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

For my purposes, I want to shoot 120 grain mono metal bullets in a 6.5 CM. Is that realistic? What barrel length is needed, 22”, 24”, or 26”? This is for a new bolt rifle or a rebarreled M70. I don’t own a 6.5 CM at this time.

Recommended powder, primer, and brass also appreciated.

I have a bunch of 120 gr TTSX, ETip, and GMX leftover from a 6.5 M96 Swede...

It might be done, most of the reloading manuals say 2900+ as a max load with a 24" barrel. A longer barrel and pushing the envelope might get you there. I can't really see another 100fps making much of a difference in a hunting situation.

I agree, not really significant, yet it is my decision point between 6.5 CM or PRC. The 3000 FPS determines my self-imposed range limit of 2000 FPS impact velocity. The TTSX has the lowest ballistic coefficient, the other two are higher. So 3005 FPS at sea level (I’m at 167 feet) gives me the 2000+ FPS impact at 450 yards. That’s the loony goal for a new 6.5.

Why? What is your purpose? Inquiring minds want to know.

I got a bit over 2900 fps with Ramshot Hunter and 120 grain Nosler Ballistic Tips out of a Ruger Hawkeye with a 24 inch barrel. With a 26 inch barrel you might get 3000 fps.

I got to 3090 with 123 Scenars with RL 17 and a 28" Krieger. Didn't go in chasing velocity, it just shoots well with that load.

Ramshot's data lists 2997 fps as max with the 120 Ballistic Tip, using Hunter in a 24" barrel, at 58,280 PSI.

The SAAMI pressure for the round is relatively low; dunno why, since it tends to be very consistent ballistically. A lot of reloaders push published loads another grain or so. (Others push it a LOT.)

I got around 3100 with the 120 Ballistic Tip with Hunter from the 26" barrel of my first Creedmoor, with fine accuracy. That was a factory Ruger barrel, not a custom with a minimum chamber or bore.

And 2900 fps at the muzzle will give you 2000+ FPS at 425 yards, 1972 @ 450. Close enough, I wouldn't worry about the last 100 fps.

I got 2950 out of a 120 ballistic tip with H4350. 22” barrel, book max load. Should get you close.

Old70

JB,

It was your 26” Ruger that revived my interest in the 6.5 CM. Read your article in a gun mag that had 14 different 6.5 cartridges in it. Can’t remember the mag, I bought it earlier this month. I’m traveling now and don’t have it with me. There was also an article by you on the 6.5-06 in the mag.

I was leaning towards the PRC until I saw your load with the Ballistic Tip.

I really need to quit reading so much of your work. First it was the 9.3x62, then the 308, and now the 6.5 CM. Most of the 6.5 stuff has been your comments here on 24CF. Sure hope you don’t write about anything else soon... I don’t get any more gun money allowance until next year!

My thinking was similar and instead of pushing things I decided to go with the PRC. Still playing with loads but currently getting 3050+ with a 130 AB over a somewhat pedestrian load of 57.5 gr. H1000 out of a 24" . Good luck. Mac

ShortMagFan,

Those articles were in one of the Wolfe Publishing special editions this year, which feature both new articles and reprints from older issues of RIFLE and HANDLOADER. Both of my articles were reprint. Kinda wish I'd kept that rifle, but have to keep experimenting, which means some rifles get sacrificed for others.

Watch out! This year my schedule for HANDLOADER includes such cutting-edge rounds as the .32-40 and .40-65!

.40-65?

Now you’re talking my language, black powder and 410gr cast bullets!

Hey Mule Deer - don’t confuse me with the OP! Though I have a similar question about 120 grain bullets in the 6.5 saum...I saw your results with 120s in the prc and have to believe there is more to be had.

Short answer - yes - >3000 FPS from a 22" barrel with factory ammo.

Longer answer - My friend has a 22" barreled Savage 6.5 Creed that I think he paid about $300 for at Walmart including a 3x9 Weaver scope. We went out to sight it in in preparation for a Montana antelope hunt this fall, with Hornady factory 120 grain GMX ammo. The box said the ammo would do 3050 FPS. The average for the groups we fired over my 35P was 3051 FPS! And none of the groups were more than 1 MOA. Right outta the box. Kind of makes all our rifle looney accuracy chasing seem kinda silly and expensive, doesn't it. At least it does to my buddy. He's a happy camper. Killed his goat with one shot on the first morning.

Cheers,
Rex

MD,

Now we’re talking - I bet with all the new technology you were getting nearly 3000fps with these cartridges?😁. Seriously - looking forward to those articles have both and have really only tinkered with them so far.

PennDog

Well, I'm not gonna sell my .270 or my .260 to buy one, if that's what you and Hornady are tryin' to do...

Easy to do with a 7mm-08.

Just sayin’.



P

i'll just stick with my 300rum.

Could chase 100fps or just learn to hunt a little closer.