For those who followed the recent progression of some of the Bellm rounds based on the 5.6x50R, iffy brass from Hirtenberger and high costs of RWS brass (over $1 per piece before shipping )pushed many away from the rounds.

But I was at the new Cabela's in Buda, TX yesterday, and S&B 5.6x50R ammo is $11.99 per box -- and the brass is of pretty decent quality (at least that was the case with the brass I checked out a year or so back)

Just thought I'd mention this in case anyone was interested.

Since 25-35 Winchester brass has come out, why in the world would you want to pay $1 a piece for the European makers stuff when 25-35 sizes down in one easy pull of the handle?

-Spencer

It's not the same case, Spencer -- not even close. The brass I mentioned has the same head size of a .223, which means you can run it full-throttle in a Contender. With something such as the 25-35, pressures must be limited to around 38-40000 cup.

Given equal barrel lengths and bullet weights, that simply means that in a 6.5mm bore, you can run the 120 grain BT at least 100 fps faster (more like 150) than the vaunted 6.5mm JDJ while not getting into pressure/backthrust problems accociated with the Contender.

WHOOPS!

Sorry Bobby, didn't mean to sound like a snob.

I was thinking of 5.6X52R, the European name for 22 Savage Hi-Power.

My mistake.

-Spencer

Bobby,
Interesting info about the S&B loads. As you remember, 3-4 years ago S&B brass was supposed to become available in the U.S., but never materialized. I just checked the Cabela's website and it did not show the loaded S&B 5.6X50 R ammo. Do you have a ph # or website for the Buda, TX store? BTW, where is Buda, TX? I've got a 6X50R Bellm, but am not sure how to use the S&B ammo in forming the Bellm brass. Would you recommend pulling the bullet, dumping powder and making up a fireforming load? I'll show my ignorance, but would it be safe/workable to form the 6X50 R Bellm brass by merely shooting the 5.6X50R loads? I was just about to order some RWS brass from Natchez, but may want to rethink that.... As always, thanks for your help.

Gary-ph 512 295 1100 between San Antonio & Austin on I-35. Had a ton of it

will write more later--maybe not till nxt wk.

trying to get out ahead of the hurricane that's bearing down on us

Bobby,

Take care and God bless!

Bobby,
Glad Rita turned some from TX, although at the expense of SW LA. I'm afraid it may have taken out a friend's fishing camp..... At any rate, what are your thoughts on how to fireform the 5.6 X 50R S&B brass? Pull the bullets/powder and load load up a fireforming load or would it be possible to use it as loaded by the factory? Thanks,
Gary T.

Gary-Given the small case head size, I would pull the bullets, run the case gently and partially through a 6mm die just enough to get the neck slightly expanded and then load a mid-weight (80) grain bullet. Lyman even makes a neck expander that would work wonders here.

Get a cheaper boat-tail to make the seating easier (Sierra 80 gr Blitz comes to mind). Or chamfer slightly and use bulk Rem or Win bullets.


If the pressures aren't enough to fully form, you can go up slightly in bullet weight. That would beat dumping it all and starting from scratch. Since you are going up in bore diameter, you really can't get into trouble trying this route as the original loading is somewhat on the mild side anyway. I've done similar things, but all aspects of the situation have to be right -- and this one certainly qualifies.