Question-6.5X55AI

[ChrisNZ]

I can't recall the actual vels but yes, he was known for using full throttle..

 

[wwbrown]

He must have been running them faster than mid 2900 fps with a 140gr class bullet. My best barrel has just north of 1800rds and shot a 998-63X on it's last outing; the borescope does say it is 'on hospice care' at this point though. I run a 142gr/RL-23 at 2940 fps. I can't say that the improvement on the base case is responsible for the longevity.

Robin

I was running 139 grain Scenars at 3,050 fps with H4831 SC.

 

[AckleymanII]

Butch, if your guy is interested in barrel life, then I would surely steer him to the 6.5x47 Lapua.

37g of powder vs 47g will have a major impact on barrel life.

 

[rardoin]

I was running 139 grain Scenars at 3,050 fps with H4831 SC.

Yup.. That is why I get 1800rds+. That extra 100fps is a killer. However a heavy 6.5 at that velocity has it's advantage.

 

[1shot]

150 SMK's @ 2,987 fps.

Lloyd

 

[MTSLW]

150 SMK's @ 2,987 fps.

Lloyd

What powder and barrel length are you running? Didn't see it posted in the thread

 

[1shot]

RL-16; 32" bbl.

Lloyd

 

[Speedjunky]

Hello comrades,

I am new here and come from Germany.
The 6.5x55AI is almost unknown in germany. But I would like to rebuild my 6.5x55 SE. For this, I need correct drawings for the CIP, the institution to proove the rifle and amo. They will overload the amo with 30% and do a test with 2 or 3 schots, to secure the stability of the rifle. Only after this test, I can use my rifle in competitions. Otherwise, the use is illegal in Germay.

Somebody can help out?

What I need:
- Drawing cartrige like SAAMI
- Drawing chamber like SAAMI
- Max pressure
... and all other information about the caliber are helpfull.

Regards from Germay
Joerg

 

[RegionRat]

Hi Joerg,

I can't really help, but will point out a reason.

The SAAMI listed designs are available online. Unfortunately the 6.5x55 Swede is listed, but the AI wildcat variant is not, so it is not considered SAAMI standard.

Not many AI designs have been made into adopted SAAMI/CIP standards. There are exceptions. For example, the 280 Ackley Improved was adopted as a SAAMI standard because someone put in the effort, but I don't know that there was ever anyone who pushed for the 6.5x55 AI to become an adopted standard.

There are several reamer companies that have made the 6.5x55 AI, so I would collect their research and make sure those drawings all match your plans and select the one that is closest to your preferred seating depth as a starting point to modify.

I'm aware of some designs that are SAAMI adopted even without the pressure standards being listed in the tables, but I'm not as familiar with CIP or how they want the pressure data measured. Strain gage measurement on a barrel is less expensive than making a specific pressure test barrel, but I am not sure if the CIP committee would accept that type of data.

Good Luck with your project, I am sure you know it will be a labor of love.

 

[AckleymanII]

Laurie, the long neck does in deed reduce throat wear. The 6 Rem is better on a long action, just like the 284's.

I did not drink the Kool Aid on how neat a short action is when you can't chase the lands or even be close to the lands on some new Guns.

6 Oz different between a short and long action rifle.