Author Topic: 6.5 caliber in a contender (Read 1254 times)

LONEWOLF · « **on:** January 03, 2005, 02:44:48 PM »

Hi I wad thinking about having a 6.5 caliber rifle barrel made for my contender and was try to decide what would be best. Any ideas

C A Plater · « **Reply #1 on:** January 04, 2005, 04:03:43 AM »

Two come to mind, 6.5 TCU and 6.5 JDJ (6.5-.225). I have a custom TCU barrel from the now defunct Virgin Valley. Not as long throated as the factory barrels and is a real pleasure to shoot. I get about 2100fps with a 120 grain bullet from a 11" barrel at the top end. If you want more than this the JDJ based on the .225 case will get you more zip. Both make excellent hunting guns.

LONEWOLF · « **Reply #2 on:** January 04, 2005, 04:35:31 AM »

Thanks I have heard of the JDJ round. What I'm thinking about is something that might be close to a 6.5 x 55 in a contender. I want to have a light rifle that will be good out to 300 yards.

coopershooter · « **Reply #3 on:** January 04, 2005, 03:03:51 PM »

lonewolf,
i,m also very interested in a 6.5x55 for my contender carbine. not sure about the pressure??? if we new what the pressure of the 6.5x55 was we would have a good idea if the frame would take it by compairing other contender cartriges.
coopershooter.

LONEWOLF · « **Reply #4 on:** January 04, 2005, 04:06:35 PM »

Hi I belive that my speer puts the pressure about 45,ooo psi. I might not be able to use the 6.5 x55 but might be able to come close. I'm looking for a something that would be good out to 300 yards on deer.

C A Plater · « **Reply #5 on:** January 05, 2005, 07:08:25 AM »

I think the Swede may be a bit much for the Contender frame. It would work very well in the Encore though. I'm not sure if there is an official wildcat but there is also the .444 necked down to .30 cal. and 7mm using regular .308 and 7-08 dies so one using .260 dies would be a natural. It should give you near Swede ballistics. Just a thought.

coopershooter · « **Reply #6 on:** January 07, 2005, 11:11:47 AM »

i looked up pressures for the 30-30, they top out at around 39000cup.
as you stated, that might be below the swed. whats the next lower pressure round in 6.5 cal. i can put in the contender? what are the balistics of the 6.5jdj? can you use 140gr bullets in the jdj? how fast?
thanks!

Whodaheck99 · « **Reply #7 on:** January 07, 2005, 12:35:06 PM »

You can use a 140 gr. bullet in a 6.5 JDJ. Speed from 2000- 2200 FPS. out of a 14" barrel, not to bad.

coopershooter · « **Reply #8 on:** January 08, 2005, 04:56:06 AM »

do you think a 21inch barrel in 6.5 jdj, would go 2400fps?

Whodaheck99 · « **Reply #9 on:** January 08, 2005, 05:12:53 PM »

It would be close to that. The best think to do is e-mail, or call SSK.

jeff · « **Reply #10 on:** January 14, 2005, 04:37:30 PM »

You might want to check out Bullberry.com

They will chamber a lot of different calibers including wildcats. You will see a very comprehensive list and some loading and performance data on a few Bullberry wildcats 6mm, 25 cal and 6.5mm. They also do a super job in cutting chambers and throats.

TScottW99 · « **Reply #11 on:** January 15, 2005, 10:47:47 AM »

I have had the same itch. I'm wanting to get my Encore chambered in the 6.5 Grendel, my problem is trying to find someone to do it for less then both arms and a leg

I'm really wanting this caliber in a 14" barrel.

http://www.alexanderarms.com/website/id22.html

jeff · « **Reply #12 on:** January 15, 2005, 03:53:14 PM »

That 6.5 Grendel is very intereting. Any idea on the pressure? It may be too much for the Contender.

Looked up the data at Bullberry for their 6.5 Bullberry Improved which is based on the 30-30 case.

15 INCH 85 gr HP 2760 fps
20 INCH 85 gr HP 2935 fps

15 INCH 100 gr HP 2590 fps
20 INCH 100 gr HP 2690 fps

15 INCH 120 gr PSP-CL 2280 fps
20 INCH 120 gr PSP-CL 2395 fps

Don't forget to check out the cost of dies, some are pretty expensive!!

TScottW99 · « **Reply #13 on:** January 16, 2005, 03:52:26 AM »

Not sure of the Contender either, don't have one, YET

From the articles I have read the Grendel has a pressure of 42,000 psi . It was made to fire in AR 15's/ M16s so the pressure had to be under 45,000 for the 5.56 action.

Have been reading where some shooters are getting more pressure though in bolt guns when hand loading. With the high B.C. I think some shooters for pistols will like it.

The dies for the Grendel is $48.50 from Lee. Guessing you could get some "custom" dies from Hornady also but have not looked into yet.

jeff · « **Reply #14 on:** January 16, 2005, 04:17:15 AM »

Die cost seems reasonable to me, but I think that the pressure might be a wee bit high for the my comfort.