6.5 Weatherby RPM: A Long-Distance Dragster of a Hunting Cartridge

The young doe never knew what hit her. I lost sight of the deer after the shot when she fell behind a small ridge. It wasn't a deer I'd normally shoot. The landowner had asked me to shoot the first doe I saw because it was an active CWD zone. When I walked up it was clear she was dead before she hit the ground.

That was my first experience hunting with the 6.5 Weatherby RPM. It's safe to say the round was overkill for that hunt, which took place in central Wisconsin. The shot was only 65 yards, but the round I was using is capable of much longer shots.

In fact, the 6.5 WBY RPM shoots faster and flatter than anything else I've ever used. Here's what to know about this interesting big game magnum.

Origins of the 6.5 Weatherby RPM

6.5 Weatherby RPM Ammo

The 6.5 WBY RPM is a long action magnum with a rebated rim. (Photo/Travis Smola)

Weatherby built the 6.5 WBY RPM from the ground up specifically for their Mark V line of rifles. The idea was to build a hard-hitting magnum that weighed less than six pounds. Obviously, that makes backcountry hunters the target audience.

The RPM part of the name stands for rebated precision magnum. This means the cartridge's rim has a slightly smaller diameter than the case itself. Weatherby was able to use a larger case while still using the Mark V's standard bolt face. The result is a magnum rifle that's up to a pound lighter than something in a similar chambering like 6.5 PRC. For hunters in mountain country, it's the best of both worlds.

The 6.5 WBY RPM uses the .284 Winchester as a parent case. Weatherby extended the case and then necked it down with a 35-degree shoulder for 6.5. This long action round doesn't have much taper to the body. Subsequently, the manufacturer was able to pack in more powder. The result is a hot rod of a cartridge capable of blistering 3,200-feet per second speeds.

Weatherby built the round for the Mark V lineup. However, the company has also chambered the round for their heavier, and newer Model 307 lineup.

As one of Weatherby's "pet" cartridges, this round seems limited to those two models for now. It is a similar story for factory ammunition offerings. Weatherby currently offers options between 127 and 140 grains in their Select Plus line. The bullet offerings include Nosler Accubond, Barnes LRX, and Hornady Interlock.

Weatherby Mark V High Country 6.5 Weatherby RPM Bolt-Action Rifle

Weatherby Mark V High Country 6.5

BUY NOW

Weatherby 307 Alpine CT 6.5 Weatherby RPM Bolt-Action Rifle

Weatherby 307 Alpine CT 6.5

BUY NOW

6.5 WBY RPM Specs and Case Uses

6.5 WBY RPM in Wisconsin

The author harvested this doe with the 6.5 WBY RPM in Wisconsin. (Photo/Travis Smola)

This cartridge is a hot rod. The 124-grain Hammer Customs made by Weatherby have a blistering 3,250 feet per second muzzle velocity. The company lists 2,908-foot pounds of muzzle energy. It doesn't lose much at 100 yards. These rounds are still doing 3,040 feet per second while delivering 2,544-foot pounds of energy. Weatherby lists the zero for trajectory at 300 yards. At that distance, expect 2,646 feet per second and 1,931-foot pounds of energy.

If you step up to the 140-grain Hornady Interlock, this round is still a rocket. Weatherby lists a 2,975-feet per second muzzle velocity delivering 2,751-foot pounds of energy. At 300 yards, it's still doing 2,393-feet per second with 1,780-foot pounds of energy.

6.5 WBY RPM is a true speedster

The 6.5 WBY RPM is a true speedster of a round. (Photo/Travis Smola)

The stats don't deviate much from the other ammunition offerings. Inside a 300-yard window, the 6.5 WBY RPM has the energy for nearly every popular North American big game animal. The 6.5 WBY RPM is essentially a catch-all round for everything from antelope to elk.

I suspect this round will be a barrel burner due to the hot loads and speeds. However, Weatherby has never advertised it as a range or competition round. This is a dedicated high power hunting cartridge for hunters who demand precision.

The round is as accurate as advertised. I got my rifle during a hunting trip to Wisconsin where Weatherby zeroed the scope setup at the factory. My first shot on paper hit exactly where I was aiming at 100 yards. I took a few more shots and ended up with a sub-MOA group. In fact, I didn't make a single scope adjustment. Consider me impressed.

6.5 WBY RPM is a specialty cartridge

The 6.5 WBY RPM is a specialty cartridge, but one that's very versatile. (Photo/Travis Smola)

Being able to pack a magnum cartridge in a rifle that weighs less than six pounds is a huge advantage. Weatherby lists their Mark V Backcountry Ti at a stunning 4.9 pounds. The advantage of such a light rifle, especially at high elevations, cannot be understated. We already mentioned the speed and accuracy advantages. This is a dedicated big game cartridge that has a lot going for it.

I felt like the recoil was mild enough for most shooters. Keep in mind that my test was with a Model 307, which weighs a little over seven pounds. I think that extra weight soaked up some of the recoil. The recoil has more bark than a 6.5 Creedmoor, but not enough that it becomes unpleasant, either. It helps that the Model 307 has an incredibly crisp trigger and generous recoil pad.

Simply put, shooting this cartridge gave me a ton of confidence the round was going to hit exactly where I aimed. This is a round where I would be confident out to 200 yards or more easily. That isn't something I can say about every other rifle I own.

However, the round does have a few disadvantages. For one, it's the loudest firearm I own by a wide margin. It's best to pack some ear plugs, or to consider a suppressor. Several others were using the 6.5 WBY RPM during my Wisconsin hunt. It was obvious every time one went off.

The biggest concern for the 6.5 WBY is the cost and availability of ammunition. I cannot find this round in stores here east of the Mississippi River. I know because I've checked stores from Michigan to Florida and all the states in between. Reddit threads often suggest the round is readily available in western states. I just haven't had the chance to confirm in person.

Limited ammunition options aside, 6.5 WBY RPM is incredibly expensive. Most of the big box listings online have it available for around $100 a box, or nearly $5 a round. Subsequently, this round is not a casual range time waster!

Weatherby Select 6.5 WBY RPM 140-Grain Rifle Ammunition - 20 Rounds

Weatherby Select 6.5 WBY RPM

BUY NOW

Conclusion

In the end, the pros of the 6.5 Weatherby RPM far outweigh the cons. It impressed me at every turn. We hope that the popularity eventually takes off beyond Weatherby's offerings. This is a seriously speedy and capable dedicated hunting round. For hunters who want one round for all their big game hunting, the 6.5 WBY RPM is a contender. The accuracy is also top notch. If I'm ever fortunate enough to draw a Michigan elk tag, the 6.5 RPM will be my cartridge of choice.