8 vs 8.5 twist for 6.5 mm

that's what I thought, but wondering why they are using 8.75 for the 6.5 SAUM

I have 2 6.5 SAUMS, one is 8.5 the other is 8.75.. They both shoot fantastic. I have (2) 8 twist 6.5x47's and (2) soon to have (3) 8.5 twist 6.5x47's.. They shoot all 6.5mm bullets equally as well as the other... A friend of mine has a 9 twist 6.5x47L and he shoots 139 Scenars into one ragged hole..
 
but wondering why they are using 8.75 for the 6.5 SAUM

Because less twist (provided you are certainly stabilizing the projectile) has several advantages, most notably - less inaccuracy due to bullet imbalance.

The 6.5 SAUM achieves way WAY more than enough speed to get very ample stability factors, even with an 8.75+ twist barrel.

There is no particularly good reason to use more twist than is necessary.
 
Generally you see 1:8 for like 6.5x47 or 6.5 Creed at the speeds they can send a 140gr, then in my range (modern 6.5 Swede) I can easily get away with 1:8.5 due too my 3000fps velocity, then when you're entering 6.5 SAUM territory 8.75 is no problem.