6.5x55 BJAI?

[TXdad66]

I am currently in the market for a new all around weapon. I  own several rifles. My favorite is a 6.5x55. This is the rifle that my young, soon to be hunting, son has set his eye on. I love this rifle, but I would like a little better performance than with the anemic loads that you get even from reloading manuals. I have thought about getting the Ackleyized version of the same caliber. I love my .257 AI and have loaded for it extensively, so loading this round should pose no unseen issues for me. Does anyone have experience with this round? How about a Cherry load? How about real world performance velocities? I have heard that with a good 140gr. bullet and slow burning powders, you can get about 2950fps (neck and neck with the 6.5 06). I had thought about going with the 6.5 06, but I have all of the stuff for the 6.5x55 already in house (- $85.00 Dies). Thanks for any input...

[Nobade]

I have a reamer for 6.5x55TP, which is a mildly improved 6.5x55. It will easily do what you want with H4350, and likely faster with some slow burning ball powders. Just give it enough barrel, at least 26 inches, and it'll rip.

BTW, my silhouette rifle is a 260 rem. built on a long action. Shooting PMC 144 fmj's seated .100" into the case over a lightly compressed load of WXR powder is giving me 2925 fps with no pressure problems in 100 plus degree heat.  So the larger case you want has no problems with this. Barrel life isn't all that great though.

[TXdad66]

I don't plan to maximize a load. I think that if I do that it would probably be better to go with the 6.5x284. I want the ability to load up or down as the situation dictates. I would like the barrel to last at least 1500 rounds or so, and me being a hunter, that should be able to be achieved. Thanks for your input.