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Here is my 2nd hand 264WM.

It is way 'overbore' (or inefficient) in its use of current powders for velocity gained but there is just somthing attractive about the cartridge that has no scientific basis.

The 6.5mm family were first brought to my attention many years ago when an article was printed in a local Aussie shooting magazine about a West Australian owned Steyr Manlicher M-72 model S in 6.5x68. It was imported with two scopes, both Nickal Supras. A 4x32 (?) and a 3-12x56. Both interchangeable on Q/D monts. Like you John H, I was enamoured with it from the start and the article introduced me to Mannlichers, German cartridges, spoon bolt handles and Supra scopes. From memory the owner was going to use the 127 KS load, then handloads with a 125 partition. He too was intrigued with the 93 grain load and assumed it was used in europe for high altitude, long range Chamois and for Roe deer.

I purchased my rifle late last year through Tony Saros in Victoria who knew it's history. He assured me it had about 150 rounds through it, 200 maximum. I have heard storys of them only having a life of 800 rounds and have yet to find out if this is true. Tony has always hit me as an honest guy and I purchased the rifle sight unseen. According to the serial number it is a 1965 Remington 700 ADL with factory 24" stainless steel barrel. It was bedded and shoots extremely accurately.

My motivation in buying it was to build a long range (300-400 yard) Springbok rifle for my return trip to RSA in 2014.

I removed the bridge mount that was on it and it currently wears a Pic rail which allows correct eye relief for my Kahles 3.5-10x50 scope. Before its arrival I ordered a pre screwed and chambered Pac-Nor C/M 26" super match grade barrel for eventual replacement of the factory barrel. This barrel is longer, and has only a slightly larger profile than the factory profile. Plans are for a target shaped stock to add forend weight, the new barrel, new and softer recoil pad and a modified M-8 Leupold 12x40AO scope with click adjustment turrets and LR Duplex reticle.

Accuracy is so good at the moment that I am loath to replace the barrel. I have an accurate load with 2213sc and the 129 Hornady SST (3,140fps) and also the 140 Woodleigh PPSN (3,014fps). Loads are way over published maximums but primers are convex and there is no resistance to bolt lift or extraction. I am very careful to let it cool down after three shots as it heats up very quickly.

It will get its first blooding on feral Camels in mid June.

Edited by CptCurl (04/07/11 09:25 PM)