25-06 needs new bbl - 25-06, 6.5x284, or 6.5-06

[diriel]

What about the 280 Nosler AI? H4350, H4831sc, H1000, IMR7828ssc all very good powder choices. Can shoot lighter bullets if you want to, or you can hammer the 162gr Amax. With a real good barrel you can get pretty close to 7mm Rem velocities. I have been chewing on this myself for a good while for my savage 111.

Gary

[OKIE2]

Originally Posted by Trickymissfit

I would do the 6.5-06 for barrel life alone! The 25-06 is a little overbore, but not great, and the 6.5-06 is close to perfect. The 6.5/284 is a real barrel burner (less than 800 rounds is normal), and really dosn't shoot anybetter than the other. You also might want to think about the 6.5x57AI. It's nothing but a .257AI necked up to 6.5 (or a 7x57necked down). Ballistics are very close to the 6.5-06, but in a shorter case. Thus giving you much more room in the magazine for longer bullets seated way out.
gary

How can a 6.5-06 be just right and a 6.5x284 be a real barrel burner when
they both are exactly the same size case?
6.5x284 case capicity 65.5
6.5-06 capacity is 65.8

[rscott5028]

Are you sure it's worn out? Or, is it an older 25-06 with a 1 in 12 twist barrel?

I have a 25-06 with a slow twist. As such, it favors the lighter bullets.

Kirby Allen has/had a 25 cal cartridge that was designed for the Wildcat bullets when in production. Aside from extra velocity, what twist was he using? Other than those custom bullets, 1 in 10 should be adequate.

I'm rebarreling mine to 6.5x284. Why? Because I want to.

-- richard

[backwoods83]

Well like I've said I'd go 6.5x284. A 6.5x284 norma case holds 66.2 grains Imr 4350 as does a winchester 30-06 case therefore your going to use the same amount of powder in a 6.5-06 and have a 3.4" oal or more, also the 284 case was pretty well what brought about the WSMs, short and fat, with a 35* shoulder which is more efficient than an 06 case that's the reason a 30x284 will out run a 30-06. So the only cartridge that steps ahead is the 6.5-06AI with more powder space, all in all the 6.5x284 and 6.5-06 can live beyond 2000 rounds if not heated, kept dirty, or treated like there semi autos, and the 6.5-06AI will be a bit harder on barrels but not much.

[MontanaRifleman]

This is a 4 month old thread but to the OP I say, JUST SAY NO! Dont do it... don't limit yourself to just one... get a 25-06 and a 6.5

[Outlaw6.0]

Well according to the OP's signature he already has a 6.5-06? Right?

If he does, i would 2nd (or 3rd) the recommendation to go with the 25-06AI, fast twist & 115 Bergers or Wildcats if you can find'em.

And best of all... no stinking belt, i know, i know, there is nothing wrong with a belt lol

[Long Time Long Ranger]

I have the 6.5-06 AI and the 6.5 Gibbs. Both will outperform the 6.5-284 in long range hunting. That is why I have them instead of the 284 case. My Gibbs is nearly the equal of my 264 winchester.