Old Dog,..the RL22 from 54.0-55.0-56.0grs was quite fast,..started at around 3050fps and went up to the 3188-3208fps at 56grs. The sako L691 action that I have has a fixed ejector,..so no ejector marks will be apparent if pressure is too high. I have not seen any primer cratering or flattening,..but 3200fps lets me know the pressure is probably a tad high to be pushing them that hard from a 26" tube. Start back at 53.0gr+/- and work up. I will be trying 7828 once I have the RL22 load confirmed.

H1000 burned dirty,...maybe a crimp would help that,.but I left that powder behind.

I have gotten to 56.0gr RL22 with 140 a-max in my AI version. Pressure signs aren't there,..but 3188-3208fps in a 26" 1:8 PacNor makes me wonder,..so I will be looking at the lower charges for a sweet spot. YMMV

H1000 worked for 2900+fps with a 140gr pill,..but it seemed to burn a bit dirty. I may try RL25 and 4831SC. My 280AI with 150gr pills loves 4831sc so this chambering probably will as well.

In my 6.5 Gibbs I shoot up to 57gr RL22 with a CCI 250 primer and a 140gr Sierra GK. That gives me 3050 fps from a 24in Douglas barrel. This is a pretty hot load for my Gibbs so I'd work up to that level with an eye on pressures signs.

My pet hunting/practice load, however, is 54gr of RL 22 with a CCI BR primer for 2850 fps. The brass lasts a little longer and the accuracy is better.

Cheers,
Canuck

Thanks for the responses so far!

Ramrod, is that loadtech data for an improved or unimproved cartridge?

Canuck, great info. How does the 6.5 Gibbs compare with the 6.5 AI in case capacity? I'm not even sure of the increase in capacity between the standard and AI based on the 06 case. My guess is 3 grains?

JustC, have you used any RL22 0r 7828? I love H4831sc but I would think a slightly slower powder would be the best balanced in this cartridge.

I'm just looking for an honest 3000fps with a 140 gr. hunting bullet with a BC over .520 for long range shooting.

Thanks again for your help. You guys are great!

Jim