We all want faster cartridges but at what point is barrel life a concern? The 6.5x284 is one of the most accurate cartridges of all time. It has roughly 1000rd barrel life, that is 1/2 moa life. Once accuracy gets worse than that, it`s time for me to change barrel. Since the 6.5 SAUM uses more powder, I assume barrel life will be around roughly 800rds at 1/2moa. I know that some barrels last longer than others but you get the idea. If barrel life isn`t a concern, then why not just neck down the 338 Norma and be done with it? With todays high BC 7mm bullets, 180gr & (195gr hopefully soon) from Berger, why even use the 6.5? Seems like people want the newest cartridge (wildcat) but in reality is it going to beat what is already out there?
- Thread starter excaliber
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6.5 SAUM barrel will go over 3,000 rounds.
I doubt it. Not 3000rds of 1/2 moa.
6.5 saum has said to had 2500+ barrel life compared to the 1000+ of the 6.5x284. Ones a long action ones short, all I know is that the 6.5 saum shoots 130s 3300 fps. (I got a 260 rem)
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With the SAUM holding more powder than the 6.5x284, no way.
look on GA precisions website on the xtreme hunter it says 2500+ barrel life.. I've never heard GA precision lie to their customers.
Suggest you talk to George Gardner and Pat Sinclair.
Agreed, if you want more customers why lie when you can tell the truth and get even more 
Read the Gap 6.5 saum extreme hunter.http://www.snipershide.com/shooting...s/185807-new-gap-extreme-hunter-6-5-saum.html
All you question will be answered. It has all be proven. This is from Gerorge.
All you question will be answered. It has all be proven. This is from Gerorge.
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what post is this on? now I need a 6.5 saum... it's just an amazing caliber, I'm one of those guys running their 260's at 3000 I probably get around 2900-2950 with 140gr bergers out of my 28in bbl.
I probably get around 2900-2950 with 140gr bergers out of my 28in bbl.If you load any cartridge to low pressure, no doubt barrel life will be better. But, it still doesn`t beat the 7mm SAUM. So why even go with 6.5`s? Also, why build a cartridge that only H-1000 is the only suitable powder for barrel life?
what post is this on? now I need a 6.5 saum... it's just an amazing caliber, I'm one of those guys running their 260's at 3000
The good stuff starts on page two. Post 72. That was off page 5 post 225
I meant to say thread too. Which thread too?
Its all about end goals
Like this?
Left to right
7mm Screamer, 6.5 SAUM, 7mm Gonzo an 7mm Remington Magnum
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Anecdotal, yes, but my experience with the 6.5-284 was not a good one. Fickle, finicky, and short lived barrel life. My 6.5 Creedmore is a better performer, over all. The saum is the Creed on steroids WITH good barrel life and less recoil than the 7 saum/wsm, which I've owned as well.
The first 50 6.5 SAUM cases I prepped are still in use right now.....they've been loaded 13 times and fired 12. Primer pockets are still good. I've shot both 140gr bullets(3050fps), and 130gr bullets(3250fps). My barrel has 1157 rounds through it and still shooting great.
I'm fine with being "stuck" with H1000 for these kind of results.....
I'm fine with being "stuck" with H1000 for these kind of results.....
The 7mm SAUM loaded right is a beast of a cartridge
Anyway, I don't think you are stuck to one powder... I'm getting great results with Retumbo in my short action 7 SAUM. I bet Retumbo would show great results in the 6.5mm SAUM as well, especially if your barrel is on the longer side. Super gentle recoil impulse w/ Retumbo and it added 50fps over H-1000.
Retumbo's heat of explosion is a tad higher than H-1000, but only by about 2% or so. The lower pressure might balance out the higher temp and barrel life would be similar.
Just a thought for guys looking for other powder choice.
The 7mm SAUM loaded right is a beast of a cartridge
Anyway, I don't think you are stuck to one powder... I'm getting great results with Retumbo in my short action 7 SAUM. I bet Retumbo would show great results in the 6.5mm SAUM as well, especially if your barrel is on the longer side. Super gentle recoil impulse w/ Retumbo and it added 50fps over H-1000.
Retumbo's heat of explosion is a tad higher than H-1000, but only by about 2% or so. The lower pressure might balance out the higher temp and barrel life would be similar.
Just a thought for guys looking for other powder choice.
Retumbo performed poorly. It's just a bit to fast burning. I would advise sticking with H-1000.
Better tell that to George Gardner who won the Cup with his rifle that had OVER 3k on it......
WRONG!
George has answered all of this. Some of us are approaching 3k and doing a set back extending the life to around 3500-4k depending on your load.
Did you even bother to read the other 10 page thread on this cartridge? It was DESIGNED to run at a low pressure to maximize its barrel life, but when you are running a mild load at 3100 fps.... that is very impressive.
How exactly does the 7mm SAUM outperform the 6.5 SAUM? I would love to hear your explanation on it.
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its not only h1000 its just, h1000 is the ideal powder for this cartridge, and don't doubt a cartridge without reading about its barrel life and performance.
That's impressive by any standards. I've shot that rifle and it's a hammer too. Also that is with ordinary Remington brass. The results of this cartridge speak for itself, it's just one of those things that works really good.
6.5x284 to get 2950 out of the 140 is running in the 68,000 PSI range
6.5 SAUM is getting 3100 with the same bullet at 55,000 PSI
There is your difference.
Yes you can Hot Rod it and wear it out fast, thats not the point of the caliber. The whole premise of this was 4 things
1. to Humanly kill shit to 1200 yards.
2. barrel life of 2500
3. low recoil
4. serious accuracy
It does all 4 better than anything else. There are cartridges that do one or 2 better but not all 4.
EXACTLY what I was coming here to type! Right on George!
Any idea how long it will be before someone is producing 6.5 SAUM brass? 7mm SAUM brass seems to be out of stock everywhere.
Working on it, 2014 mid year at the earliest
Remington is making a run of brass this month. We should see it near the first weeks of November. Hopefully George can secure a brass maker at SHOT Show to produce this for his customers.
I know I would like to get a large batch and store it for future loading.
I know I would like to get a large batch and store it for future loading.
If the brass issue can be addressed I think this would make an excellent lr hunting round for me personally. Enough energy on target for my size game, and a good bullet selection to boot.
I was gonna say coyote bait
I must be chopped liver
Just hackin' on ya Marty !
Well if you'd not be working all the time maybe I could shoot one! grin
