6.5-06 AI

[40XBR]

I am seriously contemplating building a rifle in this case/caliber. Already have a new Rem long action that will be trued as part of the build. Jewell trigger.

My question,s) are does anyone have experience with this combination? If so, what particular recommendations might you have for barrel, barrel length, twist, reamer etc.

I will certainly be doing some 600 yard shooting. Perhaps longer if time and travel permit.

Haven't made up my mind on what stock to use yet, but, will likely be a H-S.

Thanks in advance for your opinions and recommendations.

 

[40XBR]

I guess I'm in uncharted waters with this idea. Didn't think it was all that new.

I'll have to plot my own course. Done it before.

Thanks

 

[BillK]

The 6.5-06 family has too much case capacity and is not as good as say a 6.5-284 or I would say a 6.5wssm. I have both a 6.5-284 and a 6.5wssm. I have had good luck with the 6.5-284 but with the short time I have shot the 6.5wssm I think I like4 it better and and have had better success with it!!! The reason nobody replied was that not too many people shoot a the 6.5-06 anymore!!!

 

[M700]

I don't shoot one but a friend of mine does. His is a true dual purpose rifle, he shoots F-class & tactical matches with it and knocks our Washington mule deer silly with it. Very accurate, he does great in our local matches, and also brings down a mulie with it pretty much every year. I'll see if I can find out some more particulars about his rifle. It's nothing real fancy, but it works well and beats the heck out of my .308 in the wind. Believe his is just the straight 6.5-06, not the AI version.

 

[Preacher]

It seems like the 6.5-06 and the 6.5-284 had the same basic case capacity the last I knew...

25-06---25-284 === = same thing,,,,
280 Remington--284== same thing..
30/06---30/284 ==== same thing......

 

[BillK]

I get a three grain difference between the 25-06 and 6.5-284 with my favorite powder which happens to be the same in both. My sized 25-06 case holds three grains more than my 6.5-284 shehane which is a puffed up version of the 6.5-284!!! My friends old 6.5-06 barrel now sits on one of my rifles as a 6.5wssm. That very same barrel shoots a lot better as a 6.5wssm.

 

[M700]

For some reason my friend Rory couldn't log onto 6mmBR, but here's what he sent me when I asked for info on his rifle:

"Sweezey chambered the Lilja 1x8 HV barrl on a 1956 Model 70. Post 64 Stealth stock pillar bedded by Mike Bryant. Timney trigger. 139's at a mild 2950. Longest whitetail 730ish.

Won the UKD stage of Redman's match with two in a row at 1250 or so. 5 in the mag and feeds like a dream. Beat JTP & J9 which is hard to do.

Why it's not more popular is beyond me. On my third barrel.

Rory"

As you can tell, he's a serious fan of the cartridge. With match wins,yes that was 1250 yards) and 700+ yard kills on deer, what's not to like?

Regards, Guy

 

[40XBR]

Thanks to all for the responses.

My logic in thinking of this combination was to utilize some of the equipment I already own, the availability of quality components and somewhat of a proven track record. What accounts I could find related that it was supposed to be accurate.

Don't do a heck of a lot of hunting any more. Usually the cellulose beast at the range.

M700,Guy) I appreciate your doing the extra research with your friend.

I suppose I'll go ahead with the project.

 

[mysticplayer]

I used to own a 6.5-06. Really liked it and sent 140gr SST's at 3000fps in a shorter hunting pipe. Wonderfully accurate, moderate recoil. I liken it to a 270 with much better bullets ballistically.

The 6.5-06AI would just be a smidge faster,100fps give or take). Think 6.5 Win mag for a point of reference. A bit hard on pipes if planing on shooting lots.

I shoot a 6.5 Mystic which is my version of the 260AI so am very fond of the 6.5 and improved wildcats.

Just ask your smith if the sharp shoulder will pose a feeding problem with your action/mag.

Jerry

 

[kamphwagon]

I personally own a 6.5 06 on a m70 post64,action squared,30 inch fluted obermire 7.8 twist jewell triger,tight neck,shot .210 with gtb vlds at 100yds best powders are re22 for heavy bullets & vitivori 560 & 550 for the lighter ones . The 6.5 06 properly loaded depending on barrel length will equal the 7mm mag or in some cases exced it in terms of ME,3038 fps 155gr bullet checked on oler 35p. I think you will well pleased with the performance of this wildcat that was once a standard cartridge the 256 pederson.

 

[Dirtball]

It looks like most of the loads posted on Reloaders nest are getting around 3100 with 140/142 gr. http://reloadersnest.com/frontpage.asp?CaliberID=208

If you going to push'em hard start with Lapua '06 brass, and work up a few dummy rounds for neck size and then order the reamer for a good close no turn neck. I love trying "different" stuff.

GOOD LUCK
Dave