6MM AI TO 6.5MM AI

[jde650]

Is this possible I already have a 6mm AI mgm pro hunter barrel. I would like a new mgm pro hunter barrel in 6.5mm AI based on the 6mm rem case. Im sure there isn't any available dies, but couldn't I put a 6.5mm expander on my 6mm rem AI competiion dies to reform to 6.5mm. I know, I know but I am wildcat crazy. I also have a 22-6mm mgm barrel. Seems to me this might be a real sleeper in long range shooting. Appreciate all comments.

As you can tell I really like the 6mm rem case.

Thanks,

Jim

[one eye joe]

Since the 6mm is the .257 Roberts necked down, I am pretty sure somebody has done the 6.5x57AI. Dies should be available from RCBS or Redding custom shop. Should be a good round, as the Roberts Improved is a nice one and .007 diameter shouldn't hurt it any.

[Luckyducker]

I have searched some resources and I have found the 6.5X57 Mauser but no evidence of the Ackley Improved version ever being made.  You could be the first to wildcat that version of it and call it the 6.5JDE650 but it would be a near twin to the 260RemAI that already exists.  There is not much that has not already been thought up and done by wildcatters.

[yooper77]

Yes the 6.5mm-257 Roberts Ackley Improved has been done many years ago.  Its very difficult or impossible to invent a new cartridge from this type of standard case, most likely it’s been done and forgotten so people thinks it’s new like the 260 Remington.

Dies are can be bought from Midwayusa.com

http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct/?productNumber=843575

yooper77

[jde650]

Thanks

I figured it had already been done, but what do you think of the long range capabilities of cartridge. The only thing I need is a new barrel from mgm chambered. Just send them a dummy round from one of my many firefomed cases necked up to 6.5mm. I already have everything except dies. But do you think it would be worth it or just go with 260 rem. 

Jim

[one eye joe]

I personally would go with the standard 6.5x55. Slightly more case capacity than the .260, Lapua brass available, and it has set records in long range competition for years.

[Couger]

I figured it had already been done, but what do you think of the long range capabilities of cartridge. The only thing I need is a new barrel from mgm chambered. Just send them a dummy round from one of my many firefomed cases necked up to 6.5mm. I already have everything except dies. But do you think it would be worth it or just go with 260 rem.

I'm not 6.5mm fan, but cartridges in that bore sure seem to work well for people who use them.

You might want to acquaint yourself with a gunwriter named Ken Waters, who used to write "Pet Loads" for Handloader and Rifle magazines.  He wrote those articles for years and years, and Wolfe Publishing has complied them into a thick volume of reloading data and expertise.  Waters wrote about all the cartridges in 6.5 so far discussed - which I have been looking at too for a project I'm comtemplating (a collapseable, packable featherweight HandiRifle in a cartridge capable of killing mule deer to 300yds, that one could cram into a back-pack).  Cartridge-barrel combo I settle on might be stubbed to get what I want, buy one possibility I'm considered is a rimmed version of the 6.5X57mm.  Norma makes readily available rimmed 7X57 brass easily convertible to 6.5 and or Ackley Improved!  The "rim" is why I'd might go that route.

However Waters praised the 6.5Swede as his best choice out of that litter of cartridges - for its easly found components, mild recoil and proven history as an accurate medium long-range BG killer.  But the .260Remy or .260AAR ("improved" version of the .260Rem, sort of) should also be a very efficient and accurate "medium" LR big game slayer - being related to the .308Win and 7mm-08 and their incredible reputations for accuracy.  FWEIW!

I personally would go with the standard 6.5x55. Slightly more case capacity than the .260, Lapua brass available, and it has set records in long range competition for years.

As I said there's a lot for going this route.  I'm intrigued by many wildcats, but from a practical "hunting" and "using" POV, I think its silly to over-complicate what a hunter might be looking for in a cartridge and rifle.  I bet Fred at Bullberry custom bbls could make an incredilbly accurate .260R or 6.5X55 bbl for the Encore.  Everything he makes and guarentees for accuracy starts as a Shilen blank, or he won't build it.

ADDED:  Whether one went with the .260Rem, 6.5Swede, 6.5Mauser rimmed or unrimmed - all are capable of taking almost any big gaminals in CONUS!  To say one is "better than all the rest" is splitting hairs - in my opinion.  Reason I was/am considering a rimmed 6.5Mauser is only for the "rim" when using a single-shot probably not as strong or precisely made as an Encore, nor as heavy!!!

Hope I wrote something worthwhile.

Get acquainted with Ken Waters' writing if you're not already familiar with them.  Lots of good practical info.