Was thinking of converting a 6.5x55 Tikka to AI. Seems to me the case taper is just itching to be straightened out. Anyone done it and how do you like it? Difficult finding dies? Curious if there are any gunsmiths in Alberta or BC that can make it happen.
6.5x55 Improved
- Thread starter deerfarmer
- Start date
A number of years ago, there was a write-up, with fairly substantial range-testing, of a 6.5x55 AI built on a benchrest action. Loads were pretty darn warm, IIRC, but it was built on a BR action, either a Hall or a Hart if memory serves. A lot of the back issues used to be available on-line, but my google-fu doesn't seem to be able to fire up today.
- Location
- Port Edward BC
Something I’ve thought about. Will be interesting to see what others have to say.
What’s your drive to do this?
Is it “just cuz” or are you limited somehow by the standard cartridge?
Are you shooting out to a mile?
I also have a tikka t3 varminter in 6.5x55 and had the itch to go AI but the extra 100 ish FPS wasn’t worth the cost and effort considering how damn well it shoots as is!!
2.25” 3 shot groups at 589y is pretty sweet! (147eldm’s at 2820fps)
You’ll get a tad more velocity but velocity doesn’t equal accuracy.
If you were going from 6.5 Creedmoor to x55AI or “just cuz” I’d say ya do it but the standard x55 is awesome as it is. Theres also the added benefit of match factory ammo for when you just don’t feel like loading
Jon
Is it “just cuz” or are you limited somehow by the standard cartridge?
Are you shooting out to a mile?
I also have a tikka t3 varminter in 6.5x55 and had the itch to go AI but the extra 100 ish FPS wasn’t worth the cost and effort considering how damn well it shoots as is!!
2.25” 3 shot groups at 589y is pretty sweet! (147eldm’s at 2820fps)
You’ll get a tad more velocity but velocity doesn’t equal accuracy.
If you were going from 6.5 Creedmoor to x55AI or “just cuz” I’d say ya do it but the standard x55 is awesome as it is. Theres also the added benefit of match factory ammo for when you just don’t feel like loading
Jon
I made up a 6.5x55 AI on a Remington 700 action.
It had a 26 inch, medium weight bbl, with a 1-8 twist. It shot quite well out to the 400 meters or so I was shooting it.
Now, the best velocity I could get at the time was with VVN165, with the 140 grain Sierra MKs. I could get just over 3000 fps, before seeing pressure signs. I also tried H1000, which worked well accuracy wise but didn't give better velocities.
I shot that rifle a lot, enough to push the throat ahead over an inch. Velocity started to drop off but I was curious to see what it would do with a 22 in bbl.
I cut the barrel back to 22 inches and ran a few of the same loads over a Chrony. I didn't expect a serious drop in velocity and didn't get anything unexpected. 2850 fps average over 20 monitored shots. Accuracy was just as good.
OP, your T3 has a 22 in bbl with a 1-8 twist rate. I wouldn't expect much more than a 100 fps gain at the very most. Mind you, with some of the new powders out there you might be able to squeeze a few more fps out of it.
I take it you're planning on opening up the chamber on an existing rifle???
I'm not going to try to talk you out of it
I tried faster powders, like H4831 and IMR4350 but couldn't get anything over 2900fps and accuracy wasn't as good as with the slower powders.
I got 50 grains of IMR4350 into the case, but pressures were definitely high, according to a slight resistance on bolt handle lift during extraction.
With the hot loads I'm currently using now in my T3, 6.5x55 off the shelf rifle, I'm getting slightly over 2800fps.
Hope you have good luck with your rifle.
It had a 26 inch, medium weight bbl, with a 1-8 twist. It shot quite well out to the 400 meters or so I was shooting it.
Now, the best velocity I could get at the time was with VVN165, with the 140 grain Sierra MKs. I could get just over 3000 fps, before seeing pressure signs. I also tried H1000, which worked well accuracy wise but didn't give better velocities.
I shot that rifle a lot, enough to push the throat ahead over an inch. Velocity started to drop off but I was curious to see what it would do with a 22 in bbl.
I cut the barrel back to 22 inches and ran a few of the same loads over a Chrony. I didn't expect a serious drop in velocity and didn't get anything unexpected. 2850 fps average over 20 monitored shots. Accuracy was just as good.
