6.5-06 Rifle Build - The Journey Begins

[Brewz]

Having finished my 6x47 Rem build http://forum.accurateshooter.com/index.php?topic=3852975.0 It's time to build something a bit bigger.
I really love the 6x47 rifle. The caliber is great as well! The stock fits me, its easy to shoot from all positions and for me, is a perfect compromise between competition precision and hunting usability. Its nothing new or super fancy but it works, and works well!

The 6.5-06 build has gone through a few phases of planning.

First up I planned to build a single shot heavy long range target rifle with a Pierce action, Shehane Big Dawg 4" ST-1000 stock and parallel barrel held in a barrel block. That all sounded awesome but would be completely useless for anything other than F-Class and Fly Shooting. I'm not into the bench rest thing, wouldn't get to shoot F-Class or Fly much so the idea got scrapped. My bank account also let out a sigh of relief.

Then I started toying with the idea of a larger short actioned caliber like a 7mm-08 or 260 using a trued Remy 700 in an AI stock. I just couldn't bring myself to do it. I love the technology behind the Tactical stuff, but for what I want to use it for, I would feel like a bit of a Mall Ninja.

I was looking in my safe today and got the 6x47 out, and decided once again that I really liked it. I put it back in next a very nice old Remington 700 Classic in .270W that I rarely use as I rarely get out hunting.

That's when it hit me....... Why not build one the same in 6.5-06

Tonight I looked on line and what do you know...... someone listed a brand new never used Remington 700 LA (H-S Precision) varmint stock the same as the one I used on my 6x47 just before I looked. I bought it!
I also checked an Australian website for a business that distributes Krieger barrels and what do you know....... they have 1 x Krieger .264 SS 27" Rem Varmint profile barrel with a 1:8 twist in stock. I just emailed them to buy it.

It's like it's meant to be!

This will be a long running thread and I will post up pics as I get it all together and running. Im quite excited.

I would love to hear any advice others may have before I start.

Cheers

 

[jr600yd]

You picked a great caliber! I shoot one in long range competition so mine is built a little different than the one you want. I've found there are several sizes of brass you can use to make 6.5/06 rounds (30/06, 270 and 25/06) just to name some. What worked best for me is 25/06 brass. I simply expand the necks to .264 load and shoot. The other cases work well also but require more case prep. Powder, I've been using H-4831sc for years pushing either 142 SMK's or Berger 140 VLD's just shy of 3000 fps. I don't know if you'll get that velocity from a 27" barrel but you should be able to reach 2800-50. Ive gotten the lowest SD and ES using Wolf LR primers. Dies, I use Redding competition dies but RCBS also makes dies in this caliber. Action, your Remmy will work just fine, either as a repeater or single shot. The 6.5/06 is EXTREEMLY accurate and holds its own against the 6.5/284. I barrel life. It's not a 308! For competition I get between 1800-2000 rds before the barrel goes south. I have a friend who chambers his barrels in 260 Rem. When he gets to that point he punches it out to 6.5/06. Since he has his own lathe the cost to him is marginal.

Sounds like you've got a fun project on your hands. Good luck and let us know how it turns out.

 

[Brewz]

I have a large quantity of 270 brass and a Wilson case trimmer, shouldn't be an issue.
1500 to 2000 rounds should be fine. Once the barrel goes off I will probably lop off the thread for a re-chamber and use it as a practice / fire forming barrel. Save the new one for comps.

Will definitely be putting up the builds story. Its half the fun ;D

Cheers

 

[jonbearman]

Isnt it nice when a plan comes together. I cant wait to see some targets.

 

[R.Morehouse]

I am just finishing up a 6.5-06 Baer for 1000yd BR. Best of luck with your build, I'm sure it will be a fun one. Get the best trigger you can afford. In a non BR, Tac type 300RUM I have the CG-22 Extreme and LOVE it.

 

[dogdude]

If you want any to ALL info on the 6.5-06 contact THE VIPER, aka Bob Pastor

 

[Brewz]

I have the stock. Its virgin and will be dug out for a good bedding job.

Still waiting for the barrel to turn up............ cant wait!

 

[Brewz]

My barrel turned up..... always an exciting moment

27" (will be 26" finished) Krieger 4 groove 1:8 twist Remington Varmint profile



Got to love the perfection of a cut riffled barrel



I stuck the tired old 270 donor rifle into the HS Precision stock and it feels great. I am going to stick with the stock Remington magazine for now and see how I feel down the track about converting to a detachable mag.



The last consideration is Cerakote color for the action. I am thinking of having the barrel glass bead blasted for a nice matte finish and do the action and scope base in gloss black with the bolt burnt bronze. Still a bit undecided.
My other option is black micro slicked bolt with burnt bronze action but I don't know if it would look as good.

All good....... I have a bit of time to decide.

Cheers

 

[Brewz]

Got my scope today as well



I am going to need to fit some sort of adjustable cheek piece to the stock. I don't need much more height but will need a bit to get a good consistent cheek weld on the stock.

 

[Eric Leonard]

I have an old A Prefix BDL 25-06 on its 3rd barrel and it is toast,,gonna do a 6 AI or 6.5-06 this time for better bullets,,.257 bullets suck,,if Berger would do a 125 Hybird or 130 VLD the 25-06 would be bad news,

 

[Clark]

I have:
a 6.5-06 Reamer
a Shilen #3 SS 6.5 select match 8" Ratchet
a 6.5-06 Hornady die set
a 6.5-06 RCBS die set

Actions lying around waiting:
Rem700
Sav 110
VZ24
Dumoulin Mauser

It takes me ~ a week to cut threads, cut chamber, and headspace.
It takes me ~ a week to cut the barrel channel, fit the receiver, make pillars, and glass bed
It takes me ~ a week to paint the barrel, paint the stock, and install cheek rest, bipod, recoil pad, and sling screws
It takes me ~ a week to long range test a rifle

 

[Brewz]

That's good to hear Clark
Are you doing a build?

 

[Clark]

I built it myself. In Oct 2015 I built it and shot two does with it, one at 629 yards.
Most rifles I build cannot keep it in the kill zone past 400 yards, but most 7mmRemMag rifles I build are good to 500 yards.

This is my best rifle so far for long range accuracy.

 

[wedgy]

Brewz, for a $20 investment you can buy a cheap bead blaster and do it yourself if you have a compressor. You can also use Duracoat and do that yourself as well. Very easy and fun to do your own projects. You can get the Preval sprayer at Lowes/Home Depot for $5 or use one of the cheap ones from Harbor Freight. Duracoat cleans up with brake cleaner of like solvents.
http://www.longrangehunting.com/forums/f37/how-bead-blast-172542/

http://www.midwayusa.com/chemical-cured-spray-on-finishes/br?cid=21640