Photos courtesy of Weatherby, Inc. 

 

The magnum makers at Weatherby, Inc., have redesigned their famous Mark V platform in conjunction with a new cartridge offering. Starting in 2016, shooters will be able to fire the belted 6.5-300 Weatherby Magnum out of the “New Mark V” line of rifles.

The New Mark V is the first major overhaul of the Mark V rifle since its introduction in 1958. The updated gun features a hand-lapped barrel, ergonomic stock, and a sub-M.O.A. guarantee.

 


The New Mark V.

 

The New Mark V’s stock comes with a slimmer forearm and sharper lines than its predecessors. The grip diameter has been reduced and lengthened with an added right palm swell, making the rifle easier and more comfortable to hold on target. The gun is also lighter than the previous Mark Vs by a quarter pound—even with an upgraded metal bottom and trigger guard.

Arguably the best refinement of the Mark V system is the LXX Trigger. The adjustable trigger is wider than previous models, can be lightened to 2 ½ pounds, and is precision ground and polished for better fit and function. 

 


The new Weatherby LXX Trigger.

 

Accompanying the New Mark V’s introduction is a brand-new Weatherby cartridge. The 6.5-300 Weatherby Magnum beats out its competitors, like the 26 Nosler and .264 Winchester Magnum, by impressive margins.

“We have taken ‘Nothing Shoots Flatter, Hits Harder, Or Is More Accurate,’ to a whole new level with what is now the fastest production 6.5mm cartridge in the world,” said Adam Weatherby, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Weatherby, Inc. “The speed and energy of this cartridge is unprecedented and worthy of carrying the Weatherby name, all while exhibiting very manageable recoil.”

The round sports a sharp shoulder angle and the iconic Weatherby belt.


The 6.5-300 Weatherby Magnum.

 

The 6.5-300 Weatherby Magnum will be available in three initial offerings: a 127-grain Barnes LRX bullet, a 130-grain Swift Scirocco II bullet, and a 140-grain Swift A-Frame bullet. The loads will be capable of speeds between 3,395 and 3,531 fps.

Beginning January 1, 2016, the chambering will be available in the New Mark V, Accumark, Accumark RC, and Ultra Lightweight product lines.

 


The 6.5-300 Weatherby Magnum outperforms the 26 Nosler, .264 Winchester Magnum, and the 6.5-284 Norma with no trouble.