Author Topic: 6.5mm Super Short Magnum (Read 1323 times)

spinafish · « **on:** May 06, 2003, 01:03:30 PM »

Anyone heard of anyone working with bolt guns in this wildcat? I would like to have one in a Scout rifle format. :grin:

Advocate · « **Reply #1 on:** May 06, 2003, 02:31:50 PM »

This idea was executed by Remington in the 60's with their 6.5 Rem Magnum, a .308 length, 6.5 caliber round on a belted magnum case. It produced 2,900 fps with a 120 grain bullet in an 18.5" barrel, or thereabouts. This cartridge was a dismal failure, in as much as you can get 2800 fps, just 100 fps slower, with the old 6.5x55 Swedish Mauser with the same bullet in old, military surplus carbines.

No disrespect, but if you want any kind of small bore magnum in a scout rifle, you're a little unclear on the concept if you have expectations of achieving any significant ballistic improvement over other, cheaper and more user friendly rounds. Good luck with your project.

Zachary · « **Reply #2 on:** May 07, 2003, 04:28:07 AM »

I have a .260 Remington and let me tell you, it's one heck of a cartridge - even though it's in a short action case. I think that the .260 and the Swede version are very similar, with the .260 having a slight advantage in the velocity department. As such, if you want a 6.5mm round in a short action carbine, take a look at the Remington M7 or other similar rifles.

Zachary

jdt48653 · « **Reply #3 on:** May 07, 2003, 04:15:27 PM »

if there is a bonified reason for the need of a short action,other then the need to come up with a new selling technique to boost sales what is it!
i didn`t say they were a bad idea! we a talking bits of inches.
they say the powder burns at a better rate,and there is less kick,and that you can carry a lighter rifle. i wonder if the average hunter in good physical condition will be able to use the old long actions!
for some reason my old rifle kills deer if i point it in the right direction
and i can still find the strength to turn the long bolt,even if it does take me a billionth of a second longer then the short action.lucky for me that i don`t like a light rifle!

Zachary · « **Reply #4 on:** May 08, 2003, 04:22:16 AM »

Quote from: jdt48653

lucky for me that i don`t like a light rifle!

I feel the same. Most of my hunting does not involve long walks or hikes, as such, light rifles are really not necessary.

However, even if they were, I just don't like light rifles. That's not to say that I love walking around with my Remington Sendero SF with Nightforce scope either (as it weighs something like 11 pounds), but I don't like those super light rifles either because I simply can't shoot them.

Why? For some reason the accuracy that I get with heavier rifles is noticeably better than with lighter rifles. Plus, the lighter rifles also kick more.

Yea, thank goodness I don't need a light rifle. :grin:

Zachary

spinafish · « **Reply #5 on:** May 08, 2003, 10:52:46 AM »

I was wanting something different, handy, short and fast..sort of the feel I get with my Red Label shotgun. I like the idea of the Super Short (now only available in the 5.56 and 6mm versions from the factory) Magnums..they seem to be very accurate (like the PPC rounds) and efficient. I have a nine yr old son would like to shoot something along those lines also. I have handled the Savage Scout quite abit and I like it..too bad its not available in 260..I could load down the 7mm-08 and have it not ruin his shooting at such a young age! I don't think it is "funny" to have a child slapped down by too stout of a rifle cartridge. It discourages them and good shooting techniques. I am also leaning towards a CZ Rifle that has the short barrel that is chambered for the 7.62 Soviet..but will probably settle on my Contender Carbine chamber for the 7-30 Waters for my son to start with..

Mikey · « **Reply #6 on:** May 30, 2003, 08:30:37 AM »

Spinafish: If you want a scout type rifle in a 6.5 caliber, get yourself a Model 38 Swedish Mauser in the 6.5x55mm and sporterize the darn thing.

(1). You will spend less for this project than you would for a new rifle in your preferred caliber. The 6.5 Swede doesn't really give up anything significant to the 350 Rem.

(2). The 6.5 Swede doesn't give up anything to the 260 Remington either, and some folks have called the 260 a 6.5 Swedish 'Wannabe'. One gun writer said the 260 comes close to the 6.5.

(3). You can probably purchase 40 to 60 rounds of Sellier and Bellot 6.5 Swedish hunting ammo in 131-140 grain weight for the same price you could probably purchase 20 rounds of the 260.

(4). When you have finished with your project, you will have a custom Swedish Mauser, with a custom stock, trigger and scope setup that will outshoot any 260 all day long. 260s come in a lightweight sporter configuration, which figures the barrel to heat up after the second shot and throw your groups. Most of the lightweight sporters are like that, with the manufacturers claiming you shouldn't need the 3rd shot, so why worry (it doesn't always work like that). The Swede however, just keeps pounding them in there all day long and is known for its ability to do so.

(5). I wouldn't bother with a scout type scope mount, I just don't trust them yet.

(6). Your custom Swedish Mauser will always be a rugged military rifle, just with improved ergodynamics specifically suited to you, whereas your lightweight 260 sporter 'ain't'.

Just my 2 cents worth. Mikey.

(4). I'd repeat #4 just 'cause it's true.

kciH · « **Reply #7 on:** May 30, 2003, 01:06:56 PM »

Mikey,
I don't want to start an argument, but #4 on your list seem to be a very questionable blanket statement about light sporter rifles. Very questionable.

Spinafish,
I've got a Savage scout in .308. You'd be very right to load that 7-08 down quite a ways. The .308 I have is less pleasant to shoot off the bench than my .35 Whelen Imp with 250gr loads. I'll admit the Whelen weighs about 8.5 lbs with a scope, sling, and ammo, but the Scout is unpleasant with full power 150gr loads at 6.5lbs.