Chopping a 6.5 WSM

[WeiserBucks]

I'm getting a nice 6.5 WSM via trade . The barrel is to damn long to put up with while running a 9" can . How short can I go before it sucks? It's a 7 twist, will be using 156 Bergers for LR steel and muleys as far as conditions allow .

 

[Steel head]

Seems like people are getting at least 260/Creedmoor speeds with 18-20” barrels.

 

[Yote Klr]

Both mine are 26". However every 270wsm barrel I've ever owned is 24" and they do well. That said, I'd be more inclined to keep it 24" to 26".

 

[WeiserBucks]

At this point I'm leaning towards a 22" , any comments?

 

[Steel head]

At this point I'm leaning towards a 22" , any comments?

Your still probably gonna smoke 260/6.5CM velocities.
Cut away.

 

[HTX_17]

@WeiserBucks

22” 6.5 SAUM-I run a 9” TBAC and get 2970 from 143 Eld-X at Sea Level

 

[WeiserBucks]

@WeiserBucks

View attachment 7125439
22” 6.5 SAUM-I run a 9” TBAC and get 2970 from 143 Eld-X at Sea Level

Excellent feedback, is that a max load ? I'm thinking the WSM case should have a small velocity advantage over the SAUM . I'd like to see the 156s around 3000 fps but not holding my breath. I know from years of experience 140 VLDs work great for deer size game.

 

[HTX_17]

Excellent feedback, is that a max load ? I'm thinking the WSM case should have a small velocity advantage over the SAUM . I'd like to see the 156s around 3000 fps but not holding my breath. I know from years of experience 140 VLDs work great for deer size game.

It’s a Copper Creek load, so probably not max.

 

[CStroud]

I ran a 22" 6.5 SAUM for 1 hunting season, and velocity was 2900-2950 with the 143 copper creek load. I don't see why you couldn't keep it that same velocity with the 156.

 

[WeiserBucks]

I had Chad chop it down to 23" and recently got it up and running. I decided to use 124 grain Hammer Bullets in it since it'll be used for open country muleys. It made 3250 fps with an es of 12 with a mildly compressed load of H1000.

Obligatory pic of my newest junk

 

[EliMcBee]

How do you like the Hammer Hunters? I ordered the 124's and 137's but they have yet to arrive.

 

[WeiserBucks]

How do you like the Hammer Hunters? I ordered the 124's and 137's but they have yet to arrive.

So far they're like magic . I tried H1000 and H4831, jumping them .200" . H4831 ran into pressure at 3100 and H1000 produced the best velocity with a slightly compressed load which I prefer. Accuracy was sub 3/8 MOA with every single load I tried .

 

[EliMcBee]

I will be loading them in front of the 6.5 Sherman Short Tactical so should be showing similar speeds

 

[WeiserBucks]

You'll probably make more speed with a long barrel, I'm sticking with shorter barrels suppressed.

 

[EliMcBee]

Nope. I have a 23" also.

 

[WeiserBucks]

It'll be similar then . I know Rich recommends various Reloader powders but I've had better results with Hodgdon. I'm sure you'll be happy with it and the Hammers are exceeding my expectations so far .

 

[EliMcBee]

I have one pound of reloader 26 and 10 pounds of H1000 ( and no I am not giving any up sorry) to play with when the Hammers show up.

 

[EliMcBee]

if you live in Washington Federal Way Sportsmans Warehouse has lots of Reloader in stock. Every thing but 26..... 8 pounds cans also.

 

[WeiserBucks]

I prefer Hodgdon, but I'll readily admit that RE powders are capable of more speed.

 

[EliMcBee]

I am very new to reloading but am learning the art of hoarding components.

 

[EliMcBee]

sorry I have been corrected. Stocking up.....

 

[Yote Klr]

I was in Cabelas today and found two pounds of RL26.