Review: 6.5-06 Ackley Improved by Justin Crossley, Rokslide Moderator

[Justin Crossley]

Thanks man! Yeah, I think you did shoot this one at the winter rally.

 

[wyo_gasman]

I've got a Howa 1500 in 25-06 that is dying to be turned into a 6.5-06 AI. Any thoughts on the Howa action?

 

[Justin Crossley]

I've got a Howa 1500 in 25-06 that is dying to be turned into a 6.5-06 AI. Any thoughts on the Howa action?

I've only shot a couple of the Weatherby Vanguards which use that action and they seemed decent from what I can remember. I imagine it would make a great base for your project from the little I know about them.

 

[Sodbuster]

Nice write up.I am doing a switch barrel build right now and 6.5-06 is one of the calibers. I like the extra performance you are getting.
May call the smith tomorrow with questions about the AI.

 

[Justin Crossley]

Nice write up.I am doing a switch barrel build right now and 6.5-06 is one of the calibers. I like the extra performance you are getting.
May call the smith tomorrow with questions about the AI.

Let me know if I can answer any questions you come up with.

 

[Sodbuster]

Thanks,will do.

 

[Sodbuster]

Justin, where did the reamer come from that did your barrel?

Also,to initially form your brass, 25-06 cases expanded with 6.5 ball?

Any trimming involved?

Thanks
Larry

 

[Justin Crossley]

Justin, where did the reamer come from that did your barrel?

Also,to initially form your brass, 25-06 cases expanded with 6.5 ball?

Any trimming involved?

Thanks
Larry

Greg at Bugholes.com did this rifle for me but I'm not sure where he gets his reamers.

I believe I just ran them through the FL sizing die. The last couple batches were all 270 so I can't remember.

I trimmed the 25-06 brass the minimum required to get them uniform. The 270 brass has to be trimmed prior to sizing it because it's too long for my die.

 

[Sodbuster]

Thanks.

 

[wyo_gasman]

I found this rental company. 6.5-06 Ackley - 4D Reamer Rentals

 

[gbflyer]

I found this rental company. 6.5-06 Ackley - 4D Reamer Rentals

I've used 4D with good result.

 

[NDGuy]

Justin how much did it cost to put together that rifle?

Where did that stock come from?

 

[bobinmi]

I have been debating converting an old savage 110 into one of these for years. This may have pushed me over the edge.

 

[Justin Crossley]

Justin how much did it cost to put together that rifle?

Where did that stock come from?

It's been awhile since I did this one but I'll list what I remember.
Tikka action was about $550 at the time.
Brux barrel was $435
Stock was about $150 from Richards Microfit Gunstocks
Chamber and install barrel was $250
Muzzle brake was $125 Gen I Micro Bastard Brake | American Precision Arms
Install timed brake was about $125
Bedding kit was about $30

So the total was about $1665.00

I have been debating converting an old savage 110 into one of these for years. This may have pushed me over the edge.

I still think this is one of the best 6.5's out there. Thinking about building another one strictly for competitions.

 

[wyo_gasman]

What was your reason for installing a brake?

 

[Justin Crossley]

What was your reason for installing a brake?

IMO all long range rifles should have brakes. The more you shoot, the better you get and a brake makes it much more enjoyable to shoot. And it helps to see your hits which is very important to me. I actually put brakes on just about every rifle because I like shooting with them way better.

I even had one installed on my son's .243 that I set up for him. He killed his first deer with it at 525yds and I believe the only reason he's capable of making a shot like that at 10 years old is because of all the practice he gets because of the brake.

Some long range practice. I believe he was smacking steel at about 720 yds that day.

 

[wyo_gasman]

Good to know. Nice buck for the little guy. What style of stock is on your 6.5

 

[Ndbowhunter]

Funny about the brake..

I even put one on my 223. Gotta wear ear protection anyways so why not watch your trace if you can.

 

[Ndbowhunter]

I think that's a pse stock out of Ireland

 

[wyo_gasman]

I ordered a Shilen 26" 8 twist today.