It can easily drive a 100gr bullet to 3400fps, 120gr to 3250, 129/130 to 3200, & a 140 to 3000fps. If you compare like weight, BC & brand of bullets I think you will be surprised at how flat this round shoots. For instance a Hornady 6.5 129gr with a BC of .488 @ 3200 fps.
Most of the guys I know with standard 6.5-06's top out at 2950 with 140s (24") barrel), which makes sense to me because I top out at 3050 with the AI version and 140s. I can load 'em faster but primer pockets get loose after a couple firings.
I like the 140 vld (BC .600) at 3050. The 147 ELD looks good too, .700 BC at 2950 in the AI.
I have 2. One is improved.
2950 on the regular is about right and there's a very nice node there also. Your number on the improved version of 3050 or so pretty much matches mine also.
FWIW, unless long range is the objective, the 130s run faster do just fine to 500-600 before the 140s and above catch them. Even then there isn't a heckuva difference to 800.
I do agree, it is a terrific cartridge although a 260 AI will pretty much run with it.(I run those also)Also as an aside, I'm pretty certain that a 6.5-06 with the same length barrel etc. is going to run a little below the PRC and a GAP. The numbers on those are usually running where brass and barrels don't wear out as quickly and usually are not run at their max levels.
