The Next Generation of Speed and Power

[thechamp]

After seeing the ballistics on the 6.5 Weatherby and seeing what "Best of the West" is getting out of the 7 Mag and other cartridges with the new Berger bullets I'm convinced that the next generation is finally here. Roy Weatherby did what nobody else could do in his day and his cartridges have stood the test of time against newer powders, bullets, better built barrels, etc. However Berger seems to have figured out how to get even more out of conventional rounds that nobody else has been able to do. The shots they make on Elk, bear, mule deer, etc., are impressive to say the least. If they're fake then by golly they're doing a hell of a job pulling the wool over people's eyes. When I read what McWhorter was getting out of the 6.5 Wby it really is impressive. Over 1,000# of energy left at 1,000 yards, using 130 and 140 grain projectiles! I've always been a speed freak when it comes to rifles so this 'makes' my day so to speak. The kicker here is the 6.5 does all this with essentially light recoil. You're not pushing a 200 grain slug so the 'opposite' effect isn't nearly as bad as so many other high powered cartridges.

I think it would behove Weatherby to join the fun and to add the 6.5 Wby to their stable. It does fit the niche perfectly between the 270 and the 257, and appears to outperform both of those. The 257 has a tremendous following but accuracy has been an issue with that round. The 270 Wby is normally a tack driver but the 6.5 does it better. And if Weatherby were to add this cartridge to their stable and produce factory ammo for the round I think a lot of other manufacturers would join in.

I'd love to have a Blaser R8 in 6.5 Wby.... Hot, fast and a heavy hitter. This cartridge simply can't fail if given a chance.

Looks like after 50+ years we're finally 'moving on up'...