This project started life as a 264 WM. After finally coming to the conclusion that this rifle was only going to run the 140gr bullets in the 2950 - 3000 FPS range. I decided to have it opened up to the 6.5 - 300 WM.
My gunsmith pulled the barrel to confirm there was nothing wrong with the build which turned out to be the case. Being he had the 6.5 - 300 WM reamer & this wildcat is a simple neck size which doesn't require any major fire forming, I figured I'd open it up. Plus he cut me a great deal on the re - chamber job.
I owned a 264 WM before this one that would easily run 3200 FPS with 140's & a charge of H870. That was my goal with this one, such was not the case. Sold the old 264 rifle because it had a Magna Port & I hated the noise. To chop the barrel down on that one would have left me around 23"'s to boot. That barrel copper fouled something fierce but it did shoot good.
I am sure a 6.5 - 300 WM will be capable of more than 3200 FPS, but I will be very happy with an accurate 3150 - 3200 140gr & no pressure issues.
A guy who has one was what turned me on to the cartridge. He says he can go 3300 FPS with a 140gr, but his best accuracy is in the 3150 -3200 Range. Bingo, that's what I am looking for. Didn't like the 6.5mm STW because of the length & the fact I'd have to seat the bullet deeper than I like. With a 300 WM parent case I can seat the bullet out to 3.550 COL & still fit nice in my 3.600 Mag box.
