Can any one tell the go with it or that it even exists, how I can get one done etc. CHEERS

The 6.5x55 AI does exist. Athough I've never seen one. Most I've heard of has been to open it up to a 6.5x57 or even a 6.5/257 Rob. which would be the same thing, a 7x57 necked to 6.5.

Who can do it? Any competant smith could handle the job. If he has the reamer the cost should be less than $100. Then you'll have to buy some dies. Expect dies will be about $60.

Ray

Thanks Ray, I thought I wasn't going to get a reply there for a while. CHEERS

PS,
A friend of mine in NSW had a 6.5X55 IMP done. The gunsmith used a, I think, 243 ackley imp reamer with a 6.5 pilot, and ran it in to the proper length. I expected a "ring" where the new reamer met the old chamber, but it looked good. Dies are apt to be more then $60, so you's better look into that. Does Simplex make custom dies? Send me an e-mail if you are interested and I'll put you in touch with my friend, he can tell you the name of the gunsmith. One more thing, a set of used 6.5 Rem mag dies would neck size the cases, usually found for $15 here.

The 6.5x55 is near perfect as it is and cannot be improved!
Quite honestly, every load I have used with 142s and 4831 still has a surplus of cartridge capacity so I see little point in increasing capacity. I do think the throat should be configured differently than standard though.
One of the Alberta shooters has recently got a 6.5x55 Improved built by Dave Tooley but I haven't seen it shoot yet or heard what kind of velocities he gets.
I am shooting the 142 at about 2800 fps with 4831sc and can exceed 2900 with N165 powder but with poorer accuracy. This from a standard 6.5x55 with 26" barrel. Regards, Bill.