Just had a 6.5 AI barrel screwed on a 700 action and am now trying to build up a load for 120gr. Nosler ballistic tip. Haven't found anything that works great yet. Was wondering how far over max (nosler Book) a person can go with the Ackley Improved over the regular 6.5-06?

I am not limiting myself to any particular bullet or powder but would like to work on the 120gr. for accuracy and/or the 85gr. for speed.

Wondering if anybody out there has any insight for this cartridge?

p.s. I have only fired about 120 rounds through the barrel so far, maybe I just need to load up a 100 or so 'close enough' rounds and get the barrel broken in?

Any help is greatly appreciated!

Theo

When I start with a wildcat I normally compare the cases volume increase to the parent. Then increase the powder charges for the parent by that amount. Depending on case you ahould be 4-5% larger than the 6.5X06.

My 6.5 would be more like a slightly inproved Gibbs. I would look to slow powders 7828, rl22-25 etc.

When I got mine it came with a very nice target that was 53.5 grains of IMR4350 and a 120 NBT. I haven't tried anything that has done better yet. It gets consistent 1/2" groups at 100 yards. 24" 1-in-9 twist Douglas XX Stainless. I get almost exactly 3000fps with it, which is plenty since I have a 264WM. Hill Country Rifles did mine from the ground up. The fireforming load of 53 grains gets 3/4" during fireforming.

I have only worked with the 140gr a-max in mine, but in the 8 twist pacnor it LOVES RL22 and H4831sc. Just start a bit over mid range in the parent data and work up for most any pill.

Theo-

First off... first post? Welcome to AR.com! I hope you like it here.

Now, on to business...

quote:

Originally posted by roomkey_69:
p.s. I have only fired about 120 rounds through the barrel so far, maybe I just need to load up a 100 or so 'close enough' rounds and get the barrel broken in?

You'll get various takes on "proper" break in, or whether it's even needed. (Personally, I do it...). But, regardless of who you talk to, by the time you have 120 rounds downrange, you should be broken in. Another 100 rounds of "break in" rounds that are of a load you're not really satisfied with is just wasting time, components, and barrel life (something to think about on a hotly loaded 6.5-06 AI).

What brand barrel are you using? Any of the "custom" barrels (Douglas, Shilen, Pac-Nor, Krieger, etc) should be pretty smooth to begin with. Even a "factory" tube that's been rechambered should be done by your 120 round mark.

I'd concentrate on load development more than further break in.

I have always thought about building a 6.5-06 (or maybe an AI version). I've gathered some load info for that "some day". I'll pull it out later & send it to you. Obviously, it's not going to be first hand experience, but it apparently has worked for others. At least it will give you some more options.

Again, welcome to AR.com!

I agree with Cold Bore on the barrel break in. After 120 rounds it should be broken in. Barrel life is an issue with the 6.5 bore and 06+ case capacity. I have been around a couple of 6.5-06 A.I.'s but they were used for long range target shooting and all the loads I am familiar with are with 140 gr. bullets. I have shot a 6.5 X 284 with 123 gr. Laupa Scenar bullets and had no trouble getting 3250 fps accurately with them out of 28" barrel using H4350. H4831 SC worked as well. I haven't tried it but I would also look at VV N160. It is an excellent powder with a flame temperature cooler than either H4350 or H4831 SC. I don't know what you intend to use that rifle for, but with a good 120 gr. load at 3200 to 3300 fps it would make a great long range antelope/mule deer/bean field rifle. Hope this helps some.

PaPa 260.........May I be half the man my grandsons think I am.

Thanks everyone so far for the feedback. The weather has been pretty crappy here lately so have not had a chance to try anything with this rifle recently. It is a Shilen(sp?) barrel 1-9 twist on a Rem 700 action. The triger is a little heavy yet and I need a good stock to put on the rifle. Im always shooting my swift at the same time I'm working up loads for the 6.5 and it shoots sub 1/2" groups almost any load I try so maybe I get a little frustrated at times. I've been sticking to H4831SC so far but I do have some N160 that maybe I'll try also. Also, most my shooting has been fireforming 270 brass so not too many shots taken with 'formed' brass yet. I did notice that I can not use a mild load for fireforming as it will split cases.
Antelope opens next weekend here and Deer in a couple weeks, so need to get something worked up so I can use this rifle.

Thanks again

Theo