6.5-06 Retumbo Quickload request or info

L

Little More Money

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Joined
Jan 15, 2020
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I'm building a custom 6.5-06, starting to compile load data to use when it's finished. I've found lots of information so far using H1000, H4831, and H4350, problem is I can't seem to find any of that powder in stock near me, and I'm pretty much set on using a Hodgdon extreme powder, it's just worked for me in the past. I've read lots about guys using Retumbo and I have a couple cans of that, but Hodgdon doesn't list any data for it.

So my question is, would someone when they have a free minute be kind enough to run a quickload for me? If not could someone give me some advice on how to come up with a safe starting charge for a cartridge without this data?

6.5-06, using Federal Magnum Match primers, Hornady 143 grain ELD-X bullet, Hodgdon Retumbo powder, 26" barrel with an 8" twist, and COAL is 3.500".

Thank you in advance
 
Little More Money said:
I'm building a custom 6.5-06, starting to compile load data to use when it's finished. I've found lots of information so far using H1000, H4831, and H4350, problem is I can't seem to find any of that powder in stock near me, and I'm pretty much set on using a Hodgdon extreme powder, it's just worked for me in the past. I've read lots about guys using Retumbo and I have a couple cans of that, but Hodgdon doesn't list any data for it.

So my question is, would someone when they have a free minute be kind enough to run a quickload for me? If not could someone give me some advice on how to come up with a safe starting charge for a cartridge without this data?

6.5-06, using Federal Magnum Match primers, Hornady 143 grain ELD-X bullet, Hodgdon Retumbo powder, 26" barrel with an 8" twist, and COAL is 3.500".

Thank you in advance
Click to expand...
I don,t have quickload but it is a tad slower than H1000. I would just start with data for 1000 and work up from there
 
Not trying to be a jerk! I have had some variety of '6.5/06' in the safe since 1993. It was the first rifle I had built when I had an old Winchester model 70 rebareled. Wish I still had that one, but college tuition had to be paid...
Nobody will likely share any quick load data on the public forum, especially something like 6.5/06. I wouldn't use anything you find online either. It isn't ever socially acceptable to wear any part of your rifle in or on your face.

There isn't a 'standard' 6.5/06 chamber, other than the 6.5/06 A-Square, they vary a ton. Unless you know the exact chamber dimensions and freebore, AND that data was used to calibrate quick load you are going to HAVE to work up. There is nearly 7 grains difference in maximum safe loads with RETUMBO and a '6.5/06' chamber throated toward a 120 class bullet and a chamber throated for the 142SMK. I have had several 6.5/06 and 6.5/06AI rifles built over the years and it was REALLY surprising to me how much the freebore effects the safe powder charge.

I have a couple of different 6.5/06 rifles in the safe currently and have loaded RETUMBO with the 143 ELDX among others. I would NOT start any higher than 49.0g. Feel free to drop me a private massage and I'll dig into my notes a bit and share what I can.
 
Trnelson said:
Not trying to be a jerk! I have had some variety of '6.5/06' in the safe since 1993. It was the first rifle I had built when I had an old Winchester model 70 rebareled. Wish I still had that one, but college tuition had to be paid...
Nobody will likely share any quick load data on the public forum, especially something like 6.5/06. I wouldn't use anything you find online either. It isn't ever socially acceptable to wear any part of your rifle in or on your face.

There isn't a 'standard' 6.5/06 chamber, other than the 6.5/06 A-Square, they vary a ton. Unless you know the exact chamber dimensions and freebore, AND that data was used to calibrate quick load you are going to HAVE to work up. There is nearly 7 grains difference in maximum safe loads with RETUMBO and a '6.5/06' chamber throated toward a 120 class bullet and a chamber throated for the 142SMK. I have had several 6.5/06 and 6.5/06AI rifles built over the years and it was REALLY surprising to me how much the freebore effects the safe powder charge.

I have a couple of different 6.5/06 rifles in the safe currently and have loaded RETUMBO with the 143 ELDX among others. I would NOT start any higher than 49.0g. Feel free to drop me a private massage and I'll dig into my notes a bit and share what I can.
Click to expand...

Thank you sir, and no I don't think you're being a jerk, that's a lot of info and I truly appreciate it. I'm just trying to be safe when I start loading for it, that's why I came here looking for more info beforehand. I'm new to posting here, been reading all the knowledge for sometime now, but as soon as I figure out how to message you I will, you sound like you have a lot of experience with this cartridge and I know all of the chamber specs as I had my own reamer made for this build, I'd sure appreciate as much info for loading for it as possible, thank you
 
Little More Money said:
Thank you David, I did some research on the Hodgdon site and there is somewhat of pattern for the loads and calibers they list when comparing H1000 to Retumbo
Click to expand...
I wanted to add. Bigger cases with small bores are susceptible to dtonation. I have a friend that blew a 6.5 06 with reduced loads. An 03 springfield. Him and a friend were at the range and the rifle made a strange sound. So he tried again. blew the top off the receiver and the scope hit his buddy in the head. Thankfully nobody was hurt but it destroyed the rifle. I suspect the first round cracked the receiver. So no reduced loads.
 
More good info to know, thank you. I'm all about being safe with reloading, that's why I came here because I knew I needed more info before I start loading for this rifle. I've reloaded for quite some time now, but I have to say I've learned, and am still learning a whole lot more since I've started building this un-standard cartridge
 
How many 6.5-06 shooters are out there? How well do you like the cartridge? What are some of the best bullets and powders that you've had good luck with?
 
Both the Hornady X edition and the Sierra 6th edition manuals have loading date for the 6.5-06 cartridge. Neither list Retumbo but the Sierra manual does give a load for their 130 grain bullets with H1000.
 
David Emerson said:
I wanted to add. Bigger cases with small bores are susceptible to dtonation. I have a friend that blew a 6.5 06 with reduced loads. An 03 springfield. Him and a friend were at the range and the rifle made a strange sound. So he tried again. blew the top off the receiver and the scope hit his buddy in the head. Thankfully nobody was hurt but it destroyed the rifle. I suspect the first round cracked the receiver. So no reduced loads.
Click to expand...
^^^ THIS EXACTLY!!!!
The correlation between H1000 and Retumbo in a '6.5/06' is NON-linear!!
Simple equations of proportionality (XX/H1000 = XX/Retumbo) don't extrapolate to safe loads. A 30/06 family parent case necked down to 6.5 is over bore, in that, velocity gained per grain of powder, does not track in a linear fashion, especially with 140 and heavier bullets paired with powders slower than H4831sc
 
A World Class gunsmith that loves the 6.5/06 told me the cartridge loves the R#22, and my rifle is extremely accurate with the 130g accubond (52g)and the 140g SST, tiny groups! I fired 60 or so rounds working up loads with both of these bullets, then just hunt/verify zero. I use Winchester 25/06 brass, Expand necks with K&M expanders, do not turn necks.

I expect that R#23, Endron equalivant, and N160 would do very, very well also. Groups with both of these bullets are so small they are not even a clover leaf. My rifle is set up for long range with a #6 contour that is 26" long. When I run out of R#22, I will move on.

I love the COAL length to touch the lands/Rem 700 Mag length, plenty of room to chase the lands.

Nephews love this rifle because it, "Does not Kick". The heavier barrel plus the Gentry muzzle break makes recoil just about a non issue.
 
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