I almost posted on the 264 Win Mag thread but didn't want to derail it.
A buddy suggested I re-barrel my 270WSM to 6.5WSM rather than re-barreling my 308 to 260, both rifles are Extreme Weathers. I elected to stick with the 260 since the the *paper* ballistics of the 260 140gr was so close to the 270WSM 130gr and I am wanting to shoot mainly 120's and 45gr's +/-; so, I replaced the 270WSM with a 300WSM to spread the gap between the EW's.
I am still somewhat interested in the 6.5WSM but I read some information alluding to the 6.5WSM being a barrel burner. It seems possible but not probable the 6.5WSM would burn out a barrel any faster than a 270WSM.
I started thinking about this cartridge again due to the number of 264 Win Mag topics and now, Winchester chambering multiple rifles for it. I looked online and the 264 Win Mag capacity is 82 gr's and the 7WSM is 81 gr's. Seems to be a toss up, buy custom dies for the 6.5/7WSM or live with the belted case of the 264 Win Mag.
I would like to hear the responses as well;
Barrel life?
Velocity compared to the Win Mag?
WSM vs Belted Magnum
There is certainly an advantage to a factory rifle and off-the-shelf dies.
Last edited by RDW; 01/12/12.
