[shell70634]

I'm thinking of chambering a rifle in 30-06 necked down to 6.5. I know it's an old wildcat. Can anyone shed any light on it's performance or history. I haven't determined what I need it for so performance will determine it's application.

[freakshow10mm]

I would go with the 6.5-06 Ackley Improved version. The 25-06 and the 6.5-06 AI have the same case volume. However due to bullet selection the 6.5-06 AI is everything that the 25-06 is and much more.

The 6.5-06 was a cheap retrofit for the surplus 6.5 rifles after WWII.

[Remo-99]

With 140gr or plus bullets the BC makes for one flat shooter.
Mid to large varmints at extreme ranges would be up for a challange.

[jdh]

Having done this, my advice would be to go with a 260 Remington.

But if you just have to I have had more success necking 25-06 brass up than 30-06 down.

[~z]

Necking down .270 brass work quite well as a happy medium
~z

[dubbleA]

[QUOTE][Having done this, my advice would be to go with a 260 Remington.
/QUOTE]

:banghead:.......and having built a 6.5 Gibbs and 6.5x284 I'll second that.

The 260 Rem or even the 6.5x55 will get great results with alot less powder, recoil, wear etc., efficient little rounds they are.

[Water-Man]

You can solve your problem by just going with a 6.5X55 Swede and using 140gr. Nosler Partitions.

[~z]

Additionally, a long action 6.5x284 may be another alternative as it allows you to seat 140 & 142 gn bullets out long and still fit the magazine. I too have heard of many difficulties with the 6.5/06 though I have not had any direct experience with it.
~z

[shell70634]

Thanx for the input. I don't have any reason to build it except I have no 6.5's in the arsenal and odd calibers intrigue me. I'm sure my final decision will be made 5 minutes before I order it. Right now the 6.5-06 AI sounds like fun to play with.

[redneck2]

I know two guys that have shot prairie dogs at 1k+ with 6.5-06.

[Ol` Joe]

Hodgdon offers data on their web site for the 6.5-06 in it`s "std" form, and Nosler and Sierra both show it in their manuals. It is a fairly popular cartridge and actually just a remake of the old .256 Newton.
I would agree with the other posters though and take a good look at the 6.5 Swede or 260 Rem before chambering to the 6.5-06. barrel life will be longer and velocities probably within 100-150 fps of the bigger case.

[JimKirk]

How about a .264 WSM... or a 6.5-270 WSM?

Jimmy K