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The more you read about it?

If Lapua or even Winchester made proper stamped brass, I might be game for one....not that good brass cannot be formed.

Yet formed 6.5x55 (I know not proper head size/base dia., etc) from Hornady 270 and 25-06 cases, ALOT of variance in case capacity can be had even in the same mfg. brass, w/different stamps, though all 06 siblings. I'd rather not fiddle w/so many variables, inc. neck wall thickness.

SU - I hear ya, a Looney cannot ignore the benefits of the 6.5 bullets....

For me, what DOES make sense is the '06 powder capacity under a 6.5 bullet/bore yet in the nomenclature of 6.5-284 or 6.5 RM Long actions will give more COL latitude, as would bbls longer than the latter carbine intro of the 600/660s.

Nothing bad to say conceptually about the round or performance. About the only bad 6.5 round I will argue against is the STW and WSM variants......simply due to a bore life that gives little room for load development...can you say 'OVERBORE' ?? Lol.

Yeah, but for me the 6.5X55 'Sweede' is the KOOOLIST.

Working with one right now.

Just broke in the barrel but during barrel break in ( 142 SMK's and RL 22) I've got multiple groups in the 2's and 3's

Why H1000 over RL 22? I'm more of a fan of accuracy over speed so what are the most accurate combinations you have.

I'd like to settle on the 140 Bergers as the "goto" bullet.

I'm getting great accuracy and 2875 fps using 140 Bergers and RL22. Slightly better accuracy than H1000 provided in my rig. And the 140 Bergers have been great on a variety of game so far.

H-1000 is very accurate in my rifle, and it's one of their extreme powders:

200-yard group:

Cocadori,

I much prefer Hodgdon Extremes (or any other temp-resistant powder) for longer-range rifles. Reloder 22 is a great powder for accurate, zippy loads at normal temperatures. But when temps can vary from 85 to well below zero during hunting season (as I'm sure you've experienced in Montana) muzzle velocities that can vary 100 fps or more aren't all that desirable, especially at longer ranges.

Plus, I've tried a bunch of bullets and powders in my 6.5-06 and the 140 Berger VLD and H1000 are the most accurate, and not just at 100 yards. They group into 1/2" MOA or better out to 700 yards, which theoretically shouldn't happen with the 1-9 twist, but that's what they do.

By the way, the second most accurate bullet in my rifle is the 140-grain Nosler Partition. I've also gotten good accuracy from several other bullet/powder combinations, but none as good as with the 140 VLD and H1000, though I recently acquired some other match bullets (Nosler 140, Lapua Scenar 139 and Norma 130) that will be tried before next spring. Have tried Hornady A-Maxes and Sierra MatchKings but neither shot as well as VLD's.

I have some 139 scenars inbound as I type this, I'd be interested in hearing how they do for you, that is, if you beat me to it.

I shot the 139's in 1K Br for a year. Placed very well at Nationals held in Byers Co. a few years back. They were very very good over RL22

6.5-284?

yep.. should work well in the 6.5-06 as well..

You have all missed some very germain points:

1.It about optimises the 6.5 bore case capacity wise.

2.It about optimizes what we refer to as the "standard lenght" action. Why put a 6.5x55 in an 06 length action? You can always down load to any pressure/velosity level.

3. Chamber remers, dies, brass, and cases are everywhere in great quantity and quality. They are also about as cheap as you can get.

4.It feeds through most actions about like corn through a goose's butt. Gunsmiths love it.

5. 264 bullets are beautiful and effecient, and are about right for what most of us will ever hunt.

Yes, the more I read about it. Is there something about that sentence that astounds you?

JB - have you written about the Shaw semi-custom rifle? I recall a small mention, but have not seen a comprehensive review (article). If you haven't written of it, please do.

I have never been enamored with the Savage action (to ugly for my taste - bolt handle, prominent trigger release, looks clunky), but have always been impressed with the accuracy (I've owned 2). Maybe, I'll consider one of the Shaws.

Swarf,

I think a 6.5x55 improved would be a winner using Lapua brass, performance knocking on the heels of the 284 or '06 case, very efficient and decent bore life. I think it's called BJ Arch.

Of course PO talked of a 6.5x57 AI, 260 AAR....

Rem might have sold more 6.5-06 than 260 chose one of A-Square's rounds. Not sure if it would fit - but wonder if a 6.5-06 would run into a 25/06 chamber, and cause liability concerns.

JB - in a higher capacity round like the 06 or larger, an 8.5 - 9 twist as you know spins a little faster so given one might see a little pressure reduction, not a bad thing in these larger small bore rounds, an 8.5 - 9 might be preferred by many. I suppose they may foul a tad less as well, than a similar 8t.

No doubt a 9t can be borderline in some 6.5 rounds depending on bullet/mv, etc. It seems to be more spotty in smaller rounds, not so much in the larger ones.

No, not at all. The more I read about old-timers killing elephants with a 7X57, the more I think it's the perfect elephant cartridge.

Seriously though, if you're contemplating a 6.5-06, there's not much to it, as far as "wildcatting." Buy a die set, and either neck up .25-06 brass with a single pass of the expander ball, or neck down .270 brass and then trim it back to length. It's pretty simple.

Yes, you're right. I suppose as far as forming cases from another caliber goes, this is one of the simpler conversions. Thanks for clarifying.

My 6.5-'06 has a 9" twist Shilen barrel cut to 23.6" (or 600 mm). I have used bullets ranging from 120 gr to 165 gr in weight (or course it is bullet length that matters most in stability). I ran into the limit for this rifle between 160 gr round nose (Hornady worked very well for accuracy) and the 165 gr semi-spitzer (Original Barnes produced 4" groups at 100 yards).

jim

Plus, it beats the heck out of a .270, there's just no comparison.

JB, Or you could take it to the "middle" extreme and go old school with a .256 Newton. That should get some looks at the range!