I've done a little reloading for 308 and 223 but I'm no expert. I ve bought a BSA rifle with a new MAB barrel chambered in 6.5/06 * 1 in 8 twist. I have a 2 piece redding die set in 6.5/06 and have once fired 25.06 cartridges. Where do I start? Do I need to trim and at what length? Should I get and neck sizer and fire form? Ive been told alot of different things, and I'm getting a little confused. Any help with the right process would be great. Thanks

first of all...welcome aboard. i'm in the process of building a 6.5-06 right now. i'm also far from being an expert or even playing one on tv. but, as far as i can tell(anyone feel free to correct me) the 6.5 -06 and 25-06 differ only in the size of the bullet that you can stuff in the case. everything else is the same. case length, shoulder angle(unless you have the improved version...i don't think you do), and all other deminsions are the same. i bought 40 new rem 25-06 cases and just ran them thru a hornady 6.5-06 full length die. the length should be the same as the 25-06(2.494")

i hope this helps. if not..keep hounding these guys on this forum. there's a lot of know-how around here.

good luck...bud

Welcome indeed! I am always happy to see someone from Aotearoa on the board.

I shoot a 6.5-'06 as well, and I made my brass from Win .25-'06 as well, easy to resize with my RCBS dies. I have not found any trimming issues, I use the standard '06 trim to length.

I just fire-formed in the rifle with regular 6.5 bullets that I had on hand (120 gr Nosler Solid Base).

I did not use a neck sizer, I just took some care in setting the sizing die so as not to set the shoulder back.

My rifle has a 9" twist, and will shoot 160 grain round nose bullets, but not 165 gr semi-spitzers (4"+ groups).

I have found it a straight forward cartridge to load. I have used IMR 4831 and Norma MRP powders.

As away if you have other questions...jim

There is a great deal of variation in 6.5-06 chamber reamers, i.e., neck diameter and shoulder angle, etc. Before firing any wildcat of unknown chamber dimensions, it is advisable to do a chamber cast. This way you can measure the neck diameter and the shoulder angle, check the amount of leade for bullet seating, and just to be sure your reloading die is correct for your chamber. You could also expand a .25-06 or neck down a .270 Win. and then fireform the cartridge using cream of wheat or corn meal. This should give you a good idea of your chamber's dimensions. You want to be sure you have the headspace correct and be sure you don't have a tight necked chamber and need to turn your case necks.

Prouty!:
I load the 6.5-06 and am well pleased with it. I have been loading 54IMR4831/120Sierra Spitzer, with vels around 3200 and very fine groups under.75". Trim your brass to 2.484, which is the standard 06 case trim to length, and go at it. It's not a complicated thing, enjoy.

Jerry

if you have a generous neck diameter, I would neck down 270 brass to keep a thicker case neck for a better seal and less overworking of the brass. If the neck is on the tighter side,..I would neck up 25-06 brass to keep a good clearance. If it is a SAAMI reamer,..I would go down from 270 brass. Load it, and fire it during load work.