Yes or no to Ackley?

Ian,
Given the 28 inch barrel and the new powder and the fact that you say so, I can't dispute it. I doubt the 6.5x55 will do any more with that powder since the charge is well below capacity. In fact, it might be interesting to see what that powder does in a 6.5x47 Lapua. Also, I can just about promise that making the 6.5/308 (260)an AI would have virtually no effect.
Out of curiosity, how is your rifle throated? I think the standard 260 throat is a little on the short side.
I'm also curious as to what brass you are using. Regards, Bill.
 
140's at3000 fps with a 6.5x55 anything is BS, pure and simple. The larger 6.506 won't do it at reasonable pressure nor will the 6.5/284. Guys with very long barrels and willing to live with poor case life can get 3000 with the 6.5/284 but it's not realistic in a practical rifle.
I have exceeded 2900 with 142's in a 6.5x55 (26" barrel) using N165 powder but I think 2800 is a more realistic maximum. Regards, Bill.

Sorry Bill; Like Obtunded said in his case, I think you have jumped on this BS wagon a bit too soon! :D I am shooting the 139 Lapua at 3010 out of my 28" 6.5x55 AI using a good charge of N560, and I have no brass issues, nor have the primer pockets expanded after 5 firings. Perhaps the pressures are well up there, but do not seem excessive in this rifle. I am using Lapua brass, and have a fairly long throat, but not exceptionally long. Maybe this is an exception, but it is true in this case, and has been verified on a second chronograph. I have not tried RL 17 yet, though. Regards, Eagleye.
 
I base my statement on typical barrel lengths and reasonable pressures as used in hunting rifles. This being the hunting rifle forum, I felt this was appropriate.
There is little doubt that high energy, double based powders are allowing higher velocities than previously considered to be max by old guys like myself. Especially when used in long barrels.
In the context of this thread though, the shape of the case is not what isdoing the deed. It is the powder energy in conjunction with the barrel length. If the powder charges being used do not fill the case (and they don't) then there is every possibilty that the same velocities could be reached with an even smaller case.
Lapua brass is tough stuff. It does handle pressures which will cause Norma brass (or Remington, or Federal)to lose the primer and then some.
By the way, I didn't jump on the BS wagon, I hitched it up and threw on the first shovel! I do have to live with the fact that, in these special circumstances I was, ahem!... wrong! Regards, Bill
 
In the nature of a true gentleman, you have reinforced my respect for you, Bill!! I have to agree that things have changed a bit since you and I were a bit younger. People today are willing to play with longer barrels and the new double-based HE powders that put a new twist on ballistics. And I most heartily agree with your perception of Brass quality. I would never dream of dropping that charge into a Norma or Federal case. Might try Winchester, though! My 6.5x55 AI with N560 seats the bullet pretty close to the powder with my loading though. Standard case would be a somewhat compressed load. Regards, Eagleye.
 
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