which of the 6.5mm non magnum variants provide for the most velocity with the shortest barrel? I have been reading through my books and so far it looks like the .260 Rem provides the most velocity with a shorter barrel? anyone know about this appreciate any info.

quote:

looks like the .260 Rem provides the most velocity with a shorter barrel?

You should look at the new 6.5 Creedmore and 6.5x47 Lapua. Both deliver almost .260 performance with much less powder.

LWD

Thanks for the reply,
I would like to push a 6.5mm 140gr at 2900 fps out of a 20" barrel as I want to build a mtn rifle. I know they are getting 2900 fps w/ the .260 and RL 17 and a 24"-26" barrel. Don't want to look at the 6.5-06 cause then I am into long action. The 6.5x55 needs a 29" barrel to get to 2800 fps this is from my sierra manual.
So forget the Swede I'd be in heaven to get a 20" barrel and that velocity. I have looked at the crdmoor and the x47 I think they need longer barrels not sure. Maybe the .260 AI and the better powders will do it. Barrel length and velocity efficiency is key for this rifle.

The Swede will do anything the 260 will do with equal pressure in the same length barrel. The two cartridges are peas in a pod although the swede does need a longer action. The 6.5x284 is probably the best choice for the velocities you want and will fit short actions with no trouble, none though will do 140s at 2900 fps from a 20" tube with sane pressures..

As Ol'Joe said, your best chance at velocity, esp from a short barrel is the 6.5x284 unless your going to wildcat a WSM. I don't think your get quite 2900 from a 20" though. Could you go for a 22" That might get you closer. Even then, the sierra manual says a 26" barrel to achieve 2900 FPS.

I'll have to settle on a 22-24 barrel I don't like the 26 barrels. So it's all peas in a pod at this point, thanks for the info.