I was thinking it would be neat to have a nice light weight 6.5-06 running a really hot 140 or 160 grain load.

I had thought of building one (still may to get a #1 contour barrel), but then thought "Why don't I just buy a factory 6.5mx55 and rechamber it."

Anyone see any issues with this? The Tikka and Sako both have long enough actions on their 6.5's to do this (Tika would be the least expensive option).

Other recommended brands? Would really like a 24" barrel.

Would a M96 action be strong enough to handle HOT loads approaching 55K-60K PSI? Probably not, huh?

Seeing as the case head of the 6.5x55 is larger than an '06, it wouldn't be the best to rechamber, unless swelled caseheads appeal to you. The 6.5x65 would be a lot closer in size.

another option would be ; get the 6.5x55 and rechamber it to 6.5x.284. You should already have deep throated enough from the 6.5 x55 chambering.With the 160 grain bullet seat out you'll achieve 6.5-06 ballistics. roger

Yep, I was worried about the case head issue. Yes, thought about the 6.5x284 as an option.

Or get a 270 and go hunting.

If you use an American rifle, they built theirs with the same bolt face as the 30-06 for the 6.5x55. Both my Remington and Winchester Featherweight are that way. IMHO, it is just as easy to rebarrel. That way you get a known guality barrel.

I could also buy a 6.5x65 barrel for my Mauser M03.

I have a Husqvarna 4100 that was originally a 6.5x55 and was re-chambered to 6.5/06. Works quite well.

Just hand load the 6.5x55-if the action will handle 65.-06 then it will handle hot Swede loads

The case diameter just forward of the rim cut is slightly different, 0.479" for the SAAMI specs 6.5x55 and 0.473" for the 30-06 parent case of the 6.5-06. If I was going to rechamber a 6.5x55 barrel to 6.5-06, I think that I'd cut it back 0.5" and cut a fresh chamber and shank/threads.

I have rechambered a few Winchester/USRA 70 push-feed 6.5x55 Fwt barrels to 6.5-284 with excellent outcomes.

As noted, the 270 Win is an easier, cheaper, way to get 6.5-06 results that would meet the needs of probably 99% of potential users. Lots of people look down their noses at the 270 Win, but it does a great job, does it on the cheap, and does it with factory ammo for the majority of hunters who don't reload.

260 has some great comments, advice about the 270 Winchester, my favorite cartridge. I've shot everything from Prairie Dogs to Elk with one, however this is about the 6.5-06, I built one, and have been quite happy with it's performance on paper and game. Any 06 length action will due, and it's an easy chore to send that action to Pac-Nor, or a barrel maker of your choice and have them fit the barrel for you. I will give you one piece of advice though, the SAAMI 6.5-06, is not the same as the 6.5-06 Wildcat. The SAMMI cartridge has a very long throat, about .250, which precludes a shooter from getting close to the lands with the lighter bullets. In order to have the throat set to use all the range of bullets, if that's what you want to do, have your smith chamber and throat in 2 seperate operations.

Jerry

If you buy a tikka 6.5 x 55 and sight it in you won't change a thing. Ck the 1000 yd shooters velocity seems most get their best accuracy at around 2900 with 140 grain bullets probably achievable in a modern rifle 6.5 x 55. I have several 6.5 calibers including a custom 6.5-06 but when I go hunting I use a swede. but that's just me an ignorant hillbilly.

quote:

Originally posted by ForrestB:
Or get a 270 and go hunting.

How boring, no gun smithing drama and exactly the same performance!

quote:

Originally posted by surestrike:

quote:

Originally posted by ForrestB:
Or get a 270 and go hunting.

How boring, no gun smithing drama and exactly the same performance!

Some people want the "Drama" and extra effort even though it accomplishes nothing.

the most "Exotic" rifle I own is my 1943 vintage M38 Husqvarna 6.5x55.

quote:

Originally posted by larrys:
If you use an American rifle, they built theirs with the same bolt face as the 30-06 for the 6.5x55. Both my Remington and Winchester Featherweight are that way. IMHO, it is just as easy to rebarrel. That way you get a known guality barrel.

I have a nice SS M70 in 270 Win that wears a Micky stock, however, I really want a 6.5-06. Hard to justify that project, but I often think about it...for thirty seconds.