6.5-06 Ack Imp with RL 26

[BountyHunter]

Has anyone done load work ups with RL26 for 130 to 140 grain bullets?

I am building a 6.5-06 AI with a 26" 8.5 twist for hunting. I will be using only bullets in the 130-140 ranges. All the load data I have found is years old and does not include the newer powders or is just for the standard 6.5-06 and even that is old.

I have lots of 4831 SC, H100V, Superperformance, IMR4166, H4350 etc along with F210s, 215M, WLR and CCI BR2 primers.

Is everyone using the 270 case to fireform?

Thanks
.

 

[RW]

Re: 6.5-06 Ack Imp with new powders

I also have a 6.5-06 imp and i am just starting to work up some loads and I have so far only used 270 win brass to fireform and do initial tests. fire forming was done using COW method and have only used 4831sc with good results both accuracy and velocity. But just starting and did everything 10 thousands into the lands with berger 140 vlds velocity in the 3050 to 3150 nodes but like I said this is just the first to get a feel for where the powder charge range be! Accuracy has been showing promise now need to adjust seating depth and primers and see where I at. pm me at any time to keep up on the progress, Ron

 

[bheadboy]

Re: 6.5-06 Ack Imp with new powders

I found with my 3 AI (different caliber) that powders in the h414-h4831sc area and jumps of .010-.020 were best, specifically for hunting purposes where you may extract an unfired round.

There are a number of "newer" powders shown on the burn rate charts you might look at - I took the max load for std chamber and laddered up from there until I reached the % increase water volume I found in the AI case.

Bob

 

[BountyHunter]

Re: 6.5-06 Ack Imp with new powders

Thanks for the info.

Anyone else?

 

[mikegaiz]

Re: 6.5-06 Ack Imp with new powders

I have shot 6.5-06 Ack Imp in 1000 yd comp and long range Varmints with very good results. H4831 SC seems to be the best. Velocities of 2950 to 3050 fps proved best, It will go much faster, but won't group well at distance. 3000 fps with 140 was my best out to 1600 yds. RL-22, h4350 are two other good powders. I fire formed 270 and 30/06 brass. I think 270 worked the best. FL resize with 6.5 dies and leave a .010 false shoulder for fire forming. good luck.

 

[waverly]

Re: 6.5-06 Ack Imp with new powders

mikegaiz what he said.

I've only shot mine at 1 k matches. H4831 SC, RL-22 will do well. I also use 270 brass. I'm getting my 3rd barrel done now. I've shot this cartridge off and on since 2006 or so. There are different reamers out there based on 30.06 and .270 there is a slight difference in neck length.

Good luck Waverly

 

[BountyHunter]

Re: 6.5-06 Ack Imp with new powders

thanks for info

 

[STOMP442]

Re: 6.5-06 Ack Imp with new powders

I have had good results with H4831 and Retumbo in the couple 6.5-06AI's that I have.

 

[jr600yd]

Re: 6.5-06 Ack Imp with new powders

Don't have an AI version but do shoot a straight 6.5/06 in 1K F Class competition. I've been playing around with AA-4350. It seems to be a little slower than the H version but not as slow as 4831sc. I'm also shooting Moly Bullets out of a 30" Kreiger barrel. With the AA powder I can get over 3,000fps and 2950ish with 4831sc with the 140gr Bergers. Although both shoot well I think the accuracy nod will go to 4831sc. Guess it's the node my rifle likes.

 

[SHootSTraight22]

Re: 6.5-06 Ack Imp with new powders

Has anyone done load work ups with any of the new powders, RL25, H100V, IMRs etc for 130 to 140 grain bullets?

I am building a 6.5-06 AI with a 26" 8.5 twist for hunting. I will be using only bullets in the 130-140 ranges. All the load data I have found is years old and does not include the newer powders or is just for the standard 6.5-06 and even that is old.

I have lots of 4831 SC, H100V, Superperformance, IMR4166, H4350 etc along with F210s, 215M, WLR and CCI BR2 primers.

Is everyone using the 270 case to fireform?

Thanks
With that extra case capacity you got I would take a heard look at using them Fed 215M primers you have for my loads... With over bore cartridges like you have the slower powders tend to always be the best.. Like IMR7828, RL19, RL22... If what you named is all you have I would try starting with 4831 @ 52gr and work up to pressure signs from there.. The only thing although is if I was you shooting 4831 I would purchase some good 120gr bullets to load behind with the 52gr of powder.. I wouldn't use the 4831 for 140gr pills but would find a slower burn rate powder... Try the 120-130gr bullets with 4831 at 52gr then work up .3 from there till pressures show... Then go buy some slower burning powder.. If this is for hunting a 120gr partition or 130gr Swift Scirrocco would be nice with 4831... Hope that helps some...
.

