6.5x280 Ackley Imp Load Data

[Miller1]

I'm looking for any load data for the 6.5x280 AI with 130gr to 150gr bullets. I've got 130gr Sierra TGK, 140 Nos BT, 143 ELDX, 140 Berger and a few others. I've got several powders but I'm going to get some RL26 for sure and possibly H1000.

 

[fmuguira]

Friend builds rifles and he has his own 6.5 reamer based on the 280AI case.... basically a tight neck of what you have.

8-10 guys have them and the powder of choice is H1000 with heavy for caliber bullets. Great cartridge!

 

[Dmagna]

What's the difference between the 6.5-280ai and a 6.5-06 ai?

 

[fmuguira]

In regards to the parent cases, i.e.: 380 and 30-06, the 280 has its shoulder moved forward .050. That was done as I understand to keep someone from clambering it in a 270.

So, with that in mind I m guessing a true 280 and true 30-06 that are Ackley improved in the normal manner would continue to have the difference in length to the shoulder of the parent cases. That's just a guess on my part. Besides that both of the cases would have the 40 degree shoulder angle and minimized case taper. Necking either of the improved cases to 6.5mm would provide near ballistic twins. That said, you can buy new 280 AI brass and merely run it through a 6.5 -280AI Die and be ready to shoot.

 

[fmuguira]

Just looked at Noslers case dimensions on the 280 AI vs the 30-06AI.....

280AI:
2.097 to shoulder
2.535 overall case length

30-06AI:
2.000 to shoulder
2.494 overall case length

Pretty much what I thought although bigger difference than I anticipated.

 

[Miller1]

I've got a 280 AI and lots of Nosler brass. So I decided to neck it down with a neck sizing die down to 6.5 and that's all. I had a reamer made and let my smith keep it. I built it with a Stiller action and a Hardy Carbon fiber barrel. I'm a fan of 6.5 bullets. I want to try the Berger 156 EOL in this cartridge.

 

[fmuguira]

Guys I know with this cartridge are shooting 147 ELDM and 150 MK with 57-58 grs of H1000. Work up as it's a full pressure load; getting anywhere from 3050-3150 fps depending on barrel. ( Some have 30" target guns but most are 26" barrels)