6.5-'06 & 6.5-'06 AI

[Snaz]

I've really been wanting one of these. I've been searching the various forums for pro's, con's and other experiences. Unfortunately, I don't seem to be finding much info on either of them. Those who have them seem to really like them, but again, those people are few and far between. It kind of makes me think I'm missing something. Looking at the ballistic tables, this looks like an awesome long range round, but w/so few out there, it makes me wonder...

So if any of you guys have any experiences w/these rounds, I like to hear what you have to say. Any pro's and con's you could give me would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

 

[Guns4570]

Re: 6.5-'06 & 6.5-'06 AI

6.5-284...save your self making brass and its a got a few more fps.

 

[chrisj]

Re: 6.5-'06 & 6.5-'06 AI

go to www.benchrest.com free to sign up and there is info on those calibers. There are quite a few shooters in NC that use them for 1000 yd benchrest competitions and they shoot as good as any other caliber at those comps.

 

[Jerry m]

Re: 6.5-'06 & 6.5-'06 AI

Very good cartridge 142 SMK at 2875 FPS without braking a sweat. 5 in the magazine (try that with a 6.5X284). Run a virgin Winchester .25-06 case through a 6.5-06 die and load.

Good luck

Jerry

 

[Snaz]

Re: 6.5-'06 & 6.5-'06 AI

Thanks for the replys and thanks for the Benchrest link. Quite a bit of info there. I don't see the issue w/necking up 25-06 brass myself either. There is quite a few people there claiming 3200-3300fps w/the 130gr projectiles using the AI version. I'm just not sure if the xtra fps is really worth it compared to a .260 Remington. There's a lot of people claiming very early barrel burnout w/both versions of the -06 and the 284. Decisions, decisions.

 

[Jerry m]

Re: 6.5-'06 & 6.5-'06 AI

Running a 142 SMK (or similar) at 2900 fps-3000 fps in either the 6.5-284 or the 6.5-06 is not known for barrel longevity. If you are concerned about barrel life look elsewhere. If you build a hotrod expect to relace the barrel at +-2000 rounds.

Good luck

Jerry

 

[RollingThunder51]

Re: 6.5-'06 & 6.5-'06 AI

Jerry +1

Also, plugs with muffs are a must.

 

[DocB]

Re: 6.5-'06 & 6.5-'06 AI

Snaz,

I run a 6.5-06 in a Mauser action, works fine. Finally found out the 123gr Lapuas work better than the heavier bullets. You can use either N-550 or N-560 with these bullets, the 550 load is about 100f/s slower than the 560 load. I've necked down Lapua and Federal brass, and necked up Hornady without problems. If you neck down, be ready to neck turn the brass.

HTH,
DocB

 

[Snaz]

Re: 6.5-'06 & 6.5-'06 AI

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: DocB</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Snaz,

I run a 6.5-06 in a Mauser action, works fine. Finally found out the 123gr Lapuas work better than the heavier bullets. You can use either N-550 or N-560 with these bullets, the 550 load is about 100f/s slower than the 560 load. I've necked down Lapua and Federal brass, and necked up Hornady without problems. If you neck down, be ready to neck turn the brass.

HTH,
DocB </div></div>

Thanks for the input. If you don't mind me asking, how many rounds do you have thru it now and have you noticed in any throat erosion at this point? And of course, how do you like it? Would you go the same route if you had it to do over again? I appreciate your help.

I know the larger cartridges will most likely burn the barrels faster than say the 260, credemore or lapua, but if the barrel life is back to 1,000-1,500 rnds I'll probably look at a different round. A 260 AI wouldn't be that much further below the bigger 6.5's.

 

[DocB]

Re: 6.5-'06 & 6.5-'06 AI

snaz,

I haven't kept count since I bought the rifle used, but it has over 500 cases, all of which have been fired at least once. The throat doesn't look burned and I'm not having to seat the bullets out.

HTH,
DocB

 

[Snaz]

Re: 6.5-'06 & 6.5-'06 AI

Thank you sir, I appreciate it.

 

[GunjunkieM24]

Re: 6.5-'06 & 6.5-'06 AI

I was in the same boat....really wanted either the 6.5 06 or the 6.5 x 284. I really think you will love either....

I have an uncle that has both. I was given the oppertunity to shoot both and ultimately settled on the 6.5 x 284 since I had a short action remington. It took some mods on the bottom of the receiver and the ejection port to get the bullets seated where I want them but I am exteremely happy with it. I would not hesitate to build the 06 either as they are very similar.....

I have heard the barrel life expectancy of any of these 6.5's are relatively low but I think a lot of that is contributed to guys loading them a lot hotter than I do as I have no intentions of shooting at 1000 yards. Just remember that the rifles posted on these long rangs sites will "typically" have a lot longer barrel ( 30 inch + ) than is considered normal which will give them higher velocities with a similar load on a shorter barrel ( 24 to 28 " barrel ).

Just keep doing reaserch and come to your own conclusions...you will be happy with any of them.....

Good luck on your build and keep your powder dry....

 

[Buckoman]

Re: 6.5-'06 & 6.5-'06 AI

I managed to get 3000 FPS out of my 24" 260. Granted the primer were a bit smashed. I back off my load. Honestly I don't think the velocity is going to gain you that much. I'd drop back to a 260 (6.5 08) and save the barrel

 

[bohem]

Re: 6.5-'06 & 6.5-'06 AI

I'm building one now. Search for the "Best Non Magnum to 1000 yards" thread. The last couple pages I discussed this issue with a couple guys.

Macssubmoa claims almost 3400 IIRC with his AI version throwing the 130's.

I'm really looking forward to finishing mine. As I understand it, there's no 6.5-284 that can get to it.

 

[sixfiveguy]

Re: 6.5-'06 & 6.5-'06 AI

I just got done with a 6.5-06. Shoots like a dream, & isn't that bad to reload for. I have necked up 25-06 brass and necked down 270 & 30-06 brass, either way it's a breeze. If you neck down, watch out for thick necks. Hodgdon's new Hybrid-100 is the way to go for this cartridge.

 

[Snaz]

Re: 6.5-'06 & 6.5-'06 AI

Thanks guys, I appreciate the first hand feed back from everyone.

 

[Willys46]

Re: 6.5-'06 & 6.5-'06 AI

I have a 6.5X284 shoot like a dream, but only expect 1200 rounds.
I think a 6.5X284 is better built on a long action to take advantage of all the case capacity.

What Bullet to you want to shoot?

I settled on the 140 Begers, but the sweet spot for these bullest are around 2950. You can push them faster, but accuracy is at the 2950 range. check out this http://www.6mmbr.com/SixFive284.html

With that said, I think you caould reach that with a 260 and get another 1000 or so rounds out of a barrel.

Also negative with a 6.5X284 is the price of brass. Lapua is 109.00 per 100. I think a 6.5X06 would be the way to go if you wanted a hot rod 6.5. If you want more speed go wiht the AI.

Good luck!