Weatherby Introduces Mark V Backcountry Rifles and New 6.5 Wby. RPM Cartridge

by
posted on September 3, 2019
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
weatherbymarkvbackcountry_lead.jpg

From its new home in Sheridan, Wyo., Weatherby, Inc. announces the release of two new Mark V rifles: the Backcountry and Backcountry Ti. As if a new rifle platform wasn’t enough, the company has also released the new 6.5 Weatherby RPM (Rebated Precision Magnum) cartridge in tandem to maximize the rifles’ potential.

Like its Weatherby predecessors, the 6.5 Wby. RPM sports a non-belted, non-venturi shoulder case with a rebated rim, but was purpose-built for the smaller six-lug Mark V action.

Weatherby is currently offering three loads chambered in the new 6.5 Wby. RPM:
• Weatherby Select: 140-grain Hornady InterLock with a muzzle velocity of 2975 fps
• Weatherby Select Plus: 140-grain Nosler AccuBond with a muzzle velocity of 3075 fps
• Weatherby Select Plus: 127-grain Barnes LRX with a muzzle velocity of 3225 fps

The new Mark V Backcountry and Backcountry Ti rifles were built for long hauls and fast handling while maintaining Weatherby standards for reliability and performance.

Each rifle comes equipped with a new TriggerTech Mark V trigger, a new Slim-line Accubrake ST muzzle brake, a carbon-fiber stock, Weatherby’s 3D HEX recoil pad, a spiral fluted bolt with a scalloped bilt sleeve and hollowed-out bolt handle. The Backcountry Ti (pictured above) sports a titanium action for additional weight reduction.

The Mark V Backcountry (pictured below) and Backcountry Ti rifles are currently available chambered in 6mm Creedmoor, .240 Wby. Mag., .257 Wby. Mag., 6.5 Creedmoor, 6.5 Wby. RPM, 6.5-300 Wby. Mag., .270 Wby. Mag., .280 Ackley Improved, 7mm Wby. Mag. and .300 Wby. Mag.

Current Mark V Backcountry models include:
• Mark V Backcountry; standard action weight: 5.3 lbs., magnum action: 6.3 lbs.| MSRP: $2,499
• Mark V Backcountry Ti; standard action weight: 4.9 lbs., magnum action: 5.9 lbs. | MSRP: $3,349

“We set out to produce the best backcountry rifle and cartridge combination ever, it was a project we did not take lightly. At our core, we pride ourselves in ballistic superiority. So, the goal was not to simply achieve the production of a 5 pound rifle. Instead, our team was able to break the 5 pound mark while delivering magnum performance in a firearm that doesn’t demand custom rifle pricing,” says Adam Weatherby. “Additionally, the combination of the stock design, brand new muzzle brake and proprietary patent pending 3D HEX recoil reducer make it enjoyable to shoot. After years of innovation and development, the Mark V Backcountry Ti and 6.5 Wby. RPM combination achieves the weight savings, ballistic performance and price that cannot be found in a production rifle anywhere else.”

For more information on the new 6.5 Weatherby RPM cartridge or the new Weatherby Mark V Backcountry and Backcountry Ti rifles, visit weatherby.com.

Latest

Lead Photo H2H
Lead Photo H2H

Head to Head: The 9.3x62 vs. 9.3x74R

A battle of 9.3mms. While this particular caliber never really caught on here in the states, it may be time for this old safari favorite to find its way into a few more gunrooms. Check out more about them here.

RCBS Released 7mm Backcountry Reloading Die

RCBS has announced the launch of its new 7mm Backcountry Die Set. Engineered specifically to meet the demands of reloading this high-performance cartridge, the RCBS 7mm Backcountry Die Set is a unique three-die system that includes a neck sizer die, expander die and bullet seater die. The set delivers enhanced control, consistency and accuracy when reloading the 7mm BC and the patented Peak alloy cartridge case.

Hodgdon Launches Accurate High Country Powder for 7mm Backcountry

Hodgdon Powder Company have introduced Accurate High Country, an all-new spherical rifle propellant engineered for the performance demands of today's modern magnum cartridges, including Federal's new 7mm Backcountry.

IWC and Guidefitter Honor 2026 Game Warden of the Year

International Wildlife Crimestoppers (IWC), in partnership with Guidefitter, named Senior Conservation Officer Meghan Roos of the Idaho Department of Fish and Game the recipient of the 2026 IWC Guidefitter Game Warden of the Year Award. Officer Roos received the award during International Wildlife Crimestoppers’ annual conference in July.

#SundayGunday: Chiappa USA Rhino 60DS

On this week's #SudnayGunday, we’re checking out the Chiappa Rhino 60 DS. All it takes is once glance to tell this is not your granddad’s revolver. Chiappa has flipped the script on wheelguns quite literally, aligning the barrel with the bottommost chamber of the cylinder, rather than the top. This low bore axis makes the gun recoil directly back into the hand, rather than pulling the muzzle up and away from your grip. Learn more about it in this exclusive video.

Shooting Close: How to Play the Short Game

The trend these days is to “go long” but the truth is, if you’re doing it right, most shots taken by hunters are anything but long range. You’re better off practicing your short game.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.