OP, your T3 has a 22 in bbl with a 1-8 twist rate. I wouldn't expect much more than a 100 fps gain at the very most. Mind you, with some of the new powders out there you might be able to squeeze a few more fps out of it.
I take it you're planning on opening up the chamber on an existing rifle???
I'm not going to try to talk you out of it
I tried faster powders, like H4831 and IMR4350 but couldn't get anything over 2900fps and accuracy wasn't as good as with the slower powders.
I got 50 grains of IMR4350 into the case, but pressures were definitely high, according to a slight resistance on bolt handle lift during extraction.
With the hot loads I'm currently using now in my T3, 6.5x55 off the shelf rifle, I'm getting slightly over 2800fps.
Hope you have good luck with your rifle.
I understand there isn’t a great deal of performance gains to be had. I suppose I could argue for better case life but in reality it’s just as mentioned.... just cuz 
Interesting to hear the change in velocity after chopping barrel back wasn’t too outrageous. Really appreciate the feedback all
Interesting to hear the change in velocity after chopping barrel back wasn’t too outrageous. Really appreciate the feedback all
Had a 6.5 archer years back. That's a version of 6.5x55 improved. It is a good improvement. Like most cases with a lot of taper it really wakes up with an improved chamber. Would run right along my 264. - dan
I looked into this and concluded that it made more sense to rechamber to one of the 6.5-284's. Then I bought a 6.5-06 and dropped the idea.
No fire-forming, "properly" headstamped brass, standard dies, and a bit more case capacity.
No fire-forming, "properly" headstamped brass, standard dies, and a bit more case capacity.
Another "Red Herring " for you . I read a number of years ago about a long range match cartridge that was made by chambering a 6.5 X 55 four milameters short. This allowed the use of plentiful 308 match brass. A standard 6.5x55 die set was shortened to accomplish the reloading task. Very similar idea to the David Tubb 6mm cartridge.
A number of years ago, 40+, Boxer primed, 6.5x55 brass was next to impossible to find in Canada, unless you could find some of the old Dominion stuff or you wanted to pay outrageous prices for Norma ammo, which hardly anyone carried at the time.
There were other, readily available cases that could easily be resized with one pass through the 6.5x55 resizing die. 7x57, 8x57, 308 Win etc.
There was always lots of 308 Win brass around, everything from surplus IVI to several commercial types.
Sizing down the 7x57 and 8x57 wasn't really practical, because it was also on the scarce side, so I went with the 308 Win commercial if I had to but preferred the surplus IVI 7.62x51, especially the BLANK cases, which were seldom policed in the field.
I managed to collect a couple of thousand fired BLANK, IVI 7.62x51 cases and after cutting back the petals on the case mouths, ran them through the 6.5x55 sizing die, trimmed to proper length and fireformed them. The surplus cases had thicker webs than the commercial so when they expanded to fill the chamber, there was little chance they would separate later.
I think I still have some of those cases.
You have to do what you have to do.
I imagine the 6.5-06 is a fine cartridge, unfortunately I have never had the chance to shoot one to sell myself on it. I considered going 6.5-284 route as well, but I've pretty much settled on the improved swede. I think 6.5x55 is a perfect fit for the Tikka T3. It leaves plenty of room in the mag for seating really looong bullets compared to say -06 derived cartridges.
Again do as you please! If you want an AI, go for AI!!
This is just information to help decision making purposes!!
Found one of my old targets.
3 shot group at 589y
Bone stock tikka T3 varminter in 6.5x55 Swede.
147eld doing 2820fps.
SWFA SS 20X with MOAQUAD.
Shot prone off a bipod. A hair over 2” horizontal and 1” vertical.
https://imgur.com/a/ButeVsF
This is just information to help decision making purposes!!
Found one of my old targets.
3 shot group at 589y
Bone stock tikka T3 varminter in 6.5x55 Swede.
147eld doing 2820fps.
SWFA SS 20X with MOAQUAD.
Shot prone off a bipod. A hair over 2” horizontal and 1” vertical.
https://imgur.com/a/ButeVsF
If you're near Edmonton and want to try a 6.5-06 I can help you out. - dan
Impressive for sure. Nice shooting
Thanks for the offer Dan, Calgary area though. I really like your Location signature
Thanks for the offer Dan, Calgary area though. I really like your Location signature
Thanks. I stole it. But Corb said it was ok (he's a member on here). - dan
