Ed;
Handloading a .30-06 to 6.5 Swede velocity & energy levels isn't hard. However, in doing so, you're doing the .30-06 a disservice. The great advantage of the Swede lies in the bore diameter/bullet weight ratios. When you start comparing sectional densities and ballistic coeffecients it becomes obvious that the thing will drive a 140 grain bullet through a brick wall at a hundred yards.
Factor in the modest velocities, & therefore mild recoil, as well as the sterling reputation for accuracy, and it becomes quite clear why so many of us are championing this excellent European cartridge.
I own .30-06's & love them. Been shooting & loading for the round for decades. But because I'm left/left, it's almost impossible to obtain a left handed factory bolt gun in 6.5 X 55mm Swedish Mauser. Therefore, I'm having a custom gun built in the caliber. Which won't be an inexpensive propositon, but I knew that going into the project. The point being that even though I have a .30-06 that does it's job very well, I can still see it worth spending the money to obtain a 6.5 Swede. And no, I'm not a millionaire, I'm a working stiff.
900F