Thinking 6.5-06AI for my long action... convince me otherwise

Joined
Dec 29, 2020
Messages
12
I have a long action waiting for a rebarrel... thinking 6.5-06AI...
It is currently in a slow twist 6-06 shooting 70gr noslers at 4000fps. Absolute hammer and long range dog/deer gun, but lacks the heavy hit over 500 yards.
Would prefer 6.5-06AI probably over 280AI... or would I? Convince me. I think Rexem are coming out with a 6.5 soon, which is my favourite 22 cal pill, is a huge benefit for the 6.5.
Thoughts?

Nearly enough posts to respond to that middlestead dies for sale!
 

B23

WKR
Joined
Aug 17, 2017
Messages
1,006
Location
NW
Or, save yourself some work. gain a little extra performance. and do a 6.5-280AI.
 
OP
M
Joined
Dec 29, 2020
Messages
12
I'm just looking for a set of 6.5-06AI Dies, or a type S 280AI bushing die that will work... I think that might really be the go....
 

Spoonbill

WKR
Joined
Jan 15, 2020
Messages
689
280 rem’s shoulder was moved forward so itvwould’t fit in a 270. 280 ai would technically has more case capacity than an 06 ackley case. The biggest advantage is the 6.5x280 doesn’t need to be fireformed, just resize a 280 ackley case.
The 6.5 rpm would be faster, but components are hard to get.
 
OP
M
Joined
Dec 29, 2020
Messages
12
280 rem’s shoulder was moved forward so itvwould’t fit in a 270. 280 ai would technically has more case capacity than an 06 ackley case. The biggest advantage is the 6.5x280 doesn’t need to be fireformed, just resize a 280 ackley case.
The 6.5 rpm would be faster, but components are hard to get.
Thats good to know, I'll check if my smith has the reamer ;) Thanks man!
 

B23

WKR
Joined
Aug 17, 2017
Messages
1,006
Location
NW
Correct, the shoulder is forward or longer than the 06 case giving the 280 a little more case capacity and since you can buy 280AI brass all you'd need is a 280AI bushing die with the correct size bushing, neck down the brass, and you're off to the races with no fireforming. If you plan to shoot the heavies like the 140's or 156's a little more case capacity is generally a good thing. The only downside would be the availability of brass so it would probably be a good idea to round up some brass first.

Also, if brass becomes a problem there is always the 6.5-284. Lapua 6.5-284 brass is as good as it gets and is usually available. It'll shoot damn near as fast. It's a straight load and go cartridge with no fireforming and there's tons of load data out there for the 6.5-284. If you want easy peasy lemon squeezy the 6.5-284 is your huckleberry.

My 6.5-284 is built on a LA Rem 700 with a Shilen 26in 8tw barrel. I had Shawn w/DE +P the throat and with RL26 I'm shooting the 140 Bergers a little over 3200.
 

ianpadron

WKR
Joined
Feb 3, 2016
Messages
1,720
Location
Montana
I looked at having a .30-06 re-purposed into a 6.5-06AI and decided the fiddling around with fire forming wasn't worth the marginal gain in velocity.

If I were to pick, I'd just rock a 6.5x284 and shoot any deer/elk out to 800 with zero hesitation and readily available components AND factory loads.

Just something to consider, which I'm sure you already have if you're already shooting an oddball like that 6-06 to begin with.
 

rayporter

WKR
Joined
Jul 3, 2014
Messages
4,251
Location
arkansas or ohio
good evening, i hope you have had a great day!

i have had a 6.5x284 since you only had 284 to neck down. the 6.5 06 is just as good and some think it is better but you can get brass for a 6,4x284 and a long action should not be a hindrance. i form plenty of brass and if you can figure out a way to skip fire forming you are better off. components are precious now, too.

the 140 bullets have a sweet spot for accuracy just under 3000fps. so more fps may no be in your favor.
luck-ray
 

280Ackley

WKR
Joined
Jun 4, 2014
Messages
810
Location
Idaho
I love my 280ackley but I have always dreamed of the 6.5-06ai. I think with some of the new heavy 6.5 bullets it would be a true killer!!!!!
 
Top