It's time to fireform some 6.5-06 brass to AI configuration and I'm looking for a load with cheap components that will generate enough pressure to completely blow the case out to final form. I'll break the barrel in at the same time, so I'm not looking for a cream of wheat solution, just an inexpensive bullet/powder combination that produces just enough power to fully blow out the case and form a nice sharp shoulder. If I start with a bullet into the rifling, is a starting 6.5-06 load (not Ackley) enough to do the job? Thanks!

Jim

I had one of these. I think I used a rather strong load to expand the cases well. You can try a lighter load and watch the brass. Increased until you're getting well formed brass. They may not get completely blown out until the second firing. Bullet hard into lands. You won't run into pressure signs using appropriate powder, some of the energy is consumed by the expanding case.

Assuming that you're using reformed '06 brass (or even .280 or .270) you shouldn't need to cram the bullet into the lands. If you will set your sizing die so that it just reduces enough of the neck to allow the cartridge to chamber, then it will be headspacing on the "false" shoulder created at the juncture of the 6.5 and .30 cal necks.

As to load, any "starting" load for the 6.5-06 will generate way plenty enough pressure to fully form the brass to the chamber (unless you've come across some REALLY tough brass ) However, you may wish to use "full house" 6.5-06 loads and do some hunting or informal shooting with them -- they will likely give you excellent accuracy and only a little less velocity than the 6.5 IMP loads.

I used heavy for caliber pills (140gr) and a dose of RL19 from the parent load data. Although my chamber was correctly done and allowed a crush fit on the shoulder,..I still seated into the lands by a few .001's. I got perfect shoulders and 1/2moa while forming.