Talk to me about the 6.5 SAUM Improved

[HandgunHTR]

I am seriously contemplating cutting my rifle collection down significantly. I don't have kids so passing them down to someone isn't really an option. I do have a nephew who hunts, but he likes to buy his own stuff. I do have a couple of rifles I will probably end up giving him, but the rest will probably just get sold to fund better accessories and components for what I plan on keeping.

Other than my SHTF rifles for the wife and I, a 7-08AI Tikka that is my favorite rifle, and a couple of hunting handguns that I am not going to get rid of, I am thinking about having a battery of 6.5s to cover everything I could possibly need to do.
I already have a 6.5 Grendel Encore for my 0-200 rifle, a 6.5 Creed for my 200-500 rifle, a 6.5-06AI for my 500-700 rifle. For my 700-1000 rifle, I am thinking a 6.5 SAUM Improved. If I can get 147 grain bullets to 3000 fps out of a 20 or 21" barrel, I think it would be a good option.

So, is it possible to get a 147 to 3000 out of a 20 or 21" barrel without pushing pressure? Also, I see that UM has dies available for it, but they are $450. Could I just get the $275 6UM dies and put the correct bushing for a 6.5 (.288-.292) in them?

 

[Quicksilver]

I would think you’d be able to if the chambering was favored to fit the 147-156 class bullets optimally. I have a 6.5 saum prefit, so less than optimal seating depth (tailored for 130gr bullets ideally) and I’m running a 130 berger at 2960fps after the barrel sped up. I saw bolt lift at 3030fps area before the barrel sped up. This is in an 18” barrel also. So add 40-50fps on that with a 20”.

This load is with n565 powder and is fairly full case capacity. So with the right powder and a little extra case room, with the chambering done to sit that bullet out as far as possible I think you could meet your goal.

Does I am using my Redding 7 saum dies and just swapping out the bushing. I would look at and affordable micrometer seating die, and spend the money on a good bushing sizing die. That is where you’ll get your money’s worth.

 

[wind gypsy]

Would it really be that different from a 6.5-06 AI?

You seem to be an AI kind of guy but to me a straight 6.5 SAUM or 6.5-7 PRC would be more appealing.

 

[Quicksilver]

6.5-300wsm, quit messing around

 

[HandgunHTR]

Would it really be that different from a 6.5-06 AI?

You seem to be an AI kind of guy but to me a straight 6.5 SAUM or 6.5-7 PRC would be more appealing.

Do like wildcats.

The SAUM has a about a 5% case capacity increase over the 6.5-06AI. Also my 6.5-06AI is a 19" barrel, so it is a bit slower.

Edit to add: Another reason I am looking at the SAUM/Shermans is that I have a 7RM Tikka that I can build off of.

 

[HandgunHTR]

6.5-300wsm, quit messing around

I have thought about the 6.5 Sherman Max or Mega as well. I am confident I can get there with one of those. Just was looking for something a bit "more different" if that makes sense.

I have a 338 Mega that I like a lot, but honestly, it is more of a "cool factor" gun than anything else. It will be one of the last ones to go down the road.

 

[Quicksilver]

I have thought about the 6.5 Sherman Max or Mega as well. I am confident I can get there with one of those. Just was looking for something a bit "more different" if that makes sense.

I have a 338 Mega that I like a lot, but honestly, it is more of a "cool factor" gun than anything else. It will be one of the last ones to go down the road.

If you’re on a tikka action, I would almost look into a cartridge that can utilize the extra length of a medium action size. Haven’t look in awhile, but I think one of the Sherman’s you mentioned would do that.

 

[The Guide]

264 Win Mag with a fast twist barrel just to be different but old school.

Jay

 

[Mike D Texas]

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Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

 

[Mike D Texas]

My 6.5 SAUM Improved easily runs 3100fps with Berger 144 LRHTs with H1000 in a 21” barrel.

 

[HandgunHTR]

264 Win Mag with a fast twist barrel just to be different but old school.

Jay

Jay, it has also crossed my mind. Not sure I can get the speed I am looking for out of a short barrel with that one though. From my limited research I am seeing around 3000-3100 fps from 140-147 class bullets out of a 26" barrel.

My 6.5 SAUM Improved easily runs 3100fps with Berger 144 LRHTs with H1000 in a 21” barrel.

Thanks, Mike!

 

[khuber84]

Case capacity is going to be king here to get the velocity you want without operating at extreme preddures. I ran a 65 max on a 26in Bart, Tikka action. 156s only, but the best I could do for good accuracy and not in pressure was 3120 w/ N570. A 147 bearing surface is longer than a 156 Berger, but it's lighter. 3000 is likely doable, but you won't be far from pressure. 65 Max held 77gr powder. Standard Saum is 73.5-74gr. If I wanted a reliable 3000fps without being near psi, I'd start with adg 270 or 300wsm brass necked down, or a 7prc parent case. Custom died wouldn't be necessary. A step up in capacity would be going to the 6.5 LRM, 7lrm adg brass from gunwerks necked down, it'll be around 85-86gr capacity. My smith is building one for himself currently. Pending his results I may build one. However my current plans are doing a 65saum on a 7.5tw 20", but all my desire is a 147-156gr bullet at 2850-2900fps.