Weatherby Inc. has announced the release of a new cartridge called 6.5 Weatherby RPM (Rebated Precision Magnum) and two new Mark V rifles – Backcountry and Backcountry Ti. The cartridge and rifles were developed together with a goal of having a sub-5-pound magnum rifle/ammunition rig. Let’s take a closer look at each of the new Weatherby products.

6.5 Weatherby RPM (6.5 WBY RPM) Cartridge

When you think about a Weatherby cartridge, you probably depict a large magnum round with a belted case and company’s signature double-radius Venturi shoulder. The new 6.5 WBY RPM is a departure from the traditional Weatherby case design. It has a rebated rim, no belt, and a standard pattern 35-degree shoulder. The cartridge is based on a lengthened .284 Winchester case and has the same rim geometry with a .500 base and the rim rebated to .473 diameter.

This is the 15th cartridge designed by the company. Let’s watch a video published by Weatherby explaining the idea behind creating the new cartridge.

Weatherby has also published data comparing the 6.5 WBY RPM to other 6.5mm cartridges. For example, the 6.5 Weatherby RPM is capable of pushing a 140-grain Nosler Accubond bullet to 3,075 fps which, according to the company, is 146 fps more than .264 Win Mag (2,929 fps), 325 fps more than 6.5-284 Norma (2,750 fps) and 420 fps more than .260 Remington (2,655 fps) cartridges loaded with the same bullet.

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Weatherby Mark V Backcountry and Backcountry Ti Rifles

As mentioned above, the new cartridge and Backcountry rifles were part of the same project with a goal of creating a 6.5mm magnum hunting rifle that weighs less than 5 lbs. This goal is achieved with the Backcountry Ti rifle which weighs 4.9 lbs without the scope. The Backcountry is a little bit heavier weighing in at 5.4 lbs in the 6.5 WBY RPM caliber version. The reason for this weight difference is that the Backcountry Ti has a titanium receiver.

Weatherby Backcountry

Weatherby Backcountry Ti

Other than the receiver material, both rifles look identical and pretty much have the same features such as the carbon fiber stock, 3D HEX recoil pad, TriggerTech trigger, Accubrake ST muzzle device, 54-degree bolt throw, 24″ fluted barrels with 1:8″ twist rate and guaranteed sub-MOA accuracy.

Even when equipped with scopes, the Backcountry Ti still weighs 6.1-6.2 lbs

Here is another video where Adam Weatherby, President of Weatherby Inc., and Kevin Wilkerson, Director of Marketing at Weatherby Inc., discuss the features of Backcountry rifles.

The MSRP of Mark V Backcountry rifle in 6.5 WBY RPM is $2,499. The Backcountry Ti chambered in the new caliber will cost you $3,349.

Images from www.weatherby.com