Hello,

I'm enjoying the heck out of getting my feet wet in the 6.5 arena. Had a Rem Model 7 in .260 Rem (carried it a lot more than I shot it, but that's what those guns are for), long since gone, now a 700SA in 6.5-08 aka .260 w/ a 30" Pac-Nor barrel (HP match rifle for XTC/LR). The thing is an hammer so far when the shooter (me) gets his stuff all in one sock.

I'm getting started building a LR Prone rifle off a Savage 110 action and am eyeballing options for calibers. Like I said, I'm a fan of the 6.5-08, but I've already got one of them I'm considering 6.5x55, 6.5x55 Imp, 6.5-284 as these have a fairly 'proven' track record @ distance for target shooting (not that there might be the opportunity to poke at a groundhog or coyote at extended ranges).

A couple issues are coming to mind: a)velocity benefit for the costs in powder consumption, barrel life, etc. and b) chamber dimensions.

As far as a)... Like I said, I'm running a pretty long pipe on my 6.5-08... when I got a functional chrono again and started using it during load development, I was a little surprised to see some serious speed coming out of that case. As in, up to 2940fps from 142grSMK/44.5gr H4350, admittedly a hot load. Backed down to 42.5gr @2800fps as I hope to go w/ a 123gr Lapua Scenar at 3150-3200fps if all works well. But that starts me wondering... I'm seeing people listing 2950-3000 as where they get w/ a 6.5-284, at the expense of about 50-60% barrel life (assuming 1200-1400rds for the 6.5-284 vs 2500+ for a 6.5-08) and 10-15% increase in powder consumption. Then throw in the 6.5x55 and its Imp versions as being somewhere in btween in powder and velocity, and closer (by most reports) to the 6.5-08 in barrel life. Things start getting a little cloudy.

As to b)... I realize the 6.5-284 is a quasi-wildcat, and since I'm looking at single-load only, no magazine feed, I'd probably be looking at the Norma (longer neck?) version. Even so, I've seen a fair amount of deviation btwn loading manuals (latest Hornady, Nosler, Sierra) and reamer diagrams (Clymer) as to the dimensions of the neck diameter, for instance. The application in question wouldn't preclude neck-turning at all, but a 'fitted' neck probably is not a good idea. Similarly, the 6.5x55, which isn't supposed to be a wildcat at all, shows similar or worse variations in chamber dimensions btwn the various sources. And whats up w/ that tapered neck? Then we get into the improved version... besides the dimensions I see on the Clymer page (assuming they are 'definitive') what are the real differences and associated benefits btwn the 6.5x55 Improved and the 6.5x55 BJ Improved?

Lotsa questions and issues, but there seems to be a lot of 6.5 fans here, so hopefully some of you can speak to one or more of the points above.

Thanks,

Monte

Don't overlook the smaller calibers. Recoil fatigue is the point and some are shooting cartridges as small as the 223 all with quick twists of course.

Consider a 6mm Br or the 6mm/250.

A guy who shoots in long range competition and builds rifles is Mo DeFino at Master Class Sports in Brookfiel, CT.

i can't this year but would like to neck up to 6.5 an "ackley improved" 257 roberts +P case. it should fall between the 6.5X55 and the 6.5-06, and be something different, to some extent, to work with.

Saline, have you lookd at the 6.5x57? You might find an IMP version; same as 6.5x257 Bob.
I've been thinkign about the 6.5's, and will likely be buying one (or what will become one) next.
Much as I hate to say it, I'm really leaning toward a 264 WSM of some sort, like a M70 featherweight with a 24" tube. Maybe I can find a Swede and rechamber (but that's a 22" usually, no?) I'd really like to see what that case would do with the long 6.5 bullets, seated close to 3.1".

If you are looking for a real long range 6.5, think about the 6.5 Remington Magnum.
It is big and fast.

-Spencer

I shoot a 6.5X257AI or otherwise known as the 260AAR(All Around Rifle).
My is built on a Sako L579 action, 23in. Douglas #2 barrel with 1-9 twist.
120gr. bullet at 3200fps.
129gr. at 3000fps.
140gr at 2900.

