6.5x55 AI ???

[3#cannon]

I've been considering a 6.5x55 AI project for a few years.
Anyone shooting one? What kind of gains could one realistically see?

 

[Ganderite]

It is one of those cases that begs to be given the Ackly treatment. It is a more tapered case than usual.

140 gr bullet increase from 2750 fps to around 2900.

But why not go with a 6.5-06? 3000 fps

 

[3#cannon]

That's what I was thinking...
I've been shooting the sweed for abut 25 years and often considered the ai treatment.
I just picked up a model 700 barreled action with a 26" medium contour barrel chambered in 6.5x55. I feel like it's begging for the reamer..

 

[polskiogorki]

I think a 6.5-378 would be amazing

 

[dan belisle]

Read up on the 6.5 Arch. A maximally improved 6.5 Swede case. - dan

 

[kamlooky]

Iff'in it t'ain't broke...............................

 

[cody c]

Why not just get a creedmoor?



(scurries back under bridge)


But in all seriousness, 6.5-284 would work, I suppose a 260AI as well and would be a little more conventional.

 

[NAA]

Iff'in it t'ain't broke...............................

+1

------------------
NAA.

 

[todbartell]

Curious if anyone has a 6.5x55 AI and has measured case capacity?

 

[Hitzy]

Bit of info in this forum
http://forum.accurateshooter.com/threads/6-5x55ai.3758902/

 

[mad max78]

I found this data on the internets.
Ackley Improved comparisons

Cartridge Bullet weight start velocity end velocity % increase
1 25-35 WCF 117 2230 2800 25.6
2 30-40 Krag 180 2430 2900 19.3
3 250 Savage 100 2820 3300 17
4 6.5x55 Swedish 140 2550 2900 13.7
5 30-30 WCF 150 2390 2700 12.9
6 7x57mm Mauser 145 2660 3000 12.8

 

[SHELL SHUCKER]

I think a 6.5-378 would be amazing

It would have amazingly short barrel life fer sure.

 

[polskiogorki]

It would have amazingly short barrel life fer sure.

Lol yes... but the ballistics would be deadly
One with a Quick change barrel system

 

[MiG25]

Isn't it called the 6.5 Apex or some such?

 

[maple_leaf_eh]

My hunter mentor rechambered a Swedish Mauser to 6.5x284, and another to 6.5AI. He liked both for whitetails and antelope. Original receivers and barrels, just drilled and tapped for scope bases.

 

[Eagleye]

I have a 6.5x55AI, built on a Remington 721 Action, and sporting a Lothar-Walther 26", 1-8 twist barrel.
It is one of my favorite chamberings. Just over 2900 with 140's, and flirting with 3150 with 125's.
Easy on brass, no stretch, and just a nice rifle to shoot. Dave.

 

[SuperCub]

If the 6.5x55AI is considered, the 6.5-06 should be as well.

 

[hoytcanon]

If the 6.5x55AI is considered, the 6.5-06 should be as well.

That is the way I would go... but then, I am quite happy with the standard 6.5X55.

 

[Andy]

It's nice to see the resurgence of interest in the 6.5-06 - I have one and love it. Depending on your chamber, and the reamer, I'd be a bit concerned about the 6.5-06 reamer not fully cleaning up the 6.5X55 chamber.

I too was considering rechambering my 6.5X55 to 6.5X55AI and then leaned more towards the 6.5-284 - no fireforming, standard dies, etc. Then the 6.5-06 came into my life and it shot well.

That said, I have no trouble getting my 26" barreled 6.5X55 over 2900 fps with the slower powders like Re25, Re26 and IMR7828, but I can use an OAL of 3.200".