 

[BountyHunter]

Re: 6.5-06 Ack Imp with new powders

With that extra case capacity you got I would take a heard look at using them Fed 215M primers you have for my loads... With over bore cartridges like you have the slower powders tend to always be the best.. Like IMR7828, RL19, RL22... If what you named is all you have I would try starting with 4831 @ 52gr and work up to pressure signs from there.. The only thing although is if I was you shooting 4831 I would purchase some good 120gr bullets to load behind with the 52gr of powder.. I wouldn't use the 4831 for 140gr pills but would find a slower burn rate powder... Try the 120-130gr bullets with 4831 at 52gr then work up .3 from there till pressures show... Then go buy some slower burning powder.. If this is for hunting a 120gr partition or 130gr Swift Scirrocco would be nice with 4831... Hope that helps some...
.

Oh I have others, almost all the IMRs, H4350, H1000, some N165 etc. Not a fan of RL22 as I got burned with that bad lot they had about 10 years ago. Just too tempermental for my liking. That is why I asked about RL 25/26 as I have heard that they are much more stable.

 

[Mavrick]

Re: 6.5-06 Ack Imp with new powders

I've been playing with a 6.5x06 Imp lately and have started to have pretty good results.
I call the cartridge "6.5 Special" mostly because it was the result of a mistake. The chamber was reamed a bit short. The trim-to length is 2.40".
It is slightly smaller in case capacity, so my loads can be used for starter loads in a properly chambered gun.
My barrel is an A&B 1:9" 26". The chamber is an Ackley Improved with 40* shoulder. My cases are Federal .30/06 blown out and trimmed.
I've used CCI 200s and 250s, Tula Large Rifle and Large Rifle Magnum, Winchester WLR and WLRM, and Federal 210s and 215s.
Besides the "Usual Suspects," I've been using Rx25, 26, and 33, H1000, Retumbo, and IMR 7977.
Rx#33 is too slow as a full case (to the top and compressed) will only give 3070fps (66gr). The accuracy in my rifle is OK at below .75", but I
don't think will last if loaded then kept for any period. This is with 123gr Hornady A-Max
65.5gr with a 140gr Hornady A-Max gives 2950fps, but the accuracy is less...in the 1.25" area. This is with Federal 215s.
The rifle is used for 500meter animal silhouette-target competition.
I have to leave for a bit, but will be back to tell about my results with the other powders.
Have fun,
Gene

 

[seymour fish]

Re: 6.5-06 Ack Imp with new powders

OP, The n-165 !

 

[Mavrick]

Re: 6.5-06 Ack Imp with new powders

I also tried some Alliant Rx#25 and found it to be an excellent powder. The groups were in the 1/2"-.75" area and the velocity was 3025fps with 57gr. The primers were WLRM, though I did use some #250s all under 140gr Hornady A-Max.
With 123 Hornady A-Max, I used up to 60.0gr to get 3240fps and .5" groups. My rifle seems to prefer the smaller bullets, but does well with the 140s, from time to time.
Mostly I've been using WLR and WLRMs with the smaller bullets.
When I tried Rx#26, I used 200s and 250s and 58gr and 58.5gr to get 3260fps. The groups were in the .75"-1.0" area, but I'm still working with it, if I can find some more.
57.5gr and 140-gr Hornadys gave 3140fps.
Whoops...Gotta go back to work, lol.
Have fun,
and see ya later.
Gene

 

[Mavrick]

Re: 6.5-06 Ack Imp with new powders

I've used a bit of Retumbo, and have shot more sub .75" with it than any other powder. It seems to shoot best with one of the hotter primers, and the extreme-spread seems good, prolly because the case is almost full. I have used 60.5-61.5gr to get about 3250fps, which seems to be where one of the nodes is on my rifle. That's the velocity range I wanted, so I haven't pushed much higher. That's with the Hornady 123gr A-Max.
The 140gr A-Max will do about 2950-3000fps with 57gr of Retumbo. You'll want more, so these loads should be a good starting spot.
The case-capacity on my "Special" is 69gr of H2O filled to the mouth.
I hadn't thought about VVN165, so I am loading some now to be taken out tomorrow morning, and the next time out. Thanx, Seymour Fish, I'll let you know.
IMR 7977 seems to be all right as I've gotten about 3050fps with 56.5 gr, and groups in the .75" range. As I go up from there, the groups spread a little more, and that's the speed-range with 140gr that I am seeking, so I've stopped.
The accuracy seems better with hotter primers like CCI 250s and Winchester WLRMs, but standard primers work fine, but need .3-.7gr more powder to get the velocity back up where the others are.
IMR 4831sc seems to give lower velocities and bigger extreme-spreads, prolly because it doesn't fill the case enough. I've used 52.5gr to get 2875fps average with the 140gr Hornady bullets. Loading up from there may be the answer, but I am working more with the slower powders.
I am using the A-Max bullets in 123gr and 140gr weights because the accuracy is superior in my rifle to the target-grade hollowpoints made by Sierra, Berger, Nosler, Prvi Partisan, and Lapua, or Norma. It MAY be because my twist is not enough, but it may also be that I haven't run my velocity high enough!
My original plan was for this velocity, but in a 6.5x57 Imp barrel, as most of my competition uses a.260 Rem, or 6.5x55 or AI built on custom guns. Most of their guns are Savages or Remington 700s, so they have custom throats.
Most of the targets are under 2MOA, so the scores haven't been running away.
If you want, I'll be back to talk more about the tests I've run.
Right now I've gotta go to get ready to try some things out in the morning.
Have fun,
Gene

 

[Flouncer]

Un-Barrel the Re-Barrel ?

