6.506 vs 280 AI using 140 gr bullets

[3006savage]

If you choose to limit the comparison to 140 grain bullets I would go with the 6.5 -06. The 6.5 bullets shine at that weight and the 7mms are at their best at 150+ grains. I never ran the ballistics but I would not be surprised if some of the 150 and 160+ grain 7mms actually shoot flatter than the 140 grain7mms.

[elkaholic]

Originally Posted by Ridge Runner

don't have a 6.5/06 AI but I shoot a 6.5 Gibbs, its like this the 280 AI starts with a bit more velocity but check the BC's in the 140 gr weight, the .284 runs just under .5, the 6.5 averages just over .6.
I use a 270 win case, I run .264 berger 140's at 3340 fps from a 29.5" barrel, its an awesome caliber!
RR

You are correct, it is an awesome caliber! I have one that I feel is a tad better. It's a 6.5 Sherman that holds about 1 gr. more than the Gibbs and has a far better neck (.300") It has the greatest case capacity you can get in an '06 style case (76.5 grs.) It's a thumper and super accurate. I'm currently building a .300 on the same case and would really like to build a .280 in the future. If anybody is interested in doing one, let me know.......Rich

[Nomosendero]

Originally Posted by B23

Why not combine the two and make a 6.5-280AI ???

With that choice & you have the proper dies, couldn't you buy the 280AI Nosler brass & neck down withno need to fireform?

[B23]

Using Nosler 280AI brass necked down to 6.5 was what I was thinking and would make things really simple but I hear the Nosler brass doesn't hold primers well so then that brings us back to brass quality and Lapua already makes 6.5-284 and 06 brass which is second to none.

Anyone see the load work up Whitley did with the 6.5-284 using RL17 and 140's? He was getting almost 3200FPS. Reading that is kinda steering me back to the 6.5-284

[loaders_loft]

whats that about nosler brass not holding primers??

[liltank]

Originally Posted by loaders_loft

whats that about nosler brass not holding primers??

Nosler brass is okay until you use a high pressure load. The primer pockets then loosen to a point they don't hold a primer. If you use loads within spec they do fine. Just don't go nuts trying to push the limits of the caliber.

Tank

[Nomosendero]

Originally Posted by liltank

Nosler brass is okay until you use a high pressure load. The primer pockets then loosen to a point they don't hold a primer. If you use loads within spec they do fine. Just don't go nuts trying to push the limits of the caliber.

Tank

Going nuts with pressures is not a good path for the reloader, but I do wonder what this means in regards to case life with "warm" but safe loads?