Any 6.5-06 users?

[#publiclands]

Do yourself a favor and hit the easy button and go 6.5-284. Lapua brass that is as good as it gets and lasts forever with absolutely zero necking/forming of any kind just size it load it. Spend less time tinkering and more time shooting.

As I mentioned earlier, my dad had a 6.5-06AI built on a Howa long action and at the time I begged him to just go 6.5-284 but he's old school and wasn't having it. He asked me awhile back if I knew anyone that wanted to buy it and then admitted he wished he'd have gone 6.5-284 instead. He had a 6-06AI built around the same time and again I begged him to go 6-284 instead. He has his 6-06AI for sale too.

It's not that I think one is any better than the other but the 6.5-284 is just so damn easy and accuracy loads generally end up shooting nearly the same velocity.

Good point B23. I’ve pretty much decided that if I go the 6.5-06 I’m going not going to go the 6.5-06 ai route just standard 6.5-06. But for some reason the 6.5-06 appeals to me maybe the just the old school cool factor. But you’re right why go though all the hassle when the same thing works.
Another reason why I want to go 6-5-06 for a semi build with the barrel order is I can buy a decent factory 6.5-284. I also want a 280 ai but same thing I can also buy a decent factory 280ai. the same reason I have a 22hornet when I could have a 22 mag, 222 rem when I could have a 223, 6.5x55 when I could have something new and improved. Probably not the right way to think about it though. Goes against the whole work smarter not harder mentality.

 

[sndmn11]

6.5 RPM is a good choice if you're converting an '06 based rifle. ~80 grains case capacity, no belt, and good brass available from Weatherby.

This keeps tempting me

 

[#publiclands]

But back to my original question…for the 6.5-06, which rate of twist and barrel contour does everyone recommend?

 

[chutinlead]

But back to my original question…for the 6.5-06, which rate of twist and barrel contour does everyone recommend?

Easily 8 twist. I shoot everything from 90gr Varmageddons at 3400fps to 156gr at 2800fps out of an 18" barrel.

 

[B23]

But back to my original question…for the 6.5-06, which rate of twist and barrel contour does everyone recommend?

8 twist and I don't like anything smaller than something like a Bartlein #3 or 3B and larger.

 

[#publiclands]

8 twist and I don't like anything smaller than something like a Bartlein #3 or 3B and larger.

That being said B23 would a varmint contour be way to heavy for a hunting rifle? If so what contour is just under that one? Would you say that a #5 would be a good compromise?

 

[B23]

What length barrel are you wanting?

 

[Wrench]

A #5 is gonna come in close to 11# finshed with a non edge filled stock and a typical 25ish oz scope. Big diameter with a small hole is heavy.

 

[#publiclands]

A #5 is gonna come in close to 11# finshed with a non edge filled stock and a typical 25ish oz scope. Big diameter with a small hole is heavy.

Wrench, I think I have my contours #d backwards as far as sizing and weight goes. I was thinking the contour under the varmint contour, possibly light varmint? Maybe a #3 in some?

 

[Wrench]

Every maker is different on their contours. Typically the lower the number, the lighter. A #2 is typically similar to a sporter weight and a #3 a magnum sporter. Once you get above a 4 they start packing on weight. 4-5 is in the sendero neck of the woods.

Again, every maker has their own tapers....but this is generally close.

 

[#publiclands]

Every maker is different on their contours. Typically the lower the number, the lighter. A #2 is typically similar to a sporter weight and a #3 a magnum sporter. Once you get above a 4 they start packing on weight. 4-5 is in the sendero neck of the woods.

Again, every maker has their own tapers....but this is generally close.

I would be safe with a light varmint or heavy sporter or possibly the sendero, I think those three contours would be pretty similar in weight for a hunting rig to maintain some barrel stiffness right?

 

[Wrench]

That's a personal preference. I like light rifles and pick the contour/length to get an acceptable balance.

A quality maker's tube in the lightest contour will outshoot most people. The light contours don't tolerate influence like a bull does, so paying attention to grip and rest is important....but that's basic riflemanship.

 

[#publiclands]

That's a personal preference. I like light rifles and pick the contour/length to get an acceptable balance.

A quality maker's tube in the lightest contour will outshoot most people. The light contours don't tolerate influence like a bull does, so paying attention to grip and rest is important....but that's basic riflemanship.

Wrench, That information helps out quite a bit. I may be changing my thought process on contour now especially if it’s for a dedicated hunting rifle.

So would you say to get the proper or acceptable balance is it usually better in most circumstances to go with a longer tube to say 24” with the lighter barrel?

 

[TK177]

I have a 6.5-06AI, and I like it a lot. I have a Bartlein RemVar Contour thats been fluted, 1:7.5 5R twist. Mostly shot bullets in the 140gr range and really liked the performance. Ramshot Mag, Retumbo, H1000 and 4451 are the powders I have used. Brass selection was the big reason I did the 6.5-06AI, being able to use 25-06 and 270 is huge especially when components are hard to find. Not a ton of folks hoard 25-06 or 270. I have also used 280AI in my gun to skip fire forming, just took some playing with.

 

[Cahunter805]

But back to my original question…for the 6.5-06, which rate of twist and barrel contour does everyone recommend?

I would go 24-26” 8 twist and if going with McGowen a #3 or #4. The 6.5-06 is a good choice and easy to load for also. Feeding would be a non issue also.

 

[#publiclands]

I have a 6.5-06AI, and I like it a lot. I have a Bartlein RemVar Contour thats been fluted, 1:7.5 5R twist. Mostly shot bullets in the 140gr range and really liked the performance. Ramshot Mag, Retumbo, H1000 and 4451 are the powders I have used. Brass selection was the big reason I did the 6.5-06AI, being able to use 25-06 and 270 is huge especially when components are hard to find. Not a ton of folks hoard 25-06 or 270. I have also used 280AI in my gun to skip fire forming, just took some playing with.

TK177, thanks for the input. Just curious about using the 280 ai brass, did you run into any issues and and what prep is necessary? I also thought that 270 necks were too long which required extra steps?

 

[#publiclands]

I would go 24-26” 8 twist and if going with McGowen a #3 or #4. The 6.5-06 is a good choice and easy to load for also. Feeding would be a non issue also.

Cahunter805, thanks for the input. I will search around for a savage prefit #3 or 4 from McGowen. They have some 6.5-06 prefits on Gunshack but all they have is the varmint contour.

 

[Cahunter805]

Cahunter805, thanks for the input. I will search around for a savage prefit #3 or 4 from McGowen. They have some 6.5-06 prefits on Gunshack but all they have is the varmint contour.

Take a look at Northland shooters supply also.

 

[#publiclands]

Take a look at Northland shooters supply also.

Yeah, if I was going to order one I will also look at northlands. I was hoping to buy something in stock to avoid the excessive wait but that may be my only option unless I can find a slightly used one.

 

[Cahunter805]

Yeah, if I was going to order one I will also look at northlands. I was hoping to buy something in stock to avoid the excessive wait but that may be my only option unless I can find a slightly used one.

In that cartridge and for a savage that might be a tough find.