Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Ask The Gunwriters Is 3000 FPS realistic with 120gr in 6.5 CM?

All,

Thank you all for the feedback. My takeaway from this is there are max ‘book’ loads that reach my goals in 24” barrels, a factory GMX that is on goal, and a couple of suggested loads that get there. It seems 3000 fps is reasonable, so I am going to get a 6.5 CM.

As a recap, here are the book loads you all pointed out that nominally meet my 120 gr muzzle velocity goal with 24” barrel:
Alliant - RL16
Hogdon - StaBALL 6.5
Nosler - H4350, RL17, Hunter

So 5 different powders. There were several others very close.

As my username suggests, I like short rifles. Looks like I need to make an exception for this project. For engineering margin, I’m going with a 26” barrel.

Thanks again for your support!