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Forum Index > Rifles general discussion > help with 6.5-06 AI loads

help with 6.5-06 AI loads

20 Jan 2021
@ 12:36 pm (GMT)

William Badgley

Can anyone help me with some loading data for a 6.5-06 AI with 140 gr. bullets, with the goal of 3000 FPS ? I've a friend that tried RL-22 at some recommended recipe he found on-line and he said the primer pocket was large enough for a 209 primer after the shot. I'm sure he is exaggerating, but it certainly wasn't an appropriate load. He says AI recipes are hard to come by in any caliber. Has anyone compiled a reloading manual just for the AI's ?

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21 Jan 2021
@ 05:46 am (GMT)

David Lenzi

Re: help with 6.5-06 AI loads
I've seen a number of forums (like LRH, for example), that have members willing to run a Quick Load analysis for folks. If you don't possess Quick Load yourself, or the $150 US price tag and waiting for the CD isn't to your taste, you might consider making a similar request (if no one here chimes in).

Hodgdon has the plain 6.5-06 topping out at around 2800 fps @63ksi w/ a compressed 55 grain load of H1000. In fact, @63 ksi MAP, the cartridge that Hodgdon/Accurate/Western have doing 3000 fps with a 140 is the .264 Win Mag. That's with anywhere between 63.5 and 68.3 grains of powder depending on the bullet and the powder used.

To me, the read on that is you'll need more than 63 ksi to get 3000 out of less powder capacity...or a really whiz bang powder (maybe Superformance?) and you'll likely be over book regardless. Definitely a work up in your rifle kind of thing, and I'd start from the plane 6.5-06 data and go from there.

The -06 case is a bit of an oddity because, SAAMI MAP is all over the place from 60 ksi to 65 ksi...but, even so...
21 Jan 2021
@ 07:15 am (GMT)

william badgley

Re: help with 6.5-06 AI loads
Thank you David, I'll pass that on, and stay hopeful that someone else may share a recipe that is safe and tested. Knowing my friend I'm sure the 3000 FPS isn't a requirement but rather a hope. Safe and accurate is top priority.
21 Jan 2021
@ 07:34 am (GMT)

Chris Murphy

Re: help with 6.5-06 AI loads
Just start at book max for the Sami spec case and work up there is no magic behind this. Depending on your barrel length you may have to go 130grain projectile if you want 3000fps.
21 Jan 2021
@ 09:19 am (GMT)

Thomas Kier

Re: help with 6.5-06 AI loads
I run a 6.5-06 A-square. I have had to settle for 2,900 fps muzzle velocity with N165 and 140 grain Berger VLD. 6.5-06 is borderline over-bore so it is unlikely that the AI case will produce a significant increase in muzzle velocity, but the steeper shoulder might provide for more consistent headspacing and better case-life.
If you are contemplating a load for mountain hunting you might consider 120 grain Barnes TTSX over N160 which you should be able to load to 3,050-3,100 fps. I have been using this bullet at 2,990 fps in a 6.5x65 R for Scottish red stags and it has been working well.
I have avoided Alliant powders, despite finding some effective loads, due to the reputation for temperature sensitivity.
21 Jan 2021
@ 09:28 am (GMT)

David Lenzi

Re: help with 6.5-06 AI loads
After I dropped that first reply it occurred to me that I would also be remiss if I didn't note that this very website lists the 6.5-06 as topping out around 2900-2950 fps with 140s and that the AI version will max out at around 3000 fps. The powder recommendation is H4831sc. That would be about a 3% bump over standard for the AI - reasonable and realistic.

https://www.ballisticstudies.com/Knowledgebase/.256+Newton+and+6.5-06.html

Not that Nathan needs the validation, but that's pretty consistent with what I've read from a host of other sources.
22 Jan 2021
@ 02:19 am (GMT)

william badgley

Re: help with 6.5-06 AI loads
Thank you Chris, Thomas, and David again. Your help was exactly what he needed and wanted. How lucky we all are to have a site where answers are found without the hype and bull shit. All the best !
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