I put a 6.5-06 together the other day on an old 721 action and I've been looking at load data and it seems slow. The case capacity matches the 6.5 rem mag but loads are listed way down not much more than the 6.5 creedmoor. The creedmoor and 6.5-06 are only 70 fps apart but the 6.5 rem mag is 350 fps faster yet. How hot have you guys gone?
Any 6.5-06 loaders?
- Thread starter billdick
- Start date
I used 4350 and 4831 with 140 gr bullets to get velocity in the 2900 fps range.
My reamer cut a deep throat to take the long match bullets.
270 brass is best.
My 260 Rem Ackley gets similar velocity. Both are about 200 fps faster than a Creed.
Be very careful developing a load. Start low. Pressures can build very fast with a long bullet. Loads tend to be very rifle specific.
Note: My loading data is what I did 40 years ago. There are probably better powders now, like RL25.
My reamer cut a deep throat to take the long match bullets.
270 brass is best.
My 260 Rem Ackley gets similar velocity. Both are about 200 fps faster than a Creed.
Be very careful developing a load. Start low. Pressures can build very fast with a long bullet. Loads tend to be very rifle specific.
Note: My loading data is what I did 40 years ago. There are probably better powders now, like RL25.
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I love the 6.5-06.
I have a model 70Winchester that I picked up from Eaglenester years ago. I had to set the barrel back and rechamber it with a reamer cut for shorter bullets. It has a 1-9.5 twist rate and had a long throat to accommodate 160 grain bullets. I set it back about an inch to clean up the chamber and any throat wear. The rifle will stabilize 140 grain flat base bullets but prefers lighter, shorter bullets.
The cases are easily made from 25-06 cases with only one pass through a sizing die, when the brass is NEW and soft. You will of course have to trim to length.
Hornady makes the dies as does RCBS and LEE.
I use a heavy charge of IMR7828SSC over CCI 250 magnum primers for my loads. Velocities are above those mentioned in loading manuals but without pressure signs. IMR7828SSC is a great powder in 6.5 loads when the case capacity is large enough. It's also my go to powder for the 6.5x55 and delivers over 2900fps SAFELY out of my TIKKA which has a much tighter twist rate.
The 6.5-06 is a great cartridge and if you want to build one for experimentation or fun, fine. IMHO it doesn't generate enough extra velocity to bother with over the 6.5x55 when using handloads to go through the hassle. That being said, it will take any animal in North America cleanly if you do your part.
If I were going to build another, which I'm not, I would opt for a 1-8 twist rate.
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I have a model 70Winchester that I picked up from Eaglenester years ago. I had to set the barrel back and rechamber it with a reamer cut for shorter bullets. It has a 1-9.5 twist rate and had a long throat to accommodate 160 grain bullets. I set it back about an inch to clean up the chamber and any throat wear. The rifle will stabilize 140 grain flat base bullets but prefers lighter, shorter bullets.
The cases are easily made from 25-06 cases with only one pass through a sizing die, when the brass is NEW and soft. You will of course have to trim to length.
Hornady makes the dies as does RCBS and LEE.
I use a heavy charge of IMR7828SSC over CCI 250 magnum primers for my loads. Velocities are above those mentioned in loading manuals but without pressure signs. IMR7828SSC is a great powder in 6.5 loads when the case capacity is large enough. It's also my go to powder for the 6.5x55 and delivers over 2900fps SAFELY out of my TIKKA which has a much tighter twist rate.
The 6.5-06 is a great cartridge and if you want to build one for experimentation or fun, fine. IMHO it doesn't generate enough extra velocity to bother with over the 6.5x55 when using handloads to go through the hassle. That being said, it will take any animal in North America cleanly if you do your part.
If I were going to build another, which I'm not, I would opt for a 1-8 twist rate.
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I have been shooting it with 30-06 brass. I've about fifty rounds out of it and am using imr4831. It shoots alright using book loads but way better with more powder. I'm at fifty grains now behind a 140 bullet and its grouping the best it has. The nosler data lists 49.5 as max but my bolt handle still lifts easy and there are no marks on the case head at all. The 6.5 rem mag lists I think 54 grains as max and I'm wondering why the 6.5-06 isn't the same being as the case capacity is equal as well as bore size.
Unless you extend the barrel, that bore will only burn so much powder efficiently. That's why I went to IMR7828ssc. My original go to powder was H4831 as I have lots on hand. The IMR7828 breathes new life and better performance into the round.
It also made my 6.5x55 give much better velocities.
Case capacities between the 6.5mag and the 06 are almost identical so similar performance shouldn't come as a surprise.
Once you reach a certain density, diminishing returns on volume are the norm. Time for a different recipe.
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It also made my 6.5x55 give much better velocities.
Case capacities between the 6.5mag and the 06 are almost identical so similar performance shouldn't come as a surprise.
Once you reach a certain density, diminishing returns on volume are the norm. Time for a different recipe.
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I started a thread a couple of years ago about the 6.5-06 and 155 gr bullets. In my gun, top MV's were from US869, and close behind was Reloder 33. 2800 fps from a 22" barrel. Powders suitable for the 270 Win, will be suitable for the 6.5-06.
https://www.canadiangunnutz.com/for...907-Seven-155-gr-Bullet-Loads-for-the-6-5-06?
As long as your barrel is at least 6" long, top MV's will always be with full cases of the slowest powders.
https://www.canadiangunnutz.com/for...907-Seven-155-gr-Bullet-Loads-for-the-6-5-06?
As long as your barrel is at least 6" long, top MV's will always be with full cases of the slowest powders.
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I have two of them, a win 70 and a Mauser Swede. Both shoot very well, 140's at 2900 fps. RL19 as the powder of choice in these two. - dan
I had one with a Ron Smith gain twist finished at 8 twist,26".I used it for long range target so I didn't want to much speed(thinking barrel life would be better).Most of my loads were around 2700 fps with 140 VLD Targets and 139 scenars.I had good luck with H4831sc and viht n165.30-06 lapua cases necked to 6.5,I did use some nosler 270 win and 30-06 cases and they worked great also.I do have some Quali-cart head stamped 6.5-06 brass that i really never used left over somewhere.
I thought of building another one but I get 2685 fps with 139 gr scenars in my Creedmoor using 40 grs of 4350 so I really don't see any advantage to using the 06 case unless I was going to use it for hunting.
I thought of building another one but I get 2685 fps with 139 gr scenars in my Creedmoor using 40 grs of 4350 so I really don't see any advantage to using the 06 case unless I was going to use it for hunting.
