in my rifle, and getting 3230+ suppressed. H1000 has a good density fill, and is super temp stable which is what I was after. I am sure N565 would wring out the speed, but I want the brass to last a while. I got 3360+ without the suppressor when I ran out of case capacity, and still no signs of pressure.
Preference of 7ss with 180s or 6.5ss with 150 atips?
What about 7mm 184 Hyb F Open or 190 LR Hyb vs. 6.5mm 153.5 LR Hyb or 156 Elite?
Either or. Looking for an all around hunting/ LR round. Short fat case, grown up be if you will.
I love my 6.5SSs. One pushes a 156 @ 2975fps, the other pushes a 150 SMK @ 3038fps. Look at the ballistics of the 150 SMK and you will be pleasantly surprised. And they HAMMER game.
H1000 is very accurate and consistent in mine, but not the highest velocities.
N565 is awesome with the 156, also the 144. Have not tried the 153.5 yet.
I will be trying N570 with the 150 SMK and 156 soon in my 26" 6.5SS.
N565 is awesome with the 156, also the 144. Have not tried the 153.5 yet.
I will be trying N570 with the 150 SMK and 156 soon in my 26" 6.5SS.
I run a 7SS with the Berger 190gr LRHT @ 2813 in a 22” Proof 1:8. 1/3 MOA at 500. Works awesome.
