If I decide to rebarrel my .270 JC Higgins Mod 50 ( FN Commercial 98) I am looking at either the 6.5/06 or the titled round. I don't want to fireform, per se,( don't want to invest the time/$ for the Sherman, at this point) but just want to neck down ( or up if the 6.5/06 using 25/06 brass) one pas in the die and move on. I would "prefer" to just neck down new Nosler 280 AI brass to 6.5, is there a reamer for its specs available? And will the 6.5/280AI feed properly through this Mauser action? Just doing some figuring....thanks.
6.5/280AI?
- Thread starter RevJim
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MudRunner2005
Well-Known Member
Personally, I'd build a 6.5 Sherman to push the new Berger 155's... But to each, his own.
As for reamers available for your requests, I have no idea, maybe try some specialty places like Dave Kiff over at PT&G, or Dave Manson.
As for reamers available for your requests, I have no idea, maybe try some specialty places like Dave Kiff over at PT&G, or Dave Manson.
Thanks MR, I was wondering how that sharper shoulder fed through a mauser action too. Does the Sherman hold more powder than the 280 AI configuration? I am not a LR hunter, so I am looking for the most for the least moneywise/timewise/tinkering timewise.
STEEL SLINGER
Well-Known Member
I'm not sure you can get all these requests to fall together in the "Wildcatting" world. . .if you ever do, PLEASE let us know. If you are wanting the 6.5x280AI you are on the right track as far as taking a few steps out of the equation by using the Nosler 280AI brass. The Sherman does hold a tad more powder than a 280AI, but you're going to be in the "tinkering time" area with this cartridge. You are also going to get in the "money wise" area with custom dies where as if went the Nosler brass route you could use a 280AI Redding Type S die and swap out collets. That alone is probably a $125 +/- savings. JGS and PT&G are both good sources and will turn just about anything you want reamer wise. I also don't think the 6.5x280AI is that uncommon, so there is bound to be a smith out there who has one and will cut a chamber for you. I shoot a 280AI and for giggles I popped a .290 collet in my die and sized a case, then slid a 140gr. VLD down on the case. . .there is something sexy about the '06 base cases with 40* shoulders!!! And anything 6.5mm is bad ***! Good luck with your build. It is a good cartridge and you will have fun with it.
P.S. Rich Sherman now has his Sherman Short Mag brass available for purchase. It is Norma brass I believe and he can also hook you up with where to purchase dies. This is a 6.5 that has been on my hit list for sometime, I need to just pull the trigger and get one made! Rich is on the forum here and is a good dude to chat with. He could guide you in all the right directions with your build.
Thanks Steve. I have a couple of bullet weights/styles left to try in this old .270 before I make a decision. It didn't care for a couple of 150s, so I can drop down. I'm a sucker for the FN Mausers, always have to have one around! My only real delve into the 6.5s was a short hunt with a .260 and then had it reamed tot he 6.5/284. It was on a 700 SA, but I only wanted to try the lighter weights. It thrived on the Nosler 125/120, was a death ray on antelope/exotics, but was a Bear to get it to feed right, and the last round in the magazine always flew out of the rifle! ha
elkaholic
Well-Known Member
Hi Jim. Steel Slinger is correct that the Sherman would be a little more costly than the A.I., mostly because of the dies. The reamer rental would be the same, and case prep is pretty much like the A.I. as far as fire forming. You simply run a piece of 270 brass in the Sherman die far enough to partial neck size. The case is head spaced on the resulting bump on the neck. I am hoping to have brass down the road if ADG does something with that case size. The Sherman is a definite performance boost over the A.I., but you would be in it a little more for the dies. Let me know if you need any help. The A.I is a good cartridge as well.
Here is a pic of the Sherman long action family with the parent in the middle.
Here is a pic of the Sherman long action family with the parent in the middle.
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For your consideration ...
Since you're not a LR hunter and you value the importance of time and money, you can stay with the .270 Win; with 1:8" or faster, propelling the 165 Matrix (175 if you can get them), 170 Berger, or 168 Hammer Bullets, is awesome since you are already set-up with it. With a faster twist barrel and the availability of heavier bullets, the .277 cal is no slouch. I have a .270 AI propelling the 175 Matrix VLD at 2993 FPS AI brass and 2919 with ..270 Win. I have two accuracy loads and don't fireform.
Good luck!
MudRunner2005
Well-Known Member
Yes. The shoulder is farther forward, therefore it has more capacity.
Thanks Pard, I was wondering about that very thing. Even though I don't shoot at game ( no cripples yet) over 400yds I never worried about the long skinny bullets, but am a firm believer in fast twist barrels killing more efficiently( it may be observed in seconds but its worth it to me) over a slower twist. Bear in mind this was with fast .22 centerfires. My first 22-250 was just a reamed out factory barrel. It was "OK" but surprised me when I had coons run off after the shot! ( 55gr Trophy Bonded too!) I also lost a hog, but only shot was between the eyes, and he dropped, kicked and lit out! I would have thought that TB would bite into that long sloping forehead, but NOOO! ha. I then went with a 9" twist 22-250 AI and with the 68gr Hornady BTHP it was pure death on coyotes and would make PDs flip 5' in the air, spinning to the right! It was awesome! The later 8" twisted .224 TTH with the 75 Swift Scirocco did the same, and killed a 300+# hog!
My last .270 (BAR) shot the Federal factory load of Barnes 110 TTSX into .75". I am going to see if this .270 likes them too. If so, I'm set, especially since I don't shoot that far on game. I will/can/do a 1000 on rocks though. Its very good practice!
My last .270 (BAR) shot the Federal factory load of Barnes 110 TTSX into .75". I am going to see if this .270 likes them too. If so, I'm set, especially since I don't shoot that far on game. I will/can/do a 1000 on rocks though. Its very good practice!
dok7mm
Well-Known Member
I was contemplating a 6.5-280 ai when my smith got the reamer, but I fell for Rich's spiel on the 6.5 Sherman. I'm glad I did. Mine is a Lazer and I love it. I run 140 Bergers and 142 Matrix @ 3200 fps with good case life. I used the 280 Norma brass, because I wanted to turn necks. Use the 270 Norma cases and you shouldn't need to turn necks. Rich will help you get started and the dies are available from him.
elkaholic
Well-Known Member
Hi David.....when RWS brass gets back in stock, you can run them even faster with good case life!!
....,
dok7mm
Well-Known Member
Got a ton of Norma 280 brass right now, but was contemplating the 155 Bergers and would like to push them fast. So, that RWS might work, if enough capacity is available. Probably have to go back to RL-26.
elkaholic
Well-Known Member
It will have enough capacity, and it eats pressure for lunch!
