6.5-06 Die Questions

[buckbrush]

I am going to rebarrel to this round. I just started looking at dies and it looks like there is a 6.5-06 and 6.5-06 A-square. Is there any difference other than the name?

Also, with regard to the Ackley version. Is there any big advantage other than velocity to justify custom dies, potential feeding issues and fireforming?

Thanks.

 

[azmuleskinner]

I myself will be building a 6.5-06 ackley. from what get off the internet the improved will give it +200 fps. Have you found dies yet

 

[white121]

I went through the same thing you are when building my last rifle. there is no difference just a-square was the first to claim the 6.5-06 so they had their name put on the dies (qouted from the tech at redding) I ended up building a 6.5-270 from what I understand is more efficient something to do with the neck and shoulder.

Hope this helps!

Shaun White

 

[buckbrush]

Thank you for the info. I think that custom dies are the only ones available for the 6.5-06 AI.

 

[jr600yd]

Depending on what your using the rifle for custom dies are always an option. RCBS makes standard 6.5/06 dies. I had a set and they were very good. I got around .002 runout with the standard bullet seater. The 6.5/270 is an option, the advantage is the 270 case has a longer neck. In Europe this is a standard loading and is called the 6.5 Brenke. I shoot a 6.5/06 in long range competition and it is a fine preformer. This caliber will shine with barrels over 26" long. You will also find it prefers slower powders like H-4831sc

 

[mikegaiz]

I have used the 6.5/06 Imp in 1000yd with good success. I am now using a 6.5/285 with not as good results. Most likely the barrel or me. I used Redding comp 280 Imp dies and used 6.5 bushings. You could go with the Redding comp 25/06 imp dies and have your gun smith ream to 6.5. and use the proper 6.5 bushings. Either way will work. Precision shooting had a great article a ways back on how to fire form. Basically use 270 brass (longer neck) then size to 6.5 leaving a .010 bump for the first shot instead of jamming the bullet. Worked great. I started using Lapua 06 brass with good results just more work. H4831 SC, H or IMR4350, and RL22 all worked well. Went through three barrels and moved on. I now use it for long range prairie dogs. It is a flat shooting round, 142gr. worked best for me in a 30 in. 1 in 8 twist. Try it.