another 6.5 wildcat

[elkaholic]

I recently decided to rebarrel my 6.5-06 AI and figured since everything was custom, I might as well try to make some improvements. I was interested in the Gibbs case, but didn't like the short neck. I had Pacific tool build a reamer based on the .270w case. It has the same case capacity as the Gibbs case, but with a much better neck. Early results are VERY encouraging with 3200' with a 140 berger in a 26'' barrel. Accuracy is very good as well. Case capacity is identical to the WSM case with like brass. Anybody have any favorite data for the Gibbs or similar? Thanks/Rich
p.s.I increased velocity over the ackley case with the same length barrel by 100 fps.

 

[Long Time Long Ranger]

I have the 264 gibbs and the 7mm JRS necked to 264 which is all you can get out of the 280 case. I can drive the 140 just over 3100 fps in both with a 26" barrel but the best accuracy and case life is under 3100 fps. I am having good luck with magpro powder since it came out. 7828 does pretty well. Most powders in that range are pretty good.

 

[Ridge Runner]

I have a 6.5 Gibbs based on the 270 length case, I like RE22 I'm running 140 bergers at 3340 fps with a 29.5" barrel.
RR

 

[Long Time Long Ranger]

The accuracy load in my 264 STW with a 140 grain bullets is 3360 fps in a 28" barrel. That is incredible velocity for a gibbs.

 

[Ridge Runner]

yeah, I am pushing it pretty hard, but after cutting the throat long enough to seat a 140 berger to the base of the neck and just touch the lands, I now get around 5 firings from a case before the pocket is gone. accuracy is acceptable for its purpose, last time out it was holding 8" groups at 1060 yards, from a bipod with a rear bag.
RR

 

[elkaholic]

Thanks guys.........I've had good results with 4350, 4831, re22, re25,7828,retumbo, magpro, and even t870. All will get into the 3100+ range. Top velocity was with re22 @3213'. I might be able to go a little more but I don't like loose primer pockets. So far I've fired the same brass seven times (including fire forming) and the cases are still good.

 

[shade mt]

i was just wondering... wouldn,t a 264 win mag accomplish the same velocity's without the hassle of making your own brass ? i'm not up on all the tech stuff like you guy's are , but was wondering why you don't see more 264 win mags being used for long range shooting? kinda been kicking around the idea of having a 6.5 built , so any info on the 264 would be appreciated

 

[liltank]

i was just wondering... wouldn,t a 264 win mag accomplish the same velocity's without the hassle of making your own brass ? i'm not up on all the tech stuff like you guy's are , but was wondering why you don't see more 264 win mags being used for long range shooting? kinda been kicking around the idea of having a 6.5 built , so any info on the 264 would be appreciated

The .264 Win Mag cartridge is a classic long range round. There a few guys on this sight that use it. It was developed for long shots on Antelope and Whitetail out west. They are starting to make a come back though. From what I have read and have heard from other hunters, you will not be disappointed in the cartridge at all.

Tank

 

[Long Time Long Ranger]

Shade Mt.,

I have 264's from the blown out '06, 280 cases, the 264 winchester and the 264 STW. Done quite a lot of work with them because the 264 is such a good long range deer-antelope caliber with the high BC's. If your looking for the fastest and best long ranger the 264 STW is on top and will drive the 140 safely over 3400 fps with a 28" barrel. I also shoot the 130 scirroco with a .571 bc into the mid 3500's. The 264 winchester comes in a little more than a 100 fps slower but is also extremely accurate. It is easier on barrels than the STW. Both will outperform the standard blown out cases. The 264 winchester with a light load equals the blown out standard cases with severe hot loads that would be one shot brass.

 

[elkaholic]

Good question! It would accomplish the same thing except this round sems to get as much velocity with approx. 10 grs less powder. Also, I like the non belted case and the brass is cheaper and more plentiful. Putting aside all the above excuses, the real story is "I have so much fun messing with stuff that I don't mind the hassle but rather enjot it"!...Rich >)

 

[Ridge Runner]

i was just wondering... wouldn,t a 264 win mag accomplish the same velocity's without the hassle of making your own brass ? i'm not up on all the tech stuff like you guy's are , but was wondering why you don't see more 264 win mags being used for long range shooting? kinda been kicking around the idea of having a 6.5 built , so any info on the 264 would be appreciated

Shade, not a thing wrong with the 264 WM, my available action for the build was a 270 boltface. according to my sierra manual, the 264 uses the same amount of powder to run a 140 3000 fps with a 24" barrel. and 270 brass can be had for .18 cents ea. so I'm doing the same thing cheaper, and I like to tinker making cases.
I make cases for
7mm AM, 458 Socom, 375 JDJ, 7mm JDJ, 30 Herret, and a couple others.

with the same length barrel you could probably match or exceed the gibbs with a 264, theres a stigma about the belt but its a myth IMO.
RR

 

[Fiftydriver]

Hey, Love the talk about the chamberings but lets see some rifle porn!!! LOL

I personally love the 6.5-06 AI. Mine does not have a long throat and will get around 3000 fps with a 142 gr SMK in a 24" barrel length. Your getting some really good velocities which are likely from the larger case capacity, long OAL of your loaded ammo and obviously a fast barrel. Sometimes everything adds up and you get something special.

3200 fps with a Gibbs type chambering in 6.5 is special but if your getting 5 firings per case, I would say you are running at acceptable pressures.

Lets see some pics!!

 

[Dano1]

Guys,

I really like my 6.5-06AI as well. I'm just getting to know it though. I got it back from the simth in May, but I haven't had much time to do the load work yet.

So Far I've been fireforming my brass, and I just shot some test loads for it using 129g Hornady SST's and H414 powder (54.5g @ 3100FPS). It's really accurate. However, I'm wanting to get some better velocity and I'm not quite sure which powder would be best. I've looked at Hybrid 100-V and I've got H4350, H4831, RL-22, Retumbo and US-869 to play with.

Any thoughts???

Thanks,

Dan

Hi Kirby!

 

[yobuck]

back in the 60s the 6.5x300 wby. was king for long range deer hunting, here in pa.
mostly because there were very few decent bullets available. (that may be an overstatement.)
when other bullets became available. the 6.5 went the way all those nice willys wagons went that hauled them around.
there are some diehards, so a few of both are still with us.
it is a wonderfull caliber, for long range varmits, or med. range deer, in my opinion.
and again shade mtn. are you from snyder co. pa. ?