6.5-06??

charlie brown · 11-20-2003, 10:23 AM

A few months ago, can' t remember where, I saw this caliber. Don' t remember if it was on the net, reloading books, can' t remember. I' ve done searches on this sight, but can' t find anything. I' ve looked in my reloading manuals and can' t find any thing either. Might anybody have some info on this caliber?? I have been itching for a new gun (not in the too new future) and I want it to be at least semi-custom. I currently have a .223 and 2- .30-06' s for centerfire as well as a 8mm mauser. A .50 cal. ML, a 12 guage, a .22, and a 1911 .45. I am planning to buy a Marlin model 1894 in 44 magnum in the next six months or so, and then one other gun. I want something right in the middle of the .223 and .30-06. 6.5mm nails that one on the head. I' ve also been considering the .25-06. I want a cartridge that is based of the 06 design. I' m not really into the new magnums, and I don' t want a big bore (.338 or more). Any comments, suggestions?? Not too serious right now, will be WELL into next year before this gun even gets started, but like to take my time in deciding- it took me about 6 months to finally decide on which FACTORY .223 to buy, but the 1911 was an impulse purchase. Thanks in advance for any replies.

Superpig · 11-20-2003, 11:04 AM

This caliber is available commercially in Europe. It' s called the 6.5X64mm Brenneke. I don' t know of any USA made factory rifles in existence. The Nosler reloading manual #4 has loading data for the 6.5-06. This is a fine cartridge 6.5mm bullets have high b.c. and good sectional density. If you are not an avid reloader I would buy a factory 25-06. I have a 25-06 and love it. Few deer take even a few steps after hit with a 115 gr. Nosler partition. This load is available from Federal Cartridge Co. I have many other rifles in 280, 7mm Mag, 257 Roberts, 30-06, and 308. None of these anchor deer as fast as my 25-06. By this I mean that hit behind the shoulder in the heart/lung area most of the deer run 25-75 yards before expiring. With the 25-06 with the same shot placement they just almost always go down immediately. I have no idea why this happens. It just does.

Vapodog · 11-20-2003, 05:48 PM

Hornady' s fifth edition loading manual has reloading data for the 6.5-06.

In my eyes, it' s as fine a deer cartridge you can find. It' ll double as a varmint rifle and I' d not hesitate to take it elk hunting. It' s very close to .264 Winchester performance and a wildcat worthy of a production status. I' d prefer it to a .25-06 and that' s a serious statement because the .25-06 is a great round.

charlie brown · 11-20-2003, 10:44 PM

Thanks guys. Yes I do reload, so the 6.5 would not be a problem. I was also impressed with the B.C. and S.D. of the 6.5mm bullet. I don' t know of anybody around here that has one, so it would be something to cherish and say that is truly my own. I have also heard other reports of the .25-06 putting deer down very quickly, its interesting to me also. Thanks again for the replies and info.

sterman · 11-21-2003, 05:57 PM

Charlie. I use a 6.5 x 55 Sweedish Mauser. Small bore, resembles a 06 , but it' s a light and accurate bolt action.

This is a world war two vintage gun, available in long or short(sporter) version. They' re still out there. In mint condition, mine would be worth 1K plus. But I' ve sporterized it over the years with peep sight, Manlicher stock, and new end cap. They tell me it' only worth a couple hundred bucks now, but it' s my baby.

Ammo is at most larger gun shops, Bass Pro, etc.

Theyre out there, you just gotta look around.

seattlesetters · 11-21-2003, 06:54 PM

Really any of the 6.5mm' s...the 6.5x55mm Swedish Mauser, the .260 Rem, the 6.5mm x.284 or the 6.5-' 06...are just about perfect for shooting most of North America' s hooved big game animals, especially deer. Their performance is all rather similar, with the hottest (barely) being the ' 06 and the x.284 versions, and the mildest recoiling being the Swede and the .260. All are plenty fast, though, and don' t kick very much. Using 120-140gr premium bullets, I can' t think of anything you can' t do with any of them.

If you want to build a 6.5-' 06, you' ll have one of the coolest cartridge/rifle combos anywhere in the woods. [:-]