This thread is making me sick. I pulled my Douglas barrel in 6.5-06 off after about 1,200 rounds as it had to be burned out. I read too much. GS that re-barrelled by rifle said it looked new. Looked barely fired. I haven't shot anything as well as that combo, ever. There is an indexing mark that was put on the barrel. Million dollar rookie question. Can I simply carefully screw the barrel back on and line it up ? Check for fit with my old cases ?

-thanks

 

[Mavrick]

Re: 6.5-06 Ack Imp with new powders

Flouncer- Don't let the internet commandos control you. The only one that SHOULD have any control is YOUR barrel.
Many shooters have "worn out" barrels because they weren't cleaned correctly. All that needs to be done is decoppering. There are quite a few good cleaners on the market, pick one and clean from the rear...never from the front. I use Sweet's 7.62, but you can choose whatever you have available.
The next problem is getting the barrel hot, and keeping it that way. When I go shooting, I take 3 or 4 rifles so that after a couple groups, I can switch rifles, and keep shooting. My targets are multiple. In other words, several aiming points on each paper target. I also use quite high-powered scopes to work up the load, ie my .270 AI has a 20x on it, but later it'll wear a smaller 2-7x variable.
FWIW-I use a 45x spotter while I'm shooting so my groups don't get mixed. All of my groups are shot over an Oehler M33 Chronotach with 5' spread screens, so I can keep track of why groups do whatever they do.
I seldom go more than 30-35 rounds without cleaning the copper out.
In competition, I shoot at least 50 rounds, so I don't clean, though I MAY put a little Hoppe's #9, depending on what powder I've been using. Hoppe's is a pretty decent powder solvent, and it smalls good, too.
The reference is only good if there have been no changes to the action after the barrel was removed. It's gonna have to be torqued, anyway. Your GS will explain THAT to you.
One of the most important things is rifle-shooting is the trigger. I was handed a nice M700V 6mm Remington the other day, and the owner told me that it just wouldn't shoot. When I tried a group, I had to keep checking the safety to be sure it was off. I must have been 5#. Mine are all adjusted to 30 oz...except the Bench Varminters, which have 2oz Shilens on them.
Good luck with the 6.5/06. Wear it out before you throw it out!
Have fun,
Gene

 

[Flouncer]

Re: 6.5-06 Ack Imp with new powders

Thanks Gene. I think one of the reasons my barrel was in good shape is because I cleaned it and cleaned it. Have to think about this for a while. %$#^& I sold all my dies, including the Lee custom die. Still, it's tempting. FWIW I stuck with H4831 SC and was around 2880 fps from a 27 inch barrel. SMK 142g. Shot best with the original 100 yo wooden stock.

 

[Mavrick]

Re: 6.5-06 Ack Imp with new powders

Mostly the barrel is in good shape is that you've barely got it broken in, lol.
I have a lot of friends that keep telling me that ball powders are easier on barrels than stick. I don't see it. I have quite a bit of trouble trying to get ball powder to shoot. The only one I get anything done with is H870-AA8700. I can't get enough velocity to be where I want, but usually accuracy is quite suitable. Also, I need a LOT of powder solvent. That stuff really gets my barrel dirty, and quickly!
I shot a bit of IMR 4831 on Monday (my shooting day) and It showed a bit of promise. I've used H4831, and IMR 4831sc before, and the sc-powder seems to be a bit position-sensitive, as the extreme-spread is wider.
I like Rx #22, #25, #26, and #33. H1000 and Retumbo, do well. IMR 7977 and IMR 7828(and ssc) are in for more testing.
I've done more than a little with the new ball powders, but these sticks show the most promise.
Keep your barrel clean, and let us know how it goes.
Have fun,
Gene

 

[Mavrick]

Re: 6.5-06 Ack Imp with new powders

Seymour- I got your PM and appreciate the information.
It would explain my findings. I've always felt that VV N560 was a bit fast for what needed.
Rx #22 was a bit fast, too, as I prefer #25 and #26. The problem is...I can't find #26 or #33 here. There's also little difficulty on the internet.
Retumbo is the one I want and I can't find THAT.
I am not shooting very far, only 500 meters, but the target is small and odd-shaped. A coyote is quite small from top to belly...about 6".
Then comes the next problem. After a certain score, that I just shot at the last event, the "long target" gets moved back to 650 meters!
I've loaded up some tests with VV N165, and hope to be able to get out this week to try them out.
We'll see. Wish me luck.
Gene