Barrel questions for a 6.5-06

[Muletrip]

I'm thinking of possibly putting together a 6.5-06. So would a 26 inch barrel be best for velocity or would it be just fine with a 24 inch barrel? My goal would be to shoot 140 gr. bergers out of it. Also would there be any barrel harmonic problems with a #3 contour barrel at 26". Why I ask is I see Shilen recommends a finished length of 24" for their #3 contour.

Thanks!

 

[Scot E]

I don't have personal experience with the 6.5-06 but do know that the 06 case performs very well with 24 and even 22 inch barrels. Velocity is going to be the only gain and I personally wouldn't go 26 unless it is a dedicated LR rig. I personally don't like packing 26 inch barrels.

If you are looking at a #3 contour you are probably looking at some hiking with the gun so I would just go with the 24 inch and call it good.

I am sure more guys with specific experience with the 6.5-06 will chime in.

There are quite a few threads about the 6.5-06. Here are some. Maybe you can glean some good info here.

http://www.longrangehunting.com/forums/f17/260-rem-vs-6-5-06-a-47092/

http://www.longrangehunting.com/forums/f19/6-5-284-6-5-06-a-79592/

 

[trueblue]

26" for sure

 

[Bart B]

Also would there be any barrel harmonic problems with a #3 contour barrel at 26".

No barrel has harmonic problems. Each one has ony one fundamental frequency (typically 100 Hz or less, the one that causes the most angluar change in bore axis at the muzzle while the bullet goes down the hole in it) and harmonic (multiples of the fundamental at higher frequencies; meaningless for accuracy) for every round fired through it. Bullets are long gone before the barrel goes through one major vibration cycle at its fundamental frequency. As long as bullets leave at about the same place in each cycle, good accuracy is attained. Most bullets leave on the muzzle's up swing which is good because those at lower velocity depart at a slightly greater angle which compensates for its slightly greater drop; faster bullets leave sooner at a lesser angle but they don't drop as much.

The fundamental frequency of a given barrel changes when a receiver's screwed on its back end; the size and shape of that chunk of metal parts just changed. It changes again when a scope's mounted on the receiver. Bolting that scoped barreled action into a stock changes it a bit more.

 

[trebark]

#3 taper is awful skinny. Based on that, it seems you're looking to build a light weight carry-rifle. If that is the case, I would go 24"

If you're willing to carry a bit more weight, you could really maximize velocity of the 6.5-06 by going with 28"

 

[Muletrip]

Yes, I was kinda thinking of a lighter weight rifle because I already have a heavier 7mm. I just didn't want to give up too much in velocity(I guess I want my cake and eat it to).

Thanks to all who replied. Any other thoughts are appreciated!

 

[Muletrip]

Well I might be using the wrong terminology with barrel harmonics, so what I mean is. Do you think a 26 inch #3 contour would be a load development pain in the backside.

 

[MTBULLET]

Well I might be using the wrong terminology with barrel harmonics, so what I mean is. Do you think a 26 inch #3 contour would be a load development pain in the backside.

No more of a problem than any other new rifle. I'd go with the 26" and try it, if not what you want or expect, you can shorten it easily.