I 've only used it for a couple of deer and antelope, but my wife uses it all the time. Mostly with the 140gr. Speer.
Have never recovered a bullet. Pedro

I had to have a long range rifle once, and I did a lot of research on it and had the nice opportunity to play with rifles in those calibers, that people I knew already owned.

I looked at the 264 Win, the 6.5 Rem Mag, the 6.5 x 284, a 6.5 Weatherby ( 270 Weatherby necked down), a 6.5 /06 and the ackley version of it, and even the 260 AAR.

I already owned a couple of 260s and 6.5 x 55s. The cartridge I settle on was the 6.5 x 57. I neck up 257 Roberts P+ Winchester brass. I found I could get velocities approaching the bigger case capacity jobs, with a fraction of the powder.

I also liked the fact that the 6.5 x 57 had been around since the early 1890s. Have read some sources that listed it coming before the 7 x 57 or 8 x 57. I decided from talking to guys who owned ackley cartridges and they consistently told me they would not do it twice. The gains were not worth the extra effort and expense.

I took a Winchester Model 70 and added a 28 inch PacNor barrel with a heavy sporter contour and a 1 in 7 twist. The barrel was chambered and finished by Kevin Wyatt of Medford Oregon. Kevin is a gentleman I highly recommend to anyone for the quality of his work.

The rifle weights about 10 pounds minus the scope. However, I get use to carrying it when I do take it afield. With that weight, recoil is very mild. Accuracy is excellent 1/4 to 1/2 groups are common when I am shooting worth a darn.
Another rifle that will out shoot its owner.

It has become my favorite cartridge, period.

Good luck on your project.

Cheers and Good shooting
seafire

Thanks for the input guys. The gun in question is intended primarily for LR Prone any/any and any/iron matches. i.e. prone w/ sling, coat, glove, and either iron sights or scoped, at 800, 900, and 1000yds, and possibly some use for F-class (scoped prone from bipod or rest, w/ rear bag) at the same distances. While I have no doubt that any of the cartridges that everybody has mentioned would put enought ooomph behind the bullet for the distance, I was kind of hoping to stick w/ 'known' performers, w/ match bullets and match brass. Yes, I've heard of a few people here and there using some of the calibers listed, but I'd like to stick w/ the ones I orginally mentioned: 6.5-08, 6.5x55, 6.5x55 Imp, 6.5-284 as they are a little more mainstream, at least for the moment. At least w/ them there is a little bigger body of knowledge to draw on when something gets wonky, as far as I can tell.

Thanks,

Monte

Everyone one has a case they like and should work well. There is alot going for the 6.5x284 already a proven LR round. The 6.5x300wsm is doing well at that game plus afew other but they are trying to play catch up. Only thing I know is when you get the velocity over 3000fps for the 6.5x284 it will burn out a barrel alittle quicker how much need to ask a guy who shoot one too many people comment on things and never owned one. I own a 6.5x284 i've got over 1k rounds fired now and barrel isn't showing sighs of losing it. One of the nice things now is can get 6.5x284 case save alot of time. When you get into the ackley rounds need to fire form or use host barrel. Well good luck.

Seafire-

I am currently working up loads in a freshly re- chambered 6.5x57. I just found 47.5 gr. H380 with a 120 gr PSP is at the high end of the pressure range. I am now searching for the right combo for a 129 gr Hornady SP. I like the rifle so far, and it seems to be a nice addition for my daughter to haul around. Oh yeah- its a Type 38 Arisaka with a 22 inch barrel. I havent truly tested the accuracy yet, I am working on developing some load data first.

Do you have any specific recipes to share?

I was fortunate. I got my 6.5x55 when the getting was good, the year Remington chambered their Classic model in it. It's one terrific rifle, very accurate with everything from 85 to 160gr. bullets. To find out how accurate it can be try loading it with Lapua Scenar bullets in 108, 123 and 139grs. pushed along with VihtaVouri 550 or 560 powder. Be careful of your twist rate though. A 1 in 8" twist is probably the best of what's available. Best wishes.

Cal - Montreal