6.5mm-06 forming Q.

The Baron

The Baron

CGN frequent flyer
Rating - 100%
537   0   0
Location
Kingston, ON
Does anyone have experience with the 6.5-06? Am I better to neck up .25-06 brass or to neck down .270 brass? Or can I go right down from .30-06 in a FL die? Would neck thickness be a potential issue with any of the possible starting brass?

Lastly, anyone got any pet loads for the 6.5-06?:)
 
I've necked up and down with good results both ways. Not in 6.5/06 but in other calibers. Being a difference of 0.07 I would say 25/06 brass would work great! May want to bump up to 0.277 then back down to 0.264 to create a false shoulder until the bolt will close to help with your case stretch. I've had good success with this method in my wildcats. Good Luck!
 
I had a 6.5-06 for two years. It was one that Rockchucker on the board here put together, if I remember correctly. I used 30-06 brass and necked it down until the bolt would just barely close on the brass for the first firing.

It was as accurate with those first-fired rounds as it was with cases that had been fired before. Great cartridge, half 25-06 and half 270 Win, and that's not bad. :)

Ted
 
Necking up the .25 might create the dreaded donut, necking down .270 should avoid this. If you start with '06, watch your case neck thickness.
 
If you can get your hands on some good, once fired 25-06 brass, it is about the easiest way to make 6.5-06 brass there is. One passs through the FL die, load and shoot. As mentioned, if you use 270 brass, you will need to trim it back to 2.484" or so. Regards, Eagleye.
 
I just bought one,the books recommend the 25-06 route.Others who have shoot that caiber suggest the 125-129 bullet weight and the powders between 19 and 22.
 
There is actually a metric equivalent to the 6.5-06. I remember reading an article from handloader or rifle magazine a number of years ago. Seems like it was written by Charles (can't remember last name) who is a long time 6.5 guru. Norma or Lapua may make brass. My two Nosler manuals have load data with write ups by this same Charles fellow.

If using modified brass, I always prefer to neck it up if possible then trim. I just don't feel comfortable with a larger caliber headstamp. Just imagine if some how a "real" .270 round got mixed in with your 6.5-06 ammunition (in .270 cases). Now that should not happen but I load many similar rounds and at the range when trying out multiple rifles a mistake could be harmful to your health and that of the rifle.

Be safe, have fun. The 6.5 is a wonderful caliber. I would think that either H4831 or Reloader 22 would be just the ticket using 125 or 140 Partitions, 130 Barnes, etc. Not quite as sofisticated as my Swedes however!!
 
Lapua makes 30-06 brass. That alone is enough to convince me that necking down is the way to go.

If lapua don't make brass for it, I don't shoot it.
 
6.5-06/6.5x64

The 6.5-06 is on the 30-06 case (2.494 in)---the 6.5x64(Brenneke) is on the 270 W case(2.540)---the 6.5 "guru" is Charles Benke---my Ron Smith barreled/made rifle is 6.5x64 and I use 270 brass --also Ron Smith recommended in his gain twist barrel.--to say it shoots is an understatement--flat,hard and very accurate--- highly recommended.---I prefer 125 thru 140 for my 6.5's and I am currently developing loads with the 130 Barnes TS and Accubond.--slow powders RL22,7828 work very well----try RL22 in your 6.5x55 for a "taste treat"-- CHEERS!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom