Need advice on new barrel in 6.5x55

[Preda8or]

I am getting ready to order my first ever custom barrel. I'm going to order a 26" heavy varmint contour 1 in 8 twist 6.5x55
select match from Shilen for my savage long action, and plan on using 140 berger vld's. This is going to be mainly a long range hunting rig and informal,For now)long range target shooting useing lapua brass but would like to be able to use winchester brass if lapua is not avaliable. The question is about throat length what would be the optimal OAL of the cartrige and What would be the optimal neck diameter.

 

[jmm03]

Hi there,Give Dave Kiff of Pacific Tool & Gauge a call.I bought a match reamer from them for my Swede project.Very knowlegeable and helpful.You might also talk to Frank Green over at Bartlein Barrels if you havent bought your barrel yet.Hope this helps,Jim

 

[cliffe]

look around for posts by rhinout.?6.5x55 is his favorite round.he will no doubt post on here pretty soon and give you his ideas on which way to go. also give shilen a call and make sure they have your chamber dimensions and don't go with a saami spec chamber.i have never shot a 6.5x55 but it sure sounds like a great round, close in speed to the 6.5-284 and supposedly better barrel life. good luck, cliffe

 

[rhino]

I would go with a Pac-nor 1-8.5 twist 3 groove pre-fit. You'll pay more. I am willing to bet more accurate though.

I turn necks and have a .294 neck and .112 free bore.

I shot bergers. Don't bother with winchester brass.

RHINOUT!

 

[Preda8or]

Why pacnor over shilen?

 

[CJ6]

I would make up a couple of,Dummy) rounds with the base of the bullet at the neck shoulder juncture and have the barrel Manufacturer set the throat at +.02 from ogive.Pac-Nor or Kreiger would get my vote ,past experiance with both has been excellent)