Well, I haven't pulled the trigger on anything for a long while, but the recent acquisition of a 24" MGM Contender barrel in 6.5x30-30AI seems to have changed my luck for the better.

Late this evening, I glanced outside through my 8x42 Meopta binos to see the deer acting very skittish and even running towards the house. So I grabbed a the 6.5x30-30 AI, on which I had placed the very best glass I own (Zeiss Diavari Victory 2.5-10x50/#4reticle)

Under virtually dark conditions, I put a 120 grain Ballistic Tip, which has a starting velocity of around 2575 fps, through the front edge of the boar's massive shoulder as he faced me with a strong quartering presentation from app. 175 yards.

The impact was quite audible in the rain-cooled air, and I felt good about the shot. But I grabbed a Dan Wesson .357 Mag revolver loaded with 140 grain Barnes before driving down there just in case.

The sidearm was not needed. The hog had gone less than 35 yards before folding.

And for those who still think the BTs are fragile varmint bullets, consider this: that 120 grain Nosler had busted through heavy hide, significant bone, destroyed the top half of the lungs and ripped up part of the liver before continuing onward. At this point, it has not been recovered but may later tonight. If so, I will post a picture.

I must admit I had been missing the performance of my former 26" 6.5x30-30 AI (6.5mm Bullberry IMP). But this new-to-me "replacement" sure made me smile tonight.

Very interesting caliber. Hmmmm, may need one..

You won't regret it.

I shot a 26"/1:8 version for years and took lots of animals with it. Those long, streamlined bullets at moderate velocities perform exceptionally well.

Bobby....

get story and glad to see you posting again....

I remember you had some health issued you were dealing with... I can assume those have gotten better if you are out shooting once again...

always lowed the 30/30 case and also the 6.5 bore...
so sounds like a marriage made in heaven...

best regards
john chr.
seafire

Love that cartridge. Have one myself with a 20 inch barrel. Hope to make it the perfect backpack gun...

Could not follow a better man than John, nor say it better. Great to hear you're back in the game and send my best wishes for good health going forward.
You're one of the best.

Cliff

Thanks for the kind words, fellows. Coming from you guys, that means a lot.

As to my health, it has not improved, but I'm trying hard to keep a positive attitude. I've decided to make the most of the bad days and enjoy the rare good ones for all they are worth.

Anyway, after seeing how well this 6.5x30-30 AI is shooting, I decided to sell my Encore in .260 and put a new stock on my 6.5x30-30 AI instead. So I texted Tony Gettel.

In no time at all, Tony again produced a masterpiece. Both the buttstock and forend are absolutely flawless from end to end -- so much so that I am almost hesitant to use the set!

This is my first time to try this color scheme and must say I like it -- a lot.

Here it is in 2 different lighting scenarios. The beautiful hues of the laminate show subtle changes in different lighting, another trait of laminate that I really do like.

Anyway, I just wanted to post this to show Tony's work.

I have one thing to say and that is WOW!!!. Beautiful setup and a very interesting cartridge. Will be looking into that..

Thanks. For anyone interested in the 6.5x30-30 AI (aka 6.5 Bullberry IMP), here is a photo of the various stages. Please pardon the low quality (it's just a hand-held snapshot) and the perspective distortion. Everything is as-is, too: cases haven't been cleaned, etc. to make a "prettier" picture. I would have loved to have set things up differently and recorded a more appropriate image but just didn't have the energy to get that done.

Pretty rifle and very cool pig kill.

Pork and green chili on the menu any time soon?

Actually. slow-roasted pork tenderloin that's been marinated overnight, lightly seasoned and then cooked on low heat for 5-6 hours is on the menu soon. And for the last hour, you top it with a homemade, creamy verdes sauce...ummm, ummm good!

Nice, would be glad to join you! Great story, thanks!

I'm diggin the caliber, wonder who would re barrel a marlin 336 to that...

Hope that's not sacrilege on a single shot forum

I'm getting the banishment stick prepared . . .

Great write up! Reminds me of the 6.5 Grassel Rimmed contender barrel I had many moons back. It was a re-chambered 6.5 TCU and a real shooter.

If I remember right I sold most of my 120 gr bt's to Bobby when I got rid of the barrel.

I like the looks of the pre-fireformed case. May have to check out MGM's page. The stock and forearm are very nice too.

those 120s are suppposed to be extra tough.

I hate taking on a big hog with something soft like a BT, but in this case I think you picked the right one.

Cool round!!

458 Lott-

Yes, I remember getting those bullets from you. Seems like I have always had a 6.5 in some form or fashion to feed.

Rost-While some may have started out that way decades ago, the BTs are anything but soft and out-penetrate virtually any comparable cup-and-core bullet. I've taken lots of hogs with them, and some were quite large. This one fell to a 150 grain C-T Ballistic Silvertip (same as BT but with the coating) from a 30-30 AI.

I don't recover many as they often exit, but this is how the BTs and BSTs typically do on game when launched at moderate velocities.

Nice rifle and a wonderful cartridge. Nice pig too.

Bobby....i finally broke down and ordered a 6.5x30/30AI last week , 24" bull, 1-8" twist....love to hear load data. I have been shooting mostly reloder15 in the .25x30-30Ackley, what powders/bullets are you using in the 6.5?

Best-

G~

G-Sent you a PM. Take care and have a wonderful Thanksgiving.

Pretty cool looking rifle and stock too Bobby.