Just back from SoDak hunting out near Newell. My daughter filled our buck tag with a decent 8 point whitetail. I was looking for an opportunity to test the 130 grain Accubond at distance with no more dreams of big bucks I picked doe out one calm evening. It was what I figured was 40 yards past a round bail that was a lasered 437 yards. From a bipod on a very slight incline I put the 500 yard mark from the Leupold varmint reticle on the heart and squeezed. I watched her shudder and a second later heard the solid whumpich. She ran in a circle about 30 yards and died nearly right where she was hit. The entrance was about 4 inches over and 3 inches behind the heart and the passed through. Exit was about the size and shape of a kiwi with rose about the size of a softball. Absolutely perfect performance. Hang weight was around 120 pounds. I suspect a 120 grain B-Tip would have duplicated performance at that range.

Quintus...I have had similar results with the 130gr AB in my 6.5x55 at lesser distances...80-250yds... Worked great for me on both deer and antelope..

BTW...good shooting!

Z

Quintus, good shooting. Was that with your Re22 loading? I may have to try it. I have been shooting AA4350 in mine.

Yep, it's RL22. I am shooting 52 grains lit with a Federal 210m primer. It is pressure enough to give me a good seal in the chamber, but well below max. It is also easier on the primer pockets. That is my longest shot on game I meant to recover (not crows or p-dogs)and I'm sure with the same amount of practice any one of dozens of cartridges would have had the same result. That said I am still very impressed with the 6506.

I have been using RL19 in my 6.5-06 with 120gr sierras...I guess now I have to try some RL22..and 130AB's.

Quintus do you have any idea what the velocity of your load is with those 130 AB's?

Z

Good shooting!
I have used many different cartridges, but the 6.5-06 is still by far my favorite cartridge after having used it for 20+ years for everything from Hares to Moose.

Zeeriverat1 I have what seems a fast barrel that is crowned at 26" and I am getting a bit under 3100FPS. I am using W-W 25-06 cases. I do have some Nosler cases on order and will see how close they are in capacity, but have been very happy with the Winchesters. I like RL19 as well, but got better velocity and load density from 22. 7828 has actually been very consistent as well.

Quintus..thanks for the info... I am planning on building another 6.5-06 soon, and it will have a 26" tube...I will have to do some loads with RL22 for sure...

Z